𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝘃𝘀. 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥

REVEREND vs. PASTOR
Titles of Men or Ministry of Christ?

INTRODUCTION

In the dispensation of the grace of God (Eph. 3:2), confusion often arises between religious titles and biblical functions.

Paul never elevated men by honorifics—he emphasized service, doctrine, and Christ-centered ministry.

The issue is not respect—but replacement.
Colossians 1:18 (KJV)

① TITLE — Man-Given vs. God-Given
Matthew 23:8–10; Ephesians 4:11 (KJV)

A. Man-Bestowed Labels – Religious titles elevate position
B. God-Bestowed Functions – Pastors are gifts, not ranks
C. Ministry Over Name – Scripture emphasizes calling, not caption
Grace removes titles that compete with Christ.

② TRADITION — Ritual vs. Revelation
Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

A. Human Customs – Traditions handed down by men
B. Holy Scripture – Truth revealed by God
C. Right Division – Understanding truth in its proper context
Tradition binds—truth liberates.

③ STATUS — Honor of Men vs. Humility of Service
John 12:43; 1 Peter 5:5 (KJV)

A. Public Prestige – Seeking admiration
B. Private Pride – Loving recognition
C. Pastoral Humility – Serving without spotlight
Grace ministers kneel before they lead.

④ TASK — Ceremony vs. Care
1 Peter 5:2–3; Acts 20:28 (KJV)

A. Ritual Performance – Repeated ceremonies
B. Relational Shepherding – Feeding and protecting the flock
C. Responsibility to Souls – Watching for accountability
Shepherds feed sheep—not perform for crowds.

⑤ TEACHING — Opinion vs. Doctrine
1 Timothy 4:13; Titus 2:1 (KJV)

A. Emotional Messages – Feel-good sermons
B. Doctrinal Instruction – Teaching sound doctrine
C. Pauline Priority – Edifying the Body of Christ
Grace teaching builds believers—not spectators.

⑥ TRUTH — Mixed Message vs. Rightly Divided
2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 16:25 (KJV)

A. Confused Covenants – Mixing law and grace
B. Clear Calling – Body of Christ distinct from Israel
C. Correct Context – Scripture in proper dispensation
Right division protects Christ’s gospel.

⑦ TESTIMONY — Man Revered vs. Christ Revealed
Colossians 1:28; Galatians 1:10 (KJV)

A. Exalting the Minister – Personality-driven ministry
B. Exposing the Message – Gospel of grace proclaimed
C. Exalting the Master – Christ alone glorified
True pastors disappear behind Christ.

⑧ TRAINING — Clerical Control vs. Equipping Saints
Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV)

A. Clergy Dependence – Members relying on one man
B. Saint Edification – Believers taught to serve
C. Spiritual Reproduction – Teaching others to teach
Grace ministry multiplies workers.

⑨ TARGET — Earthly Authority vs. Eternal Accountability
1 Corinthians 4:1–2; Romans 14:12 (KJV)

A. Answering Institutions – Denominations and systems
B. Answering Men – Boards and hierarchies
C. Answering God – Stewardship before Christ
Pastors answer to Christ—not councils.

CALL TO ACTION

Examine who is exalted
Follow sound doctrine, not titles
Choose Christ-centered ministry
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good — 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV)

CONCLUSION

A reverend is a title men may grant.
A pastor is a function God gives.
One elevates status—the other embraces service.
Where Christ is exalted, titles fade.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Titles do not equal calling
Doctrine outweighs tradition
Pride weakens ministry
Shepherds feed—not perform
Right division preserves truth
Christ must remain central
Saints must be equipped
Institutions are temporary
Christ alone is worthy