Titles! Titles are everywhere we look anymore. We have Dr., Prophet, Apostle, Pastor, Evangelist, Reverend and probably even more I am missing. We live in a society that says address a person as their title. You honor their commitment to excellence and the outstanding work they have done to earn this designation. The sacrifices they have made, the exceptional skills they have shown in achieving this position are to be respected. But I am a little put out lately about all these self-proclaimed titles. All of sudden everyone has one. The growing title right now is Prophet! Ha, Ha, Ha, trust me this will be addressed in another entry!

I get it titles are important, and according to the word of God:

"Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority." Romans 13:7 NLT

Honor is something that is given by others not claimed by yourself. It is based on what is actually true and established. We should honor what is legitimate. A self-proclaimed minister who wants to call themselves Pastor … probably should not be honored in that way unless:

  1. They are called by God.
  2. Living it out.
  3. Recognized by the body.

Elders who lead well are "worthy of double honor." 1 Timothy 5:17

A true Pastor shepherds people willingly and humbly.

"Be shepherds of God's flock…not pursuing dishonest gain…but being examples to the flock."  1 Peter 5:2-3

How is he or she caring for the people?

There are dangers of calling yourself something you are not. Though scripture does not use these modern titles as we do today it does speak very strongly about falsely claiming spiritual authority or taking on any certain role that God has not given us.

This is a matter of truth, your calling, character, and responsibility. God rebukes those who present themselves as spiritual leaders without truly being called or sent.

"Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep" Jeremiah 23:1-2

"I did not send these prophets, yet they ran" Jeremiah 23:21

Let us look at the accountability. When you are in leadership along with it comes strict accountability! We say "all are called" yes this is true we are all called to be soul winners!

"Not many of you should become teachers… because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." James 3:1

This shows me that if I call myself a Pastor, Evangelist Apostle…that I am in a position of greater judgment before God!"

Scripture teaches qualification for pastors:

"this is a trustworthy saying: "if someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position. So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gently, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?

A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap."  1 Timothy 3:1-7

We are warned not to elevate ourselves! Self-promotion is dishonest.

 "Do not be called Rabbi… the greatest among you will be your servant." Matthew 23:8-12

A person may genuinely feel called but need to grow into the role. That comes with confirmation, humility, and fruit. I understand in a society that uses the word "identify" so loosely this can cut deep. But just because we take good notes and study the bible, pray for people and encourage them, it does not make us a Pastor, Evangelist, Prophet, Apostle…

My husband and I have this rule when making our mind up about a preacher and a worship pastor. "We never trust a Pastor/Preacher who will not worship with their congregation, and we never trust a worship leader who will not stay and listen to the sermon."

So often we watch preachers come in late to every service and completely miss out on praise and worship. Then we watch worship leaders/musicians/praise team leave (not those who help somewhere else in the church, this is different)  when the preacher takes the platform. If this is consistent then there is a problem and it needs addressed.

Ask yourself these questions:

  1. Who is the persons covering? Is there an accountability? (I do not mean a board.)More of a trusted source to help hold accountability that is given permission to speak into their life, encouraging according to scripture of the word of God. A person they are willing to receive correction from." We are not an island to ourselves. We need accountability. Titus 1:5-9
  2. Do they attend church?  Hebrews 10:24-25 (If you are a Pastor you attend church. You have a body of believers you shepherd. If you are an Evangelist, you attend church! Friends, never and I mean never trust an evangelist that does not go to church regularly. Dan and I have a church we attend. We have a local Pastor we submit to. If he says he needs us to do something, we do it. We tithe to our church, we help in our church when we are home. No matter the title you attend church!)
  3. What is their fruit? Matthew 7:16
  4. What is their doctrine? Galatians 1:8
  5. What are their Motives? 2 Peter 2:3

Is a person evil if they have falsely called themselves one of these titles? Not always! Some are just immature, misled, or sincerely trying but not properly established. Scripture calls us to discern, not blindly accept.

In closing I'd like to say that if they are full of excuses run and run fast! We are in the final days and the Bibles has warned us that there will be false prophets and teachers. Some will take titles or authority God didn't give. Others may be deceived themselves. What is sad is they will have a following because it feels good or sounds right. This does not make it truth of the word of God.

I love you my dear brothers and sisters. I know this is more of a teaching but these are things that are dear to me and I truly want us all to learn and understand the word together. I don't want any of us to be misled.