What Is In A Title? Knowing Who You Really Are...

[Asst. Pastor Robert Matthews]

Ephesians 4:11, "And he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

When reading that scripture, can somebody please help me understand where all of these other titles came from that we use in the body of Christ? For those that have truly been called to these offices, I don't question. Why is everyone now an Arch Bishop, Chief Prophet, Master Prophet, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Presiding Prelates, etc? And then again, who ordained them to be such?

I'm just looking for some biblical, honest (NOT MALICIOUS) feedback! Why is everyone so stuck on titles these days? We are destroyed for lack of knowledge, therefore, I am looking to gain more knowledge on this subject.

[Trevor T. Greene]

-I totally understand you on this my friend. My former Pastor is the "Rev." Dr. Lillian Ferguson, and her husband, Bishop James W. Ferguson. My spiritual father was his son, the late Rev. Bruce Ferguson. I honor these men and women of GOD for their insight and integrity. At the same time, as an Apostle now in charge of my own fellowship, one regulation I have is this: all ordained ministers that are to join our fellowship are to be proper ordained and "retitled". EXAMPLE: Reverends will be ordained Pastors, Prophets, ect, Archbishops will be entitled either Apostles or Bishops, and so on.

-I just wanted to make a quick not off the subject, you said "I know we're not to add to or take away from our bible". I started a series on that going to the root of that doctrine, and I'll be starting the second part two it soon.

[Minister QGAgnew]

I'll be looking forward to that keep me posted,i'll send a friend request.Hey you know ,i'd like to know your view on this topic similiar but different.Whats your opinion on ordination.Speaking to wise men on this subject is the only people i will speak to about this.I feel that SOME who are ordained,under man fall short due to my studies tell me that if man has to ordain you,you're putting man above God!I've researched this deeply,i was ordained,baptist and cogic,left one and joined the other all the while my eyes were purposed just to serve the Lord.I have so many views on this topic,but when iys all said and done I believe the answer is,ROM.13:1,LET EVERY SOUL BE SUBJECT UNTO THE HIGHER POWERS.FOR THERE IS NO POWER BUT OF GOD;THE POWERS THAT BE ARE ORDAINED OF GOD!

[Barbara Moore]

That is so true

[Trevor T. Greene]

Its called "The Present Bible Canon PART I: Case Closed or Open???" and its posted in the Doctrine section.

Concerning ordination, GOD is the one that "ordains" really. I usually do not use the term "ordination" for such a service, but "affirmation". The Prophetic is to affirm what GOD has done and whom GOD has selected for ministry. The Apostolic is to set in place the ministers/ministries. Man's affirmation is vital for ministry for JESUS gave the authority on Earth to us.

[Evangelist Mary Jones]

God bless you Sisters and Brother in Christ. Thank you Pastor Matthews for this enlightened discussion.

When I saw the title of this discussion, I said, "WOW,” and chuckled. Though it’s not laughing matter, while growing in Christ, it was one of my concerns. Nevertheless, being matured in Christ, I gained the understanding. Recently I had a discussion with a dear sister in Christ, who complained about men and women of God bearing so many religious titles. I shared my views with her about this topic. God is the power behind and in the title, not man. The title carries God’s authority and anointing. In likeness of our world leaders who titles bear their authority, the same, and even greater is with our Christian leaders. When God ordains His Called Ones with a “title,” it represents His seal of approval to walk in His Divine Authority and Anointing. As bible scholars, we know that throughout scripture, God called and choose patriarchs’ to do His Kingdom works and gave them a title.

Indeed the Word of God clearly outlines the order and titles of clergy. From my understanding as time progressed, to distinguish ranks of clergypersons, religious leaders inducted additional titles (Like various Denomination titles). These titles were not to set them up as God or above His Body, but to give honorable recognition to faithful accelerating leaders. This is not to imply that the titles given in Ephesians 4:11 are to no avail for the Body of Christ. Though many of the newly inducted titles aren't found in the Word, as a woman of God, I honor the men and women of God in high respect and esteem in the Lord, who bare titles not found in the scriptures. God has no respect of persons. Although there are diverse titles in churches, we are all equal in the sight of God. Clergy / Priest of God are set a part for the service of the Lord, not for the title and personal recognition.

Those who would say, they are adding to or taking away from scripture, and walking in error. I charge you to think clearly. If this is so, let us consider divide Denominations that aren’t found within the scriptures. Many things are operating within the Body of Christ that isn’t found within the scriptures. Nevertheless, who to say that it isn’t of God. However, God changes not, times and seasons change. Those of us who bear titles, let us walk circumspectly, because we shall receive the greater judgment of the Lord.

In light of this topic, Sunday while at the altar praying for the Body of Christ God spoke, "Tell my people to BE ONE" Let us not allow titles to cause a separation within the Body of Christ. However, let the titles unify us and help us to grow stronger in unity of the faith, and of the Knowledge of Christ, for the perfecting of the Body of Christ. Let us BE ONE in Christ Jesus.

The Body of Christ holds many members and many titles. Let us focus on the greatest title/name given to us, “CHRISTIAN.” Without nullifying the significance of the diversified titles, this title/name in all its essence, is the true representation of God - His little anointed ones, unified for the greater cause.

[newview]

Hah!!! I know that's right! I am waiting for people to start using 'Pope' - - beside the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

Its quite hilarious.

But I think its necessary when one needs to show that they have a higher calling than others.
And to be quite frank with you - EVERYBODY is an Apostle today.
They are not apostles based on the miracles that an apostle would be able to perform and they are not apostles based on any of the other scriptures applied to the Holy Apostles of the Bible.
Maybe somebody prophecied over them and told them they were. Or maybe their father had the title and it was passed down to them. Maybe they had a dream.

For whatever reason - apostle is now used by so so so many in church - if you want some REAL attention - you've got to come up with something fresh and pithy and grand.

Something like 'Gran Pope Messiah' will be hitting the scene real soon - I just know it.

[Minister Yolanda Oliver Irons]

Kingdom Greetings .... in reply to this blob (which by the way is on POINT) , I would like to say it is not the title that makes you but it is the Christ in YOU . We are known by the fruits that we bare . Personally, I am not hung up on titles but I do look for the fruit that is cultivated by the individual . Some have become so caught up in the title , that they are not doing the work of the Kingdom , and this is very sad . So we need to to get caught up in the things of the Kingdom and not in the title that we hold. God bless you !

[Evangelist Mary Jones]

Goodness Newview I hope not. By the way, have you ever seen the movie, "The Apostle", starring Bhob Stewart? My favorite part is when he says, "I ordain MYSELF an Apostle!" I fell out laughing! I litterally spat out my drink. I looked at my husband and said, "Hey can I do that?" I can imagine many people ordaining themselves daily. Where I come from they are called, "bootleg preachers".

[Dr. Rodriquez Howerton]

I feel that people like titles because it makes them feel important. They feel as if a title gives them prestige over others. Some even think titles validate them to do what God has called them to do. I have seen so many preachers with titles in front of their names, and they are not fulfilling the work that comes along with it. Ministers are not satisfied with using a single title, they have to have two and three in front of their names. God called us as servants to do His work. When God calls us on that great day, He will not call us by title but by our name. All these extra titles are just man made simple as that.

Myself personally, I just desire to be used by God. If no one calls me Elder or Doctor; that's fine with me. My treasure is not tied up in titles, but in God!

[Rev. Spencer L. Miller]

The reason that there are so many different denominations and diverse beliefs is because we tend to fall away from the Word of God. This causes us to believe that what my church teaches and practice is above what your church teaches and practice. This is what Paul had to deal with concerning the church of Corinth. I asked a similar question and a well meaning minister responded to it quite offensively. The best that we can do is pray and rely solely of the Word of God, titles are at the most man-made. Haven't you noticed the one title in the Bible that God is really pleased with? It is the title of servant, if you are a true servant of God then that is what matters the most.

[Sista' Shawn]

Finally, someone is getting it just like me, Why do we need titles anyway, isnt it the fruit that makes known the spirit anyway, so if someone plants a church does it make them an apostle, ie..... Jesus never came here walking around saying I am the messiah unless it was revealed to them it was spoken, his work spoke for itself. I just like to say people of God don't get caught up in titles, allow the spirit of Christ to be made known , we see all the administrations within Christ himself, and now he is in us, he can he use all of his gifts and administrations so why do we limit ourselves to say what we are Notice The father never limited us, he actually said we can do all things throught Christ Jesus who in us, it comes with the relationship with him just as his disciples had a relationship with him, he entrusted his good news with them as they grew to know him they increased he increased his approval of there faith in him to make manifest of his indwelling. So people need to stop following titles and start observing who is really presenting Christ and is their any power that working with the faith they carry. Remember the Kingdom of God cometh without observation, (its made known by a true relationship with him) and the obedience to him and his word. Thank you for putting up a sobering topic we need to address more issues like this here....

[Elder Louis Cherubin]

I dont think that there is anything wrong with these man made titles. I believe as the church evolves and grows, it ushers in more room for more responsibility; not for self glorification but for Gods people or the body of christ. Now I dont agree on how some may carry out there title, but that is something I cant control to much. If you take a look at the book of Acts, the new Christian Church began to grow. The ministry called for 12 men full of the holy ghost to take care of certain affairs. At that time titles where give to men to carry those task out. Now they where not limited. Stephen ministry evolved and God used him mightily. Lets not get caught up with the attitudes of people behind the titles. Some need to be delivered. And we have to pray for the body. I hope that helped.