Why Are We So Into Titles in the Black Church?

[Wayne C Cooper]

 

As I have studied the Black church in America, there are a lot of things that deeply troubles me. One of which is our thirst to feel important as evidenced by the titles of our leaders. I have several colleagues in the ministry that have become "drunk" with titles. Many of them started out with sincere intentions, but due to their lust for power they have attempted to elevate themselves by changing their titles to something that they think will give them more clout with their own churches as well as with other well-known clergy in America!

 

I have literally observed some of them going from being "Reverend Joe Blow" to "Bishop Joe Blow" to "Prophet Joe Blow" to "Apostle Joe Blow". When I have asked them about these changes in titles, they have not been able to articulate anything that is coherent. So what is this all about? First, in my theological position as a Seminary trained theologian and Christian Apologist, I will say that there are no modern day apostles and prophets! And I mean that especially if you're equating yourself and your ministry with the likes of the Old Testament prophets and the apostles of the New Testament.

 

Those persons and ministries have had their place and calling and they are no longer valid today as we have the complete canon of the Scripture. My heart truly goes out to people that need that kind of validation that they would conjure up a title and try to make it relevant for today! As for the word "Bishop", it has certainly been misunderstood by the average Black preacher. In the Black Baptist Church, we are seeing more ministers change their titles to Bishop, giving indication that they have been "spiritually promoted".

 

However, all one has to do is read First Peter 5:1-5, and there you will see how Peter describes one person in three ways or by using three terms to describe a pastor. The three words are: Elder, Shepherd, Overseer. Each of these terms in the Greek language have specific meaning to them as it relates to the pastoral office. First, the word Elder speaks of the spiritual maturity of the office and the person that occupy the office. The word Shepherd speaks of the heart of the person holding the office, and the word Bishop or Overseer simply speaks of the authority of the office of the pastor.

 

Notice, there is nothing in terms of a promotion or spiritual hierarchy, these terms describes the person and the office that he occupy. Also, notice that only men can be Elders as Elders are men in the Bible, and back in 1 Timothy 3, when Paul is giving the qualifications for the office of a pastor, he clearly is speaking of men only! That's another argument I'm sure, but for now I will close by saying that we need to stop with the lust for power and prestige, and start becoming more humble before God and His people!