JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1989

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent question. You asked whether a minister should be addressed by the title "Reverend."

When we look into the Bible, we find the word "Reverend" refers ONLY TO GOD -- not once is it applied to man. In Psalm 111:9 we read: "He (God) hath commanded his covenant for ever: HOLY AND REVEREND IS HIS NAME."

God alone has a NAME worthy of REVERENCE. No man, including any minister, has a name worthy of such respect or worship.

The use of religious titles, such as "Reverend," began when the great apostasy set in at the close of the first century. Ministers put themselves "IN THE PLACE OF CHRIST." Hence they took upon themselves the attributes and titles of divinity. God's true ministers have never done so.

Since some ministers might take offense were they not addressed by some title, perhaps "Pastor," "Elder," "Bishop," or "Evangelist" could be used instead. See Matthew 23:8-10.

Thank you again for your interest. If you have further questions, please let us hear from you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT