This question denotes a very grave problem in the world of religion. A misunderstanding of correct titles for those who preach the gospel. The work of a preacher and that of a pastor are different types of work. A preacher is to do what?

"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." {2 Tim.4:2}

"If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever."{1 Pete.4:11}

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all."{1 Thess.5:14}

"Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."-{Titus 2:15} His primary work is teaching. He admonished and encourages and leads them to Christ through his efforts. He then can "build them up" by a more through study of God's word. His preaching can carry him anywhere, even when he located in a local work.

The word PASTOR is from the exact same word as Shepherd and the meaning is identical. "So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed."{Acts 14:23} These men are called "ELDERS" and "OVERSEERS" or "BISHOPS". Read these passages 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet.1:1-5. Their work is to "oversee" the work of the church. Why?

"Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."{Heb.13:17} They tend and rule over the flock of God's people. Their work is limited to ONE flock and a local work. In the Bible it also always refers to a "plurality" of elders, pastors in each church. What you see today is ONE Pastor over a church. These two roles are not the same. A preacher can be an elder, but an preacher is not automatically an elder or PASTOR. He must meet the qualifications established through God's word. What the world has created is a "Pastor system" of one man "leading a flock". This pattern is not found in God's word.

No, the preacher should never be called "reverend" nor any other title (Father). Jesus warned the apostles of the destructive attitude of seeking preeminence. He used the example of the Pharisees of His day.

"But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ."{Matt.23:5-10} The desire to elevate one above others, or to be elevated above others, is what Jesus condemns. We are all ONE is Christ, Gal.3:28. The name "reverend" is for ONE only--God Himself!! "He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and reverent is His name."{Psa.111:9}

Men like these titles because it elevates them in the eyes of men. Yet, man should only really elevate one person in matters of religion--GOD!!!

Why was Paul only called--Apostle Paul? Apostle John? Timothy was an evangelist. Philip and Stephen were preachers. Where do you find any of the apostles, early preachers, ever be addressed by the term "reverend"? The Bible clearly teaches no man is "spiritual" father but ONE. Only One's name is "awesome and reverend", and it is not man!!! Man has always wanted God to share the position that only belongs to Him. He never will share and neither can man ever attain the positions of the Christ or the Father--it is not up for negotiations!