Recently I was sifting through “stuff” in my office – in the process of scaling in down, as it will no longer be my office at the end of November – when I stumbled upon the following. It says it all. It was/is titled: WHAT SHALL WE CALL HIM?

What shall we call the man whom God has chosen to be the shepherd of our souls in the church?

Let’s not call him “Preacher.” That makes it sound like he works only on Sunday’s, at Weddings or at funerals. He doesn’t talk down to people, but up to Heaven by preaching the Gospel. Preaching is one of the primary ingredients of his job description.

Let’s not call him “Reverend.” Sure it’s meant as a title of respect, but the word “Reverend” is an adjective and must be preceded by “the” in formal usage. It also has a “holier than thou” ring to it. Our (the) pastor is a sinner just like the rest of us. So let us not call him “Reverend.”

Let’s not call him “Minister.” Minister is a word applied in various government capacities, like “Foreign Min-ister,” “Minister of Finance,” “Minister of Agriculture,” etc. It is popular today to list all members of the con-gregation in our bulletins as ministers of this and that. The Pastor becomes the director of ministries. This can be confusing, especially when one adds in the other ministries, Music ministry, Youth ministry, Adult ministry, and so on. The pure and simple, straightforward definition of “Minister” is to serve. He is the servant of the church. He serves by preaching the Word and administering the Sacraments. But let’s not add to the confusion and debate over the difference between “commissioned ministers,” or “ordained ministers” and
what have you. So let’s not call him “Minister.”

Call him/me “Pastor.” It’s not a perfect title, but then he/me is/am not a perfect person. “Pastor” is the Latin word meaning “Shepherd (In Spanish the word for “shepherd” is “Pastor.” My add.) This is what he is and does. It ‘s a fair approximation of the Biblical word “Overseer.” A shepherd feeds and oversees the flock of God. He tries to follow the instruction Jesus gave to Peter after His resurrection. “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15).

Should we call our Pastor by his first name? Some feel that shows lack of respect. If you are a good friend of his, and you are on the golf course or at a private gathering, and he allows it, you can call him by his first name. Should we call him by his first name in public meetings, in the work place, or at church gatherings? These are times it is appropriate that we call him by his family name preceded by “Pastor.” This shows respect for the man who holds the highest office in the church under our Lord Jesus Christ. He is Christ’s representative to us members of the church. So let’s show respect and thank God for our shepherd.

There can be no doubt that I’ve never taken this title or my calling lightly. I have been your Pastor for many, many years. The end of my serving you, in this corner of God’s kingdom, is drawing closer to the end. At the right time, and in the right way, God will bless Faith with a new Pastor! He will be your Shepherd. And as you have honored me by calling me “Pastor,” so also you will honor him. What a great privilege! What a great honor! What a most humbling calling!

As I have said so man times: “You don’t find the ministry. The ministry finds you.” What a most humbling title! Pastor! Your Pastor – for a few months more!

Until next time,
Pastor TK