By Moishe Rosen
What do you call one who is “called to Ministry?” If you know what ministry is like, then you know what to call ministries. Ministry is not being in charge of God’s people. It is more like being charged with God’s people.
To be “in charge” is to take control. To be “charge with” is to take responsibly—and make oneself accountable to God.
Moses didn’t receive much respect or encouragement from people he led—but he hadn’t accepted God’s charge to be encouraged or affirmed. God called him to the task and he obeyed.
Taking charge at God’s command and always should be a simple matter of obedience. Truly spiritual leaders must limit their desire and expectation for recognition and honor.
Matthew 23: 1-12 tells of the limitations. In particular, verses 8-12 carry a serious warning as well as a promise: But you, do not be called “Rabbi”; for One is your teacher, the Messiah, 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. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
So according to Matthew 23:8-10, the spiritual application of the words “Rabbi” and “Father” are reserved for y’shua (Jesus), our teacher, and for our Father in heaven. We should not use titles for the sake of giving or receiving honor for ourselves that rightly belong to the Holy One.
“Rabbi” has a connotation that is close to “master” and is not an appointed office of Scripture any more than is “Reverend.” Ephesians 4:11 says that God has given certain gifts to members of His Body that enable them to function as pastors, teachers, etc. God qualifies people for spiritual leadership—for burden-bearing service—rather than conferring honorary status. Our titles for clergy, whether Rabbi or Reverend, are not required by Scripture.
I do believe there is a preferable model. Matthew 23:8 provides us with a title to call one another and by which our ministers should be known to us. That title is “Brother.” The title “Brother” does not exalt one person over others; yet it conveys the respect and acceptance of an important relationship. A brother (or sister) has a closer relationship than rabbi (or Reverend). He or she shares the burden of the family’s welfare, reputation and destiny.
Whereas a father is entitled to demand or command certain things, and to punish necessary, a brother has no such right. He may suggest, admonish, and—with permission from his sibling—teach. But when a sibling is a teacher it is only by consent of his student. A brother becomes worthy to teach by his example and because of master of a subject, but not from a superior status
Y’shua made it clear that there is no use looking for importance in titles or in the number of rules and regulations we can recite. He said if we want to be truly great, we must be servants.
God is not impressed by big shots and He doesn’t seem to want us to be, either. That is why He gave us His Son as the perfect example of humility. He warns us against pride and status seeking . . . but don’t forget, “He also who humbles himself will be exalted” When we concern ourselves with lifting God up and giving Him the honor that He deserves, we rest assured that He will give us more than we deserve or could even ask.