From Reformation Rumblings by Buff Scott, Jr.
My brothers, show no partiality…For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? [James 2:1-5].
It is visibly apparent that most religious parties have adopted earthen titles to describe the function of various leaders who represent them. At the outset let me say our Lord, of course, does not sanction them. As badly as many of us would like to see a rapid change, it takes time and efforts to rectify “wanderings” and “ramblings” that have developed over centuries and fastened themselves onto us. Correcting radical apostasies cannot come about overnight. So we ought not become weary in well-doing.
Specialized human titles should be re-examined and corrected. For in using those terms, a few within the flock are elevated above other sheep. “Associate Minister,” for example, leaves the impression that the brother who is saddled with this earthly title has not graduated to the level of “Chief Minister.”
All sheep in the pen are ministers or servants-everyone of us! None are either “associate” or “chief.” There should be no distinctions among us, according to James, who says that favoritism should not be shown [James 2:1-7]. God views all of us on the same level, regardless of our gifts. If we can invent an “Associate Minister,” why not an “Associate Saint”? Or an “Associate Servant”? I’m afraid our titles are a major part of our digression.
Even “elder,” “shepherd,” “pastor,” and “overseer,” legitimate terms of the Holy Spirit, appellations that refer to the same function or gift, are not to be viewed as someone “in charge” of others. Instead, the terms describe the ability or gift to lead, as opposed to being a warlord with authority. They are not titles! They are functions, and functions only. Human titles and human offices within the body of believers have their genesis in pride. Pride breeds all manner of departures.
When we take a common noun of the Spirit and amplify it to a proper noun, we have attempted to hoist someone above his fellows. This is contrary to the spirit of humility. “Instead, whoever wants to become great [elevated] among you must be your servant” [Matt. 10:26]. Away with titles that tend to move some of the sheep to a cushioned seat while others are expected to sit in a pew.
“Don’t Be Called Leaders” is a 75-page treatise whose Author is a personal friend and brother of mine, Jon Zens. If you would like a copy, please contact him at jzens@searchingtogether.org. You might wish to look over his library of other books as well at jonzens.com.
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