What does the Bible say about referring to someone as Reverend?

Since the Bible does not specifically mention the word "reverend" it is important to look at what this term means to us today. "Reverend" is a title of respect given to a minister. It is a title that sets the minister apart from others.

Why should the minister be set apart? This argument comes from tradition, not the Bible. Today's minister is set apart by the government, allowing him or her to perform legal marriages. Ministers are also set apart by denominations, allowing them to perform baptisms and lead communion. The community also helps set ministers apart, which allows ministers to attend to the sick and dying in hospitals, as well as to the grieving in their homes and funeral ceremonies.

For these reasons, and because of the noble and often sacrificial calling of the ministry, tradition has conferred upon ministers the title of "reverend."

Although the Bible does not specifically mention this title, it does deal very decisively with a related principle. This may make traditionalists a little uneasy.

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
-Matthew 23:8-12 (NIV)

Here Jesus very firmly tells us that we should not get caught up in titles. Although he mentions only three, the principle applies to any title we may wear -- Reverend, Doctor, Pastor, Rabbi, Bishop, etc.

We must not exalt ourselves. Instead, we should be committed to exalt the one and only God, who is worthy of being set apart. We are merely his servants. Perhaps this is why Jesus chose unschooled, ordinary men to become the leaders of his Church (Acts 4:13).

Paul, the apostle, stated it so well when he wrote:

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
-1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NIV)

So is it wrong to address someone with a title? No. It is important that we show proper respect to others. It is wrong to seek titles and acclaim for yourself. In fact, it can turn on you and be embarrassing, as Jesus told us in Luke 14:

"When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
-Luke 14:8-11 (NIV)