The Essential Traits That Define a True Servant Leader 7-28-26

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Understanding the call -

For hundreds of years many clergy; those in ministry (pastors) have attached the title Reverend to their name. What does reverend mean? It means to respect/honor to the highest.

I believe reverence belongs to God alone- “holy and reverend” is His name. Some translations replace “reverend” with “awesome,” “holy,” or “worthy of reverence.”

All are attributes that belong to God alone. How do you think God feels when someone is called “Holy Father?”

Awesome Jesus is the only One who has been given a name above all names-

Why?

Jesus Christ is what the Word of God is all about. His name is so powerful that praying in the name of Jesus, healings and miracles take place. We reverence/respect and obey His ministry. Jesus’ name should be reverenced in our worship! No one should attach a title that only belongs to God. Who made the sun, the moon and the stars; who created the heavens above? Only the True, Almighty and Living God!

AI - The term emphasizes the honor and dignity associated with spiritual leadership.

I don’t agree!

AI - In the Bible, the concept of reverence is often linked to the fear of God and respect for His authority.

I agree! God has the highest authority, not man.

There are countless scriptures that refer to God’s name being holy and reverend: In Isaiah 6:1-3, Isaiah’s eyes became open to this Holy God who is to be reverenced to the highest. His vision:

And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” I used to hear sermons about Isaiah getting Uzziah out of his eyes and it happened after the death of Uzziah.

If that is true, the question is to the readers;

“Who is in your eyes?”

Why not focus on Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus is the only One who died to set you free (John 8:32, 36).

Although I respect the person’s position, if they are carrying a title that does not belong to them, I will not respect that. 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 (Hebrews 13:17).

The leaders should rule with a humble servant's heart and not with a rod of iron (strictly and harshly), and certainly not rule like a dictator.

Example:  

“Do as I say, not as I do” That is so arrogant.

Thank the Lord for clergy who has taken that title off their names. I strongly emphasize how it saddens my heart to see reverend attached to clergy’s name.

This was stated in previous messages that when I was ordained into ministry, what would my preference be to recognize my ministry. I told the leaders that evangelist was what I preferred. You see, I had sense enough to know that I am not a title (God is), I have been gifted in the five ministry office (Ephesians 4:11).

Anyone who puts emphasis on a title is either prideful or ignorant. This is to all of the people of God. Warning! Stop using REVEREND which a title; ministry is not about titles; it is about serving. Anyone using a title does not understand what ministry is.

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Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org