What title do you address an ordained minister by?

Answer 1

"Pastor" -- if he's a pastor; if not, "Reverend" is normally the title used.

In Australia, "Reverend" is commonly used for Baptist pastors who have undergone extra study.

It is common for Baptist ministers to be called "reverend" but that is not a title that is found in The Bible that's used in reference to ministers. The word appears in the Bible (in the Old Testament) only one time, and it is describing God.

Psalms 111:1 (KJV): Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. Verse 9: He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy andreverend is his name.

The more appropriate title would be "brother", "preacher", or "pastor" (if he is a pastor). These three titles are found in the New Testament and any of them are acceptable titles of address.

Acts 22:13 (KJV): Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

1 Timothy 2:7 (KJV): Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

Ephesians 4:11 (KJV): And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastorsand teachers;

The most common way Baptist ministers are addressed is "Brother." The word "Brother" is used in the Bible as a title of address, like the word "mister" is used. The word "preacher" and "pastor" are occupations.

By the way, the Bible also forbids the title of "father" for it is a reference to God himself, not man.

Matthew 23:9 (KJV): And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Answer 2

The titles of clergy members varies from denomination to denomination, in most cases:

- Protestant clergy may be addressed as Reverend or Pastor. If they hold the title of doctor or dean their surname is added to the proper title, as in "the Reverend Dr. Smith".

- Catholic priests are Father, and as above you add any other titles as applicable.

- A monk is usually called Brother,

- A nun is Sister,

- A Mormon is Elder,

- Jewish clergy are called Rabbi with or without the use of their last name.

- A Pagan High Priest is Lord and a High Priestess is Lady, either with or without the use of first name.

- Quaker I believe use Brother, as do Mennonite

If you are not certain, always err on the side of manners, Reverend is acceptable to most and as soon as you can comfortably ask, it is a good idea to find out for future use.

While all of the above is certainly true to the best of my knowledge, I would like to add that sometimes in the Southern Baptist Church they also use "Brother" to refer to clergy, deacons and other male members of the church. They reserve "Pastor" or "Reverend" for ordained ministers.

Answer 3

Episcopal clergy are addressed by many different titles. Some male clergy prefer to be called Father, just like priests in the Catholic Church. Others prefer Mister (Mr.). Some women clergy prefer to be called Mother. Other female clergy prefer Reverend or Pastor. Very few female ministers would prefer Ms. If the person has earned a P.h.D., they might prefer to be called Dr.

Answer 4

Both of my grandmothers and several Aunts are Baptist minister's wives, and all of them are simply called Mrs.____.

Answer 5

A Reverend Minister