I am not a professional. Yes, I went to 8 years of college and graduate school. Yes, I received a fancy diploma written in a foreign language. I was approved by a board of respected members of my vocation. But I am not a professional. And so I say, don’t pay me like a professional. Despite what resolution after resolution offered at conventions over the last decade have argued, I do not want to be paid in comparison to what other professionals in my area are being paid. I don’t care for the “Rev.’ attached to my name on mail. I never wanted a “Dr.” either. I don’t dress in a formal way because other professionals do. I am not a professional.
I am a pastor. I went to school to study the scriptures. I studied foreign languages not to elevate myself above the laity, but to be able to lift them up with truth. I listened to the professors not because of their resume highlights, but because of their wisdom and experience. I am a pastor. And so, pay me like a pastor. Don’t compare me to other professionals. Pay me in a way that demonstrates the worth you see in having a pastor in your midst to deliver the gifts of God to you. Don’t call me “Reverend.” “Pastor” will be more than fine. I wear what I wear to remind myself and you of what I am and what I am to do. I am a pastor.
I have no problems with anything you said, except one thing: the title “reverend.” While I find the term problematic as well, in an age of uneducated clergy calling themselves “pastor,” there has to be a distinction between the educated and uneducated. Not for me, but for the sake of the Gospel. The sheep need to know that their shepherd is prepared to care for them. This aids in confidence and certainty.
Allen, let me ask a question to challenge both of us who are well educated. Is it our education that qualifies us to be shepherds or our call?