Let's say the Pastor at the church I attend has a first name of Bill.
I have always called him "Pastor Bill", but he almost always responds in writing as just "Bill". I am expressing my respect for his title, while I get the impression that he is humbly expressing his equality with the congregation.
The congregation is rather casual, and many call him "Pastor Bill" while many others call him "Bill." I suspect that if I asked him directly, he would say that I can use any name I feel comfortable with using. The fact is that I'm not comfortable with either. "Bill" sounds very casual and lacking respect while "Pastor Bill" sounds very formal and lacking familiarity.
Granted, this question isn't of any dire importance but I'm curious for your perspectives.
2007-10-19 08:42:40 · 18 answers · asked by In God I Trust (a.k.a. infohog) 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I have also addressed him as "Brother" and "Brother Bill". I think this is both familiar and respectful.
I would always introduce him to others as "Pastor Bill", but I think "Brother Bill" is appropriate for personal communication.
I appreciate all of your input! It will be difficult to select a "best answer" with such a collection of great perspectives!
2007-10-19 09:05:02 · update #1
I call my pastor Brother Kevin, just like I call every man in my church "Brother___________". We are all members of the same family! Of course I am a Southern girl!
2007-10-19 08:55:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Pastor's title is befitting of him. Respect for that title has earned him to be called Pastor Bill. He is not using his title, Pastor, to show I am above you all. His humbleness for the people I believe is what makes him just write Bill. People call others Mr. or Mrs. but that does not mean to be formal or lacking familiartiy nor disrespect. Its a title used t show respect.
I hope I explained this right. LOL
2007-10-19 08:53:41 · answer #2 · answered by airlines charge for the seat. 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, i amm from a church where everyone was super uptight and called the pastor "Pastor (Last Name)." That is very formal to me and quite frankly, i didnt think he deserved that kind of respect.
So, i think that "Pastor Bill" is not too formal and still shows respect. But, remember that he is just a man...and it seems that he wants people to feel comfortable with him too so he likes to be called "Bill."
If it were me, i would call him Pastor Bill.
2007-10-19 08:48:49 · answer #3 · answered by bellesnail 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been in churches where they called him pastor and his first name and that's what I've always done until recently. My current pastor says he prefers to go by his first name. So anyway, either way is probably fine and it's probably a personal preference of the pastor.
Why don't you ask your pastor? I'm sure he wouldn't be offended by the question.
2007-10-19 09:08:51 · answer #4 · answered by MikeM 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that you are right. If your Pastor does not want to be called Pastor, maybe he should quit his job. A Pastor needs to be a leader. He must not make light of this very important job and title.
2007-10-19 08:47:45 · answer #5 · answered by Apostle Jeff 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people call their pastors Pastor ___ out of respect. Especially the younger children and teens. His friends and elders usually call him by his first name. But I just happen to call my pastor Dad!!! :)
2007-10-19 09:59:31 · answer #6 · answered by Papagena 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a matter of respect for him & the office he holds in your church I would go with Pastor Bill. I would only call my pastor by his first name only if I had grown up with him & he had been one of my best friends.
2007-10-19 08:50:23 · answer #7 · answered by kokochin01 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Growing up, it was Pastor Smith (names have been changed to protect the innocent.)
Now it's Pastor Bill...or just Pastor, such as, "good morning Pastor, how are you?"
I think Pastor Bill is informal whereas Pastor Smith is formal.
Just using Bill, seems...weird.
Hope that helps!
2007-10-19 08:47:39 · answer #8 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I usually call my Pastor either Brother Tommy or just simply preacher. Either way they know what you mean. We do know from the Bible we are to call no man Father, that is reserved for God.
2007-10-19 08:58:26 · answer #9 · answered by victor 7707 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pastor Bill sounds fine to me. What do you think of Brother Bill?
2007-10-19 08:47:42 · answer #10 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋