I pastor in a rural context where I’m called ‘Pastor’ more than my actual name. It’s almost like my identity. But I tend not to insist (or expect) everyone to use the title of ‘Pastor’. There’s certainly nothing wrong with using the title; and for most, it’s simply a way to show respect. I don’t disregard that. I just simply value relationships over a title.

When I was a boy, I dreamed of becoming a pastor. I guess with that, came the title and honor.  From a child’s perspective that might have been where my dreamed stopped.  But as I actually embrace the pastoral call, I’m realizing being awarded the title really isn’t that important.

There’s a whole lot more to pastoring than the title.  And there’s a whole lot more to me than pastoring.  There’s a whole lot more to #pastoring than the title. And there’s a whole lot more to me than pastoring. Click To Tweet

I’ve chosen to respond to both those who use the title, and to those who don’t.  I don’t hide from my calling and I certainly don’t lie about what I do in the community, but they aren’t usually the first words out of my mouth either. We have to remember that we live in a pluralistic world. Most people don’t view clergy like generations before us.

I want to share ten reasons why I don’t ask people (especially those outside of my local church) to call me ‘pastor’. Hopefully this will help you, wherever you are in your journey, to realize that relationships are more valuable than a title.