If you are a Seinfeld aficionado, you may recall The Maestro. His real name on the show was Bob Cobb, but he directed the symphony at the retirement village, and he insisted on being called “Maestro.” It is a quirky and funny episode.

What’s not as funny is the pastor who insists on being called “pastor.” It’s not that he is the pastor, and you would call him Pastor So & So. No, you call him Pastor, period. As if it’s his name. The pressure to do so is real. When Elaine was getting friendly with The Maestro, she calls him Bob and the scene dramatically changes as the Maestro gets visibly upset and glares at Elaine.

If you’d like to test the theory, try calling “pastor” by his first name if you are a church member. He insists it’s not for his benefit but for yours. I can’t help but think it would be in his best interest not to call him pastor. It’s just a weird deal.

If a man has loved his flock, treated them well, cared for their souls, and shown them the respect they deserve they will have a desire to follow him and show him incredible respect. It comes naturally.

What almost seems like a bad joke is to be forced to refer to someone by their title in this manner. While I have respect and admiration for titles at what point is it beyond ridiculous? It does remind me of something from the Scriptures….

They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others (Matt. 23:5-6).