Hakata Letter 9. Let's Call Each Other "Brother" and "Sister"!

Hakata Letter 9: Let's Call Each Other "Brother" and "Sister"!
　In the terminology we use in church, there are various implied meanings. For instance, when we say "pastor," without needing to elaborate, it is understood that this person leads the congregation, delivers sermons on Sundays, teaches, and prays with the members. This term helps the pastor affirm their identity and fosters a sense of duty to fulfill their role properly. Similarly, hearing the term "Christian" instills a consciousness to live differently from others in the world.

　The titles we use to address people should be chosen carefully, as these titles can subconsciously influence us. When I first attended a different church from the one I grew up in, people there called me "Brother." It was a title I hadn’t heard before, but I found it refreshing. Later, when I understood the biblical meaning of "brother" and "sister," I felt grateful.

Mark 3:35 says, "Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother."

　There is a story of a pastor who quietly attended a small church. Soon after he started attending, people began calling him "Deacon." There was even a devoted female deacon who once said, "I don’t really know who Jesus is." Although she wasn’t saved, she was already being called a deacon. Another instance in Korea involved a church group where everyone, except the leader and his wife, was called "Deacon." This created confusion about who was actually saved and who still needed salvation. Titles became hierarchical, with men aspiring to be elders and women to be deaconesses. Newcomers were awkwardly called "Deacon" even if they weren't one.

　This issue with titles affects the church significantly. It blurs the distinction between those who are saved and those who aren’t. Titles have turned into ranks, making new believers feel they must be addressed with these titles. This confusion extends outside the church, too. For example, seeing someone called "Elder" in a supermarket might give a non-believer a bad impression. Moreover, calling someone a deacon without knowing if they are saved makes it difficult to question their salvation later. Eventually, they might become elders without ever being saved, leading to potential scandals that tarnish the church’s reputation.

　To address this, we need to reform our terminology, especially regarding titles. Our church has decided to return to biblical terms. We will avoid titles not found in the Bible, such as the honorary "deacon." If someone is an ordained deacon, the term can be used, but "honorary deacon" has no biblical basis and is unique to Korean culture.

　We should adopt terminology suitable for our home church. Call the leaders "Shepherd" and "Shepherdess" accurately. For regular members, use "Brother" and "Sister," which are the most biblical terms (Mark 3:35). For older members, use terms like "Father" or "Mother," or familiar titles like "Uncle" and "Aunt." If it feels too awkward, using "Mr./Ms." is acceptable. While it may seem strange at first, it will become natural over time. We must avoid passing down these formalistic titles to future generations.

Yours in service, Pastor Kim Ju-young.