Navigating Church Titles

As ministers we understand the titles of Minister and Reverend.  However, depending on the denomination and the geographic location you will not be called Reverend until you have been ordained.  Yes it can be confusing but let me highlight a few more things to clear up the confusion.

Senior Pastor – Have to be other Pastor to be senior

Pastor – Called by the Church

Associate Pastor – Ordained.  Partnership with the Pastor where the Associate Pastor and Pastor share information.  Sanction by church vote

Assistant Pastor – Ordained.  Subject to Hierarchy, appointed by Pastor needs to be a church vote.

Executive Minister – Call and Licensed or Ordained.  Day to Day operation Administrative function.

Executive Pastor – Ordained.  Administrative and still function in the Pastor Role.

Minister of Music – Ordained. Called to the Ministry of Music.

Assistant to the Pastor – Call and Licensed.  Preach; pick up guest preachers and other tasks.

Associate Minister – Called and Licensed.  Various task and ministry.  Associated to the particular church

Licentiate – A person who was just licensed

Sometime when in Rome we do as they do.