Can't find a church
I stopped going to church about 2 years ago when I could not find a church with a pastor didn't have a problem with pride. I have a problem with church leaders that use titles. Here is why:
James 2:[9] But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
We know that God is not a respecter of persons, but here is a scripture telling us not to be a respecter of persons, either. This goes along with Matt 23 where Jesus is telling people not to use titles. I am always concerned when I see someone using the title "pastor" or "doctor." Everyone should have the same respect for a pastor that they have for a street drunk, and vice versa. That is what this is all about. My business is engineering, and we don't use titles. Even the president of the company goes by his first name. Engineering is an honest business, and no one needs a title. Contrast this with the Congress where the congressmen and women want to be addressed as "The Honorable..." There is nothing honorable about congressmen.
Here is what God says about titles in Rick Joyner's book "The Call":
“Remember that those with who I must walk on earth are also members of My body. They have not yet been glorified, but you must see them as they are called to be, not as they appear now. You must love them and see the authority and grace in them that you now see in these. Remember that those with whom you walk on earth now see you as you see them. You must learn not to see according to their present appearance, but see who they are to become. “Only those who live by My judgments and abide with Me as their wisdom can see My authority in others. Even so, do not strive to have men see My authority in you. Do not be concerned by whether others see you as you are; only be concerned about recognizing others as they are and seeing Me in them. When you become concerned about how others see you, you lose your authority. When authority becomes your goal, you will begin to lose true authority. You know the ministry and authority that I have given to you; do not ask people to call you by your position, but by your name. Then I will make your name greater than your position.
“In My kingdom, authority comes from who you are, not your title. Your ministry is your function, not your rank. Here rank is earned by humility, service and love. The deacon who loves more is higher than the apostle who loves less. On earth, prophets may be used to shake the nations, but here they will be known by their love. This is also your call—to love with My love and serve with My heart. Then we will be one.”
The use of titles has become so common that people think it is OK. It definitely is NOT OK.
Another scripture has come to mind that is a part of this discussion. Rev 2:[6] But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
The Bible doesn't tell you who the Nicolaitans are, but it turns out that the doctrine of the Nicolaitans was a doctrine of a self serving clergy. The clergy had separated themselves from the non-clergy. There is no place for this in God's church.
I am only the messenger.
God Bless
Bruce