Charismatic churches defend "unbiblical" titles

While the spiritual leaders of modern day charismatic churches insist that there is nothing wrong with the mainly military titles that they wear such as Commander, Major General, the Tireless General, their detractors swear that the titles are not Biblical but an expression of megalomania on the part of their bearers.

Although most of the names are military, others such as Major One and Judge, have got nothing to do with the army.Reverend Dr. Prince Dibeela of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) does not know the theological justification for the titles. “There is nothing like that in the Bible and neither is there anything that points us to any tradition which supports this new trend of adaptation of titles by church leaders. Some of the things we do make Christianity a ridiculous institution,” said Rev. Dr Dibeela.

He wonders where the titles come from. “Paul fought much bigger spiritual battles than us but never adopted such titles,” protested Dibeela in response to those who say that the names are appropriate because Christians are in a constant battle with the demonic forces.

Pastor Vincent Katongo of the Restoration Healing Word International argues that, the only Biblical titles are Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher in that descending order of seniority. “It is a combination of lack of knowledge and arrogance on the part of these pastors. They think they are above everyone. What is Major One? If you are a journalist you are a journalist.

There is no major journalist or minor journalist. There are journalists and it ends there,” said Pator Katongo. Pastor Milidzani Socks of the Breath of Life, points out that, just because something is not in the Bible does not mean that it is offensive to God. “It is not from the mouth of God that we are called Christians. We were called disciples and when the people of Antioch in the Book of Acts 11 from verse 26 observed the character of Jesus in this community of worshippers who gathered there for the whole year, they called them Christians. It was originally a nickname. Actually, it was meant to mock them,” said Socks who himself goes by the praise name Commander.

“The people called me Commander because I command blessings over people’s lives and they receive. It is just a nickname and there is nothing wrong with it. It is just like in football where people are given nicknames in recognition of what they do. These names are all in the glory of God,” explained Socks, adding that Christianity has of late become controversial because of jealousy amongst churches themselves. “Where in the Bible do you find titles such as Bishop or Archbishop?” wondered Socks who does not see what

the fuss is about regarding the many titles worn by the modern day charismatic churches also known as Fire churches. Apparently, the title Pope does not appear in the Bible either.