Titles- Do They Help or Hinder Multiplication?

Cameras flashed as I walked onto the stage. The MC’s voice boomed with enthusiasm: “Please welcome Rev. Dr. C. Anderson!” The crowd erupted in applause. The ministerial title applied to me, rubbed me wrong inside.

I didn’t know quite what to think. I was an ordained minister, so the title “Reverend” technically fit. I definitely didn’t have a doctorate. To honor me, they had added a title. In my flesh, it felt good. But something inside me felt unsettled. With a growing burden to see Disciple Making Movements (DMMs) grow through those I trained, I asked myself: Does this help movements—or quietly undermine them?

I hadn’t asked for the title, and I hadn’t chosen it. But I could choose humility. Later, I spoke with the MC and asked to be introduced simply by my name in future sessions.

Culture, Honor, and Titles

In many cultures, titles carry great significance. They communicate respect, identity, and status. Being called “Doctor,” “Pastor,” or “Reverend” often comes with special treatment—preferred seating, public honor, and assumed authority.

While these things are not necessarily sinful, they can subtly promote the opposite of what we are trying to cultivate in a reproducible movement of Jesus followers.

That work depends on the clear conviction that every believer is qualified to do the work of the ministry. Jesus gave the same authority to all His followers. We are part of a royal priesthood. Titles can unintentionally reinforce a clergy‑laity divide and send mixed messages to those we are training.

For this reason, many DMM practitioners intentionally avoid using titles, choosing instead to remove barriers and de-emphasize any sense of spiritual hierarchy.

From Pastor… to Doctor

There is a man I know well. He grew up poor, was short in stature, but full of charisma and faith. As a young man, he encountered Jesus and was filled with the Holy Spirit. He boldly shared the gospel village to village, later planting a church in his city.

As was customary, he was called Pastor. The title felt good. He was respected. Over time, he pursued more recognition—studying theology, traveling to speak, and eventually receiving an honorary doctorate. Soon, he introduced himself as Rev. Dr. ________.

Then he encountered the vision of Disciple Making Movements. His heart was captured. He began equipping every believer to make disciples. Multiplication followed.

But the question remained: What about his many titles?

Jesus warned, “Beware of the teachers of the law. They love to be greeted with respect…and have the places of honor” (Luke 20:46).

Why Titles Can Hurt a Movement

First, titles can contradict the idea of the priesthood of all believers. This truth is essential for multiplication. Anything that weakens it—even subtly—is not worth the cost.

Second, titles can feed spiritual pride. If removing a title makes us feel diminished, it reveals something unhealthy in our hearts.

Third, titles can create entitlement. We begin to expect honor rather than serving humbly. That posture is dangerous for leaders and deadly for movements.

Finally, our identity must rest in our sonship, not credentials. Titles do not heal shame. Only knowing we are the sons and daughters of God does.

A Family, Not a Hierarchy

In the New Testament, “brother” and “sister” were enough. If your culture requires a form of address, consider using family‑based terms that reinforce belonging, not hierarchy.

One last note: I am very cautious about being called Mama Cindy. Titles that imply dependency can unintentionally hinder disciples from standing on their own and reproducing.  It’s not always avoidable, but it’s good to be aware of what that title might imply in that particular culture.

• So, what about your context?
• Do titles help—or subtly hinder—the movement God longs to birth?
• What is your experience with titles in your location?

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