I find it interesting to try to understand what people think and why.
(I need to begin my saying that in my religious heritage, we don’t call preachers “reverend” and we use the term “pastor” to refer to the elders rather than to the ministers.) Now to my story.
We have lived in our neighborhood for four years. During most of this time, I was involved in interim preaching ministries, but my main job was in the academic world. For four years in my neighborhood, I have been Bob. Maybe Dr. Bob, if my academic role was in view, but generally just Bob. Across the fence, around the cul-de-sac, sitting on the curb, helping with a project—just Bob.
Now that I have returned to full-time ministry, I’ve noticed that my identity has changed. “Tell Rev. Bob what you got for your birthday…Rev. Bob will help you…let’s see what Rev. Bob is doing….”
Here’s what I have concluded. People don’t call their ministers “reverend” because they think they are (reverend). It is a term of respect and honor, perhaps endearment. It says, “I know what you do and I respect that.” Perhaps it’s better to be called “reverend” than for people not to care at all.
My response is, “You can just call me Bob, or if you prefer, brother Bob.”