Should Christians Call Priests “Father” or Leaders “Teacher”?

Bible Believing Christian
Sep 15
3 min read

Should Christians Call Priests “Father” or Leaders “Teacher”?

Jesus’ words in Matthew 23 have stirred centuries of debate:

“Do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.” (Matthew 23:8–10, NASB)

Many wonder if using titles like Father, Teacher, or even Pastor violates this command. Scripture provides important context and a way forward.

Biblical Foundation

Jesus’ Warning in Context

Matthew 23 targets religious hypocrisy. Jesus critiques scribes and Pharisees who loved titles for prestige:

“They do all their deeds to be noticed by people… and they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues, and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people.” (Matthew 23:5–7, NASB)

The issue is pride and misplaced authority, not vocabulary alone.

Spiritual Fatherhood in Scripture

Paul freely used father language:

“For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 4:15, NASB)

He also calls himself a spiritual father to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2).

Clearly Jesus was not forbidding every use of “father,” but the prideful use of titles that replace God’s ultimate fatherhood.

Teachers in the Church

The New Testament includes the gift of teachers:

“And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers.” (1 Corinthians 12:28, NASB)

“He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:11, NASB)

Teaching is a God-ordained role, but the danger is when the title becomes a badge of superiority.

The “You Don’t Need a Teacher” Verse

John writes, “As for you, the anointing which you received from Him remains in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things… you remain in Him.” (1 John 2:27, NASB)

This doesn’t eliminate teachers; it affirms that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher. Human teachers serve only as instruments of His guidance.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Early Christians used family terms (brother, sister, father) to express spiritual relationships, not hierarchical dominance. Over time, some titles hardened into ranks, prompting reformers to revisit Jesus’ warning.

Misconceptions & Objections

“We must never use the words father or teacher.”
Scripture itself uses these words positively when free of pride and idolatry.

“Titles automatically create hierarchy.”
Jesus calls for servant leadership: “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11, NASB).

Theological Reflection

Jesus confronts ego-driven religion. Whether we call someone pastor, father, or teacher, the issue is whether we usurp God’s glory or point people back to Him. True Christian leadership serves and equips rather than dominates.

Connection to Christ – The True Father and Teacher

All titles ultimately belong to God:

The Only Father: “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30, NASB)

The Supreme Teacher: Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14) and “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, NASB).

The Servant Leader: He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14–15), embodying the humility He commands.

Christ-Centered Conclusion

Christians may use family or ministry titles to describe relationships and gifts, but no title should compete with God’s authority or become a badge of pride. In every congregation, whether we call someone pastor, elder, father, or teacher, the aim is the same: to lead people to the one true Father and Teacher—God Himself.