Recently, a friend of mine, who is a professor at ASU, told me about an incident in one of her classes. She was lecturing away, a hundred students in front of her busily taking notes, when a young man interrupted her and said, “You know, you’re not a real doctor; we shouldn’t have to call you Dr. ______.” My friend didn’t flinch. As a female professor she is used to questions to her authority, even though she holds a PhD in environmental science. She took the opportunity to enlighten the young man. “You may or may not know that the word doctor is a Latin word meaning teacher. In the Middle Ages, at universities, the designation “doctor” was given to those who had reached the highest level of academic achievement, so that they could teach others, especially at the university level. Someone who holds a doctorate in medicine, technically, has reached the highest level in that field, and could teach others how to do medicine. University teachers are the original doctors. Any of us who hold a doctorate of philosophy or education are technically qualified to teach at the university level in our chosen field of research. If you need any more clarity on this topic, please let me know. Otherwise, we’ll carry on.” And she carried on.

As I write this, there is a lot of hubbub in the social media about the appropriate use of the title “Dr.” The misconception of the young man above pervades our culture. The word “doctor” has come almost exclusively to indicate someone who is licensed to practice medicine, and not those who have achieved the highest level of study in their field.

We in the church are not outside the implications of this discussion. Now, there are a lot of titles (or honorifics) that are used for those who serve in the church. Perhaps you have heard of some of these: minister, reverend, pastor, bishop, elder, monsignor, deacon, father, mother, sister, brother…and even “Dr.” Different churches use different titles to designate differing roles. It has been so since the origins of the church. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, speaks of the diverse ways people are gifted through God’s spirit to serve in the church: apostles, prophets, healers, workers of miracles, interpreters of tongues…and teachers (Latin: doctores.)

Over the last 1500 years, the Western (Roman Catholic) Church has designated 36 people officially as “doctors of the Church,” those recognized as having made a significant contribution to theology or doctrine through their research, study, or writing. Up until 1970 the Roman Church had only designated men as “doctors” or teachers of the church. Since then, four women have been added to their ranks: Hildegard von Bingen (d. 1179), Catherine of Siena (d. 1380), Teresa of Ávila (d. 1582), and Thérèse of Lisieux (d. 1897).  Most of these “doctors of the Church” we, as American Protestants, have most likely never heard of. I recommend doing some research on these folks, especially the women! Many women have fought long and hard to be called “doctor.” But, I digress.

The church is a funny place these days when it comes to titles. In the American church, we’ve been through an “anti-authoritarian” movement for the last 70 years or so. We prefer our church much more egalitarian. As Presbyterians we’ve never liked the word “bishop” (episkopos, overseer); it’s seen as too hierarchical. But we still use the other historic terms like “elder” (presbyteros) and “deacon” (diakonos).* Yet, we continue to shy away from other authoritative terms.  We changed what we call the main administrative person in the presbytery from “executive presbyter” to “presbytery pastor.” We now have the option to call the elders who serve the church “ruling elders,” and ministers of word and sacrament can be referred to as “teaching elders.” Ah, did you catch that? Ministers are the teaching elders of the church. We are the doctores.

People are funny about titles, though. They get used to addressing ministers a certain way, and changes are hard. Ever since I was ordained a year ago, I have struggled to adopt a “title.” I am a pastor, but am I Pastor Mike? The word “Reverend” doesn’t designate a role or a title; it’s an adjective. Technically, I could be called the Reverend Dr. Michael Hegeman, but only in formal settings or in writing. I’m not Reverend Hegeman.  I am a minister, but not “Minister Mike.” I know some folks would prefer that their ministers not use the title “Dr”; they think perhaps it creates too much distance between pastor and congregation. But we as Presbyterians have a deep respect for the educational process for our spiritual leaders. We expect our pastors to be knowledgeable. And as someone who spent 13 years earning a Master’s of Divinity, a Master’s of Theology, and Doctorate of Philosophy in preaching, I don’t mind, every once in a while being called “Dr.”

However, earning a “terminal degree” (as it’s called) in theological studies may mean that I know a lot of stuff about the faith…but it never signifies that I have terminated my learning. Being a “doctor” in the church signals that as I teach in the church, leading others as they seek to be life-long students of the faith, I am also willing to continue learning alongside them.

I would love to know who has been a “doctor of the church” for you? Who has been a significant teacher in your faith life? I’d love to hear from you. Respond below, or send me an email: mhegeman@pinnaclepres.org

In the meantime, I’ll go on teaching.

Dr. Mike

*If you have any questions about this, ask a confirmation student. We’ve been studying this recently.