There are only three verses in the New Testament Bible that give instruction concerning "titles" used to address church leaders. They are spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples before the multitude in Mat. 23:8-10, and He lists those "titles" that are condemned. They are as follows from the King James Version:

MAT. 23:8-10 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, ("Teacher" NASB) even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters ("leaders" NASB): for one is your Master ("Leader" NASB), even Christ.

The word "master" ("teacher" NASB) in Mat. 23:8 is the Greek word didaskalos. A form of that word, didache, is translated 29 times in the KJV New Testament as "doctrine." Didaskalos is translated as "doctors" in Luk. 2:46:

LUK. 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors (Gk. didaskalos, "teachers," NASB), both hearing them, and asking them questions.

In the next verse John, through the Holy Spirit, interprets the Hebrew word "rabbi" to the Greek word didaskalos, translated "master" and "doctor" in the KJV ("teacher" NASB):

JOH. 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

"Father" is translated from the Greek word pater in Mat. 23:9.

In Mat. 23:10, the word "masters" ("leaders" NASB) is the Greek word kathegetes, from which we derive our English words "catechist" and "catechism," or "teacher" and "teaching," respectively.

In summary, Jesus commands us to "NOT" be called by, or to address anyone as (our spiritual) "father," "rabbi," "master," "leader," "teacher," or "doctor." Leaders in the Church are never to be referred to by any of these titles, although they may hold such a position and/or be gifted as a leader or "teacher."  The two reasons given are: (1) Christ is our Teacher and  our Leader -- to be replaced later by the Holy Spirit, Jn. 14:16-18, 16:12-14, and (2) God is our Father. The elders in the church are to be "teachers," (Eph. 4:11, 1Tim. 3:2); and they are to be "leaders" (Heb. 13:17). They are to fulfill the position, but reject the title. The third reason given is:

Mat. 23:11-12 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Titles of honor almost always produce haughtiness, arrogance, and pride. That is why Jesus condemned them in the church. Yet, in the world, these titles are acceptable. We have earthly fathers and grandfathers. We also have those in the medical professions we refer to as doctors; those who are master plumbers and electricians; trail guides and leaders.

The New Testament gives us very little information on proper titles for church leaders, other than by example. Peter refers to "brother Paul" (2 Pet. 3:15), as does Ananias (Acts 9:17). "Brother" and "sister" are the usual titles for those in the church. Sarah called Abraham "lord" (Greek kurios, used in the same way as the English "sir" or "mister") in 1 Pet. 3:6. Those in leadership in the early church generally referred to one another by their first name. Today words such as "pastor," "elder," "deacon," "minister," or "reverend" are frequently used and are not banned by the Bible. Younger people use the titles "mister" or "Mrs," "ma'am" or "sir" in showing respect for an older person in or outside the church.

The questions are not, "What seminary or Bible School have you attended?" or "Who did you study under?" The proper question is "What does the Word of God say?" The Bible  has been tested and found to be written at approximately an eighth grade level, but it can only be understood through a humble, obedient attitude after being "born-again." It is the responsibility of the gifted men in the local church leadership to teach, equip, and have discernment in the choosing of  future leaders (Eph. 4:8c, 11-13).

"... And He gave gifts to men. ... And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers[elders], for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
 

MAT 11:25  At that time Jesus answered and said, "I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes.

1 CO 1:26-29 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,  that no man should boast before God.

Jesus took His message to the public marketplace. His apostles and the early church followed His example and commands at the cost of their lives through out the Roman Empire. Few seminarians are following this most simple precept of Christianity today. Why has their training failed to produce understanding and obedience? The lack of leadership examples in the “church,” which evangelize in the historical Biblical method, is the main cause of the moral decay and Bible ignorance in our so-called “Christian” nation. This disobedience can be traced to the pride and arrogance in many church leaders whose titles are their boast. They are not “followers of Paul,” as he was of Christ; Philippians 3:17 states;

“Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.”
 

Are you a true "brother" or "sister" in the Lord? Do you understand these following important concepts?

1.  You are a criminal (sinner) in God's eyes. You have broken His laws, and always will deserve to suffer in the flames of Hades and hell forever. No one is good enough to go to heaven!

2.  The "...Word became flesh... ."  Jesus was the body part of God in human form.  He left His power in heaven to come and take the torture of the cross and the Hades (hell) that you deserve for all your sins.  He rose from the grave and Hades because the Father accepted His sacrifice for you.

3.  The Bible says, "If you believe" these things then salvation is applied to you.  All your sins are paid for; therefore you are going to heaven.  You cannot reject, lose, or give back the "free gift" of eternal life once you have received it.  It is eternal!  Jesus has saved you from the eternal torture you deserve.  Praise God for His grace and mercy!  Obeying Him will bring blessings to you.

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