The one you agree to call Pastor, Prophet, Apostle, Doctor or Bishop (bishop): is it not, basically, a charlatan or a usurper?
Within the Haitian Christian community, in recent years, we are unfortunately witnessing a proliferation of self-attributed religious titles. Simple individuals are suddenly named pastor, prophet or apostle, sometimes based on an alleged appeal without any concrete evidence.
On social networks, it is not uncommon to see the names change according to the fashions, each adding “pastor”, “prophet” or “apostle” to his profile according to his desire. What disturbs above all is the fact that the immediate entourage of these impostors systematically endorses these fabricated titles, without ever wondering about their true origins.
A closed -cut community
Despite everything, it must be recognized with sadness that the Christian community evolves in a vacuum: no one dares to take the lead to coordinate the action of the Gospel. Everyone seems aware of the excesses of others, but no one accepts the idea that one can chair a management council.
However, the Bible shows that Jesus, leaving, told Peter more responsibilities among the twelve disciples, to organize, preach and make major decisions.
The vacuum left and the multiplication of “new titles”
The void left by this lack of organization opens the way to a rapid multiplication of charlatans: today, we are witnessing, with sadness, the proliferation of a new class. Some go to the status of doctor or bishop (bishop). But who therefore recognized them? What fruits have they really produced in the community?
Are we condemned to this situation without principles, without regulations or leadership? Is it not contradictory to claim that Haiti will become “the most beautiful country” when those who are considered to be spiritual fathers flicker thus? By letting this disorder multiply, are they not at heart the future of Christian youth delivered to charlatans and usurpers?
Social networks, spring springboard
Faced with these drifts, amplified by social networks – now real springboard of unscrupulous leaders – we must continue tirelessly to denounce and educate.
I am looking in vain in the Bible a single verse which would justify this wave of apostasy which disturbs the faith, but I do not find. However, the spiritual fathers, the ancients, the bishops, the doctors – who, what I know, have followed academic and ecclesiastical journeys – are always unable to unite to act and stop the hemorrhage.
We have to stop this drift. The Bible is a sacred book, and there are the biblical principles necessary to shed light on the routes leading to the various Christian ministries and to ecclesiastical offices.
I want to remember that words ecclesiastical offices Or ecclesiastical leaders Also include the ministry of cantor. On this point, I will come back in another article later, because too many questions and too many scandals emerge on this subject.
Spiritual and moral character
The Bible requires clear character criteria for ecclesiastical leaders, especially in 1 Timothy 3: 1-7 and Tite 1: 5-9. These passages highlight the importance of being:
- Irreproachable in conduct and reputation
- Faithful at his marriage
- Sober, weighted and master of self
- Hospital and welcoming
- Capable of directing His own family with wisdom
The Bible has never claimed that it is enough to have one or two of these characters to be a leader; They must be manifested all. Alas, some leaders, moved by the desire to enrich their CV with ordinations or proclamations, too often choose to ignore several of these essential qualities. In doing so, they become the initiators of the apostasy which they themselves generated. It is imperative that it ceases.
As a recognized authority recalls:
“Ordination provides confirmation that a serious effort has been made to recognize and assert an inner appeal of the Lord. »»
Before competence, the character remains essential, illustrating that spiritual leadership stems above all from a life in accordance with biblical principles.
The call and the vocation
The divine call is at the heart of all the ministries. But it must be confirmed collectively by the community of faith, and not simply claimed personally.
Contrary to what is observed on social networks and in our community, the Bible teaches that the authentication of a ministry proceeds from public recognition, never a solitary decision.
Become a pastor: a demanding course
The path to becoming a pastor is organized in essential steps:
- Call recognition : deep conviction to be called, accompanied by a long period of prayer and reflection.
- Community validation : The call must be confirmed by the local church and experienced leaders, in order to avoid self -proclamation.
- Academic training : the majority of denominations require solid theological training (license, often master, and continuing education).
- Supervised practical internship : generally two years under supervision, to acquire the necessary experience.
- Official ordination : formal ceremony after rigorous evaluation.
An authentic pastoral training is based on the development of character, biblical knowledge and practical skills. Institutions such as STEP in Haiti offer such comprehensive programs.
Become a prophet: a unique and not chosen call
The prophetic function is special: We do not choose to be a prophet, it is God who calls. The Bible distinguishes:
- L’prophetic anointing (temporary)
- THE prophecy (casual)
- L’prophet (recognized ministry)
Exercise the gift of prophecy does not do of a person a prophet in the ministerial sense. This nuance is crucial, but ignored by many: some proclaim themselves prophets after a single occasional “prophecy”, then continue to call themselves, even without receiving other revelations for months or years.
Become an apostle: Ministry of sending and mission
The word “apostle” means “sent”. In the primitive church, this term designated those who saw the resurrected Christ and received a special mission.
Today, traditions vary:
- Some consider it limited to the primitive era,
- Others see it as a ministry for the establishment of new works.
But self -proclamation, without tangible fruits or official recognition, is a serious deviation.
Even more disturbing: some end up believing in their own title simply because others, by flattery or ignorance, so call them. Alas, pride makes blind.
Become a bishop (Bishop): a responsibility of authority
Being bishop means supervising several assemblies. This requires:
- A confirmed leadership After several years of experience
- a impeccable reputationincluding non-believers
- the ability to defend doctrine (and not just a beautiful speech on social networks)
- a solid training and official recognition
Historically, the selection of a bishop is institutional and formalnever the fruit of a self -boring.
(Reminder: in English, bishop = Bishop.))
The Deptection Department (Teacher)
This ministry aims to educate and explain the scriptures. The title “Doctor” is reserved for:
- academic experts in theology,
- or holders of a recognized doctorate.
Just have oratory or interpretation is not enough. In 2025, using this title without training represents a real usurpation.
Suppose even that it is used in a “honorary” way: this does not legitimate its attribution. Whoever thinks of having the vocation should return to studies and obtain official recognition, rather than appropriate a title that he has not deserved.
We need an authentic awakening
Faced with these drifts, especially in the Haitian Christian community that I know best, it becomes urgent to mobilize to Preserve the authenticity of the Gospel.
The Christian community must:
- Require transparency of qualifications and training
- Check the authenticity of ordinations
- Support serious theological institutions
- Denounce abuse and self -proclamation
- Restore biblical authority
The choice is clear
Our inaction has a huge cost, which may overcome our capacities.
Tolerate these drifts compromises:
- The credibility of the gospel
- The confidence of the faithful
- Church unity
- Christian testimony
👉 Either we remain biblical authenticity, or we sink into complacency.
The awakening begins with the refusal of mediocrity and the requirement of excellence according to the Word of God.
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