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OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY: LUTHER OR LUDER? Mark Menacher Surveying the denominational and non-denominational landscape of ecclesial organizations just in the United States, the phenomenon generally known as “clergy” is decidedly diverse. By nature (sinful and unclean), clergy types come in all sizes, shapes, colors, abilities, disabilities, talents, and nowadays sexual orientations. Depending upon tradition, disposition, and perhaps even indigestion, for which Martin Luther was reportedly known, those in the clerical estate can be known as chaplain, deacon, priest, bishop, auxiliary bishop, archbishop, pastor, lead pastor, associate pastor, parson, vicar, rector, minister, moderator, and district president, to name a few. Generally considered somehow to be elevated above congregational members through “ordination,” either from the perspective of the clergy or by congregational members or by both,1 such clerics (and “religious” leaders) might be addressed as The Reverend (Father and Mother), The Very Reverend, The Right Reverend (as opposed to the wrong reverend?), The Most Reverend, and even the non-reverend for those who look askance at such pomp and circumstance.
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