WRONG FOR PASTORS TO HAVE NICKNAMES????

Some Christians have had issues with modern-day pastors using nicknames. In Ghana, we hear names like Prophet Thunder, Ogyaba (Son of fire), Kumchachca, Obofour (Angel), and so on

Jul 23, 2023 - 06:45
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WRONG FOR PASTORS TO HAVE NICKNAMES????

WRONG FOR PASTORS TO HAVE NICKNAMES????

By Elijah Asuo Wiredu

A nickname is any name given to a person or thing instead of or as well as the real name.

We are discussing this subject from the perspective of the Bible. Looking at the subject literally, one is likely to think that it is not biblical for pastors to use nicknames. Some Christians have had issues with modern-day pastors using nicknames. In Ghana, we hear names like Prophet Thunder, Ogyaba (Son of fire), Kumchachca, Obofour (Angel), and so on. In the Bible, there are a number of instances where nicknames are used.

In the new testament, Jesus himself gave Simon the nickname of Peter which means “Rock” (John 1:42). He was not called Peter from birth. It was Jesus who gave that name to him. Jesus also gave the name Boanerges to James and John. The meaning of the name is Sons of Thunder.

These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder …”

Mark 3:16-17

There is also the Thomas side. The one we have nicknamed "Doubting Thomas." In fact, the Bible described him as such but the disciples didn’t call Thomas by that name. The Gospel of John tells us (twice) that Thomas was called "Didymus," "the Twin."

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
John 20:24

But throughout the New Testament, we never heard of his twin brother or sister. There is also nothing to prove that Thomas was actually born a twin. Bible students believe that he was that disciple who looked like Jesus and his resemblance to Jesus was so striking that the disciples named him the Twin.

In the old testament, Elijah was referred to as “The chariots and horsemen of Israel”. How can one person be referred to as “horses and chariots”?

Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!”

2 Kings 2:12

Elisha, who inherited the mantle and ministry of Elijah also used the same name.

Now Elisha had been suffering from the illness from which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him. “My father! My father!” he cried. “The chariots and horsemen of Israel!”

2 kings 13:14

Nebuchadnezzar also changed the names of three Hebrew men into Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Those were not their original names. They were originally called Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah respectively but they have been known and referred to by their later name given to them by the king.

The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

Daniel 1:7

So, Nicknames are biblical and I believe that it is not wrong for a Christian or pastor to use nicknames

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