What does the Bible say about honorific titles in the church?

In Matthew 23:8-12, Jesus explicitly forbids His followers from using honorific titles like 'Rabbi' or 'Father' among themselves, emphasizing that they are all brothers and only He is the Teacher. This reflects the idea that no one should seek to elevate themselves through titles, as all believers stand equal before Christ. The use of such titles can create a culture of status and hierarchy within the church, leading to pride among leaders and a misunderstanding of true servant leadership, which Jesus exemplified. Honorific titles such as 'Reverend' or 'Senior Pastor' carry implications of superiority that the New Testament explicitly counters, as all believers share the same identity in Christ as part of His body.