Understanding the 'Rev.' in My Title and the Importance of Names
For those who know me, I'm simply Steve. I like Steve. However, in professional settings, I often introduce myself as Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens. Today, I'd like to unpack the 'Rev.' part of my title, what it means in my work and life, and touch on the importance of names and preferences.
What Does 'Rev.' Mean?
'Rev.' stands for Reverend, indicating my ordination, work, and service in the Church. Yes, I am ordained in the United Church of Christ (UCC), a mainline Protestant Christian denomination. This title is shared in church circles and waxes or wanes depending on the religious denomination here in the United States. It reflects years of theological study, seminary training, and a commitment to active ministry.
Interestingly, the use of 'Reverend' wasn't common in early American Congregationalist churches (predecessors to the UCC). This reflects the Protestant emphasis on the priesthood of all believers and a rejection of rigid hierarchies. Today, I use it as a quick way to convey my formal theological education and active church service amongst peers and colleagues in ecclesiastical settings.
More Than Just a Title
'Reverend' is an honorific title, one that is not imposed or expected. It carries with it a sense of respect and reverence, representing a lifelong commitment to serving one's community through spiritual and practical needs. For me, this calling has profoundly shaped my approach to ministry, counseling, and education. It is a reminder of my oath and commitment to serve.
In Practice
In my counseling work, the 'Reverend' title is more than just a part of my identity and training. It's a tool I use to navigate ethical boundaries and provide compassionate care. I always clarify during the informed consent process at intake that while 'Reverend' is part of my identity and training, it doesn't define our therapeutic relationship. It sets a known point from which to shift or pivot later, lays a foundation of honesty, and becomes essential in broaching as well as self-disclosure in later sessions.
When teaching, I explain that in academic circles, 'Rev.' traditionally precedes 'Dr.' This stems from a historical context where service to God was seen as a higher calling than service to academia. Understanding this can help students as they navigate their own professional identities, especially those who wish to pursue higher education and training.
The Importance of Names and Preferences
While we're on the subject of names and titles, I'd like to touch on a crucial aspect of personal and professional interaction: the importance of using preferred names and pronouns. It's becoming increasingly common—and rightfully so—for individuals to advocate for themselves by offering their preferred names and pronouns.
Many colleges, universities, and major employers are now making room for preferred names in their systems. This practice is vital because being called by the right name sets a certain tone and allows others to know your preferences. It creates a more inclusive and respectful environment where individuals feel seen and valued for who they are.
In my case, while I go by Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens in formal settings, I prefer to be called Steve in more casual interactions. And just as it's important to respect names, it's equally crucial to respect pronouns. Mine are he/him/his.
By sharing this information, we create spaces where everyone feels comfortable expressing their preferences, leading to more authentic and respectful interactions.
In Conclusion
While titles can seem formal, they each tell a story. For me, 'Rev.' speaks to a commitment to service, a foundation of theological education, and an approach to work that integrates spiritual insights with practical care. At the same time, respecting individual preferences in names and pronouns is a simple yet powerful way to show respect and create inclusive environments.
Stay tuned for future posts where I'll unpack other aspects of my professional title and journey!
