Reverend is a title of respect used for Christian clergy members, especially Protestant ministers and pastors. Just as you might address a doctor as “Dr. Smith” or a judge as “Judge Martinez,” you would address many ministers as “Reverend Johnson” or “the Reverend Johnson.”

When someone becomes a reverend, they've typically completed years of religious education and training to lead a congregation, perform weddings and funerals, teach about their faith, and counsel people facing difficult times. The title recognizes both their role and the respect their position holds in their community.

In some denominations, other titles are more common: Catholic priests are called “Father,” rabbis lead Jewish congregations, and imams lead Muslim ones. But in many Protestant churches, from Baptist to Methodist to Presbyterian, Reverend remains the standard title.

You might see it abbreviated as “Rev.” in writing, such as on a wedding invitation that says “Rev. Sarah Chen will officiate the ceremony.” Some people use it as a noun and say “a reverend” or “the reverend,” while others use it as an adjective before a name. Both uses are widely accepted.