Bishop Tim

A bishop is commonly defined as an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Typically this oversight is over other members of the clergy. I've never been one who has liked titles and stated positions; however, in Kenyan church culture, title and position are very important. Due to my staff position with Growing Healthy Churches as Director of Leadership Networks and my work with other pastors, Gilbert introduced me to everyone in Kenya as Bishop Reverend Doctor Tim Brown. He is quite the jokester and so I laughed, but in a way he was serious. Due to my "titles" it allowed us to have access to people and situations that perhaps we would not have had otherwise.

So, during the week in Africa our Kenyan brothers and sisters referred to me as "Bishop Tim." When I told Charity that the pastor's wife at Jubilee Christian Center referred to her husband as Bishop and I that I thought out of reverence for me she should call me "Bishop, "she responded… "ummm…I don't think so."

After seeing how Bishop Allen, the Senior Pastor at Jubilee was treated at his church on Sunday …chauffeur driven Mercedes…two body guards who talked into their cuff links and had secret service type earpieces… escorted down the aisle in the middle of the worship service and applauded when he appeared…personal assistant who took his Apple laptop and iPad to the podium (he didn't use paper notes) … I looked over at Tom and gave a smile and a little bro-smirk indicating that as a "Bishop" perhaps I should receive such treatment. Tom, reading my mind shook his head and simply said, "Forget it Timmy!" Geez, can't a man get any respect? Now I know how Rodney Dangerfield felt.

No one seemed to mind me being a "Bishop" when we went to the Carnivore Restaurant though. Our driver, Ben had called ahead to make reservations and when we arrived the manager of the restaurant recognizing our group, came over to me and said, "Oh, you must be Bishop Tim Brown. Come we have a special table ready for you."

So, today as we departed from Kenyan soil, so did my Kenyan title…"Bishop Reverend Doctor Tim Brown." Now, I guess it's back to just plain ole "Your Highness." NOT!!!!