The Importance of Names
The utility of names and titles is often left unpondered. It is a matter of course for nearly every human being capable of speech that everything around them, from inanimate objects to animals, has a unique designation. There's even a word that we use to describe the practice of naming things—taxonomy. It usually refers specifically to the classification of plants and animals, but it can be used with regard to the naming of anything. It is also the oldest human endeavor. It was the first task given by God to Adam. "Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name" (Gen. 2:19). Giving unique designations to every part of God's creation facilitates communication itself.
When we hear or read names or titles, they tell us varying degrees of what, when, who, where, how, and/or why. Thus, the utility of naming things is demonstrated. United States of America informs us of multiple governmental entities that have unity and are in a region called America. Department of Homeland Security informs us of an organization involved in countering domestic threats. For a Biblical example, church of Christ speaks of a group of people called out (the definition of ekklesia) and belonging to Christ.
Just as with all human endeavors, the application of names is subject to abuse. Misapplication of a name, or misnomer, occurs all the time in both secular and religious realms (whether intentional or accidental). When considering what God wills with respect to His church, the name on the sign outside a church building immediately tells the observer many things. Those who have studied their Bibles understand that the Scriptures do not speak of Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, Mormon, or other such churches. If these organizations refer to themselves as the New Testament church, yet at the same time use an unscriptural name, then they are using an inaccurate description. Individuals seeking truth will hopefully realize that a church with a manmade name isn't approved by God.
This leads to an important question: "If a church can't even get the name right (the correct one can be found in Romans 16:16), then what else isn't right, either?"
Titles for individuals are also important in the church, in that we're not supposed to use them.
Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matt. 23:9-12).
Jesus made it rather plain: Do not dare take any sort of title that honors yourself above others (e.g., father—how ironic that Catholic priests use the precise word Jesus said not to in verse 9—pastor, reverend, archbishop, pope, etc). This is not to be confused with words that are used to describe someone's position or job (i.e., preacher, deacon, or elder. The words overseer, pastor, and bishop are used interchangeably in the New Testament with elder, though to avoid confusion, they are not common parlance these days. If someone applies these sorts of titles to themselves, just like the unscriptural names of churches, one can immediately know that such people are not faithful Christians.
Names and, generally, words carry with them a great deal of meaning. If we seek to obey God's Word, then we will also necessarily seek to use the proper words and names in serving Him. Those can only be found in the Bible. We will likewise avoid those who insist on using incorrect and unscriptural terminology, as we are admonished by Paul:
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself (1 Tim. 6:3-5).