I guess “pastor” is the more common name used in congregations. You can say, “pastor,” and most people know what or whom you are referencing.
But the times are changing. And so is the name.
To be clear, there are some denominations and religious traditions that have never used “pastor” to describe the spiritual leader of the church. I know of more than one denomination and Christian fellowship where “minister” is the only term used.
But as local congregations across America continue to experience significant changes, we are seeing the more common term of “pastor” declining in favor of more expanded, or even totally different, terms. And I am not even speaking of all the others who serve on a church staff. The multiple terms for those different roles seem unlimited.
If you spent your entire life in one denomination or fellowship, you may think the names used for church staff are uniform. The evidence, though, points to much variety.
But let’s take a moment and look at the different names for the leader of a congregation. I found these examples in just a few minutes of searching:
- Pastor – still the most common term, at least for now.
- Senior pastor – typically is used when the church has more than one minister or pastor on staff. The senior pastor oversees the other staff members.
- Lead pastor – most of the time this phrase is used synonymously with senior pastor.
- Teaching pastor – in some churches, the name refers to someone who preaches or teaches in a primary worship service, but who is not the senior pastor. In other cases it is synonymous with senior pastor.
- Preaching pastor – same as teaching pastor
- Teaching elder – same as teaching pastor in the context of a plurality of leadership.
- Preaching elder – pretty much the same as teaching elder.
- Vision pastor – already located this term in several churches; in all cases it is synonymous with senior pastor.
- Campus pastor – typically used in churches that have more than one location. This person has leadership over one of those locations.
- Minister – see pastor.
- Teaching minister – see teaching pastor.
- Preaching minister – see preaching pastor.
- Bishop – in some cases it is synonymous with senior pastor; in other cases it is used to describe a leader over pastors in multiple congregations.
I have no doubt I’ve missed several other names for pastor. What names can you add to this list? What do you think about the multiple terms that are being used?
Posted on January 30, 2013
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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61 Comments
In seeing Community and Small Groups/connections Pastor alot as well. Family Pastor is another one.
Jeff –
You’re right, but I have not heard those terms used as synonyms for the pastor or senior pastor.
In my denomination I am called “Bishop”. That’s my Ordination status. However in my church if people ask what they should call me for sometimes they do….I answer, you may call me “Pastor Donley”, or “Brother Donley”. Everybody in the church knows who I am and my role and it would not take long for a guest to know either. I am not impressed by titles.
I am either called “Brother John” or “Preacher” in the very rural setting I minister to. I like it when they call me “Preacher” honestly. Haven’t heard it yet used as a derogatory term.
I live in rural Kansas, and get called “preacher” quite a bit. I’m not offended.
Doc- I hear a lot of this in the African American Churches
This isn’t a title. It’s a way that preachers in the African American church refer to each other in casually.
I have several folks in the rural church where I serve who just use the term , ‘preacher’.
In rural places, “preacher” still sticks.
I am called Brother Les even by those outside the church. I have also been called “preacher” which I think is more of a derogatory term.
@Sally I have never liked the use of reverend to refer to myself as a Pastor. There is one place, and only one place where the word reverend is used and that is in reference to God. Some of the translations use the word “awesome.” It is a word that calls for fear, respect, and of course reverence. That isn’t me. I prefer Pastor, Preacher or even Brother.
Reverend. Even though I do not like to be called by this term it is a common term especially in older traditional churches
I have a lady at my church who calls me “Reverend Davis.” I call her “Parishioner Cheryl.” 🙂
Tom…wow…you forgot “Brother”. Oh my goodness. Major oversight. You do eat fried chicken, don’t you? 🙂
reverend?
Great list. I would add Priest (an office) and Rector (senior pastor of an Anglican or Episcopal church).
Blake –
Great catch on your part. “Rector” should definitely be on the list.