Pastor's Resource

The usage of pastor comes from its use in the Bible. In the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament), the Hebrew word רעה (transliterated: ra`ah) is used. The word is used 173 times, and is used to describe feeding sheep like in Genesis 29:7 and also in regards to human beings like in Jeremiah 3:15, "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding" (KJV). [1]

In the New Testament, the Greek word ποιμην (transliterated: poimēn) is used and is normally translated pastor or shepherd. The word is used 18 times in the New Testament. For example, Ephesians 4:11, "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers" (KJV). Jesus also called himself the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11.

In Protestantism
Many Protestants use the term pastor as a title (e.g., Pastor Smith) or as a job title (like Senior Pastor or Worship Pastor). This usage is particularly common among Protestants who believe in the priesthood of all believers, and, therefore, they reject the use of the term priest for their leaders. Such denominations include the Lutherans, Mennonites, Methodists, Presbyterians, Reformed tradition churches, and Baptists.


In other traditions
Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches typically refer to their leaders as priests (although the term pastor may also used, particularly in North America). In a Catholic parish large enough to have more than one priest, only one of them will bear the title of pastor. This person will be the head of the parish. Anglican churches rarely use the term "pastor", preferring the words rector and vicar.