pasteurs

Pasteurs is the plural form of the French noun pasteur, meaning pastor. In Francophone Christian communities, pasteurs are ordained clergy who serve as spiritual leaders of congregations. They are responsible for preaching, teaching, leading worship, administering sacraments where the tradition permits (for example, baptism and the Lord's Supper), and providing pastoral care, counseling, and guidance to individuals and families. The exact powers and duties can vary by denomination and country.

In Protestant contexts, including many Evangelical and Reformed churches, the pastor is often the local church's primary ordained leader and may oversee church governance, staff, and outreach programs. Some denominations distinguish between a pastor and other ordained roles such as elders, ministers, or deacons. In bilingual or multilingual communities, the title pasteur is used interchangeably with pastor, minister, or pastor-evangelist depending on the language and tradition. By contrast, in the Catholic Church and many Orthodox churches, the analogous roles are usually referred to as priests or presbyters rather than pasteurs, and the vocabulary differs by rite and region.

Training and ordination: prospective pasteurs typically undertake theological education at a seminary or Bible college and undergo ordination or commissioning within their denomination, followed by ongoing continuing education and pastoral supervision.

Etymology: pasteur derives from Latin pastor, meaning shepherd, reflecting the pastoral care and guidance the role embodies.