pastors

A pastor is a religious leader in many Christian communities who provides spiritual guidance, teaching, and administrative oversight for a local congregation. The word derives from Latin pastor meaning shepherd, reflecting the role of guiding a faith community and caring for its members.

Typical duties include preaching and teaching, administering rites such as baptism and communion (or ordinances, depending on tradition), performing weddings and funerals, visiting the sick, counseling individuals and families, guiding congregational programs, and coordinating the church’s mission and finances. Pastors also represent the church in ecumenical and civic contexts.

Most pastors receive formal theological training through seminaries or divinity schools, and are ordained or commissioned by a church body before assuming office. Paths vary by tradition and may include internships, provisional roles, or examinations of doctrine and character before full responsibility is conferred.

Denominational variation is significant. In the Catholic Church, a pastor is a priest in charge of a parish. In many Protestant and Anglican churches, pastor is the common title for the ordained leader, while other terms such as rector, vicar, or minister may be used. Roles can range from a sole pastor to a team led by senior and associate pastors.

Gender and diversity practices differ by tradition; women serve as pastors in many denominations, while others restrict ordination by gender. The position may be retained as "pastor emeritus" after retirement, and the pastorate often emphasizes ongoing pastoral care, community outreach, and leadership development beyond Sunday services.