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A pastor is the head Minister or Priest of a Christian Church . The word itself is derived from the Latin word ''pastōr'' which means Shepherd .


ORIGIN

The usage of ''pastor'' comes from its use in the ). 1

In the also called himself the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11. 2


HISTORICAL USAGE

Around 400 AD, Augustine , a famous North African Bishop , described a pastor's job:
Disturbers are to be rebuked, the low-spirited to be encouraged, the infirm to be supported, objectors confuted, the treacherous guarded against, the unskilled taught, the lazy aroused, contentious restrained, the haughty repressed, litigants pacified, the poor relieved, the oppressed liberated, the good approved, the evil borne with, and all are to be loved.



CURRENT USAGE


In Protestantism

Many Protestant s use the term ''pastor'' as a title (like 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 , Mennonite s, Methodist s, Presbyterian s, Reformed tradition churches, and Baptist s.


In other traditions

Catholic , Orthodox , and Anglican churches typically refer to their leaders as priests (although the term ''pastor'' is 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.


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