Minister? Preacher? Pastor?

Question

I understand that Catholics use the term Priest for their clergy but in Protestant denominations, what is the difference between a minister, preacher, and a pastor? Do certain denominations have particular titles for their clergy? Does the title used denote their level of training/education? Or does it refer to the number of people in their congregation? Does their title depend upon whether they are paid a salery or have another occupation besides clergy?

Answer 1

I'll attempt to explain in a way that dosnt confuse you further,

All Christians can be ministers.... when they do something for example witnessing... or if they do something for others out of service to the Lord they are "ministering" to that person. Because what they are doing is to give honor to the Lord and follow his teachings. A Pastor is actually the pastor of a church... he is there to bring the message each week yes.. but that is far from all of his duties. As a Pastor he is responsible for looking after the members of the church their spiritual needs, if they have a problem of some type he is there to provide help and guidance. Many people believe the Pastor is the head of the church.... as a Pastor myself i can tell you the Pastor is a teacher yes... but he is the servant of the church. A preacher is someone who preaches the word of God .... an evangalist is a preacher but he usually is not a pastor... he travels from place to place preaching in different churches... or for example the old "Tent camp meetings"... while he is an Ordained Minister he does not Pastor a specific congregation. Some churches may have members that are Ordained Ministers but they do not evangalize or travel... they attend a home church and may preach on occassion when the Pastor is sick or out of town .... they are preachers.

I hope this helps you and does not confuse you further.
God bless you :)

Answer 2

Each denomination had it's own specific rules but in general; a minister as often refers to laity as it does to ordained clergy. Pastor is generally a reference to ordained clergy that leads a specifice flock or church. Reverend is a general title for ordained clergy and preacher refers to a person with oratory and expounding skills. A preacher may not lead a specific congregation but could be a traveling evanglist.

Answer 3

None of the above criteria that you mention, but a good question.
"Priests" are usually ceremonially ordained to offer sacrifices. Even the Temple Priests of Judaism were referred to as Priests, or the head of the Temple as the High Priest.
So, Catholics usually use that term for their clergymen because their religious service is a Mass, commemorating the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

"Minister" roughly translates to "servant." Ministers generally serve in Protestant churches, as they serve the congregation there. (Plus, Protestant churches offer teachings and preaching instead of a commemorative sacrifice like Catholics.)

"Pastor" can be someone of any denomination. It roughly translates to "shepherd" as they lead their flocks. The highest ordained official in a congregation is the Pastor, because he leads the congregation like a shepherd leads his flock.

Both Catholics and Protestants use the term Pastor.

Answer 4

Nowhere does the bible say that a preacher or instructor or pastor has to have a college degree, or formal coaching. I do have faith that they might desire to have an intensive awareness of the scriptures, yet scruptural recognize-how comes from God's Spirit, no longer lecture rooms. in actuality, at the instant, maximum fake dcotrine comes from "semenary" knowledgeable pastors, when you consider that almost al of the semenaries have long previous workstation liberal. those positions are callings and ministries from God, no longer from a level on the wall.

Answer 5

Different people and different churches use different terms but they all mean the same. In the north, the term minister is preferred, pastor is more prevalent in the south. Church people usually use one of these two terms, non-church people often say preacher.

I am one of them and get called by all three terms.

Answer 6

Those titles are pretty much all the same thing. Depends solely on the denomination.

It has nothing to do with the other things you mentioned.

Answer 7

Our Minister is a Preacher and he Pastors our church.

I believe it is denominational.

Answer 8

It makes no difference, they are all frauds. Religion is the ultimate con, it is government protected, tax free and the product they sell doesn't have to be delivered until you reach a place that doesn't exist.

Answer 9

the answer id in the question