Synonyms for

Pastor

Verb / ˈpæstɜ: / Another word for pastor — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A minister or priest in charge of a church or congregation.

Synonyms & similar words

subgenuspastor ministerofreligion pastor parson minister rector curate minister clergyman preacher priest reverend vicar chaplain ecclesiastic shepherd guide counselor teacher mentor tutor coach instructor educator trainer adviser

Synonyms by register

Formal

clergyman minister rector vicar

Informal

preacher shepherd guy in charge the man upstairs's rep

Literary

shepherd guide spiritual leader

Antonyms

layperson skeptic nonbeliever atheist agnostic outsider

Common collocations

  • ordained pastor
  • senior pastor
  • youth pastor
  • visiting pastor
  • former pastor
  • acting pastor
  • lead pastor

Word family

noun pastor
verb pastor
adjective pastoral

Usage note

While 'pastor' can refer to any spiritual leader, it is most commonly used in Protestant Christian denominations. The verb form 'to pastor' is less common and may sound informal in some contexts.

Example sentences

  1. The pastor visited the sick members of his congregation.
  2. The pastor led the choir in singing hymns.
  3. The pastor counseled the couple before their wedding.
  4. The pastor prayed with the family of the deceased.
  5. The pastor organized a food drive for the needy.

Quotes

  • The shepherd always tries to persuade the sheep that their interests and his own are the same. - Stendhal
  • A good shepherd should shear his sheep, not flay them. - Spanish proverb
  • The art of being a good shepherd is to know the sheep and to count them frequently. - Chinese proverb

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