WordGarden.iopastor
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɑːstə/
US
- /ˈpæstər/
Meanings
Noun
a Christian minister who leads a congregation and provides spiritual care
Beyond the definition
Imagine a church community needing care, teaching, and direction - that is where a pastor comes in. A pastor is usually the spiritual leader of a Christian church or congregation. They teach, give support, lead worship, and help people in matters of faith. The word comes from an older idea of a shepherd caring for a flock, so it can sometimes suggest gentle guidance and care. Still, in everyday English, the word is mainly used for a Christian religious leader.
The word "pastor" comes from the Latin pastor, meaning "shepherd." In modern English, it usually means a minister or spiritual leader in a Christian church. A pastor often leads worship services, teaches the Bible or church doctrine, gives counseling and support, and helps guide a congregation in matters of faith and daily life.
The idea behind the word is still connected to shepherding - caring for people, protecting them, and helping lead them in the right direction. Because of that, writers or speakers sometimes use it in a broader, metaphorical way for someone who guides others with care. But that use is much less common than the religious one, and most people will understand "pastor" first as a church leader.
So when you see this word, think first of a Christian leader who teaches and cares for a church community. The older image of a shepherd helps explain the tone of the word: guidance, care, and responsibility for others.
Examples
- 1
Church service
The pastor greeted everyone at the church door after the service.
- 2
Title with name
Pastor Nguyen asked the children to gather near the front.
- PatternPastor + name
a title for a pastor
- 3
Church leadership
She is the senior pastor at a large church in Chicago.
- Phrasesenior pastor
the main pastor in a church with more than one pastor
- 4
Hospital visit
The family asked their pastor to visit their grandmother in the hospital.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Church role
After years as a youth pastor, Ben began to pastor a small church in Oregon.
- Patternpastor + church
serve as its pastor
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pastornounverb
Forms
- pastorspluralnounverb
- pastoredpast tenseverbnoun
- pastoring-ing formverbnoun