Priest vs Pastor: Understanding the Difference
Understanding Titles in Christian Tradition
Both priest and pastor lead in providing spiritual guidance to congregants in the Christian Church. This article notes similarities and differences in the roles priests and pastors play in the Church today.
The Origin of Terms: Where Do "Pastor" and "Priest" Come From?
The English terms priest and pastor originate from the Judeo-Christian faith and the Bible. Centuries before Moses wrote the book of Genesis, Abraham encountered Melchizedek, the priest (Gen, 20). Melchizedek’s title is noted without explanation, indicating that the cultural role priests served was well-established throughout the ancient world. In Judaism, the office of priest (Kohen in Hebrew) was formally established in the days of Moses.
Since about 1450 B.C. the sons of Aaron (the Levites) served as priests before the Lord.Centuries later, in the days of the prophets, the terms priest and shepherd were strongly connected and sometimes used as synonyms. Priests were to help individuals understand the will and Word of God, and care for the spiritual and civil needs of the people.
With the establishment of the New Testament Church, the role of the Jewish priesthood faded and the word pastor was introduced. The terms pastor and shepherd have the same root word (poimēn) and are synonyms in the Greek text.
Historical Context and Early Church Foundations
With the coming of the New Testament Church, the Old Covenant, which was based on the Law, was replaced by the New Covenant of Grace. While elements of the Law regarding conduct remain unaltered (i.e., “Thou shall not murder” still applies), the New Covenant introduced significant changes regarding how we relate to and serve God.Sacrifices were abolished.
The Temple was at first replaced with house churches, and the terms temple priest and Levitical priesthood were replaced by the terms pastor, shepherd, bishop, and overseer. Often, church organization or structure in major Christian denominations today flows from how one defines the leadership terms noted in the New Testament, and to what degree Old Covenant traditions should be maintained.
Early Church Organizations and the Rise of the Roman Catholic Church
The first-century Christian Church followed Paul’s instructions in Ephesians and Romans regarding the leadership structure of the church. This included appointing men to the offices of pastor/shepherd and bishop/overseer. For decades, the Apostles, based in Jerusalem, provided spiritual and administrative leadership for the expanding Church.
By 100 A.D., that generation of great leaders was gone. As the church expanded and persecution increased, strong regional leaders and synods (regional meetings of key leaders) arose and provided leadership for the Church.During this time, many religious traditions were established, but there were not many Christian denominations—there was one—the universal or Catholic faith.
This one church followed the teachings presented in the Gospels, Paul's Epistles, and counsel from the early “church fathers.”By 335 AD, Emperor Constantine had reversed oppressive laws and encouraged all in the Empire to embrace the tenets of the Christian faith. By 400 A.D., the Nicene Creed was adopted and the Canon of Scripture (New and Old Testaments) was formalized. This universal or one church flourished until the Roman Empire fell and the Western world entered the dark ages.
By the time Western Europe was coming out of the dark ages, the universal church had become the hub for spiritual and political power. The Pope was the head of the Holy Roman Empire. The church was a steward of education and higher learning, spiritual instruction, and had the authority to commission kings and armies.
How the Protestant Reformation Paved the Way for Protestant Churches
The Protestant Reformation began in 1517 when a priest, Martin Luther, posted a list of grievances regarding church doctrine and practice and found high leadership resistant to change. Within a decade many joined in protesting--pushing for reform, and within two decades, new denominations (Protestant) began to form.In the 16th —19th centuries, religious leaders representing the protestant church sought to reject Catholic tradition and adopt a Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) approach to theology.
One outcome of this move was to return to Biblical titles for leaders of various ministries. Protestant organizations rejected terms like Pope and pries and embraced biblical terms such as pastor, shepherd, and bishop.’
Protestant churches value autonomy—the local church is generally not controlled by associated professional organizations or offices, but are encouraged to partner and network with other churches. Most protestant churches hire their own staff and adopt creeds and doctrinal statements.
The Influence of the Roman Empire on Church Structures and Titles
In time, the Catholic or universal Church became known as the leader of the Holy Roman Empire. As the Catholic Church took a lead role in spiritual, military, education, and government matters, it established a hierarchy that, in some ways, mirrored the strong hierarchical structure of the old Roman Empire.
During this time, the Church introduced new religious traditions (such as infant baptism and the doctrine of purgatory) and titles (such as Friar, Nun, Monk, Monsignor, Archbishop, Cardinal, and Pope). This structure empowered religious leaders and created a divide between the laity and clergy.
Difference Between Priest and Pastor
Priests and pastors have similar responsibilities. Both serve as the spiritual leader of their congregation, are active in leading church services, feel a call to pastoral ministry, and are charged to maintain religious traditions associated with their faith group. However, there are differences between Catholic and Eastern Orthodox priests and the pastor of a local church. Several notable distinctions follow.
Training and Education
Priests are required to earn a divinity degree through an approved school.. Typically, ordination follows graduation and precedes being placed in one’s first parish. A divinity degree is not always required of pastors in Protestant churches (though ordination almost always is).
Most, however, who serve as senior pastors in mainline Protestant churches have an MDiv or higher degree; non-denominational churches and groups associated with the ‘Four Square’ or Pentecostal denominations are exceptions to this rule. Educational requisites are generally determined by denominational offices or by individual churches. Approximately 50% of Protestant churches require all ministerial staff to have a Bible College or Seminary Level degree.
Roles and Resposibility
A general overview of the roles and responsibilities of priests and pastors follows:In general, those called priests fulfill a role that non-priests cannot. Priests are viewed as being specially appointed and empowered by God to facilitate forgiveness by serving as a mediator between sinful man and a holy God.Priests coordinate requiem masses and administer sacramental works, which have grace or reward-earning value in heaven.
Therefore, a priest is much more than a spiritual leader or teacher—priests are stewards of truth, responsible for imparting spiritual guidance and making God’s will known to the people.Priests serving Greek Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox congregations have similar responsibilities as Catholic priests, though Eastern Orthodox priests are not required to maintain a vow of celibacy.
Though many other religions have priests, few carry the solemn responsibility of serving as a unique conduit between God and man as do Catholic priests.In protestant churches, a pastor leads in providing spiritual guidance and serves as spiritual leader. While a priest often emphasizes liturgical worship, a pastor will emphasize expositional teaching of Scripture, community outreach, and congregational engagement in singing and worship.
As Scripture teaches that all are called to witness and serve, pastors tend to teach on matters related to discipleship more than religious rites or historic Christian tradition.In multi-staffed churches aligned with Protestant teaching, various ministries are typically led by ministers or pastors with gifting in the areas they serve. It is common to have leaders oversee Youth, Music, Worship, Education, Outreach, Administration, etc., ministries.
These leaders can be a youth pastor, pastoral care pastor, assistant pastor, associate pastor, or music/worship pastor—these leaders serve the church body and provide spiritual guidance in their designated ministry areas. Typically, these staff pastors are accountable to a board and/or the senior pastor.In most Protestant churches—particularly non-denominational churches, the responsibilities of spiritual leaders and ministry staff vary, with each local church determining what is best for their ministry.
Clothing and Symbolism
There is variety in formality in attire in Protestant churches as most churches are free to establish their own constitutions, Bylaws, worship styles, and dress codes/expectations. Many pastors wear suits to the office and while preaching—some pastors wear jeans even while on the podium. Each church establishes guidelines for staff attire.Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox church leaders wear traditional robes adorned with religious symbols (often coinciding with particular seasons or religious events). In these churches, hats are sometimes worn to indicate office, rank, and authority.
Distinctive Practices and Ceremonies
The Catholic Church emphasizes liturgical worship and religious rites. Catechism classes are designed to teach students about key aspects of the mass and the traditions of the church. The Church observes many holy days of obligation, sacred seasons, and religious observances (such as the Lent and the Feast of St. Luke). Protestant churches have few liturgical or religious rites, though most coordinate special services for Christmas, Advent, Good Friday, and Easter. Protestants tend to hold a Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) view and recognize few historical traditions not clearly noted in Scripture.
Hierarchical Epicenters
The Catholic Church has a strong hierarchical structure, with one person, the Pope, having the authority to speak ex-cathedra—with the voice of Christ. The Pope oversees a School of Cardinals, who oversee the work of the Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church is led by the Patriarch of Constantinople, who is considered “first among equals” in the council (synod) that oversees the work of the church.
The British monarch is the head of the Anglican Church.Many Protestant churches operate within a denominational network, which serves as a source of authority and doctrinal accountability. However, most Protestant churches operate as autonomous bodies that agree to core points of doctrine but vary greatly on methodology and the interpretation of secondary points of doctrine.
Marriage and Sexual Intimacy
Roman Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy; priests serving in Anglican and Greek/Eastern Orthodox churches are free to marry, but can not maintain their office in the event of a divorce. Protestant pastors are encouraged to marry. All but a few liberal churches consider marriage to be between a man and a woman and consider adultery a disqualifier for service.
Similarities in Their Divine Responsibilities
Pastors and priests are spiritually mature religious leaders who are called to provide spiritual guidance to congregations and oversee Christian ministry efforts. Similarities in the work of pastors and priests include:Relying on the anointing and leading of the Holy Spirit to be effective in service.Believing the Old and New Testament is authoritative.Being committed to deep prayer, and advocating for a growing devotional life.Respecting the religious traditions of a church bodyConnecting with professional organizations designed to support and educate those who serve a spiritual leader.
Embracing Unity in Diversity
Virtually all pastors and priests pursue specialized training and education and strive to equip and inform congregants by delivering sermons and extending pastoral care.Though there are differences in religious traditions, leadership structure, terminology, doctrine, leadership responsibilities, and church organization, the truth is, those who believe in the deity and Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture should be considered part of the body of Christ. There is more in common than what we disagree.
