Pastor
/'pɑ:stə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A religious leader in some Christian churches: A "pastor" is a person who is authorized to lead a Christian congregation, conduct worship services, and provide spiritual care. This term is commonly used in Protestant churches.
- A species of bird (archaic/zoological): Historically, "pastor" can refer to the rose-colored starling (Pastor roseus), a type of bird.
Usage and Examples
- Noun (Religious leader):
- The pastor delivered a powerful sermon on Sunday morning.
- She went to the pastor for guidance during a difficult time.
- The church is searching for a new pastor.
Advanced Usage
- "Pastor emeritus": A title for a retired pastor who retains an honorary connection to a church.
- After 40 years of service, he was named pastor emeritus.
Variants and Related Words
- Pastoral (adj): Relating to the spiritual guidance or care provided by a pastor, or relating to the countryside.
- The bishop is on a pastoral visit to the diocese.
- Pastorate (n): The office, tenure, or jurisdiction of a pastor.
- He began his pastorate at the small village church.
Synonyms
- Minister: A member of the clergy, especially in Protestant churches.
- Clergyman/Clergywoman: A person ordained for religious duties.
- Reverend: A title or form of address for a member of the clergy.
Different Meanings
- The primary contemporary meaning is the religious leader.
- The zoological meaning (the bird) is now rare and primarily found in historical or scientific contexts.
Idioms and Phrases
- "To pastor a flock": To lead and care for a congregation. (This uses "pastor" as a verb, a less common usage).
- He felt called to pastor the flock in his hometown.
Noun
- only the rose-colored starlings; in some classifications considered a separate genus
- a person authorized to conduct religious worship
- clergymen are usually called ministers in Protestant churches