Definition

1. 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

1. only the rose-colored starlings; in some classifications considered a separate genus
2. a person authorized to conduct religious worship
   • clergymen are usually called ministers in Protestant churches