What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pastor
Example
The pastor delivered an inspiring sermon on forgiveness. [pastor: noun]
Example
She has been pastoring the church for over a decade. [pastoring: verb]
priest
Example
The priest blessed the congregation with holy water. [priest: noun]
Example
He was ordained as a priest last year. [priest: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pastor is more commonly used in Protestant denominations, while priest is more commonly used in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pastor and priest?
Priest is generally considered more formal than pastor, as it is associated with more traditional and hierarchical religious structures.
