Senior pastors are disappearing. So are "associate" and "assistant pastors." Scan church bulletins or church websites and you'll see that a crop of "Lead Elders" and "Community Servants" have sprouted in their place. Not all of the new titles are so modest. You're also apt to spot "Lead Visionaries" or even "Cultural Architects."
If these new titles are any indication, people are rethinking the pastoral role. We figured it was time to join the fun. So we asked our readers what other titles might be apt. Suggestions ranged from the serious to the silly, and we've printed a few that caught our eye. We hope these novel monikers help you think about church leadership in fresh ways, and make you laugh a little, too.
Sheep Dog
Jesus is the shepherd, but he uses pastors to keep his sheep in line. "Sheep Dogs" may be a little mangy, but they have an important role.—Ginger
Linguist
The pastor is the one to teach the congregation the biblical language that most no longer possess. Not "Christianese," the words, metaphors, and concepts from the Scripture that describe our life in Christ.—David Swanson
Meaning Monger
Pastors frame the truth for people. Their words communicate and create meaning. In a culture that's big on frivolous entertainment and short on wisdom, creating meaning is what we need church leaders to do.—Jenni Ho-Huan
Bride groomer
All brides are beautiful, as the old expression goes. But they need all the primping they can get to look their best for the big day. The bride of Christ definitely needs a makeover. And God is using pastors to make her beautiful.—Matt Farlow
Cardiologist
Pastors are heart doctors. They're used by God to discern the condition of our hearts, diagnose disease, and apply the medicine of God's Word.—Terry Monson
Feeding Utensil
It might not be very flattering to describe a pastor as an eating implement, but feeding people the Word of God is at the heart of the pastoral calling. Forks and spoons make sure the food reaches mouths to nourish bodies.—Nathan Caldwell
Body Builder
Pastors are always working to build up the body. Not a body of muscles, but a body of believers. Through teaching, loving, and encouraging people, pastors strive to create a robust people of God, strong enough to lift each other up.—Alfred Czerwinski
Imagineer
To borrow from Disney, the pastor helps the church imagine what our lives in Christ look like. We can't assume people know (or can even imagine) what it means to be a new creation. They need "Imagineers" to help them envision the Christian life.—David Swanson
Firefighter
A pastor spends a lot of time quelling conflict—in other words, putting out fires. Like a good firefighter, church leaders rush to rescue people, even when it's dangerous to do so.—Harlan Rounds
Zookeeper
For those who have spent sufficient time in ministry, this title will ring true. Church life can get crazy. Sometimes the loftier goals of ministry take a back seat to the task of preventing church folk from eating each other alive.—Jason Rioux
The Sermonator
Being a pastor isn't for sissies. Pastors get knocked down and blown up (hopefully only figuratively speaking). What makes a faithful minister of the gospel is the commitment to get back up. No matter what happens, like the Terminator, he'll be back.—Bert Crabbe
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