2011-09-18

What do we call those who serve in the Office of the Ministry?

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The Bible calls those who serve in the Office of the Public Ministry, shepherds and bishops (overseers), teachers, elders, and servants.

Eph. 4:11: And he gave some... pastors (shepherds) and teachers.

1 Tim. 3:1: This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

1 Tim. 5:17: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.

Col. 1:6-7: Ye knew the grace of God in truth... of Epaphras our dear fellow-servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ.


In Confessional Lutheran churches the word, pastor, has become the generally accepted title for those who serve in the Office of the Public Ministry. The word, pastor, means shepherd. In referring to those who serve in the Ministry, the Lutheran Confession use names such as overseer or bishop, preacher, pastor, and presbyter or elder.