Priests, Pastors and Vestments

[Lady Macbeth]

Hi everyone! I'm trying to sort some terminology out in my head and Googling just makes me more confused.

I'm trying to establish what the leaders of churches are called and why they're called different things - for example, I've heard the terms "Father," "Priest," and "Pastor" among others. I know that Catholics have a defined hierarchy that goes up to the Pope being the highest authority, but I am not sure about the Protestant denominations.

I am also interested in what the different types of uniforms/vestments (for lack of a better or more accurate word) are and why they vary so much. I've seen pictures of the priests wearing black with the white collar, and sometimes they have a cross around their neck. I've also seen pictures of Catholic leaders, especially Bishops, Cardinals and the Pope dressed a certain way.

The only direct experience I've had, however, was at my husband's church. His church has had three pastors since I've attended it with him. (I use "pastor" because they've all been called "Pastor So-and-So" by my husband's family and other attendees.) The first was a middle-aged gentleman who usually just wore very nice normal clothes (like you would wear to a business meeting or a semi-formal gathering) and a reasonable-sized cross around his neck. I think I remember seeing a white collar tucked into the collar of his shirt, but it may have just been the style of shirt he wore. The second was a middle-aged woman who wore a floor-length white robe-type garment (it seemed to be pullover, no front or back openings) that was tied at the waist with a natural-colored rope and she wore a large, decorative wooden cross around her neck. The third is an older gentleman who wears earth-toned business suits. I think he also wears a cross, but it's usually hidden by his suit jacket. He reminds me a lot of the evangelists you see on TV, except that he doesn't speak so loudly.

If anyone can offer any insight, I would appreciate it. I think the ones I'm most confused on are the leaders of Protestant denomination churches, but if I might be missing any variance in the Catholic churches, please let me know. :smile:

[National Intelligence Director Phoenix]

Hi everyone! I'm trying to sort some terminology out in my head and Googling just makes me more confused.

I'm trying to establish what the leaders of churches are called and why they're called different things - for example, I've heard the terms "Father," "Priest," and "Pastor" among others. I know that Catholics have a defined hierarchy that goes up to the Pope being the highest authority, but I am not sure about the Protestant denominations.

I am also interested in what the different types of uniforms/vestments (for lack of a better or more accurate word) are and why they vary so much. I've seen pictures of the priests wearing black with the white collar, and sometimes they have a cross around their neck. I've also seen pictures of Catholic leaders, especially Bishops, Cardinals and the Pope dressed a certain way.

The only direct experience I've had, however, was at my husband's church. His church has had three pastors since I've attended it with him. (I use "pastor" because they've all been called "Pastor So-and-So" by my husband's family and other attendees.) The first was a middle-aged gentleman who usually just wore very nice normal clothes (like you would wear to a business meeting or a semi-formal gathering) and a reasonable-sized cross around his neck. I think I remember seeing a white collar tucked into the collar of his shirt, but it may have just been the style of shirt he wore. The second was a middle-aged woman who wore a floor-length white robe-type garment (it seemed to be pullover, no front or back openings) that was tied at the waist with a natural-colored rope and she wore a large, decorative wooden cross around her neck. The third is an older gentleman who wears earth-toned business suits. I think he also wears a cross, but it's usually hidden by his suit jacket. He reminds me a lot of the evangelists you see on TV, except that he doesn't speak so loudly.

If anyone can offer any insight, I would appreciate it. I think the ones I'm most confused on are the leaders of Protestant denomination churches, but if I might be missing any variance in the Catholic churches, please let me know. :smile:

In all honesty, this is something I really don't know much about. The best thing I can think of to do would be to speak to various denominations. It can depend largely on the ecclesiology of the church and the way the church does its government.

Wish I could do more. If I find anything, I'll let you know.

ApologiaPhoenix

[Xavier]

I'm trying to establish what the leaders of churches are called and why they're called different things - for example, I've heard the terms "Father," "Priest," and "Pastor" among others. I know that Catholics have a defined hierarchy that goes up to the Pope being the highest authority, but I am not sure about the Protestant denominations.

As Nick suggests, the designation for the leader of a local church (or parish) is largely a cultural thing based in the faith tradition of the particular church. In the United States, there are basically two titles in use: Pastor and Priest. Both words have a Biblical basis. The Greek word poimen is translated as pastor (or shepherd). As the alternate translation suggests, it refers to the person who tends a flock. The Greek word presbyteros is translated as priest (or elder). It refers to the leader of a gathering or the most senior member thereof.

Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, and some Lutherans refer to their local leaders as priests. The majority of the rest of Protestantism uses the term pastor. There are a few historical reasons for this to be the case, mostly related to the Reformed notion of the Priesthood of All Believers.

The term Father is merely a term of respect much like Reverend. Typically, if you are addressing a priest, you would address them as Father (Name). Alternatively, if you are addressing a pastor, you would address them as Reverend (Name). The honorifics are simply a language construct from the culture.

I am also interested in what the different types of uniforms/vestments (for lack of a better or more accurate word) are and why they vary so much.

They vary largely for historical reasons. Wikipedia has a fine article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestment) addressing the various types of vestment. I suggest following the links to the specific articles to get an idea of what the different garments are.

For the theological reasoning behind vestments, I recommend this article (http://captainsacrament.blogspot.com/2006/10/theology-of-vestments.html) by Kyle Potter, a seminary student.

The second was a middle-aged woman who wore a floor-length white robe-type garment (it seemed to be pullover, no front or back openings) that was tied at the waist with a natural-colored rope and she wore a large, decorative wooden cross around her neck.

What you refer to here is what the Pastors of my church wear during Worship. (I attend a Methodist church.) The garment is called an Alb. Generally, it would be worn tied at the waist with rope, a cross around the neck, and a stole denoting office.

I hope that answers some of your questions. If you have additional ones, I will do my best to answer them.

Yours, Matt

[Lady Macbeth]

Thanks, Matt! That helps out a lot! :)