Priest, Minister, and Pastor are all “man given” titles used to describe the role of the “professional church leader.” The title Priest is mainly used by Catholics, while protestant (non-catholic) denominations typically refer to their spiritual leaders as Pastors or Ministers. While the name might not be the same, nor found in scripture, the office and duties are. In Scriptures the terms overseer, elders, and shepherds (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-2) are used to describe the man who has spiritual oversight of a congregation. Although there are many duties of a Pastor, his primary responsibility is to care for the spiritual condition of His congregation by the public teaching and preaching of the Word of God.
“We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word” Acts 6:3b-4
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
II Timothy 4:1-2
