The term "pastor" is indeed biblical:
"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"
— Ephesians 4:11 (KJV)
Here, “pastors” are listed as one of the spiritual gifts Christ gave to the church for edifying the body of Christ.
In Hebrew and Greek:
Hebrew: רעה (ra'ah) – shepherd.
Greek: ποιμήν (poimēn) – shepherd or pastor.
🟢 Conclusion: The Bible affirms the office and function of a pastor as a shepherd and teacher of God's people. The title itself is not wrong when used appropriately.
Ellen G. White frequently uses the word “pastor” to describe ministers and shepherds of the flock:
"The greatest want of the world is the want of men… who will stand for the right… such a character is not the result of accident… It is the result of discipline of the mind. The work of the true pastor is not to feed the sheep with husks, but with the bread of life."
— Gospel Workers, p. 92
"Let every pastor give himself to the work of the ministry. Let him labor to bring souls to Christ..."
— Testimonies to Ministers, p. 304
🟢 Conclusion: The SOP clearly supports the term “pastor” as a biblical role. The focus is not on the title itself, but on the character and faithfulness of the person bearing it.
Victor T. Houteff also uses the term “pastor” in his writings. In fact, in his letterheads and in tracts, he signed his name as:
“V.T. Houteff – Minister of the Davidian Seventh-day Adventists”,
and he addressed other ministers respectfully as “Pastor So-and-so.”
Furthermore, in Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 29, he writes:
"If the churches would have had real pastors, such as Ezekiel mentions in chapter 34, they would not now be in this Laodicean condition."
He acknowledges the pastor as a legitimate office, even quoting Ezekiel 34 to expose false shepherds, but implying that true shepherds/pastors are needed.
🟢 Conclusion: The SRod does not condemn the term “pastor.” It instead calls for true pastors who will lead the flock according to God's will, in contrast to the false shepherds who mislead God’s people.
Source
View on "Pastor"
Notes
Bible
âś… Supported (Ephesians 4:11)
Seen as a spiritual gift and office
SOP
âś… Affirmed and used repeatedly
Highlights the duty and character of true pastors
Shepherd’s Rod
âś… Recognized and used
Warns against false pastors but honors the true pastoral office
It is not wrong to call someone “Pastor” as long as they are fulfilling the spiritual and moral role of a shepherd in accordance with the Word of God. What is condemned in all three sources is the abuse of spiritual leadership—not the title itself.
Is Calling Someone a "Pastor" Wrong? A Biblical, SOP, and Shepherd's Rod Perspective
Purpose of this Study: To clarify whether the use of the title "Pastor" is biblically sound and aligned with the teachings of the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) and the Shepherd's Rod (SRod) literature.
1. Biblical Foundation
The Bible supports the use of the term "pastor" as a legitimate spiritual office. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul identifies pastors as one of the gifts Christ gave to the church:
"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." — Ephesians 4:11
The Greek word used for pastor is "poimen", meaning shepherd. The role is to lead, feed, and protect the flock (God's people).
Conclusion: The Bible affirms the office and function of a pastor.
2. Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) Perspective
Ellen G. White, recognized as the messenger of the Lord in the SDA movement, frequently uses the title "pastor" in a positive context:
"Let every pastor give himself to the work of the ministry. Let him labor to bring souls to Christ." — Testimonies to Ministers, p. 304
She does not condemn the use of the title but emphasizes the importance of the character and responsibility of those who bear it.
Conclusion: SOP supports the title when used by faithful ministers.
3. Shepherd’s Rod Perspective
Victor T. Houteff, founder of the Davidian movement and author of the Shepherd’s Rod, also used the title "pastor." He signed official correspondences as “Minister” and referenced faithful and unfaithful pastors:
"If the churches would have had real pastors, such as Ezekiel mentions in chapter 34, they would not now be in this Laodicean condition." — Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 29
This implies not a rejection of the term, but of the unfaithful execution of the role.
Conclusion: SRod supports the term "pastor" when referring to true, faithful shepherds.
Final Summary Table
Source
View on "Pastor"
Notes
Bible
âś… Supported
Spiritual office of shepherding and teaching
SOP
âś… Affirmed
Emphasizes faithfulness and moral duty
Shepherd’s Rod
âś… Recognized
True pastors are needed; false ones are rebuked
Conclusion: Using the title “Pastor” is not wrong. All inspired writings uphold it as a biblical office. What is condemned is not the title but the abuse or failure to faithfully fulfill its responsibilities. The term should therefore be used with reverence and applied only to those who meet its sacred duties.