adjective
pastoral
Relating to a minister's spiritual care of a congregation.
The minister provides pastoral care to families grieving a loved one.
Etymology
A religious pastor is figuratively a shepherd caring for a flock. Pastoral preserves that care-giving image in a minister's spiritual guidance of a congregation.
More examples
- Hospital visits are an important part of her pastoral duties.
- The church offers pastoral counseling to couples facing difficult decisions.
- He turns to his minister for pastoral guidance after his divorce.
Forms
pastoral
pastor noun — A minister responsible for a congregation's spiritual care.
Similar words
- ministerial
- Relates to a minister's duties, not specifically spiritual care.
- clerical
- Relates to clergy generally, rather than their caring role.