Is a Lutheran a priest or Pastor?

Answer 1

Both. American Lutherans usually call their clerics "pastor." It is also common, while a little less common, for Lutheran a cleric to be called a "priest." In the European Lutheran countries, the term "priest" is almost always used to refer to the office while "Pastor" and "Father" are both common titles of respect (and "Mother" where the ordination of women is allowed.) "Pastor" means shepherd and refers to the all-encompassing nature of ministry and spiritual counsel. "Priest" tends to refer to the cleric's role as presider over sacraments, declarer of absolution and religious teacher of scripture and Church doctrine. So, both are appropriate. It depends on the country. The Lutheran churches of Scandinavia seem to use both "priest" and "pastor". However, in Australia and New Zealand, the term "priest" is never used, nor is "Father", but instead the term "Pastor" is used. "Priest" and "Pastor" are only used in reference to the Roman Catholic and the High Anglican churches. The formal name with the Lutheran church is "Reverend". Thus, one could refer to "Pastor Smith", "Reverend Smith" or even say "Reverend Smith is my pastor". The generic term is also "minister", i.e. a minister within the Lutheran church.