• Pastors perform many important functions in the church and community.church image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
  
  Pastors are charged with leading their congregation and overseeing the general development of their church. To most people, the primary function of a pastor may appear to be simply preaching a sermon on Sunday mornings. In reality, pastors perform an extensive range of duties in the church and the community at large. If you are considering pursuing a career as a pastor, it is important to understand the primary responsibilities the position entails.
  
  

Directing Worship Services

• One of the primary duties of a pastor is to oversee regular worship services. The content and activities related to worship will vary based on the type of church. For example, according to the Synod of Wisconsin Resource Center, a pastor is expected to preach the Word of God and administer the sacraments in the congregation. The pastor is also expected to oversee the coordination and development of the music program during the worship service.
  
  

Church Administration

• The pastor is also responsible for overseeing the administration of the church. According to the Synod of Wisconsin Resource Center, this may include coordinating with the church council or administration board to oversee building projects, budgeting and event planning, providing support to the associate and/or youth pastors, ensuring that all church property is in good repair, aid in the hiring of ordained and non-ordained staff and acting as a representative to other churches and organizations.
  
  

Education and Outreach

• Pastors are also expected to be active in educating the congregation and the community, apart from scheduled services. This may involve activities such as conducting regular Bible study classes, visiting the sick and elderly and overseeing activities that are designed to encourage participation by church members and the community as a whole. In addition, pastors are also expected to engage in furthering their own spiritual education. This may be achieved through Bible study, attending religious conferences or reading trade magazines or newspapers.
  
  

Officiation

• Pastors also serve an important function by officiating at various services. The most common types of services they may oversee are weddings and funerals. Typically, they conduct these services at the request of church members, although they may be asked to oversee services for non-members. Pastors also typically perform services related to baptism.
  
  

Counseling

• In addition to educating the congregation, pastors are also available to provide counseling services if needed. Church members may seek out the pastor for spiritual counseling related to any number of issues. One of the most common types of counseling pastors perform is related to marriage. In some instances, pastors may offer counseling to couples before as well as after marriage.