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While speaking on the topic of worship once, I was asked the question by a panel - "what is the difference in a worship leader and a worship pastor".  It is a good question - and one that some churches don't understand or fail to see the benefit of the difference.  For that reason, I wanted to take a couple of days and look at the answer - and outline what I feel the makeup of a worship pastor should be.

We certainly can't differentiate one term without defining the other - so we first need to look at what a "Worship Leader" is.  For the most part, "Worship Leaders" are those who lead in worship.  In a vague sense - that would include those lead worshipers such as choir members, team members, etc... But we are specifically dealing with those tasked with leading a congregation in a worship setting.

The main difference in a worship leader and a worship pastor is the level of pasturing done within the community.

A worship pastor is involved with encouraging those within his community - raising up leaders, investing in others, determining the needs, evaluating the strengths, and acknowledging the weaknesses.  He knows his community like his own family.  He is a pastor.  He is a shepherd.  He brings more than a song - and his job responsibilities weigh mores Monday through Saturday than they do on any given Sunday.