Well there’s a shock. Perhaps a better understanding of what a pastor is would have helped?

From The Christian Post today:

Megachurch pastors are not likely to see themselves as that – pastors. They’re more likely to view their role as preacher or teacher, according to a new survey.

In newly released findings from the Leadership Network’s Large-Church Senior Pastor Survey, 81 percent of senior leaders in churches with more than 2,000 attendees view their role as "preacher/teacher" while only 16 percent see themselves as a "pastor, shepherd or spiritual guide."

Fifty-one percent chose the term "directional leader" and 33 percent described themselves as a "visionary."

The majority of megachurch pastors say they are strongest in preaching (79 percent) and thinking about and promoting a vision and goals for the congregation’s future (77 percent). Around a third say teaching people about the faith and training people for ministry and mission are tasks they do best. And only 10 percent say they are strongest in pastoral counseling and spiritual direction.

Those who see themselves more as a preacher/teacher say they’re best at promoting a vision while those who call themselves a pastor say they do "preaching/teaching" better than promoting a vision.

The survey found that self-described "pastors" are less satisfied with the evangelistic emphasis of their church, indicate that a lower percent of their newest members came to faith in Christ through the ministry of their church, are less likely to lead a multi-site church, lead slightly smaller churches, and preach slightly more weekends a year.”

Read the rest here.

HT: “Larry”, recovering retweeter.