The Difference Between a Pastor and a Prophet

Contending for the Word – August 9, 2025
Written by Dave Jenkins

Introduction

In an age of charismatic confusion, it’s become common for Christians to ask, “What is the difference between a pastor and a prophet?” Even more concerning, some ministries today claim that their leaders are both—holding the authority of a shepherd and the voice of a prophet.

But what does Scripture actually say?

God has not left us in the dark about the roles He has appointed within the church. Understanding the biblical office of pastor—and the historical role of prophet—is critical to guarding against deception and upholding the sufficiency of Scripture. Let’s walk through what the Bible teaches, why the distinction matters, and how modern distortions must be corrected.

Biblical Clarity on Pastors

The New Testament uses the terms pastor, elder, and overseer interchangeably to describe those entrusted with shepherding God’s people. A pastor’s calling is grounded in the Word of God—he is tasked with teaching, protecting, praying for, and caring for the local church.

Peter exhorts pastors to “shepherd the flock of God that is among you… being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3). Paul charges Timothy to “preach the Word” and be ready “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Pastors are not motivational speakers, CEOs, or cultural commentators—they are stewards of divine truth. Their authority does not come from visions or impressions, but from the faithful exposition of Scripture. Their lives, too, must reflect the gospel they proclaim (see 1 Timothy 3:1–7).

What Prophets Were in Redemptive History

By contrast, prophets in the Old Testament were divinely chosen mouthpieces who received and delivered direct revelation from God. Their messages often began with “Thus says the Lord,” signaling the authority of God behind their words. They warned kings, foretold events, exposed sin, and revealed aspects of God’s redemptive plan.

Think of Isaiah proclaiming the coming Messiah, Jeremiah weeping over Judah’s judgment, or Daniel receiving visions of future empires. Prophets were not simply preachers—they were recipients of revelation.

In the New Testament, prophets continued to function during the church’s foundational era. Ephesians 2:20 describes the early church as “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” a reference to their unique, unrepeatable role in receiving and declaring divine revelation during a transitional period in redemptive history.

Why There Are No Prophets Today

With the completion of the biblical canon, the role of prophet—specifically, one who brings new, authoritative revelation from God—has ceased. Hebrews 1:1–2 tells us, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” Christ is the final Word (John 1:14), and the Scriptures are sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Today, God speaks through His Word—not through modern-day prophets claiming fresh messages. While some claim the title, the function no longer exists. These so-called prophets often misuse the term to elevate themselves, demand allegiance, or justify doctrinal distortions.

The Real Danger of Confusing the Two

When someone claims to be both pastor and prophet, the consequences are spiritually devastating. It elevates personal impressions over the authority of Scripture. It replaces careful expository preaching with vague “prophetic utterances.” It creates cultures of fear and manipulation, where leaders are above correction and congregants are expected to obey without biblical examination.

This is not just a doctrinal error—it’s pastoral malpractice. James warns, “Let not many of you become teachers… for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1). When leaders blur the line between the biblical and the mystical, they invite confusion, not clarity.

Conclusion: We Need Faithful Pastors, Not Prophetic Performers

We don’t need new prophets. We need faithful shepherds who will preach the whole counsel of God. We don’t need more revelations. We need to obey the unchanging, sufficient Word already given.

Isaiah 40:8 reminds us: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” The Word is enough.

Pastors point to Christ. Prophets pointed forward to Him. Now that the Word is complete, the call is clear: Preach the Word. Feed the sheep. Guard the truth.

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