I am not sure which category this fits in, but I was wondering something.

I have grown up in the south. I have been in mega-churches and dying churches. I have been to a few up north. There seems to be a culture term for the Bishop/Elder/Pastor of a church.

Up north he is usually called "pastor." Down south he is usually called "preacher." Why is this?

Second question, which is the preferred term for the man of God? Personally, I am not a fan of being called "preacher" though I don't prevent it. But it does give the idea that my job only consists of preaching (thus I only work one day a week). The term "pastor" details the work and the position of the man the best. I wouldn't even mind being called "bishop" or "overseer." Being only 24 I don't think many are willing to call me "elder" yet. Why the stigma? What does everyone else prefer or use.

We call ours, "Pastor" here in S.C.

"Pastor" is correct, but to say that preaching is the only job of someone called "Preacher" belies their ignorance of the position. Look at the subtitle of Ecclesiastes - I think a little more than "preaching" is being done there.

Several years ago we had two young morman elders visit our service. (I think they try out all the churches to see if we say anything about them)

I said "Aren't you are a bit young to be elders?" They said "NO! the age for elder is 18." Our pastor said, "Do you qualify as elders according to the scripture?" I don't think they had an answer to that.

Well now, here is an area I agree with Greektim on. I believe the proper term is Pastor according to the Bible. To me a person that is a preacher is someone like a traveling evangelist. Rather than be the undershepard of a Church their mission is to preach. Of course they do have the obligations of taking care of their own ministry but it is not like being the Pastor of a Church.

In Christ,
George

I call my pastor by the term "preacher" using it as a title of endearment. When I am referring or talking to another pastor then I use the term "pastor" before their last name as a sign of respect.

I suppose that makes me the oddball so far.

In Christ,
PreacherE

Having lived in the Midwest my whole life, I find the term pastor to be the most common. Like PreacherE, I use the term pastor before the last name as a sign of respect.

When I was in elementary school, my principal always said "Hey, Rev" when he saw me. I just took it that he knew my father was a pastor. Little did I know that this kind man was a "prophet". When I go before the city or county commission, or when they see me in public, they always call me "Reverend Keyes", I guess out of respect (though sometimes contempt). I gave up trying to get them to call me by my own favorite, "Brother Tim".