Preacher is a colloquial term for a clergyman, in particular a local priest, pastor or Minister; one who preaches. A preacher is distinct from a theologian by focusing on the communication of the doctrine rather than the development of the doctrine. Preaching is not limited to religious views, but it extends to moral and social world-views as well. Preachers are common throughout most cultures. They can take the form of a Christian "Reverend" on a Sunday morning, or an Islamic Imam on a Friday afternoon. The point of preaching is to inform or convince the hearer of a certain world-view or belief. For this reason, many preachers are shunned and accused of forcing beliefs on to people. Preaching also serves as reminders and encouragements to people who already subscribe to the preacher's beliefs. For many, the term preacher is derogatory, while some consider it an honor.

The preaching of sermons is especially prominent in Protestantism, especially among those denominations that feature revivalism. Lay preachers often figure in these traditions of worship. Among Roman Catholics, the Dominican Order is known as the Order of Friars Preachers; monks of this order were trained to publicly preach in vernacular languages, and the order was created by St Dominic in the context of the Albigensian Crusade.

See also list of preachers, preacher's kid.

Other uses

• Preacher is also the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes according to the King James Version. Preacher is the translation of the Hebrew word קהלת (Qoheleth). There is much debate about the identity of the Preacher, and some suggest it is Solomon.

• Preacher is also a comic book by Steve Dillon and Garth Ennis.