Cooperating Pastor

Definition and Meaning

The term cooperating pastor (Korean hyeopdong moksa, 協同牧師) literally means "a pastor who joins with others in working together." It is the title given to an ordained pastor who is affiliated with a local church or institution and assists the senior pastor in ministry. An associate pastor also assists the senior pastor, but an associate pastor is usually called to serve that church as a full-time minister. A cooperating pastor is distinguished from an associate pastor in that such a pastor often has another primary occupation or assists on a part-time basis.

Biblical and Historical Background

The title "cooperating pastor" does not appear in the Bible. However, certain passages are often cited to explain the purpose of this office, such as Paul calling Priscilla and Aquila "my helpers in Christ Jesus" (Romans 16:3) and his reference to workers in the church at Philippi as those who "laboured with me in the gospel" (Philippians 4:3).

The title became established within the church polity of Korean Presbyterianism. As churches and seminaries multiplied, a growing number of pastors worked in institutions outside the church or had no pastoral charge. Pastoral titles were therefore subdivided so that such pastors could be affiliated with a local church and serve alongside it. The title of cooperating pastor arose as one of these. The date when the title first appeared in a church constitution differs by denomination, and this article does not give a confirmed year.

Practice in Korean Churches

• Presbyterian churches: Some denominations, such as the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Tonghap), are reported to include the cooperating pastor among the pastoral titles in their church constitution. The designation is generally made by resolution of the session and approved by the presbytery. Denominational constitutions assign different rights and standing within the presbytery to each title. Consequently, whether a pastor is registered as a cooperating pastor or remains a pastor without charge makes a practical difference. The names of the titles and the detailed regulations vary by denomination.
• Other denominations: In the Korean Methodist Church, Holiness churches, and others, the names of offices in denominational law may differ from those used in Presbyterian churches. Nevertheless, local congregations sometimes use the title "cooperating pastor" by custom.
• In practice: Seminary professors, institutional pastors, chaplains, returned missionaries, and pastors seeking a place of ministry often serve as cooperating pastors in the churches they attend. They take on a share of duties such as preaching, leading Bible studies, and pastoral visitation. They commonly receive little or no pastoral stipend. For this reason, the role is sometimes discussed in connection with the issue of bivocational ministry.