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For the comic book series, see Preacher (comics).

Preacher is a term the for someone who preaches sermons or gives homilies.

Some believe a preacher is distinct from a theologian by focusing on the communication of the doctrine rather than the development of the doctrine. Others see preaching and theology as being intertwined. 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 minister on a Sunday morning, or an Islamic Imam or Da'ee 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 nonreligious persons shun preachers and accuse them of forcing beliefs on 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, for example the Methodist local preachers. Among Roman Catholics, the Dominican Order is officially known as the Order of Preachers (Ordo Praedicatorum in Latin); friars of this order were trained to publicly preach in vernacular languages, and the order was created by Saint Dominic to preach to the Cathars of southern France in the early thirteenth century.

In many churches in the United States, the title "Preacher" is synonymous with "Pastor" or "Minister", and the churches minister is often referred to simply as "our/the preacher" or by name sucha s "Preacher Smith". Sometimes the minister may even be addressed by using the word, such as "Good morning, Preacher".

Preacher's sermon in the big tent

• 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 the title of a comic book series by Steve Dillon and Garth Ennis.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Preachers

• List of preachers
• List of Da'ees
• Preacher's kid
• Prison minister