Pastor Abbreviation: Pr., Ps., or Pastor?
There is no single abbreviation for “Pastor” that works across every church, denomination, and document. The ELCA style guide explicitly accepts “Pr.” in lists with names and titles, while preferring “Pastor” in correspondence salutations. Forms such as “Ps.” can be used in some communities but are not a universal editorial standard, so local denominational style should control.
Use the abbreviation required by the church or denomination. Where ELCA style applies, “Pr.” is acceptable in name/title lists, while “Dear Pastor Doe” is used in correspondence. If no house style exists, spelling out “Pastor” avoids ambiguity.
Key details
Important caveats
Ps Boundary
Do not present “Ps.” as a universal standard abbreviation for Pastor; abbreviation practice varies by organization and can conflict with other meanings such as Psalm(s).
Further guidance
Correspondence
The same guide uses the spelled-out title in correspondence salutations such as “Dear Pastor Doe.”
Pr Use
The ELCA explicitly accepts “Pr.” as an abbreviation for “Pastor” in a list with names and titles.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- ELCA Style Guide — Clergy Titles (opens in a new tab)Evangelical Lutheran Church in America · Denominational style guidance: “Pr.” acceptable for Pastor in name/title lists, while correspondence and running text use other forms.