pastorate

Noun

 * 1) The role or responsibilities of a pastor.
 * The old pastor found his pastorate wearying, and longed to retire.
 * 1) The period of service of a particular pastor to their congregation; their term of office.
 * His pastorate had been marked by several changes in church policy with regards to community outreach.
 * 1) An organization or body consisting of multiple pastors.
 * At the denomination's annual conference, the pastorate had passed a bylaw prohibiting members from performing online marriage ceremonies.