Superintentendent vs. Pastor?

[WonderingInWA]

This is just a general church-related question but I thought some of you might address it.

The church I grew up in (United Methodist) always had pastors. But I've noticed some churches seem to have "superintendents". Are they not ordained ministers? Are they just someone who wants to preach?

And on that same note, what qualifies people to plant a church as a missionary or otherwise and start preaching? I just always assumed you couldn't be a minister without a degree in divinity.

I am interested to hear opinions about this. Thanks!

[Wolfie]

The short answer is, "It Depends."

All the churches I've attended have had pastors with some sort of divinity degree. This is true for many denominations, but a lot of these "fundie" churches may call themselves something but not be officially affilated with any church conference- those are the churches most likely to have a pastor with no degree.

I can't tell you want superintendent means in this situation.