MINISTER

Christian ministry is a very broad subject and may be conveniently studied through looking at topics that deal with its various aspects. According to its most common biblical usage, ‘ministry’ means ‘service’. A person who ministers to others is one who serves others; a minister of God is a servant of God (Deut 10:8; Ps 103:21; Joel 2:17; Matt 8:15; 25:44; 27:55; 2 Cor 3:6; 6:4; 11:15,23; for details see SERVANT). Different forms of the biblical word translated ‘minister’ denote a variety of people and the work they do in the church (Rom 12:7; Eph 6:21; Col 4:17; Heb 6:10; see GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT). The same word, transliterated ‘deacon’, refers to a recognized class of church helpers (Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8; see DEACON). The pastoral leaders of the church, who are distinct from the deacons, are also ministers (Eph 4:11-12; Col 1:7; 1 Tim 1:12; 2 Tim 4:5; see APOSTLE; ELDER; TEACHER; PREACHING). The perfect minister, who is an example to all others, is Jesus Christ (Matt 20:28; John 13:14-16; Rom 15:8).