Minister

Minister is a term with multiple, distinct senses. In religious contexts, a minister is a person authorized to perform rites, lead worship, and care for a congregation. In political systems, a minister is a government official who heads a department or portfolio and participates in policy making.

In Protestant churches, ministers are ordained clergy who preach, administer sacraments or ordinances, teach, and provide pastoral care. Denominations differ in how they appoint and title their leaders; some use “minister” as a general term for clergy, while others reserve it for specific offices. In Catholic and many Orthodox settings, the term “priest” is more common for ordained clergy, while “minister” may refer to lay leaders in certain contexts or to the broader ministry performed by clergy.

In parliamentary systems, ministers are members of the executive branch who head government departments such as finance, education, or foreign affairs. They are typically appointed by the head of government and form the cabinet; they may be elected legislators or appointed from outside Parliament in some jurisdictions. The term differs in some countries; in the United States, the equivalent positions are generally called “secretaries” rather than “ministers,” though “minister” is used in many other jurisdictions.

Originating from the Latin minister, meaning “servant” or “attendant,” the word spread into many languages with similar religious or governmental meanings. Today, “ministry” can refer to the body of religious ministers or to a government department and its activities, depending on the context.