Jump to: Smith's • ATS • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "minister" refers to a servant or one who serves, particularly in a religious or spiritual capacity. The role of a minister is multifaceted, encompassing duties such as teaching, preaching, leading worship, and providing pastoral care. The concept of ministry is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting a divine calling to serve God and His people.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "minister" is "sharath," which means to serve or attend. This term is frequently used to describe the Levitical priests who ministered in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. For example, in Exodus 28:35, Aaron and his sons are described as ministering in the priestly office: "Aaron must wear it when he ministers, so that the sound of the bells will be heard when he enters and exits the sanctuary before the LORD, so that he will not die" . The role of a minister in the Old Testament was not limited to the priesthood. Prophets and leaders like Moses and Joshua were also considered ministers of God, serving His purposes and guiding His people. Joshua is described as Moses' minister in Exodus 24:13: "So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant, and Moses went up on the mountain of God" . New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "diakonos" is commonly translated as "minister" or "servant." This term emphasizes the servant nature of ministry, as seen in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of a minister, as He declared in Matthew 20:28: "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" . The apostle Paul frequently refers to himself and others as ministers of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 4:1, Paul writes, "So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" . Paul’s letters often highlight the responsibilities and character of a minister, emphasizing qualities such as faithfulness, humility, and dedication to the truth. Roles and Responsibilities The New Testament outlines various roles within the church that involve ministerial duties. These include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, as described in Ephesians 4:11-12: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ" . Ministers are called to shepherd the flock, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3: "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" . This pastoral role involves teaching sound doctrine, providing spiritual guidance, and caring for the needs of the congregation. Qualifications and Character The Bible sets forth specific qualifications for those who serve as ministers, particularly in the roles of overseers and deacons. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers, emphasizing attributes such as being above reproach, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach. Similarly, deacons are to be dignified, sincere, and faithful, as described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The character of a minister is of utmost importance, as they are representatives of Christ and His church. Ministers are called to live lives of integrity, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit and serving as examples to the believers. Conclusion The role of a minister is a sacred calling, rooted in the biblical mandate to serve God and His people. Whether in the Old Testament priesthood or the New Testament church, ministers are entrusted with the responsibility of leading, teaching, and caring for the spiritual well-being of others. Through their service, ministers reflect the servant heart of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. Easton's Bible Dictionary One who serves, as distinguished from the master. (1.) Hebrews meshereth, applied to an attendant on one of superior rank, as to Joshua, the servant of Moses (Exodus 33:11), and to the servant of Elisha (2 Kings 4:43). This name is also given to attendants at court (2 Chronicles 22:8), and to the priests and Levites (Jeremiah 33:21; Ezek. 44:11). (2.) Hebrews pelah (Ezra 7:24), a "minister" of religion. Here used of that class of sanctuary servants called "Solomon's servants" in Ezra 2:55-58 and Nehemiah 7:57-60. (3.) Greek leitourgos, a subordinate public administrator, and in this sense applied to magistrates (Romans 13:6). It is applied also to our Lord (Hebrews 8:2), and to Paul in relation to Christ (Romans 15:16). (4.) Greek hyperetes (literally, "under-rower"), a personal attendant on a superior, thus of the person who waited on the officiating priest in the synagogue (Luke 4:20). It is applied also to John Mark, the attendant on Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:5). (5.) Greek diaconos, usually a subordinate officer or assistant employed in relation to the ministry of the gospel, as to Paul and Apollos (1 Corinthians 3:5), Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21), Epaphras (Colossians 1:7), Timothy (1 Thessalonians 3:2), and also to Christ (Romans 15:8). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A servant; a subordinate; an officer or assistant of inferior rank; hence, an agent, an instrument.2. (n.) An officer of justice. 3. (n.) One to whom the sovereign or executive head of a government entrusts the management of affairs of state, or some department of such affairs. 4. (n.) A representative of a government, sent to the court, or seat of government, of a foreign nation to transact diplomatic business. 5. (n.) One who serves at the altar; one who performs sacerdotal duties; the pastor of a church duly authorized or licensed to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments. 6. (n.) To furnish or apply; to afford; to supply; to administer. 7. (v. i.) To act as a servant, attendant, or agent; to attend and serve; to perform service in any office, sacred or secular. 8. (v. i.) To supply or to things needful; esp., to supply consolation or remedies. Greek 3011. leitourgos -- a public servant, a minister, a servant ... a public servant, a minister, a servant. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: leitourgos Phonetic Spelling: (li-toorg-os') Short Definition: ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3011.htm - 8k 5256. hupereteo -- to serve as a rower, to minister to, serve 1249. diakonos -- a servant, minister 1247. diakoneo -- to serve, minister 3008. leitourgeo -- to serve the state, ie by anal. to perform ... 2418. hierourgeo -- to perform sacred rites 5257. huperetes -- an underling, servant 2038. ergazomai -- to search, examine. 5524. choregeo -- to lead a chorus (ie a group of performers), to ... 2324. therapon -- an attendant Strong's Hebrew 8334. sharath -- to minister, serve... 8333, 8334. sharath. 8335 . to minister, serve. Transliteration: sharath Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-rath') Short Definition: minister. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/8334.htm - 6k 8120. shemash -- to minister 1907. haddabar -- counselor, minister 3547. kahan -- to act as a priest 6399. pelach -- to pay reverence to, serve 5631. saris -- eunuch 5532. cakan -- to be of use or service, benefit 8335. shareth -- (religious) ministry Library Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel Joseph, the Prime Minister The Minister's Farewell On the Death of a Minister. On the Death of a Minister, Cut Off in his vigour. On the Death of a Minister. On the Appointment of a Minister. --Phil. Ii. 29 December 20. "That I Should be the Minister of Jesus Christ to the ... Whether the Minister's Intention is Required for the Validity of a ... Thesaurus Minister (150 Occurrences)... 44:11). (2.) Hebrews pelah (Ezra 7:24), a "minister" of religion. Here ... Multi-Version Concordance Minister (150 Occurrences). Matthew ... /m/minister.htm - 40k Follows (65 Occurrences) Office (64 Occurrences) Priest's (75 Occurrences) Ministering (63 Occurrences) Assist (17 Occurrences) Woven (40 Occurrences) Duties (46 Occurrences) Tychicus (5 Occurrences) Sacred (140 Occurrences) Resources What is a Christian minister? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the role of youth pastor/minister? | GotQuestions.org How can I become a pastor? | GotQuestions.org Minister: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Minister (150 Occurrences)Matthew 4:11 Matthew 20:26 Matthew 20:28 Matthew 25:44 Mark 9:35 Mark 10:43 Mark 10:45 Mark 15:41 Luke 4:20 Luke 12:37 Luke 17:8 John 12:26 Acts 6:2 Acts 8:27 Acts 11:29 Acts 13:5 Acts 20:34 Acts 24:23 Acts 26:16 Acts 28:10 Romans 15:8 Romans 15:16 Romans 15:25 Romans 15:27 Romans 16:1 1 Corinthians 9:13 1 Corinthians 16:15 2 Corinthians 9:10 2 Corinthians 11:8 Galatians 2:17 Ephesians 3:7 Ephesians 4:29 Ephesians 6:21 Philippians 2:25 Philippians 4:16 Colossians 1:7 Colossians 1:23 Colossians 1:25 Colossians 4:7 1 Thessalonians 3:2 1 Timothy 1:4 1 Timothy 3:2 1 Timothy 3:10 1 Timothy 3:13 1 Timothy 4:6 2 Timothy 1:18 Titus 1:7 Philemon 1:13 Hebrews 1:14 Hebrews 6:10 Hebrews 8:2 Hebrews 13:10 1 Peter 1:12 1 Peter 4:10 Revelation 2:1 Revelation 2:8 Revelation 2:12 Revelation 2:18 Revelation 3:1 Revelation 3:7 Revelation 3:14 Exodus 24:13 Exodus 28:1 Exodus 28:3 Exodus 28:4 Exodus 28:35 Exodus 28:41 Exodus 28:43 Exodus 29:1 Exodus 29:30 Exodus 29:44 Exodus 30:20 Exodus 30:30 Exodus 31:10 Exodus 33:11 Exodus 35:19 Exodus 39:1 Exodus 39:26 Exodus 39:41 Exodus 40:13 Exodus 40:15 Leviticus 7:35 Leviticus 16:32 Numbers 3:3 Numbers 3:6 Numbers 3:7 Numbers 3:8 Numbers 3:31 Numbers 4:9 Numbers 4:12 Numbers 4:14 Numbers 8:26 Numbers 11:28 Numbers 16:9 Numbers 18:2 Deuteronomy 10:8 Deuteronomy 17:12 Deuteronomy 18:5 Deuteronomy 18:7 Deuteronomy 21:5 Subtopics Christian Minister: Called: Ambassadors for Christ Christian Minister: Called: Angels of the Church Christian Minister: Called: Apostles Christian Minister: Called: Apostles of Jesus Christ Christian Minister: Called: Defenders of the Faith Christian Minister: Called: Elders Christian Minister: Called: Evangelists Christian Minister: Called: Fishers of Men Christian Minister: Called: Laborers Christian Minister: Called: Laborers in the Gospel of Christ Christian Minister: Called: Lights Christian Minister: Called: Men of God Christian Minister: Called: Messengers of the Church Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Christian Minister: Compared to Sowers Christian Minister: Diotrephes Christian Minister: Discouragements of Christian Minister: Duties of the Church To Christian Minister: Eli's Sons Christian Minister: Elymas (Bar-Jesus) Christian Minister: Emoluments (Benefits) of Christian Minister: Examples to the Flock Christian Minister: Exempt from Taxation Christian Minister: Expostulate With Rulers: Elijah With Ahab Christian Minister: Expostulate With Rulers: Nathan With David Christian Minister: Expostulate With Rulers: Samuel With Saul Christian Minister: Faithful: Azariah Christian Minister: Faithful: Balaam Christian Minister: Faithful: Isaiah Christian Minister: Faithful: Jeremiah Christian Minister: Faithful: John the Baptist Christian Minister: Faithful: Micaiah Christian Minister: Faithful: Moses Christian Minister: Faithful: Nathan Christian Minister: Faithful: Paul Christian Minister: Faithful: Peter Christian Minister: Faithful: The Apostles Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Christian Minister: God's Care of Christian Minister: Hospitality to Justus to Paul Christian Minister: Hospitality to Philip the Evangelist to Paul Christian Minister: Hospitality to Simon the Tanner to Peter Christian Minister: Hospitality to The Foreigners to Paul Christian Minister: Hospitality to The Philippian Jailer Christian Minister: Hospitality to The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Christian Minister: Hospitality to To Apollos Christian Minister: Hospitality to To Paul Christian Minister: Hospitality to Woman of Zarephath to Elijah Christian Minister: Inconsistent Christian Minister: Incorruptible: Balaam Christian Minister: Incorruptible: Micaiah Christian Minister: Incorruptible: Peter Christian Minister: Influential in Public Affairs: Designate Kings Christian Minister: Influential in Public Affairs: Recommend Civil and Military Appointments Christian Minister: Intolerance of Christian Minister: Judas Iscariot Christian Minister: Kindness to Ebed-Melech to Jeremiah, Christian Minister: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Christian Minister: Love of, for the Ekklesia (The Body of Christ), Exemplified by Paul Christian Minister: Marriage of Christian Minister: Message of, Rejected Christian Minister: Messengers of the Lord of Hosts Christian Minister: Ministers of Christ Christian Minister: Ministers of God Christian Minister: Ministers of of Righteousness Christian Minister: Ministers of of the Church Christian Minister: Ministers of of the Gospel Christian Minister: Ministers of of the Lord Christian Minister: Ministers of of the New Testament Christian Minister: Ministers of of the Sanctuary Christian Minister: Ministers of of the Word Christian Minister: Nadab and Abihu Christian Minister: Non-Partisan in Politics Christian Minister: Ordination of of Matthias Christian Minister: Ordination of of Paul and Barnabas Christian Minister: Ordination of of the Seven Servants (Or, Deacons; Greek: Diakonoi) Christian Minister: Ordination of Timothy Christian Minister: Patience of Christian Minister: Persecution: Hanani Christian Minister: Persecution: Micaiah Christian Minister: Persecution: Paul Christian Minister: Persecution: Peter Christian Minister: Persecution: The Apostles Christian Minister: Persecution: Zechariah Christian Minister: Personal Bearing of Christian Minister: Prayer For, Enjoined Christian Minister: Prayer For, Exemplified Christian Minister: Preach Without Authority Christian Minister: Preachers of Righteousnfss Christian Minister: Priests and Levites Christian Minister: Priests Under Jehoash Christian Minister: Promises To, Joys of Christian Minister: Recreations For Christian Minister: Responsibility of Christian Minister: Rulers in the Temple Christian Minister: Samuel's Sons Christian Minister: Say Good-Bye to the Congregation Christian Minister: Sent Forth in Teams of Two: Barnabas and Mark Christian Minister: Sent Forth in Teams of Two: Disciples Christian Minister: Sent Forth in Teams of Two: Judas and Silas Christian Minister: Sent Forth in Teams of Two: Paul and Barnabas Christian Minister: Sent Forth in Teams of Two: Paul and Silas Christian Minister: Sent Forth in Teams of Two: Paul and Timothy Christian Minister: Sent Forth in Teams of Two: Paul and Titus Christian Minister: Sent Forth in Teams of Two: Timothy and Erastus Christian Minister: Sent Forth in Teams of Two: Titus and a Companion Christian Minister: Serv Ants of God Christian Minister: Serv Ants of Jesus Christ Christian Minister: Serv Ants of the Church Christian Minister: Serv Ants of the Grace of God Christian Minister: Serv Ants of the Lord Christian Minister: Serv Ants of the Mysteries of God Christian Minister: Serv Ants: Shepherds Christian Minister: Serv Ants: Soldiers of Christ Christian Minister: Serv Ants: Stars Christian Minister: Serv Ants: Stewards of God Christian Minister: Simon the Sorcerer Christian Minister: Speaking Evil of, Forbidden Christian Minister: Success Attending: Apollos Christian Minister: Success Attending: Apostles Christian Minister: Success Attending: Jonah Christian Minister: Success Attending: Paul Christian Minister: Success Attending: Peter Christian Minister: Success Attending: Philip Christian Minister: Teachers of Schools Christian Minister: The Old Prophet of Beth-El Christian Minister: Their Calling Glorious Christian Minister: Trials and Persecutions of Christian Minister: Work of, Will be Tried Christian Minister: Workers Together With God Christian Minister: Zealous: Epaphras Christian Minister: Zealous: Epaphroditus Christian Minister: Zealous: John, in his Vision Christian Minister: Zealous: Titus Christian Minister: Zealous: Tychicus Related Terms Fellow-traveller (1 Occurrence) |