Minister

In Christianity, a minister is a person who is authorized by a church or religious organization to perform religious duties, such as preaching, teaching, leading worship services, administering sacraments (like baptism and communion), and providing pastoral care to a congregation.

The specific role and responsibilities of a minister can vary by denomination. For example:

• In Protestant traditions, the term minister is often used interchangeably with pastor, preacher, or clergy.
• In Catholic and Orthodox traditions, ordained ministers include priests, bishops, and deacons, who have specific sacramental roles.
• Some Christian groups also recognize lay ministers, who serve in non-ordained leadership roles.