Minister (Christianity)

Religious occupation in Christianity A Lutheran minister wearing a Geneva gown and bands. In many churches, ministers wear distinctive clothing, called vestments, when presiding over services of worship. In Christianity, a minister is a person authorised by a church or other religious organization to perform functions such as teaching beliefs; leading services such as weddings, baptisms or funerals; or otherwise providing spiritual guidance to the community. The term is taken from Latin minister ("servant", "attendant"). It differs from other terms for religious leaders (priest, clergyman) in that it deemphasizes the significance of ordination. The term dates back to the Protestant Reformation with its rejection of mediatorial priesthood in favor of a Priesthood of all Believers. While the term is most prominently associated with Protestantism, it is also used in the Catholic Church as a broad term to describe persons who have been commissioned by the church to perform some act. Ministers are also described as being men of the cloth. With respect to ecclesiastical address, many ministers are styled as "The Reverend"; however, some use "Pastor" or "Father" as a title. Roles and duti