What does it mean to be a Christian minister?

from the old testament

• In the Old Testament, the priests and Levites were called “ministers” because they carried out specific responsibilities in worship and sacrifice (Exodus 28:1, 35, 43; Numbers 3:5–10). As ministers, their work involved serving both God and the people.
• Moses is an example of a minister. God called him to lead Israel, teach His commandments, and intercede for the nation (Exodus 3:10; Deuteronomy 5:1). Though Moses held a historical unique role, his leadership was defined by service to God’s people.
• The prophets also ministered by proclaiming God’s Word. They called people to repent (Ezekiel 18:30), warned of judgment (Ezekiel 33:9), and pointed to God’s promises (Ezekiel 36:26). Even when they were not popular, they remained obedient to their task (Isaiah 6:8–13; Jeremiah 1:4–10) because their ministry was to serve God.

from the new testament

• In the New Testament, the word “minister” most often refers to someone who serves in the name of Christ, especially by teaching or leading others. This includes formal roles such as apostles, elders, or deacons, but also applies more broadly to anyone who carries out spiritual service for the good of the church (Romans 15:16; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 3:7). Today, “Christian minister” generally refers to those in the formal position of pastor.
• Words used in the Bible for pastors include “overseer” (Acts 20:28), “elder” (1 Peter 5:1), and “shepherd” (1 Peter 5:2).
• Jesus set the pattern for Christian ministry when He said, “I am among you as the one who serves” (Luke 22:27). Both when He washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:12–17) and when He gave His life for others He was modeling the humble life of a minster. All Christians are to follow His example, and particularly those pastors whom Jesus has called to lead His people.
• The apostles exemplify the humility required to be a minister. For example, rather than describe his efforts as particularly special, Paul referred to his work as simply a servant doing what God gave him to do (i.e., 1 Corinthians 3:5–9). Being a faithful servant is to be the goal of all Christian ministers.
• Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus define what faithful pastoral ministry looks like. While anyone can serve the church more broadly, a pastor is specifically a man (1 Timothy 2:12) who is “above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:6–9). Other qualifications for Christian ministers include not being a recent convert (1 Timothy 3:6a) and having a good reputation with those outside the church (1 Timothy 3:7).
• Jesus gave Christian ministers to the church “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). Their role is to help others grow to be like Jesus (Ephesians 4:15), protecting them from false doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).
• Not everyone who claims the title “minister” is a legitimate one. New Testament writers warned against those who posed as ministers but infiltrated the church due to their own greed and lust (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29; 2 Peter 2:1–3).
• First Timothy 3:1 calls the office of overseer “a noble task.” Church leadership is a weighty responsibility with which God entrusts ministers. He gifts them for it and equips them in it (1 Corinthians 12:28–29). Like-minded Christians already in leadership often recognize leadership gifting that God has planted in others and can ordain new ministers (Acts 13:3; 2 Timothy 1:6).

implications for today

If you are a Christian, then you are called to serve because ministry is not reserved for pastors or formal other church leaders. How you will serve depends on the gifts and talents you have been given, but it often includes encouraging others, sharing the gospel, praying for the church, and caring for those in need. Because all Christians are ministers in the broad New Testament sense, all are expected to serve regardless of how long they have been a Christian. Even if you don’t yet know your gifts or are still spiritually immature, you are to be serving others. Jesus will guide you and grow you as you start being faithful with the little you have.

However, if you are in formal ministry, then the standards for you are higher. Scripture requires spiritual maturity, a firm grasp of sound doctrine, and a life that reflects the message you preach. Also, you are to be the humblest of all believers, ready to serve like Christ served. Because of that, a Christian minister’s “job description” should never include trying to gather a following or clicks or likes. Jesus said that He will build the church (Mathew 16:18). The Christian minister’s task, then, is the humble calling to teach, lead, and serve those whom Christ has given him to lead and protect.

Whether you serve publicly as a pastor or privately as a believer ministering to others, be faithful. Don’t look for ways to measure your success—you are just a servant. Instead, keep your eyes on Christ and remember what He says to those who serve Him well: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).