Ministers are pivotal figures within the government executive branch tasked with overseeing specific departments and implementing policies that align with their administration’s agenda. Their role is multifaceted, blending leadership and expertise with public accountability to promote national welfare and governance stability. Ministers frequently engage in international meetings and media interactions while balancing administrative duties and managing complex projects.
The word minister comes from the Greek diakonos, which can refer to several different individuals and roles. Paul says that he was “called to be a minister of the gospel of Christ, not to condemn the Gentiles but to preach the Good News in season to all people, so that they may become sanctified through the Spirit” (Rom. 15:16). The role of a Minister is rooted in the Bible and has evolved over time to meet the needs of different eras and communities. Today, it combines robust theological education and scripture with pastoral care and community leadership.
Another major responsibility of a Minister is church discipline, as outlined in Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7. As elders, Ministers are expected to take part in this aspect of the officebearers’ work, but they must be careful not to act without oversight and without respect for the authority and reputation of their fellow officebearers.