Minister (Christianity)

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Methodist minister wearing a cassock, vested with a surplice and stole, with preaching bands attached to his clerical collar

In Christianity, a minister is a person authorized by a church, or other religious organization, to perform functions such as teaching of 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").[1]

References[change | change source]

  1. "Etymologically, a minister is a person of 'lower' status, a 'servant'. The word goes back via Old French ministre to Latin minister 'servant, attendant', which was derived from 'minus', 'less'." http://www.word-origins.com/definition/minister.html[permanent dead link]