A Christian minister is a person who has been called by God and set apart to serve Him and His people. The Bible teaches that God gifts certain people in the church to be pastors, teachers, and ministers to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). A minister is someone who tends to the spiritual needs of a local congregation or Christian community. Their primary responsibilities are to preach and teach the Word of God, provide pastoral care and counseling, administer the sacraments, and equip the saints for ministry. Here is a more in-depth look at what the Bible says about Christian ministers and their role in the church.
Called by God
The ministry is a sacred calling from God, not something that someone appoints themselves to do (Hebrews 5:4). In the Old Testament, God would specifically call prophets like Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, and others to speak His message. In the New Testament, Jesus appointed his twelve disciples and the apostle Paul was specifically chosen by Christ to be his messenger (Acts 9:15). While the way God calls ministers today is less direct, Scripture makes it clear that true Christian leaders are still gifted and appointed by the Holy Spirit to shepherd God’s flock (Acts 20:28). No one should presume to be a minister unless they have a strong sense of calling from the Lord.
Set Apart to Serve
In the Old Testament, priests from the tribe of Levi were set apart by God for special service in the tabernacle and temple. They underwent rituals of consecration to be made holy so they could approach God and make sacrifices on behalf of the people (Exodus 28-29). In the New Testament, all believers are called priests who can approach God directly because of Christ’s sacrifice (1 Peter 2:5,9). However, Scripture still speaks of those who are specially set apart for ministry. Bishops, elders, deacons and ministers have a distinct leadership role and are held to high standards (1 Timothy 3:1-13). They are still called to be exemplary models of holiness as they carry out their duties.
Preach the Word
The primary duty of a minister is to preach and teach the Word of God to equip the church spiritually. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul urges Timothy to be ready to “preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 1 Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.” Ministers must strive to handle the Word accurately, teach sound doctrine and boldly proclaim the gospel message (2 Timothy 2:15, 4:1-5). Their preaching should also apply the Scriptures practically to address issues and meet needs within the church.
Shepherd the Flock
A minister is called to shepherd and spiritually nourish the congregation under their care, following the model of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ (John 10:11, 1 Peter 5:1-4). The epistles often use pastoral imagery to describe the minister’s duty to watch over the spiritual welfare of God’s people. This includes protecting the church from false teaching (Acts 20:28-31), admonishing the wayward (1 Thessalonians 5:12), encouraging the fainthearted (1 Thessalonians 5:14), and caring for the weak (Acts 20:35). Ministers are to shepherd willingly and eagerly, not lording authority over the flock but being examples to them (1 Peter 5:3). As undershepherds of Christ, ministers should love, lead, and know their sheep well.
Equip the Saints
Ephesians 4:12 explains that ministers have a responsibility to “equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Ministers oversee discipleship training, church leadership development, and mobilizing the congregation to use their spiritual gifts. This equipping role entails teaching biblical principles for Christian living, counseling, mentoring emerging leaders, and delegating responsibilities. The overall goal is to have every member ministering and fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). A minister succeeds when those under their care become mature disciples who can disciple others.
Administer the Sacraments
Two sacred ordinances instituted by Christ for the church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper, also known as communion or the Eucharist. Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). He also told them to regularly partake of the bread and cup, symbols of his body and blood, in remembrance of his death (Luke 22:19-20). Traditionally, Christian ministers are responsible for administering these holy sacraments that visibly represent the grace of the gospel. They baptize new converts and lead the congregation in taking communion.
Provide Pastoral Care
Visiting the sick and praying for members are important ways a minister shows the love of Christ to those in need. James 5:14 says, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” Ministers have a duty to provide pastoral care as counselors and spiritual advisors to members facing life issues and crises. They console the bereaved, support the sick, counsel engaged couples, and give biblical guidance relating to matters like jobs, parenting, and finances. Ministers help bear the burdens of others as Galatians 6:2 instructs.
Model Godly Character
Because ministers hold special authority and act as Christ’s representatives, they must meet high moral and spiritual qualifications. 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 outline the virtues and qualities required of ministers, deacons, elders and bishops. They must live blamelessly, be sober-minded and self-controlled, not greedy or quick-tempered. Ministers must be hospitable, gentle, not addicted to alcohol or quarrelsome. The husband of one wife implies faithful marital commitment as well. Scripture emphasizes integrity of heart and purity of conduct for those in spiritual authority. As public examples, ministers must model sound doctrine and godly character.
Oversee the Flock
1 Peter 5:2 exhorts ministers to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them.” This includes taking oversight of church matters, delegating tasks, and supervising staff and volunteers. The term bishop means overseer, reflecting the management duties involved with spiritual leadership. Ministers provide vision, direction, accountability structures, and make administrative decisions for the congregation. However, they are to lead by consensus, not dictatorially. Ministers must humbly steward the responsibilities God entrusts to them in service of His church.
Walk in Humility and Service
While ministers have authority in the church, they must not see themselves as superior. Jesus taught that true leaders do not lord power over others, but serve in humility (Matthew 20:25-28). The heart of a minister should be that of a slave eager to obey Christ and meet the needs of His flock. They are under-shepherds subject to the authority of Jesus, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). As stewards of the gospel, they are accountable to God for how well they carry out ministry (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Ministers must remember that it is ultimately God’s church and they lead by His grace.
Faithful to Scripture’s Teaching
A key part of being a Christian minister is teaching sound doctrine based on a high view of Scripture. 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs ministers to rightly handle the word of truth. All their preaching, counseling and leadership must align with biblical truth. There is no room in ministry for watering down the gospel or conforming to cultural trends. Ministers must hold firmly to Scripture alone as the final authority and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to apply God’s word. This faithful commitment to biblical teaching distinguishes Christian leaders from secular motivators or gurus.
Rely on the Holy Spirit
While a minister must put in much prayer, study and preparation, their ultimate success comes from the Holy Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 states “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Jesus promised the Spirit would empower believers for ministry (Acts 1:8). Ministers must constantly seek the Spirit’s guidance in all their duties. The Spirit equips them to preach and teach skillfully while anointing their words to penetrate hearts and accomplish God’s purposes (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 1:5). All ministry efforts are futile without the convicting and empowering work of the Holy Spirit.
Prayerful Dependence on God
Because ministry is an overflow of one’s relationship with God, ministers should be prayerful and intimate with Christ. The first priority of a minister is to seek the Lord rather than run after external duties. Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray before ministering to the crowds (Mark 1:35). His disciples saw the importance of giving attention to prayer and the word of God even with busy ministry demands (Acts 6:4). A minister’s public ministry flows out of private communion with God. Only by praying unceasingly and abiding in Christ can a minister bear lasting spiritual fruit (1 Thessalonians 5:17, John 15:5).
In summary, the Bible shows that a faithful Christian minister is called and gifted by God to preach, teach, equip, disciple and shepherd the church of Jesus Christ. Their life should be marked by integrity, humility, service, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Ministers give spiritual oversight but do so through consensus and careful stewarding of responsibilities entrusted to them. While an exalted calling, being a minister is ultimately not about power or prestige. Following the model of Christ, it is a joyful duty to love and care for God’s flock so they grow into maturity in Christ.