DictionaryministerReligious leader
noun

minister

A clergy member authorized to lead religious services.

The minister welcomes the congregation and begins the Sunday service.

Etymology

The Latin word means servant or attendant. Christian usage applied it to people serving God and the religious community, developing into a title for authorized clergy.

More examples

  • A minister performs their wedding ceremony in the chapel.
  • Two ministers visit patients at the local hospital.
  • Our minister explains the scripture passage during her sermon.

Forms

minister · ministers

ministry noun — The work or office of a minister.

Similar words

pastor
Usually leads a specific congregation, rather than serving more broadly.
priest
Specifically ordained to perform sacred rites in certain religious traditions.