Minister
A minister typically refers to a high-ranking government official or a member of the clergy, although the term has several applications:
Government Minister
- In many countries, a minister is a member of the executive branch of government who heads a ministry or department. They are responsible for the administration of specific areas of government policy. Examples include:
- The role can vary by country:
- Ministers often have to answer to Parliament or Congress for their department's actions.
Religious Minister
- In religious contexts, a minister is an ordained member of the clergy who leads services, provides spiritual guidance, and performs various religious duties:
History and Evolution
- The term "minister" comes from the Latin word ministerium, meaning "service," reflecting the original role of ministers as servants of the state or church.
- In medieval Europe, ministers were often advisors to monarchs, evolving from court officials to heads of government departments as administrative structures grew.
- The role of religious ministers has also evolved with changes in religious practice, from simple community leaders to organized clerical roles within established churches.
References
See Also