Evangelism is the cornerstone of a minister’s work, inspiring others to embrace Christian values and teaching them how to apply them in every aspect of their lives. Ministers also nurture community leaders and provide pastoral care, guiding congregants through major life events such as weddings, births, and deaths. Ministers may also be tasked with the multiplication of Christian leadership and promoting a biblical worldview, equipping followers to make decisions in light of their faith.
Ministers are pivotal figures in government, overseeing specific departments and implementing policies that align with the administration’s agenda. They collaborate with public officials, advisors, and other stakeholders to address societal issues and strategize on national matters. They are often members of the cabinet, a body that collectively makes policy decisions.
In jurisdictions that use the Westminster system of government, ministers are typically elected to parliament or legislature from their party’s majority and selected to their ministry position by the leader of their political party. However, in some countries with strict separation of powers, such as Belgium, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, and United States, holders of a cabinet-level post are not permitted to be members of the legislature.
Online ordination is a popular way for people to become ordained, but the legality of it is being called into question. In a recent case, Cramer v. Commonwealth, a lower court ruled that those who are ordained by a religious organization that conducts ceremonies such as marriages cannot legally officiate weddings because they are not full-time ministers.