What is Christian Ministry? One source gives the definition in the following manner “ "Ministry" is from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning "to serve" or douleuo, meaning "to serve as a slave." In the New Testament, ministry is seen as service to God and to other people in His name. Jesus provided the pattern for Christian ministry: “He came, not to receive service, but to give it” ( Matt. 20:28)

The Christian ministers by meeting people's needs with love and humility on Christ's behalf as is referenced in Matt:20:26; Mark 10:43; John 2:5,9; Acts 6:3; Romans 1:1 and many others. Ministry in our day has taken on more of a vocational meaning. Ordained ministers are not the only ones who are involved in ministry. Readings found in Romans 12:3-8 & 2 Timothy 2:24-26 show us that from the early New Testament churches to the churches of our day, each Christian should be in the ministry of helping others.

The word Ministry seems to prioritize the spiritual aspect and not practical things. Ministry should certainly place emphasis on sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others , however ministry can, and should, include service to the physical, emotional, mental, vocational, and financial needs of others. Jesus did, and so should we!