Minister, in religion, is one who serves. Especially in Protestantism, a minister is an ordained member of the clergy who usually acts as pastor of a congregation. In addition to conducting worship services, an ordained minister usually administers the sacraments, preaches, and assumes responsibility for the pastoral care of the congregation. Lay ministers, who are not ordained, may assist at worship services. For example, they often read parts of the liturgy and lessons and help distribute Communion. In Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches, priests fill the role of ordained ministers.
