A minister can be a member of a government in charge of a particular department, like education or health, or a religious leader who leads services and cares for a congregation. In both cases, the role involves serving others.
From Latin ‘minister,’ meaning ‘servant’ or ‘attendant,’ from ‘minus’ (less). The idea was someone of lower rank who serves a higher purpose or authority.
It’s ironic: a ‘minister’ is supposed to be a servant, even though today the word often signals power and leadership. The old meaning survives in the idea that real leadership is a kind of service to a group or cause.
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