What does the word "minister" mean?

Chuck Smith, The Philosophy of Ministry of Calvary Chapel: The word "minister" really means "servant" and Joshua was Moses' minister. It meant that he was Moses' servant, that is, he ministered to the needs of Moses. He was Moses' errand boy. That's what the word "minister" means. Yet, I am amazed at how upset some ministers get when someone asks them to minister to the needs of the congregation. "Can you believe he called me up for a ride? Doesn't he know that I'm the minister here?" If you are the minister then he should have called you for a ride. Jesus said, "He that would be the chief among you, let him be the servant of all." Scripture, King James Version: Mark 10:44, "And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.". From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-18.

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What does the word "minister" mean? → wsb.bible/answers/what-does-the-word-minister-mean

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