The term which, in its broadest usage in United Methodism, applies to all persons who accept Christ as Savior who are baptized, and who participate in Christ's ministry of grace through outreach and service in the world. It is the United Methodist conviction that all persons in Christ are called to work for the building up of the church through worship, fellowship and service to the world. In a more limited sense, the word minister is used to refer to those persons who serve the church through full-time work. In its most specific usage, minister is used as a synonym for pastor.
Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by Permission.
