Minister is a highly complex and multifaceted role that requires an expansive list of qualifications. It combines a robust theological education and deep connection to scripture with pastoral care, preaching and teaching, evangelistic outreach, the multiplication of leaders, community leadership, governing and movement leadership, and more. Throughout the centuries, the ministerial role has evolved to meet a wide range of societal challenges and address evolving needs.
At the more administrative end of the spectrum, some ministers oversee entire government departments that influence thousands of public servants and billions of dollars in spending. They may also be responsible for articulating the government’s stance on various societal issues in a variety of settings, including international meetings and media interactions.
Other ministers have far more limited responsibilities, and are simply spokespeople for the Government. They might give speeches, hand out novelty cheques, commemorate, announce and open things, and act as a liaison with groups that aren’t important enough to attract a more senior colleague.
In jurisdictions with a Westminster system of government, the term Minister is used to refer to members of parliament who have been selected by their party to oversee a specific area of government policy. They speak on behalf of the Government from their frontbench during parliamentary debates, and must answer questions put to them by other MPs and members of the House of Lords. They are also responsible for advising the Government on various matters of significance, and these advice items must be documented in writing by a senior VPS executive.