Minister

A minister (councilor) is the head of a ministry or department in a government (e.g. education, finance, health, state, war etc...). Ministers are members of the cabinet, and are usually led by a prime minister or president.

The term "minister" comes from a Latin word meaning a "servant" (or first servant). In some countries (such as the US, such a person is instead known as a secretary.

Notable Ministers

• 17th Century
  • Jean-Baptiste Colbert (France - Minister of Finance)

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A minister may also be a person who leads a Protestant church; such a person may also be called a pastor, preacher, or elder. In many churches, ministers are required to be seminary[?] trained although some churches allow "laymen" to preach. Compare with priest.