What are Different Types of Ministries?
A ministry is usually defined as a program led by a minister. In the Christian faith, a minister may be a member of the clergy or a layperson. However, most religions have various ministries where every member can feel useful.
The most obvious first thought that comes to mind when asked about ministries is being a member of the clergy. Regardless of religion, this vocation usually includes a time of searching and discernment about whether this vocation is really the true path for a person. If a person decides this is the path he or she wants to follow, the next step is usually seminary or other religious education.

Although Jewish rabbis and Muslim imams, for example, are not "ordained," as such, they are considered the religious leaders of their congregations and as such, are educated to fill that role. This religious education may be at a university, or a school sponsored by the local congregation. Ministers of any religion generally study the history of their religions, their holy scriptures and other sacred writings and religious observance. Many religions also provide classes in counseling and even business, to assist the minister in conducting the business of the congregation.

Ministries in religious groups often focus on the education of the children. In the Christian faith, this includes the Sunday school program, which comprises classes for infants through adults, often before the main worship service. Jewish youngsters may also attend a religious school, where they learn more about their faith. Youth ministers may be appointed or hired to help coordinate the children's education programs. A youth minister or children's education minister may or may not have a degree in religion. Many are volunteers who love children and want to help them learn and grow in their faith.

Choir directors and those who serve similar functions certainly participate in the ministries of their congregation. They may or may not have a degree in music, although most do. Other church musicians, such as pianists and organists, also consider their contribution to their congregations to be their ministry.
Religious ministries also include such diverse activities as Hospice ministry, hospital visitation, prayer ministry, elder care, missions programs, food pantries and clothes closets. These ministries are often coordinated by laypersons within their congregations. In general, the only thing necessary to start a particular ministry is an interested person who is willing to recruit others.

Some ministries seem more mundane, but are vital to the functions of the congregation. These include administrative positions that help oversee the physical needs of the meeting place, finances and staff relations. Frequently, these are laypersons voted into office by a board of members, and they serve specific terms.
Ministries are available in as many varieties as there are members in any religious congregation. The only requirement is a willing spirit to serve others, and one's faith.
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Discussion Comments
I can appreciate people expressing themselves freely through religion. I can also appreciate and respect those who do outreach ministries. That must be a hard thing to do sometimes. What I can’t appreciate is when people keep coming once you have let them know that you are not interested in what they have to offer. I know that they think they are doing a good thing but I find it very offensive and disrespectful to push the issue.
The problem that my family had was with a particular religion in which they would ride bicycles around town and stop at every house. Two particular young men would show up every other day. They left us bibles for “their” religion. They asked us to do homework and they would come back and see how we did. They would stay for hours. Even on my son’s prom night, they would not leave. We were trying to get him ready and they just kept right on talking.
My husband finally told them that we weren’t interested and to please stop coming. Then, they wanted to know why. When it gets to that point, there is a problem.
My particular church does outreach ministry on Tuesday nights. We visit the shut-in and visit families who, for whatever reason, haven’t been to church in a while. It’s a great program and we even have a specific ministry for teens.
Our teenage members get together, visit other teenagers, and witness to them. It seems as though teenagers can reach out to other teenagers better than adults can.
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