In the New Testament, the role and identity of ministers are intricately tied to their service to Christ and His Church. The term "Ministers of Christ" encompasses various titles and functions, each reflecting a distinct aspect of their calling and responsibilities within the body of believers.

1. Servants of Christ: The Apostle Paul frequently refers to himself and others as "servants of Christ." This title emphasizes humility and dedication to the service of Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 4:1, Paul writes, "So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" . This highlights the minister's role in faithfully managing and disseminating the truths of the Gospel.

2. Ambassadors for Christ: Ministers are also described as ambassadors, representing Christ to the world. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul states, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God" . This title underscores the responsibility of ministers to convey the message of reconciliation and salvation.

3. Shepherds: The imagery of shepherding is used to describe the pastoral role of ministers. In John 21:16, Jesus instructs Peter, "Tend My sheep" , indicating the care and guidance ministers are to provide to the flock of believers. This title reflects the nurturing and protective aspects of ministry.

4. Stewards of God's Grace: Ministers are entrusted with the stewardship of God's grace, as seen in 1 Peter 4:10, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" . This title highlights the responsibility to administer spiritual gifts and resources for the edification of the Church.

5. Teachers: Teaching is a fundamental aspect of ministry, as ministers are called to instruct and edify the Church. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul lists teachers among the gifts Christ gave to the Church: "And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ" . This role involves imparting sound doctrine and guiding believers in their spiritual growth.

6. Preachers of the Gospel: The proclamation of the Gospel is central to the ministerial calling. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul exhorts Timothy, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction" . This title emphasizes the urgency and importance of spreading the message of Christ.

7. Elders and Overseers: The New Testament also uses the terms "elders" and "overseers" to describe leaders within the Church. In Acts 20:28, Paul instructs the Ephesian elders, "Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood" . These titles denote authority and responsibility in guiding and protecting the Church.

8. Fellow Workers: Ministers are often referred to as fellow workers in the service of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul writes, "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building" . This title reflects the collaborative nature of ministry, emphasizing unity and cooperation among those serving Christ.

The titles and names of ministers in the New Testament reflect a multifaceted role that encompasses service, leadership, teaching, and proclamation. Each title underscores a different aspect of their calling, united by the common purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God and nurturing the body of Christ.Romans 15:16
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 4:1
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which he ...
Hence his gospel is the gospel of peace, and his ministers ambassadors of ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... we have been counted worthy to be His ministers in this ... be called saviour, benefactor,
defender, (the very names of God ... a fancy for any of these titles, but the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 1 cor iii.htm

(On the Mysteries. Ii. )
... but while there are spoken over us the Names of the ... who were disposed to think that
Baptism ministers remission of ... though it is not found in the titles of the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xx on the mysteries.htm

The Struggler;
... Christians and doctrines; their names and doctrines ... he designed some other like
running-titles:". ... I and other subscribers, especially ministers, were willing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the struggler.htm

Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
... Register and Chronicle,' is a list of eighty-seven names of Puritan ministers,
including many well ... subjects, and of a useful nature, for the titles of which ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/brief memoir of thomas watson.htm

In How Many Ways "Throughwhom" is Used; and in what Sense "With ...
... Among these titles, it is when He is styled Door ... his valuable note, compares Origen's
teaching on the Names of our ... so account of us as of the ministers of Christ ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter viii in how many.htm

Articles of Religion.
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to be read in Churches by the Ministers, diligently and ... Of the Names of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/articles of religion.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred
these two titles on two ... for to such diseases also Jesus ministers [1189] , and ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

The Blood of the Covenant
... Other names may have small significance, but in the titles of Jesus ... covenant, the
covenant sealed with blood." How I wish Christ's ministers would spread ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm

Concerning Persecution
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pray for their ministers that God ... It is one of the titles given to the church ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

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