In the New Testament, ministers of the church are often referred to by various titles and names that reflect their roles and responsibilities within the body of Christ. These titles emphasize their function as servants, leaders, and shepherds of the Christian community.

1. Servants (Diakonos): The term "diakonos" is frequently used in the New Testament to describe ministers as servants. This Greek word is the root for the English term "deacon." In Matthew 20:26, Jesus teaches, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." This concept is foundational to Christian ministry, emphasizing humility and service to others.

2. Elders (Presbyteros): Elders are often seen as leaders within the early church. The term "presbyteros" is used to denote maturity and authority. In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas "appointed elders for them in each church," highlighting the role of elders in governance and spiritual oversight.

3. Overseers (Episkopos): The title "episkopos," translated as "overseer" or "bishop," signifies those who have a supervisory role in the church. In 1 Timothy 3:1, Paul writes, "If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task." This role involves guiding and protecting the congregation.

4. Shepherds (Poimen): The imagery of shepherding is central to the pastoral role. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul lists "pastors" (poimen) among the gifts Christ gave to the church. This title underscores the responsibility of caring for and nurturing the spiritual well-being of the flock.

5. Teachers (Didaskalos): Teaching is a critical function of church ministers. In 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul includes "teachers" among the appointed roles in the church. This title emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the instruction of believers in the faith.

6. Stewards (Oikonomos): Ministers are also described as stewards, entrusted with the mysteries of God. In 1 Corinthians 4:1, Paul states, "This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." This role involves managing and dispensing the truths of the gospel faithfully.

7. Ambassadors (Presbeuo): Ministers are seen as representatives of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul declares, "We are therefore ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us." This title highlights the responsibility of proclaiming the message of reconciliation.

8. Laborers (Ergates): The term "laborers" reflects the hard work and dedication required in ministry. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus says, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest." This title emphasizes the active and diligent nature of ministry work.

These titles and names collectively portray ministers as dedicated servants of the church, entrusted with various responsibilities to lead, teach, and care for the body of Christ. Each title reflects a different aspect of their calling, underscoring the multifaceted nature of their service in advancing the kingdom of God.2 Corinthians 4:5
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... Different names given to this dispensation, to show that we ... are commended by many
distinguished titles, as the ... of teaching, prescribed to all ministers by his ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

Of the Origin of the Word "With," and what Force it Has. Also ...
... of which the Psalmist makes mention in certain titles of the ... any difference to the
connexion of the names whether he ... down in the church by the ministers of the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xxvii of the origin.htm

Period ii. The Post-Apostolic Age: AD 100-AD 140
... An unsigned paper was presented containing the names of many. ... as to the exact
significance of the titles he applies ... For they are not the ministers of meats and ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period ii the post-apostolic age .htm

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... But he, instead of all such titles, says, "Paul the ... into silence; and not even their
names are known ... comparison, he thus speaks; "Are they ministers of Christ? ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... true piety are said to inscribe their names among the ... Those magnificent titles, as
when the temple is called ... obedience when we listen to his ministers just as ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.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

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... after the high priest and the ministers mentioned have ... reader will observe that,
while the titles "presbyter" and ... The names of the first two suggest that they ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Articles of Religion.
... Of Homilies."The second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we have ... them
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

Church Fabrics and Services.
... not called to the altar, are collateral helps not to be despised by the ministers
of the ... But there had never been a time when the English Church in general, as ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... and the venerated eye-witnesses and ministers of the ... given to all heavenly existences
new explanatory titles. ... of the heavenly hierarchies he names the order of ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

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