- Mar 4, 2005
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It's a matter of terminology - there doesn't seem to be one word which applies to, and is used by, all ordained clergy.In the mainstream churches there is seminary training and ordination procedures. As for ordination requirements, it is much easier to term the ordinand as a minister (aka deacon) than as a priest, which carries connotations of such Catholic stipulations as gender-specificity and celibacy) or even an elder, which does have biblically-stipulated characteristics.
In the C of E, a deacon is, I think, what a person is before they are ordained as a curate. I understand that deacons/curates are "priested" (could be wrong.)
In the Methodist church people can be ordained as deacons but that is not "part way" to becoming a presbyter. It is a religious order and separate ministry; deacons have a different calling and will not, generally, be allowed to preside at communion. Though they wear clerical collars. We tend to call our clergy "Ministers", but the correct term is "Presbyter", as deacons are also ministers.
My church is a Methodist/URC shared church, and our leadership team is known as the Diaconate. It was felt that "stewards" was a Methodist term, "elders" was a URC term, whereas "deacons" is neutral. I am a Methodist and I was once a deacon at church - but I was, and am, not a Methodist deacon.
Some churches may call their ordained leaders, "elders"; in the URC, a lay person can become ordained as an elder. They don't wear clerical collars and are not members of the clergy. Their role is slightly more than that of a church steward, with more responsibility, and they are ordained elders for life.
As all Christians have a ministry, that is no doubt true.Thus, the rather bland word "minister" can be broadly applied to almost any individual.
But then, the NT also says that we are a holy priesthood, 1 Peter 2:5. We all offer spiritual sacrifices to God, 1 Peter 2:5, Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:15, and we are told to confess our sins to one another, James 5:16. Some churches may call their clergy "Pastor", yet we all have a pastoral role and can show pastoral care.
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