Christian minister

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In certain Christian denominations, a religious leader. In episcopacies, churches governed by bishops such as the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches, there are three orders of ministry: bishops, priests, and deacons. All Christian ministers have two main responsibilities. They represent and speak for the Christian community. They also represent God, because Christians believe that through the minister's preaching and reading of the Gospel, God is addressing the people.

Local ministers serve the people by their work in the community. For example, they run youth clubs, visit the sick and those in need, counsel those in trouble, raise funds for the parish, and organize the running of the parish.

Christians believe that Jesus set the example of a minister when he ministered to his disciples at the Last Supper. According to the New Testament, Jesus washed their feet, which was the act of a servant, and instructed the disciples to minister (serve) to others:

‘I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you... how happy you will be if you put it into practise.’ (John 13:15–17)

He told them that they were there specifically to serve and help other people, and that they were to set an example and spread his teachings wherever they went.

The large star symbolizes the common programme of the Communist Party. The small stars represent the four economic classes: peasants, workers, petty bourgeoisie, and ‘patriotic capitalists’. Effective date: 1 October 1949. >>