Trustees of the gospel deposit.
Ministers are guards and keepers of the gospel, as in a trustee for a bequest.
This does not preclude any responsibility by the people themselves, but recognises a primary and distinctive responsibility. Non-trustees are better seen as partners or supporters.
diakonoi of Christ.
Ministers are just that, diakonoi (servants, ministers, deacons) of Christ. This term refers to delegates or representatives appointed from above, as in an ambassador or ‘Minister of the Crown’.
‘Ministry’ and ‘Minister of Christ’ seems not to be used so much in a broad sense of any exercise of spiritual gifts, for instance, ‘music ministry’, but more narrowly of gospel ministry and its leadership.
Both the above run somewhat contrary to some of the language and implications of the modern ‘lay ministry’ movement. Sometimes the distinction between clergy and laity is confused, as in ‘we’re all ministers/in ministry’, the distinctives of 'the ministry' are lost and with it a clear understanding of role of clergy. This is not to negate or devalue the role of the exercise of spiritual gifts by all, but recognises distinctive roles and responsibilities.
Under-shepherds
Ministers are under-shepherds of the Great Shepherd responsible for welfare of the flock under their charge. This also speaks of an upward accountability for the downward care.
Slaves of Christ & of All
Minister's are enslaved to the service of the Lord and his people.
These, with the above, locate the reference point for the setting of agenda and accountability with the Lord in His Word, rather than with the people themselves. This does not preclude the occurrence of any human system of accountability and setting agenda under this. The slavery to the people occurs under slavery to the Lord, operating on his terms and agenda not theirs.]
Models & Teachers
At the core of ministers serving the Lord Jesus, guarding the gospel and under-shepherding the flock is teaching. By preaching the gospel and teaching the Bible, ministers serve the Lord Jesus by operating on his agenda, keeping ultimate leadership and authority with him and maintaining their accountability to him, guard the gospel by passing it on and driving away error and care for and feed the flock.
Teaching is, however, not narrowly just in words or a modern academic sense but also in modelling godliness in living relationships. Ministers are pastor-teachers who pastor by teaching and teach by pastoring.
Ministers pass the baton
Ministers are to seek out, select and appoint the next generation of Ministers, as in a baton pass, rather than leaving it primarily to an individual or democratic or institutional procedure.
This does not preclude a role for the wider body of people, the individual or institution, but places the initiative and primary responsibility with Trustees.
Ministers mentor
Ministers are to be formed and developed primarily within a mentoring relationship with a Minister rather than being left to private individual initiative or institutional oversight or theological college education.
In this way theology is grasped within pastoral realities and practicalities. Also, filtering of suitable candidates is undertaken with the informed insights of thorough exposure and before the substantial commitments and costs of formal training are made.