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A minister is by definition a servant. Each and every Christian is a minister, in this respect, and is given different and various gifts for performing their ministry.
"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." (Rom. 12:6-8)Please note that these are gifts from God inspired by the Holy Spirit. They are not thought up or produced or chosen by men. "All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills" (I Cor. 12:11, RSV). Every Christian who is indwelt and filled by the Holy Spirit will have one or more of these gifts, which he. is responsible to discover, develop, and exercise. He has no right to pick and choose: these are "gifts." What is the purpose for which these gifts are given? "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12)"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?" (1 Cor. 12:28-30)
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:11-12)
Even though each Christian's ministry and "spiritual" gift, or gifts, may differ, one is no more important than any other. All are necessary for "the edifying [building up] of the body of Christ [the church].
Now, in exercise of the "gift" of governments, the New Testament speaks of the appointment [ordination] of Elders (Presbyters, Bishops or "Overseers") and Deacons [Ministers, Servants, Helpers] within the physical church. All Elders, Presbyters (Priests), Bishops (Overseers), etc. are also Deacons (i.e. Ministers). The Elder is sometimes known by the titles of "Minister", "Priest" (derived from Presbyter), or "Pastor". The word "Bishop", in many cases, has come to refer to an office that "oversees" other "Ministers", "Priests", "Pastors", or churches.
There are two sets of laws that Christians must obey in this life: the laws of God and the laws of our governments. "And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him" (Mark 12:17).
The Christian is instructed in the Bible to obey all the laws of men as long as they do not conflict with God's laws, because they have been created to protect us.
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due" (Rom. 13:1-7, RSV).Many governments require "Ministers", or "Officials", to be "legally" appointed [ordained] and authorized in order to "legally" perform certain functions. For example, marriage is instituted by God as a spiritual union between a man and a woman. It is also considered a "legal" contract by our governments and certain "legalities" must be met by those entering into the contract and by the person confirming or ratifying this contract. Therefore, a religious body, or church, may appoint [ordain] certain individuals to perform the religious as well as the governmental functions.[Note: The word "legal", "legally", etc., as used below refers to things considered as lawful by our governments]
Being "legally" ordained as a "Minister" by a "legally" established church has nothing to do with spiritual ordination, or spiritual gifts for service. It simply authorizes the "Minister" to "legally" (see note at end of this paragraph concerning this legal aspect of ordination) perform certain ministerial duties that are commonly associated with that office. These duties may include performing baptisms, marriages, funerals, conducting church services, etc.
[NOTE: This legality ONLY applies to those governmental stipulations that may require the person performing the function to be licensed or ordained by the religious organization they represent in performing the function. It does not apply to other governmental requirements that are required to perform the function.]True Grace Ministries assists with "legal" ministerial ordination. This ordination gives the minister the same rights and authority as ordination by any other church, denomination, or religious organization. These rights include the authority to perform baptisms, funerals, marriages, and to conduct church services.
