In most Protestant churches, a minister is a member of the ordained clergy who leads a congregation; such a person may also be called a Pastor, Preacher, or Elder. In many churches, ministers are required to be seminary-trained although some churches allow laymen to preach.

In the Catholic Church minister is not a title used by the ordained clergy (e.g. priests) nor is it a form of address for them, see Catholic minister.

See also: Political minister