Ministry

Abstract

While in practice ministry in the Christian churches is flourishing, theologically speaking it is in a state of some disarray at this time. Prior to the Second Vatican Council the term 'ministry' was not common in Roman Catholic circles and was considered to have a Protestant 'ring' to it. Since the Second Vatican Council and its intentional empowerment of the laity, there has been an explosion of ministries, and attempts by church authorities to circumscribe usage of the term have been largely unsuccessful. Yet what is, and is not, considered to be ministry is difficult to determine.