---
title: 'The Christian Minister Described by Samuel Miller'
type: post
author: 'R. Andrew Myers'
date: 2023-09-28
url: https://confessional.org/blog/2023-the-christian-minister-described-by-samuel-miller
---

# The Christian Minister Described by Samuel Miller

“The office sustained by ministers of the gospel is designated in scripture by a variety of names. They are sometimes called *Bishops*, because they are *overseers* of the flock committed to their charge.

They are frequently styled *Presbyters*, or *Elders*, which are words of the same import, because, if not really advanced in age, they are bound to maintain the dignity and gravity of ecclesiastical rulers.

They are denominated *Pastors*, because it is their duty to feed the flock of God.

They are called *Doctors* and *Teachers*, because they are required to instruct those committed to their care, in the doctrines and duties of religion.

They are said to be *Ambassadors*, importing that their duty is to declare the will of their Sovereign, and to negotiate a peace between the offended Majesty of heaven and guilty men.

They are represented as *Ministers* or *Servants*, because in all that they lawfully say and do, they act under the authority of a Master, whose declared will is their guide.

They are *Stewards of the mysteries of God*, having the spiritual provisions of his house committed to them to be dispensed.

They are *Watchmen*, being placed to guard the welfare of Zion, to give notice to men of their danger, and to exercise a vigilant care over all the interests of the Redeemer’s kingdom.

They are *Shepherds*, inasmuch as they are appointed to feed, protect, guide, and govern the flock, under the direction of the Chief Shepherd.

And, finally, according to the language of scripture, they are *Workmen* and *Labourers*, because they have a particular task assigned them; and because a faithful discharge of their duties requires diligence, exertion, and persevering labour.” — [**Samuel Miller**](/authors/samuel-miller), *Letters Concerning the Constitution and Order of the Christian Ministry* (1807), pp. 4-5