"Ministry" in the New Testament means all of God's people exercising their spiritual priesthood every day of the week wherever they are -- in their jobs, in formal and informal associations with other people, and in all contacts of daily life. The elevation of the pastorate into "the" ministry utterly fails to acknowledge the fact that every Christian is to be a minister to everyone else. I repented of referring to "the" ministry years ago and invite you to join me. If we would take this biblical principle to heart, the focus of so many of our churches -- pastors performing while others watch -- would be radically altered.
Believer: You are a minister. Fulfill your ministry!