Ministry is service. Jesus came to serve. We are to follow his example and serve. Our service is ordained by God. We are to serve by doing the good works that He has prepared in advance for us to do.

Our service is to build each other up. Our service is to share the good news of salvation with others. Our service is to produce Fruit.

We are called a "holy priesthood". We are called "saints". What this means to me is that God has called each believer to a life of sacrifice and service. To a life of ministry. This ministry is expressed to family, to friends, to co-workers, to others we encounter.

Here are the Hebrew words from the old testament that are translated ministry:

Shareth – Priestly service or work in the temple or tabernacle
Abodah – labor (of a servant), service (of God)

Here are the Greek words from the new testament that are translated ministry:

Diakonia – service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others; of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men
the ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities
Leitourgia – a public office which a citizen undertakes to administer at his own expense; a service or ministry of the priests relative to the prayers and sacrifices offered to God

Ministry is the body of Christ using the gifts and talents and resources given by God to pursue or promote the production of spiritual fruit in others.