---
title: "*What is the Difference Between a Church and a Ministry?"
description: "Often people sense a call of God to ministry.   In response to the call they find themselves not **knowing whether to start a church or a ministry**.   The best way to approach this question is to consider the…"
url: "https://faq.nacministers.org/docs/what-is-the-difference-between-a-church-and-a-ministry/"
updated: "2024-06-07"
category: Credentials / Charters
tags:
  - Church
  - Ministry
  - Pastor
  - Woman
---

# *What is the Difference Between a Church and a Ministry?

Often people sense a call of God to ministry.

 

In response to the call they find themselves not **knowing whether to start a church or a ministry**.

 

The best way to approach this question is to consider the differences between the two:

 

****A Church**** is a well structured organization defined in scripture regarding its protocol and governance. In other words, a church must have pastor(s), elder(s), deacon(s), etc.

 

However, ****a ministry**** is much more flexible. It is only governed by the principles of Christianity without the protocols of a church.  It may or may not have pastor(s), elder(s), deacon(s), etc.

 

****It should be noted that one is not better than the other**.  However, one may be a better fit to the minister who has decided to answer their call.**

 

****Application by Example**:**

**Let’s say that a divorced woman believes that she is called to be a pastor. **

**In some Christian circles she will have two strikes against her:**

**1) she is a woman, and**

**2) she is divorced. **

**If she feels that she must interact with people who hold these prejudices, it may be her to advantage to start a “ministry”.  Then if someone attempts to invalidate her role as a pastor, she can remind them that the Bible does not define the office of a pastor over a ministry –as opposed to a church.**