Becoming a minister?

When someone becomes a minister in the church is it for life?

The answer depends on what kind of minister you are speaking of, as the Church has many ministries. In a typical parish there are LITURGICAL ministers: ushers, sacristans, extra-ordinary ministers of Most Holy Communion, lectors, acolytes, altar servers, music ministers, master of ceremonies, deacons, priests, and let us not forget our bishops. Each liturgical minister serves a particular function in the liturgy, and normally one does not usurp the ministry of another if they are available to serve. In a small parish one person might supply for several ministries, while in a larger parish there may be sufficient numbers for one person per ministry.

Bishop – consecrated for life
Priest – ordained for life
Deacon – ordained for life
Acolytes – instituted for life by a bishop
Lector – instituted for life by a bishop
Lector (or Reader) – commissioned by the pastor (men and women) most often for as long as willing to serve (must be at least 16 years of age)
Extra-ordinary ministers of Most Holy Communion – commissioned (for 3 years) (must be at least 16 years of age)
Altar servers – are typically commissioned yearly for as long as willing to serve
Music ministers – for as long as willing to serve
Master of ceremonies – for as long as the pastor or bishop desires
Ushers – for as long as willing to serve
Greeters/Hospitality – for as long as willing to serve
Sacristans – for as long as willing to serve

Please be aware that there are many other people involved in NON-LITURGICAL Church ministries: catechists, instructors, youth ministers, home bound visitors, maintenance/janitorial, decorators, office staff, health care, and on and on depending on the size of the faith community and the gifts of the individual person. Each one could be called a ministry to the greater faith community.