In researching the idea of ministry:
The term is used in the OT in two ways that I can see:
1) In the secular realm of kings and dignitaries
2) Service to God-generally in temple duties-office holder (priest)
3 offices: Prophet, Priest and King
The secular realm is served by both sexes; in the religious realm, it is only the Priests (those ordained to the office).
In the NT it is a bit more tricky; we have various interpretations for the term ‘minister’:
Jesus fulfills the offices of Prophet, Priest and King.
Hebrews 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Strongs shows a number of variations or cognates.
1) Ordained men-(M)inistry, (M)inisters, (M)inistering
2) Christian service, one to another- (m)inistering, (m)inister
3) Denotation to undershepherds
The distinction between the ministering that an ordained man does and Christian service, one to another must be considered when reading passages where the term is used. Consider the Great Commission; all of us play apart in the commission. Not all are called to an office of ‘preaching’. Many support the effort by prayer, hospitality, etc. The commission would not function properly without this infrastructure. Sadly, in this age, most of these supportive ministries are devalued and the emphasis misconstrued towards just the proclamation.