ˌminəˈstirēəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: German, from Latin, service
1. : a body in the Lutheran Church:
a. : one composed of ordained ministers and charged with the examination, licensure, and ordination of candidates for the ministry and with the trial for heresy of ministers and also laymen on appeal from a church council
b. : a representative body of ministers and laymen meeting periodically to attend to the interests of the churches represented
2. : a regional group or association of ministers in the Evangelical and Reformed Church meeting periodically for fellowship and attending to problems of common interest