'ministry' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ministerium', where 'minister' meant 'servant' and the suffix '-ium' formed a noun denoting 'office' or 'service'.

'ministry' changed from Medieval Latin 'ministerium' into Old French 'ministère' and eventually entered Middle English as 'ministry'.

Initially, it meant 'service' or 'office', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'government department' and 'religious work/office'.