An apostolate is a Christian organization "directed to serving and evangelizing the world", most often associated with the Anglican Communion or the Catholic Church.
[1] In more general usage, an apostolate is an association of persons dedicated to the propagation of a religion or a doctrine.
The Christian origin of the word comes from the twelve apostles who were selected by Christ; they had a "special vocation, a formal appointment of the Lord to a determined office, with connected authority and duties".
Within Anglican theology and Catholic theology, "ministry" pertains to the administration of a sacrament; or the celebration of liturgy and all that pertains to the liturgical functioning of the Church; as such it is specific to those with Holy Orders.
Laity have a different role, namely, to spread the truth of Christianity in the world through whatever means they can[3] — this is properly called an apostolate.