The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PASTORS
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More clues leading to the result PASTORS
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "ministers" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ministers = pastors.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PASTORS mean?
PASTORS noun- A shepherd; someone who tends to a flock of animals.
- Someone with spiritual authority over a group of people
- A minister or priest in a church.
- The main priest serving a parish.
- A bird, the rosy starling.
- To serve a congregation as pastor