Leitourgos originally designated a Greek citizen who performed public service at their own expense (the leitourgia system). In the NT it means servant, minister, or one who performs religious/public service. It appears 5 times, used for civil rulers, priests, Christ himself, and Paul's ministry role.
The range of leitourgos in the NT is striking: Romans 13:6 uses it for government officials ('God's servants in governing'); Romans 15:16 uses it for Paul as a 'minister [leitourgos] of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles'; Hebrews 8:2 calls Christ a 'minister [leitourgos] in the sanctuary'; and Philippians 2:25 applies it to Epaphroditus as minister to Paul's needs. The theological implication is that all forms of faithful service — civic, religious, apostolic, personal — share the dignity of divine service. When Paul describes his Gentile mission as liturgical work (Romans 15:16), he elevates cross-cultural ministry to priestly status. Service and worship are one reality.