A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
(Prov. 13:17 NIV)
The armorbearer must have a disposition that will eagerly gain victories for his leader.
In 2 Samuel 22:36 David said of the Lord, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” David was a great warrior. But instead of declaring that it was his boldness, assurance, or strength that made him great, he said that it was God’s gentleness. This characteristic will gain victories for the leader and the one who serves him as armorbearer. Armed with this attitude, you will represent your leader well and gain much favor for both of you.
Always remember that as an armorbearer, wherever you go and whatever you do, you represent your leader. You do not want to do anything to bring a reproach to him or the ministry you both serve.
I have seen times when the leader has asked an associate to make unpopular changes in his department, then that associate calls his staff together and tells them: “The leader has said that you had better straighten up or out you go.” That makes a leader look as if he is some kind of unholy, ruthless king sitting on his throne, barking out orders.
This kind of thing happens often in ministries, and the result is always strife. The only reason any associate would say such a thing is to make it look as if he really cares for the people under him, but the leader doesn’t. It is just an attempt to save his own reputation at the expense of the leader’s. A true armorbearer will always strive to represent his leader well before all men.
When we work with people, we face many delicate situations every day. Even though you are not the shepherd of the flock or the head of the ministry, as an armorbearer you must take into your spirit the heart of a shepherd. You must learn to deal with people in love and find some common ground of agreement with the ones you work and deal with. No one is unreachable as long as he is teachable.
In my twenty-three years of experience as an associate, I have sat with people and explained to them what my leader meant by a statement he had made. Some people are easily offended, and many times they will come to the associate before going directly to the leader. I tried to help them understand what the leader really meant because I knew his heart. From there, if they were still upset, I encouraged them to make an appointment to meet with him personally to discuss the matter.
I encourage you to trust God every day for a spirit of humility, meekness, forgiveness, purity, and a clear conscience. These virtues will keep a guard around you and enable you to represent your leader well, causing you to be a real asset to the ministry.
- Consider how you represent your leader to others, especially when it comes to discussing something that is unpopular. Do you convey your leader in a negative light and distance yourself from his decisions? Or do you make the effort to relay his words in a loving and uplifting manner, taking the time to explain the leader’s heart in the matter?
- Make the commitment to be a peacemaker and a faithful ambassador
Based on James 3:17 NIV, I receive the wisdom that comes from heaven. Because I allow it to flow through me, I am pure and love peace. I am considerate toward those under my direction and submissive to my leader. I am full of mercy and good fruit. I am impartial and sincere and a peacemaker who sows in peace. As a result, I raise a harvest of righteousness in the ministry I serve. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.