(1 Corinthians 12:23)
I have heard preachers refer to the associate ministry as “playing second fiddle.” I have a few questions that I would like to ask those who think that way: Did Joshua play second fiddle to Moses? Did Elisha play second fiddle to Elijah? Does a person’s nose play second fiddle to his eyes? Does his foot play second fiddle to his hand?
If you have thought of the associate ministry or other support positions in this way, I hope that by now your thinking has begun to change. There is no second fiddle position in the Body of Christ.
If anyone thinks that because he fills the position of pastor, prophet, apostle, evangelist, or teacher he is better than the rest of the Body, then he had better prepare to be brought low. That would be pride and will result in destruction according to Proverbs 16:18. I trust that you will never fall for that kind of deceptive thinking. As we’ve stated many times, God-called armorbearers are there to support the leader and to help fulfill the vision God has given him.
Many years ago, I told my pastor that I was behind him. He stopped and said, “No, you are standing with me.”
Our relationship did not reach that point overnight, but then no meaningful relationship is built quickly. Your position in the ministry is important to God, and if you are faithful and patient, you will be exalted in due season.
Deuteronomy 32:30 says that one shall put a thousand to flight and two will chase ten thousand. With you by his side, your officer is ten times more powerful than he is alone. In Christ, there are no second fiddles.
- Have you thought of yourself as playing “second fiddle” to your leader? Why? Is it because of your own lack of understanding in how the Kingdom of God operates? Is it because of a poor self-image? Have others pigeon-holed you or treated you as inferior? Encourage yourself in the fact that God never sees you as a second fiddle. Be sure to forgive anyone who may have contributed to a negative self image.
- In Romans 8:17, the apostle Paul even refers to us as “joint-heirs with Christ” (emphasis added). Ephesians 2:6 says that God has raised you up and you are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Does that sound like second fiddle to you? No, in Christ, we are all one. We simply fulfill different roles in the Body of Christ.
- Read in the Old Testament about Elisha and his relationship with Elijah, Aaron and his relationship with Moses (especially Ex. 17:11–13), and Joshua and his relationship with Moses. In the New Testament read about Silas and Timothy and their individual relationships with the apostle Paul.
- Look up and meditate on verses that tell you who you are in Christ, and begin to see yourself as God sees you.
Dear God, there’s no such thing as playing “second fiddle” in Your mind. Man has created such distinctions. I repent of giving place to any such thoughts and for minimizing my place in the Body of Christ. I believe that supporting my leader is what You’ve called me to do, and I’ll serve You with gladness all the days of my life. 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.