(Philippians 2:25 NLT)
One of the first duties of an armorbearer is to be a source of strength for his leader. To do this, the armorbearer must stay built up in his spirit and be strong in the Lord himself. As a result of this inner strength, the armorbearer’s very presence will display and produce an attitude of faith and peace.
If you are to be successful in service as an armorbearer to your leader, he must sense the joy and victory that is an integral part of your lifestyle. That in itself will minister to him. It is a great relief to the spiritual leader to know that he does not have to carry his assistant physically, mentally, and spiritually. Many times I have seen pastors drained physically and emotionally because their associate was always in need of something. Your leader has plenty of sheep to take care of; he doesn’t need another.
This is not to say that you do not have needs or that the leader you serve will never minister to you. Certainly, like all believers you have needs, and more than likely the ministry of your leader is one you receive spiritual nourishment from. But as far as your relationship and interaction with your leader are concerned, your first goal as armorbearer should be to assist him, giving him much-needed rest in mind and body. You do this by demonstrating that your faith is strong and active. Ultimately, this must come from your own personal relationship with God.
Some things you can do to stay strong in the Lord include:
- staying full of God’s Word (Prov. 4:20–22);
- building yourself up on your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 1:20);
- drawing on the joy of the Lord for your strength (Neh. 8:10);
- being strengthened by might by God’s Spirit in your inner man (Eph. 3:16); and
- maintaining a personal and intimate relationship with God (Rev. 3:20).
Dear God, I am committed to be a strength to the one I serve and to contribute to his well-being. When I am going through challenges and feel anything but strong, remind me to draw my strength and direction from You. I purpose to pull on You, the all-sufficient One, not on the man You’ve called me to serve.
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.