An armorbearer must instinctively understand his leader’s thoughts. I can hear what you are probably thinking right now: My leader and I just don’t think alike. That should come as no surprise; no two people think alike on everything. And that is one of the problems that must be dealt with in being an armorbearer to another.

Instead of complaining about your differences, begin to discover and confess your agreement: “In Jesus’ name, I understand how my leader thinks, and I flow with him in the spirit of understanding.”

Remember, the disciples were with Jesus for three long years; yet they did not begin to think as He thought until after He had died, was buried and resurrected, ascended into heaven, and sent the Holy Ghost. Just as God’s Spirit was eventually imparted to these men, after a period of time, your leader’s spirit will come upon you and the two of you will become like minded.

In the meantime, you can choose to be of one mind and one accord with your leader. In 2 Corinthians 13:11, the apostle Paul instructs us to be of one mind. Peter echoes this admonition in 1 Peter 3:8. From these verses it is clear that being of one mind is something we can determine to do. It begins with a decision, but over time, as you put this into practice, your thoughts will become one with your leader.

• If you’ve been griping and complaining, stop!
• Determine the things you and your leader agree upon.
• Ask God to give you understanding and insight into how your leader thinks and why. Understand his personality temperament and background.
• Respect the fact that even if you don’t understand the way your leader thinks about a matter, he has been put into his position by God.
• Trust that your leader’s thoughts and motives are pure, knowing that he is accountable to God.
• Pray for your leader and trust that God is at work in his life.
• Determine to be likeminded with your leader.

Dear God, I don’t always understand how my leader thinks or why he thinks the way he does. Sometimes I just don’t agree with him. I confess my sin of complaining and ask You to give me wisdom and insight into my leader. He is first and foremost Your child, so I trust You to lead and guide him. Help me to see where we do agree, and give me the grace to go forward from there. I choose to be of one mind and one accord with my leader, and I thank You for blessing our unity. Amen.

Terry Nance

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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.