Who's In Charge?

Have you ever worked on a job or volunteered in a ministry where there were a lot of "chiefs" and not enough "Indians?" 

Everyone wants to be in charge.  I've heard people complain about this very thing in my tenure of ministry.

God has an authority structure.  This is nothing new.  God had the same structure back in Moses' day when the Israelite grumblers complained against the leadership of Moses and especially Aaron saying, "We are all chosen and holy, who set you above all the Israelites?" (Numbers 16:3)

If you remember, under Old Testament law, judgment and destruction fell upon them that complained.  Along comes God with His mercy far stretched and uses Aaron's budding rod to produce ripe almonds while the other staffs in the camp stayed the same.  He then reiterates the duties of the LEADERS and the SUPPORTERS.

It is a fact, not everyone is called to be a leader at the same time.  Someone must lead and others must follow.  From Scripture, we discovered God appoints leaders and those to support them.

• Have you been appointed to SUPPORT someone in your leadership? 
• Is your heart set toward HELPING this person accomplish their God-given tasks?

If the answer is yes, then you are not alone.  All over the Body of Christ, God continues to make specific appointments of helpers to assist His authorities. 

As an ADMINISTRATOR of the HELPS MINISTRY, He has uniquely formed the ARMORBEARER'S place in His support system.  It is a part of His design for a TEAM to STRENGTHEN His leaders.

When God called Beverly and I to serve as armorbearers (support staff) for our pastors, we had good examples to follow...our parents and others who have served or currently serve in the ministry of assisting.

Obviously, we asked the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide, to give us examples.  God showed us examples not only in NAME but also in FUNCTION. 

One of which, his name is not mentioned, was the armorbearer for Jonathan, prince of Israel.  This man wasn't involved in the ministry of assisting ANYONE and EVERYONE. He was assigned to Jonathan.  He was focused and attentive to his leader.

His helper was always nearby. 

• Jonathan didn't have to hunt him down;
• Constantly remind him of his duties;
• Light a fire under him;
• Tip-toe around him for fear of hurting his feelings. 

Jonathan's armorbearer was so close, all Jonathan had to do was turn to his armorbearer and say, "Let's go up..."  His assistant's response was, "Do all that is in your mind.  For I am with you heart and soul." (1 Samuel 14:7)

Sounds like music to my ears!  If you are a pastor needing support or a weary church leader it's music to your ears also!

IN THE BODY OF CHRIST we need more people who will SUPPORT the man or woman of God in a more tangible way.  God is looking for people who will be with their assigned leader HEART and SOUL.

In what way can you encourage your leaders?