Armorbearers International

Honestly, have you felt my leader just doesn't GET IT and thought maybe I should try to explain...Wait! Stop right there, here's a perspective you must read...

I know you advocate being submissive to one's leaders and truly I am...I have been serving as Armorbearer to my First Lady for over 5 years now.  I love what I do and seldom feel as fulfilled in ministry as when I am serving God by serving my First Lady.  I know that this is God's appointment for me.  My leader is also in agreement with this.  My problem is this.  I often feel that I am not being allowed to fully reach my potential as AB to my leader.

However, I feel very much that some of the hesitation is because my leader's spouse, my Pastor, does not fully understand the nature of our relationship in the spirit and in service and discourages her in fully utilizing my skills. 

In part, my leader may not fully understand what being an armorbearer really means.  Should I try to discuss this with leader to make sure there is no confusion about my willingness and ability to serve?  Further, is there something you can recommend to help Pastor better understand our ministry dynamic and that it is appointed by God? 

Several different ministers have come to our church to speak and by the directive of the spirit have recognized and affirmed our armorbearer/leader relationship but that has not seemed to open my Pastor's understanding. 

I am not married, have no children or other responsibilities of that sort so I am more readily available to serve now than I will ever again be and I do not want this wonderful opportunity to minister to be hindered through lack of knowledge and understanding of the ministry itself.  I truly feel after much prayer that this is the root problem.  What can you suggest?... 

Christine

Arizona, USA

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Brown's Response:

Hi Christine, congratulations on your faithfulness in serving your pastors. Good job! Keep it going. Also, thank you for acknowledging you understand what we teach. On that note, you probably already (smile) have an idea of what we are going to say but here goes.

Varn: Hi Christine. Yielding to your authority’s wisdom is one of the most important things you can do as an armorbearer. Whether your leader fully understands armorbearing or not–they still are the leaders.

If you push beyond their leading, who knows what may happen. God may be holding them back for a reason. It always takes time for the Lord to reveal himself through people. Consider this, just because they are not ready to allow you to serve in a fuller capacity doesn’t mean they lack revelation.

Earma: Hi Christine. I agree with Varn. Additionally, you may be exactly right. Your First Lady’s husband (Pastor) may be the cautious one. Even so, we caution you on assuming the role of teacher with your leaders.

Unless of course, you are asked – then by all means enlighten them with the revelation of armorbearing. With all that said, it doesn’t mean you can’t have your own opinion. Just be careful not to insult their leadership or intelligence by suggesting they need a better understanding of armorbearing.

Varn: The leader always understands more than the follower. God planned it that way so people can learn to follow Christ better. He appoints shepherds so they can watch over His sheep. We encourage you to be patient and keep serving them faithfully.

You can be assured the Lord will give you opportunities to advance in your service. If not already, we recommend our book In the Spirit of Armorbearing to you and your leaders. Offer it as a gift to them. Or ask permission to see it in your church’s bookstore.

Earma: Also, please know that greater responsibility comes along with that greater knowledge, revelation and higher perspective that God gives our Pastors and Leaders. Leaders are commanded to be good stewards over God’s sheep. Here’s another perspective to consider: Your faithful service and relationship --in time-- will bring a greater revelation of armorbearing to your pastors and congregation. Your faithfulness and excellent service will begin to speak for you.

Varn: Amen to that! It is important to honor your pastors’ decisions or way of doing things – whether you feel it’s wrong or right. If you feel it’s wrong or lacking in some way—pray for them. Remember, like we say all the time you don’t need a title to serve in the Kingdom of God.

It’s good that you are single and have made yourself available to the woman of God. You can afford to give a lot of your time. As a single young woman, continue to be respectful of First Lady and her husband’s wishes.

Earma: Christine. One last thing from me, remember your service is a gift.  With all gifts – there’s an open choice on whether the receiver will receive it. If there’s no choice element then the gift becomes something else. Keep your service as a gift. Even the ultimate gift of salvation has a choice attached. Our Father God forces no one.

We commend you for using your singleness in the ministry. We bless you in all your ministry endeavors. Stay faithful and continue to grow in your service to God and your leaders. May God bless you with the desires of your heart this year.