What is an Armor Bearer?

When I began discussing this book with a publishing agent, I was surprised when she asked me, "What is an armor bearer?" I was shocked, as a Christian, she was unaware of the term. I did my best to explain it, as I quoted excerpts from my book and gave a few examples. She became excited as I shared, and I became even more determined to get this book completed and into the hands of so many who truly desire to serve our Lord, and one another.

In researching the few materials available, I discovered many Christians have varying ideas about what an armor bearer is, or what an armor bearer should be. Sadly to me, this subject is not taught very much from the pulpit. Or, at least that has been my experience for over 30 years of attending Christian church. It is truly no surprise to me that so many are unfamiliar and/or confused on the subject and role of the armor bearer. Depending on who you speak with, the subject of armor bearer can be negative, while for others, like me, it is exciting and quite honestly, exuberant.

One evening I came across an article, or blog, that grabbed my attention and pulled at my heartstrings. The host shared, there is no office of armor bearer mentioned in the Bible.

While I believe the office of armor bearer is more "implied" than stated, we can rest assured, the role of the armor bearer is still quite vital to the work of the ministry.

[I truly believe you don't need an office to hold the position of the armor bearer]

I sat and read hours of conversations of people sharing their thoughts on the subject of "the armor bearer." I struggled with much of the content, and the negativity, but I felt it was important to continue through the end to get a real feel for the subject, and man's conviction on the matter.

One particular article suggested that Pastor's with armor bearers are overbearing and manipulative. It also suggested that ALL armor bearers are striving for position and attention. It seemed very negative and obviously dishonoring to both Pastors and armor bearers alike.

While I prefer to believe that is not the norm, I do believe we, as armor bearers, must be aware of the danger in stepping into this trap. So, the question remains; What is an armor bearer? Here are just a few of the negative statements or opinions I gathered from my research to describe an armor bearer.

[Sarcasm is intentional]

"that guy who is always WITH the Pastor."

"that girl who runs around looking busy all the time."

"that person who is ALWAYS STARING AT EVERYBODY."

"that guy who keeps trying to win kudos from the Pastor and the leadership."

"that person who keeps telling everyone "I AM THE ARMOR BEARER!"

"that pretentious one, who works alongside the Pastor, but is SECRETLY DESIRING THE PASTOR'S POSITION."

"that woman who is in desperate need of attention, who falsely serves, whose intent is only selfish gain"

[As I mentioned, this is what I came away with after doing some research. I am in no way in agreement with these statements, I share them only as a point of reference in my decision to write this book correctly, and with all due diligence]

Instead of asking, WHAT an armor bearer is, perhaps the better question to be asked is, WHO IS AN ARMOR BEARER? At least, that is the question I would like to answer, with the Lord's help.

"Who" is an Armor Bearer?

Truly, the title or "the position" (of the armor bearer) is NOT as important as "the posture" of the armor bearer. Is his position one of "climbing over" someone, or one of laying himself down for Someone? Is his goal to reach a higher pinnacle, or is his position/posture/attitude, one of humility and honor? In other words, does he humble himself before the Lord in order to pray and seek God for His counsel concerning serving and ministering to the needs of others, or is his service to others simply a means to an end? (his plans, his ambitions, his agenda?)

With permission, I'd like to share part of a message preached one Sunday at my church awhile back. This message was part of a series entitled "The Assignment, the Anointing and the adversary" (no, he, the adversary, doesn't deserve a capitol letter)

The Team Player vs. The Pretender

The title to this particular message in this series was, "A Team Player vs. a Pretender."

It may seem an obvious thing, to desire to be a team player on the Lord's team, right? After all, we all know He ALWAYS WINS!! I agree with my Pastor, "The problem arises when we no longer desire to hear, or listen to the team Captain for instructions." This occurs when WE begin to desire TO BE the TEAM CAPTAIN, or, the TEAM LEADER; THE ONE "making the calls" instead of the one receiving the calls". At Soul Harvest Worship Center, we call that, "being all large and in charge" or having an "all that and a bag of chips" attitude.

Pastor shared that a team player (whom I liken to an armor bearer), is willing to give up their position for the mission, while the pretender is willing to abandon the mission for the position, (the position he is striving for). For example, it may be advantageous to the team for you, or me, to sit this inning out. Sure, nobody enjoys warming the bench, but I can tell you from experience, "the bench" may be the best place for us at that time (or for that whole season).

When I was in High School, my basketball coach began sitting me out while all the rest of the team seemed to have opportunity to play in the game. I was in complete denial that that was "best for the team" and I sulked and sulked until I finally told the coach "I QUIT!!," to which he unbelievably responded, "But I need a bench Handly."

Wow! Nice going coach! Did he not understand how sensitive I was at this juncture of my life? Well, the funny thing is, the team successfully won...