(Gal. 5:22-24 MSG)
Another key to developing commitment as an armorbearer is to commit to the ministry as a person should commit to marriage. If you are married, of course, your marriage comes before your position in the church; however, you should approach the work for the Lord with the same fervency.
Concerning commitment, I heard a story of a farmer with a chicken and a pig who loved him because he was so good to them.
On the farmer’s birthday, the chicken went to the pig and said, “Let’s do something special for him.”
The pig replied, “That sounds great, but what can we do?”
The chicken said, “Let’s serve him breakfast. I’ll give him eggs, and you can give him bacon.”
The pig said, “Wait a minute. You are only giving an offering, but you’re asking me to make a total commitment!”
It will require a total commitment to be faithful and do what you are called to do. The strongest key to having a successful marriage is communication. Likewise, in working with your pastor and leaders, communication is a must. The reason for misunderstandings is a lack of communication. Jesus always took the time to communicate with His disciples. He knew that the continuation of His ministry depended on it.
This need for communication works both ways, of course. Workers need to let their leaders know of potential problems, and leaders must take the time to communicate what is in their hearts to their people. If a leader is truly joined to his flock as a shepherd, the sheep will know his voice. People cry for security. In the ministry, that comes from making a commitment to a leader and that leader making a commitment back to the people.
Dear God, I know that You take my position as an armorbearer seriously, and I take it seriously as well. I commit to being my leader’s armorbearer with the same intensity that a spouse should commit to his marriage, although I am careful to give my marriage priority over my ministerial duties. Help me to be an effective communicator, and give me the wisdom to know what to say and when to say it. May my commitment comfort and strengthen my leader. Amen.
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.