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Before they are asked to be deacons, they should be given other jobs in the church as a test of their character and ability, and if they do well, then they may be chosen as deacons.
(1 Timothy 3:10 TLB)

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Leaders should look for people who possess the spirit of an armorbearer. And those who feel called to be an armorbearer should strive to be worthy of that calling. Here are some guidelines:

• Do they have a disciplined prayer life?
• Are they grounded in the Word?
• Are they faithful to the church?
• Is their family intact?
• Do they tithe?
• Are you at ease in their presence?
• Are they at ease in your presence?
• Are they genuinely interested in people of all types and races?
• Do they possess a strong and steady will?
• Do they avoid murmuring and complaining?
• Are they optimistic?
• Do they submit to authority?
• Are they good listeners?
• Are they disciplined, both mentally and physically?
• Are they loyal?
• Are they temperate and not given to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or anything else that would harm them?
• Are they strong in their love walk, or do they give place to anger or strife?
• Can they keep confidences?

Although these guidelines are mentioned to help leaders recognize and choose capable armorbearers, they are also the signs of mature believers and leaders. They are qualities we all should aspire to.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer
The Bible has quite a bit to say about the qualifications for being an armorbearer:

• “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well” (1 Tim. 3:8–12).

• “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil” (1 Tim. 3:2–7).

• “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:7–9).

Father, You know what it takes to serve as an effective armorbearer, and I thank You for giving us these guidelines. Now armorbearers can know what is required of them, and leaders can know what to look for and expect in their armorbearers. It will help us do all things decently and in order. Help me to fulfill my role with excellence and to follow these guidelines in my own personal life. Amen.

Source: God’s Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers