First, hubby and I don't have these people in place in our ministry. Remember we're a young ministry dealing with very young Christians.
A few months ago, I was asked at the spur of the moment to conduct an altar call and let's just say the power of God fell, folk were on the floor, prophetic word went forth. I still look back at the event and ask what in the world happened? LOL!
Well while I was ministering, some woman, I have no idea who she was, really looked after me. One of the kindest gestures was as I was sweating hard, she just wiped the sweat off my shiny forehead and I just kept flowing. It was the most thoughtful thing in the world to me. I've never had anyone tend to me in that way. It really meant so much and I was so touched by the gesture.
I've got two speaking engagement coming up and I've asked this awesome woman (not a member of our church) to be my armor bearer (gotta get clearance from her pastor first). She is a mature Christian and has a wonderful spirit about her. She's just outright awesome and I love her dearly.
Members of our church will be at these events and I began to wonder if this would upset some of the ladies...well why didn't pastor ask us to do that for her? I think I just needed to type this out... I know the Lord dropped the young lady in my spirit and will follow through with that. The ladies in our ministry are not quite ready for the task. There are some people who are gifted/called for this task and I chose to follow the leading of the Spirit.
This was in the book Breaking the Spirit of Intimidation...I've got to please God and not man. So I'll be obedient.
Thanks for letting me work this out in your presence...LOL!
Armor bearers are absolutely essential to the work of the ministry, especially when we are at the altar.
I am excited to know that you were ministered to on such a profound level...
It is equally important that we recognize the importance of being accountable to the people we are ministering to and those that we are called to train... Perhaps this gesture was a seed sown into your life to show you what you should be expecting in the near future... Or maybe it is time for you to help to grow the women that you have in what needs to be a blessing to you. And so I am sure that if you fear the question may be asked that it probably will be (also probably not out loud to you...)
If you feel so strongly about that woman's qualifications perhaps it would be a good idea for her to do a workshop on how to care for your pastor...
I greatly agree that you need to confer with her pastor... Just as I am sure you would expect someone to confer with you if they wanted to use the ministerial services of one of your members...
I totally agree with FLOW. I think your ladies are still growing. They have to be taught how to minister to you all. My husband and I had to teach our church so many elementary things. We even had to teach them how to honor us. Before we allowed them to give another appreciation service, We had to teach them, b/c they were going at it wrong. They had the right heart, but their actions were based on what they thought was right.
I am sure there are ladies there(in your church) anointed to care for you, but you've got to show them the way. If you're not comfortable teaching them, then have someone else come in to teach them how to care for their pastors. They will catch on. It might not be immediately, but it will happen.
Well the dear woman I wanted to assist me, won't be able too... Her pastor was not in agreeement... Said armor bearing more than carrying Bibles etc...well that's a given! Lord knows I don't want one for show! I can carry my own Bible thank you! More speech about how you have to be connected spiritually to that person...person has to be willing to lay down their life, etc.
So I don't know how that woman was able to be an improptu armor bearer that day I had to minister on the spot. We weren't spiritually connected.
It must be a God thing for him to say no and God will provide.
This speaks more to me about us still not willing to assist one another/bless one another than "spiritual connections." I'm disappointed...
