In the body of Christ, many roles exist to support the mission of the church, and one of the most important and impactful positions is that of the armor bearer. The armor bearer serves as an extension of the leader’s vision, offering practical, emotional, and spiritual support to the leader as they fulfill their calling. However, the key to being an effective armor bearer lies in developing a spirit of servanthood—a heart that serves selflessly, with humility, and a deep commitment to God’s work. In this blog post, we’ll explore what it means to develop a spirit of servanthood as an armor bearer, and how this mindset can strengthen your ministry and your relationship with church leadership.
1. Understanding the Biblical Foundation of Servanthood
The concept of servanthood is deeply embedded in the Bible, with Jesus Christ Himself serving as the ultimate example of a servant leader. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus declares, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This model of servanthood emphasizes that leadership in the Kingdom of God is not about power, recognition, or status, but about serving others and fulfilling God’s purpose with humility.
As an armor bearer, adopting this mindset of servanthood means placing the needs of the leader and the ministry above your own. This selfless approach requires an understanding that your role is not about receiving praise or attention but about empowering the leader to do the work God has called them to do.
2. Key Traits of an Armor Bearer with a Servant’s Heart
Developing a spirit of servanthood requires cultivating certain characteristics that are foundational to being an effective and humble armor bearer:
a) Humility
At the core of servanthood is humility—the ability to put others before yourself. An armor bearer with a humble heart will prioritize the needs of the leader and the ministry, understanding that their role is to support, not to be the focal point. Humility means being willing to work behind the scenes, often unnoticed, to ensure that the leader can effectively carry out their duties.
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul teaches, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” Humility in servanthood is about acknowledging that the mission is bigger than any individual and embracing the privilege of supporting others in fulfilling God’s work.
b) Loyalty
Loyalty is an essential quality for an armor bearer. This loyalty is not only to the leader but to the vision and calling of the ministry. An armor bearer who is loyal will stand by the leader in both challenging and triumphant moments, offering unwavering support. Loyalty is built on trust and a commitment to serve, knowing that your work directly contributes to the success of the ministry.
An armor bearer should demonstrate loyalty by following the leader’s guidance, supporting their decisions, and remaining committed to the ministry’s mission. This loyalty fosters unity and creates a strong, supportive relationship between the leader and their team.
c) Faithfulness
Faithfulness is crucial in the role of an armor bearer. Being faithful means showing up consistently, fulfilling your duties, and remaining steadfast in your service even when it’s difficult or when no one is watching. Armor bearers are often tasked with responsibilities that may seem small or unnoticed, but faithfulness ensures that every aspect of the ministry is carried out with excellence.
In 1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul writes, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Faithfulness to the calling of an armor bearer means fulfilling your role with dedication and integrity, regardless of the challenges that may arise.
d) Selflessness
Being selfless is another key characteristic of a servant leader. An armor bearer must be willing to put the needs of the leader and the ministry above their own. This selflessness is reflected in the willingness to serve without seeking recognition or reward. It’s about fulfilling your role with a heart that desires to glorify God and support the work He is doing through the church.
In John 13:14-15, Jesus exemplifies selflessness when He washes the disciples’ feet, saying, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” The spirit of selflessness as an armor bearer requires you to serve with love, humility, and a focus on the needs of others.
3. The Role of Prayer and Spiritual Growth
To develop a spirit of servanthood, an armor bearer must engage in consistent prayer and spiritual growth. Serving others is not something that can be sustained by our own strength alone; it requires reliance on God’s grace and power.
Prayer is the foundation that sustains the armor bearer’s spirit of servanthood. It is essential to pray regularly for the leader you support, asking God to grant them wisdom, discernment, and strength in their leadership. Praying for your own heart as well, asking God to help you serve selflessly and with humility, will keep you spiritually grounded.
Additionally, spiritual growth through Bible study, worship, and fellowship with other believers strengthens the armor bearer’s character and deepens their relationship with God. The more spiritually mature you become, the more effective and joyful you will be in your role as an armor bearer.
4. Developing a Servant Leadership Mindset
An armor bearer embodies servant leadership by helping the leader stay focused on their God-given vision while also being willing to step in and fill gaps as needed. This servant leadership mindset means understanding that you are not just supporting the leader in tasks, but also in prayer, guidance, and emotional support.
To develop this mindset:
- Be proactive in identifying the needs of the leader and the ministry, even before they are communicated.
- Serve with joy and enthusiasm, knowing that your role plays a vital part in the kingdom of God.
- Always approach tasks with a heart of service, whether large or small.
By developing a servant leadership mindset, you will grow in your role as an armor bearer and, in turn, help the leader fulfill their calling.
5. The Impact of a Spirit of Servanthood on the Church
The spirit of servanthood in an armor bearer doesn’t just affect the leader—it impacts the entire church body. When an armor bearer serves with humility, loyalty, and selflessness, they set an example for others in the congregation to follow. This creates a culture of servanthood in the church, where members support one another, work together for the common goal, and remain unified in their mission to glorify God.
Additionally, when leaders are supported by selfless armor bearers, they are freed to focus on their spiritual and leadership responsibilities. This leads to a stronger, more effective ministry that bears fruit and grows in both numbers and spiritual maturity.
Conclusion
Developing a spirit of servanthood as an armor bearer is crucial to the success of any ministry. By embodying humility, loyalty, faithfulness, selflessness, and a commitment to prayer and spiritual growth, armor bearers not only support church leaders but also contribute to the overall health and success of the church. Serving with a heart of servanthood allows you to play a vital role in advancing God’s kingdom, ensuring that the mission of the church moves forward with strength and unity.
