For the past 13 years I’ve been armor bearer and personal assistant to my pastor. Over the years I’ve received lots of questions about what I do and how I do it. This post is for everyone who thinks they have either been called to this ministry or just want to be in this ministry. If you aspire to be an armor bearer or ministry assistant, read through each category below and give some serious thought to what is shared.
This ministry is not for everyone. I have a friend with whom I work very closely in ministry; we are both on staff at our church. She and I have many of the same gifts and skills so I asked her to stand in as an armor bearer for a guest minister one day when we were short handed. By the time we left the church it was after midnight. She looked at me and said, “I don’t know how you do this but it’s not for me.”
This articles is based strictly on my personal experience. Every ministry is different and has its own preferences and expectations.
What’s Your Motive?
Why Do You Want To Be An Armor Bearer? If you seek or accept a ministry position with the wrong motives you probably won’t last long. You may become frustrated or burnout quickly. There is a reason God gave us spiritual gifts and talents to equip us for ministry.
An armor bearer or personal assistant to a senior pastor should have a strong desire to assist the pastor, ministry leaders, and ministry guests. This desire is not to be close to the pastor or others in ministry. It is not a desire to see or be seen; to know or be known. An armor bearer or personal assistant wants to help make ministry easier and less stressful for the people they serve. They want to help their ministry leader focus on ministry and prayer rather than the minutiae associated with ministry.
Friendly But Not Familiar
Armor bearers and personal assistants are called to serve. We are not called to be the pastor’s or ministry leaders’ friend. By all means, we should be friendly and helpful. We should be eager to serve in a pleasant manner with an approachable attitude. However, we must recognize the thin line between friendly and familiar. It is not our job to engage in conversations of a personal nature or try to be buddies with those we serve.
Anticipate Needs
One of the most valuable skills an armor bearer can have is the ability to anticipate. To anticipate the needs of others, we must be observant and alert. Once we begin to serve, we learn our leaders needs. If the person we serve tends to sweat a lot, we should always have a towel or handkerchief for them. If they usually don’t have a pen, keep pens on hand. We can also anticipate needs based on body language and non-verbal signals.
Everything we can think of before it’s needed helps our leaders focus on ministering.
Learn To Be Invisible
When serving, it’s not about us. It’s about ministering to the needs of others without becoming the center of attention. We should not draw attention to ourselves. If you like attention and tend to be the life of the party, this is not the job for you. This is something I took to heart, so much so that when I traveled with my pastor I always wore black, gray or brown so I would not stand out.
If we serve with excellence, we will be noticed for our service.
Understanding Confidentiality
No gossipers allowed. Serving pastors and ministry leaders sometimes allows armor bearers to be privy to private conversations. This doesn’t mean that you will be privy to your pastor’s deep, dark secrets. But it does mean there will be conversations that aren’t meant to be repeated. When we overhear discussions between our ministry leaders and/or guests those conversations should be treated as confidential.
On occasion, we will be privy to confidential conversations. We don’t discuss them; not even with our spouse.
Don’t Be Like Gehazi
Gehazi served as Elisha’s ministry assistant. He served with honor and distinction for many years until he used Elisha’s name for dishonest gain. Don’t use your association with your pastor or other ministry leaders for selfish gain.
Family and Time Management
If armor bearing or personal assistant is your calling, it will become a priority in your life. If you are married and have children living at home you must find balance. Your spouse and children should not feel like they have to compete for your time and attention.
Follow-Up
In a few days I will follow-up this article with one that addresses armor bearer selection and training and full time assistants.
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Tags: armor bearer, armorbearer, ministry assistants, pastors personal assistant, serving ministry leaders
October 25th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
This is a great resource. I worked as a personal assistant to a pastoral team and can identify with a number of things you mentioned in this article. This is an overlooked profession, but the uniqueness of it is that it is a calling. You just can’t do this…
Be victorious,
Cheryl A. Pullins
Executive Director
Victorious Living for Women
October 25th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Great POST! So true…
October 26th, 2009 at 7:11 am
@ Niko – Hi Niko, glad you stopped by. You and I have both served in this capacity for different pastors and worked together on occasion. It’s good to have your stamp of approval.
@ Cheryl – Thanks for your comments. You are correct, this is a calling. There are many who think this is a simple, glamorous job but that is how it seems to the casual observer.
October 26th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Thanks Mrs. Valerie for all that you do in your walk and you are truly walking in one of your many gifts. This article is very helpful.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:59 pm
I was searching the web for some examples of female armor bearers and ran across this post. I have been called to be an assistant/armor bearer for my Pastors and was wondering if you had any advice since they are good friends of mine. I see you said that an assistant or armor bearer should not be friends because of the familiarity issue. I understand that to be a real issue and have encountered crossing the line a few times. We have worked though and are able to function, but at this point the church is small and we can over look somethings. My concern is as the ministry grows, will have have to choose between the friend and the calling? Any advice?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Shannon, the task you describe can be quite difficult if there is no distinction between friendship and service. Give me a few days. I’m going to write a post to address this specific issue.
Thanks for asking.
December 21st, 2009 at 11:04 am
I have a friend that has been asked to be the armour bearer for the first lady of her church, she wanted to know is there another name for the female armour bearer and or are the duties still the same as a person that is a male armour bearer. Feel free to elaborate- she just wants a lot of info on what was asked of her. I know that she would be good at this task, but needs some specifics from you.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:13 am
Hi David, male and female armor bearers usually have the same title. Some churches use an entirely different title for armor bearers.
For the most part, the duties should be the similar; however, the first lady should set her specific expectations. It’s never good to step into a role under an assumption. Your friend should sit down with the first lady and discuss her role and expectations.
Next month I will conduct a training session at my church for our armor bearers. I’ve trained the men before but our pastor has only been married for two years and his wife recently asked several women to serve as her armor bearer. Before I conduct the training, I will sit down with our pastor’s wife to find out what she expects of her armor bearers.
Good looking out for your friend, I wish her well.
January 5th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Enjoyed the article. Can you advise if you do training on this subject for church assemblies?
Thank You
January 6th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Yes, I have done training on this topic. You can reach me through the Contact form, I’ll be glad to discuss with you.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Does anyone have a list of questions they have asked their pastor before becoming and Armour bearer?
I have the routine questions:
What is the pastors schedule?
Who keeps it up?
What concerns the pastor most before a service?
What does the pastor require before, during and after service?
Does the pastor have any special needs?
What does the pastor frequently run out of that’s important to keep on hand?
Will I be required to travel with the pastor when visiting other churches?
What is the pastors mission statement for his/her staff?
What distracts the pastor during service?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
January 8th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Ms Robinson, all of these questions are subjective. The answers depend on your pastor’s needs and wants.
In my case, I was the pastor’s full time personal assistant which meant that I kept his schedule and traveled with him when he preached – both in town and out of town. I also interacted with our armor bearers who were part of the ministry but not on staff (either full time or part time).
At our church, we have a team of armor bearers who are scheduled to work on specific Sundays and on Bible Study night. When pastor has a local speaking engagement I contact the armor bearer leader who will assign someone to accompany pastor to his speaking engagement. Since I began taking care of my god-sister who has dementia and physical disabilities, I’m no longer able to travel with my pastor to speaking engagements but we have a team of very capable armor bearers.
Concerning distractions, requirements before, during and after service and supplies to keep on hand – those things are different for different pastors.
Hopefully your ministry has training sessions for armor bearers and other ministry leaders. Those training sessions will help a lot.
January 21st, 2010 at 4:39 pm
I have been asked to become a Amor Bearer and I accepted. This is a church that is just starting out and has yet to have its 1st service (God willing, our 1st service will be in march). The task before me is enormous, I was in the military for 22 years so the personal security part I have down. However there is so much more involved. Long before I even met the Pastor I was struggling with finding a church home and how I could serve God and help a churh. Really all I can bring to the table is my security training, organization skills and my life experience. Money is tight we are just starting out with a new church so I am trying to find whatever I can get a hold of for training. Any information you may have, or low cost resourses you are aware of would be helpfull. Thank you for posting this site, and God Bless you. Respectfully, Santos
January 21st, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Santos, you are probably more prepared for this role than you realize. Since you are military, think of the role of an armor bearer as an adjutant. In fact, some churches call their armor bearers adjutants. It is essentially the same, except one of your weapons is prayer.
There are two other posts on this blog: So You Want to Be An Armor Bearer Part 2 and Friends Serving Friends In Ministry that may also be helpful to you.
Two books that I recommend are: God’s Armor Bearer by Terry Nance (a link is in my sidebar) and Improving Your Serve by Chuck Swindoll.
I think you will do well.
February 19th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Awesome, sending this to all our Staff – I hope its okay
February 19th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Glad you enjoyed the post. Just let them know where it came from.
March 7th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Valerie,
I’ve never really heard of a armor bearer until tonight. I went with a dear friend of mine, whom I consider to be my bestfriend. He was the guest speaker at this church. The pastor’s wife, who had never meet me before, asked if she could pray for me at the end of the service. And she said that she had to do what God told her to do. She prayed for me and told me that God wanted her to tell me that I was going to be my friends armor bearer, that I would go everywhere that he went. That I would always be there for him. I know that God told her this because His presence was so strong in that church tonight. It was an amazing service. I wanted to try and find out everything I could about being a armor bearer. Any info you could give would be very grateful.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:51 am
i am touch by you experience,was appointed only few weeks ago and iam willing to learn more from you based on you experience.iam a Kenyan only 24years and this is a privilege that i should handle with due respect and honor,kindly would you send me more through the email address above.
April 13th, 2010 at 8:37 am
I have been choosen to assist my pastor’s wife @ I see someone else had that question but did you talk with you first lady to see what’s her needs were?
April 15th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
I’m not sure I understand your question. If you are asking if I served as armor bearer for my pastor’s wife, I did not. I served as armor bearer for my pastor.
In the role of armor bearer, the person you serve would let you know their needs. Does your ministry have a person who is the armor bearer leader or does it offer armor bearer training? Either way, the person you serve would have to let you know their needs. Ask your pastor’s wife what she would like you to do and what she needs.
I wish you well in your new role.
May 5th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Bless you,
I have being trying to get a book for this ministry beacause am one of the armour bearer in my church.
May 10th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
VALERIE, IT WAS A PLEASURE READING YOUR INFO. DID YOU WRITE A BOOK? IF SO WHERE CAN I PURCHASE IT? THE ONLY THING THAT I CAN SAY IS “WHERE WERE YOU 5 YEARS AGO!!!” 5 YARS AG, I WAS ASKED TO START A PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY. IT HAS BEEN AN ADVENTURE. I STARTED OUT VERY EXCITED AND BY THE END OF THE FIRST YEAR I BECAME DISAPPOINTED AND FRUSTRATED. BUT I APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT IN THIS AREA AND I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHSE A BOOK IF YOU HAVE PUBLISHED ONE. BE BLESSED.
May 17th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
You have wonderful source information on this site. I was called by God to serve as an armor bearer to my pastor about 1 1/2 years ago. I am still learning my duties. My pastor was first my co-worker, friend, pastor and later armour bearer. After reading that the postor is not supposed to be my friend makes me feel sad because I knew her first as friend. I understand the concept of not crossing the line and becoming too familiar. My question is based on duties of an armour bearer, I have been asked to do things such as house cleaning, babysitting etc. Sometimes I feel that I am being taken advantage of becuase I am known as “nice and easy going”. How do I know if I am being taken advange of or is this normal duties of an armour bearer? When I don’t want to do these things and lots of other things I feel bad about how I feel. I really want to fulfilled my called to the best of my ability. Please Help!
May 18th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Cherri,
Regarding friendship – the point I try to make is that when you are performing duties as an armor bearer, you are serving/ministering. Some people cannot separate service from friendship. There are some things that you can say or do with a friend that are inappropriate when you serve as an armor bearer.
Regarding duties – the armor bearers duties should be defined. My opinion about the house cleaning and baby sitting is this: if you are expected to clean their house and babysit because you are an armor bearer, it is my opinion that they ARE taking advantage of you. It’s one thing if they offer to pay you and you say it’s ok that you don’t want to charge them; but to expect free house cleaning and babysitting is too much.
It’s great to be nice, but not to be used.
May 18th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Tracey, several years ago, I started a book. It is still in my file cabinet. A lot of my time these days is taken because I take care of my god-sister who has dementia. Hopefully, I will get back to the book and offer it as an e-book that can be downloaded.
I’m not sure what your Pastoral Care ministry does, but I do know that if you aren’t careful ministry will take over your life. Always make time for yourself, family and friends, otherwise you will burn yourself out and become bitter.
Take care and put some balance in your life.
May 20th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Thanks for your response on the issue of being “taken advantage of”. How should I deal with this matter and remain respectful towards my leader and not being out of order with God?
May 26th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Thanks for this helpful article. My question is does Armor Bearers get any type of stipend for driving, traveling and going places with their Pastor or ministry leader?
May 26th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
@Cherri,
Your situation will need to be handled with kid gloves. Since I don’t know your pastor, I don’t know how he/she reacts to different situations. You should definitely pray and ask God for wisdom and discernment in confronting the problem.
May 26th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
@Kellie,
Most armor bearers are ministry volunteers. If your ministry provides a stipend, that’s a plus but not the norm. Most armor bearers drive the pastor’s car when they travel locally, which means there is no additional expense to the armor bearer – just their time and talent.
If you are talking about traveling out of town, then your church or the host church should pick up your expenses.
May 30th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
I used to be an armorbearer years ago. But I left the church I was attending. Now I feel the urge to serve my current Pastor and church. All I ever wanted to do was to serve. Jesus came to serve, I am no greater than my master, therefore I must serve also. Is ther anything I do to be the best armorbearer for any man or woman of God that comes to our church. I do like the idea of wearing dark color suits so that you want stand out. I just want to be humble in the site of God.
June 1st, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Chris, most of the churches that I am familiar with use a similar method of selecting armor bearer – that is they are either personally chosen by the pastor and/or the leader of the armor bearer ministry. These people are generally chosen after they have been at the church for a while and have been observed by the pastor and/or key leaders at the church.
The best thing an armor bearer can do is be full of humility, have a servants heart and understand confidentiality.
Dark suits were my choice because I did not want to stand out, which is also part of my personality because I am an introvert. I’ve known some very colorful armor bearers – both personality-wise and wardrobe-wise
.
Be prayerful and patient.
June 4th, 2010 at 9:41 am
Thank you for your good sound advice. I have been before God about my situation seeking directions on how to handle things between my pastor and I. I know that my pastor is a woman of God and she does hear from God. She is new to pastoring and she never had a armour bearer before. Therefore, we are working thru this together. After I posted my questions to your website, God fixed the situation! My pastor told me that I no longer have to baby-sit and perform house-cleaning services. I was very releived. I am assign to perform duties at church and assist her when she travels and ministers at other churches. I am greateful that God hears our prayers. I really want to be a blessing to my pastor and my church. I am asking that you pray for me that I’ll always stay in Gods will, be a woman of much prayer and a servant of excellence. Again, thank you.
June 15th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
I’m a rookie beginner at this armorbearer responsibility, it was prophesied over me about the calling of armorbearing 3 years back. Lately, I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone and helping pray for pastor as he prays for others, it seems I sense a connection when I do this. I don’t know how to properly walk this out, I don’t want people thinking of me in the wrong way. I feel like I lack knowledge and training, I need some proper guidance in this. thanks for your article!
July 19th, 2010 at 8:24 am
Hello, and thank you for putting everything I was thinking into organized words. I have been armorbearing for my CoPastor for the past eleven years. Now, I am her chief adjutant. Yesterday, the Lord put an armorbearing class in my spirit because we have a lot of upcoming ministers. I have had many personal experiences within this position, and I feel as if I could bring a lot to the table to train others. I read where you said you have done training sessions on how to be an armorbearer. I was wondering if this would be any information that you could share. I’ve not yet spoken to my pastor about he class because I wanted to have an outline of everything to take with me when I propose it to her. Is there any insight that you could offer? If so, could you email me? Thank you so much!
July 19th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Chiquila, I think it is great that you want to do some training. Most of what I cover in a workshop is in this blog: So You Want to Be An Armor Bearer Part 1, Part 2 and Friends Serving Friends in Ministry. Your workshop should reflect the needs and protocol of your ministry. When I do workshops at other churches, I always talk to the pastor first to make sure that what I present is in alignment with the culture of that church.
You seem to be headed in the right direction.
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Yes I recently became an armorbearer and have only been serving my leader for about 7mths. God connected the 2 of us together.A few days ago I spoke with my leader and they’re going to step down from some of the areas that they were head over. God is calling my leader to something else.My leader expressed to me to keep on being who I am and know who I am and never let anyone define who i am. Well I guess i’m trying to figure out is my leader saying my service to them is over. My other question is just because my leader is shifting another direction does that mean my service is up? My leader stated to me what God has joined together let no man tear apart.I just don’t want to be confused.God has not told me my assignment was up.
July 28th, 2010 at 6:28 am
LilBit,
Have you talked with your leader to see if they would like you to continue to serve them in their new endeavors?
July 28th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Yes ma am when they told me of the new direction they was taking I asked them how does their decision affect me as their armorbearer but they have not responded back to me as of yet.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Hi Mrs.Valerie I did have an oppurtunity to talk with my leader on today. They told me they know that God has connected us but now that they are transitioning we will have to see what is next. God has not given my leader their next step. So I believe this is a time for me to just continue to keep my leader lifted up as they make their transistion and just be there and be available. But if you have anything you would like to add I would love to hear.
July 29th, 2010 at 7:33 am
@ Lilbit – I agree. Keep them lifted up and wait to see where God is leading them.
July 29th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Thanks!