7 Principles of God's Appointed Assistant


Then the Lord said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur…And I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan to assist him." Exodus 31:1,6


I overheard a slightly frustrated pastor say, "I wish my assistant could help me protect my designated time to study. I know she means well, but when I go into my office to study because I’m teaching that night, I need the uninterrupted time. Even when I tell her I don’t want to be interrupted, it’s like I have mouthed the words with no meaning. She still allows people to enter and even ushers them into me." She went on to say, "I wish I could give her a different mindset."

There is a different attitude to offer. There is the ministry of assisting instead being just a good assistant, paid or non-paid. Is there a difference? Yes. A "God-appointed assistant" who recognizes his or her calling of helps will begin to minister to their leader with a different mindset. To gain the attitude of a God-appointed assistant apply these 7 principles:

1. Recognize God still calls and appoints leaders and assistants today. Remember our Lord Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever.



2. Gain the mindset of an armorbearer. You are a God-appointed assistant called to support the man or woman of God. Begin to look at your assistantship as ministry unto the Lord.



3. Protect or facilitate your leader’s time. In the book of Acts, Stephen and Phillip were among the seven assigned to take care of the details of ministry while the Apostles ministered before the Lord.



4. Discern your leader’s spirit. Sometimes your officer is operating in their God-ordained office under the anointing and other times they are just being themselves. Respect them in either. When it’s time to relax with your leader, be a good friend and relax. When it’s time to take care of the Father’s business and His people, slip back into the working mode with them.



5. Guard against familiarity. Familiarity will affect how others look at your leader. If you are being too familiar at inappropriate times, it will cause respect for your leader to drain. Remain respectful of authority.



6. Be a gracious representative. Know that in your serving, you are representing God and your officer. If you have to defer someone to protect your leader’s time, (as in the example give above), be gracious. You can be gentle but firm with God’s sheep.



7. Be one of their strongest allies. Show that you are always for them. In word and action, support your authority. If you discover criticism in others, work to show the good side or intention of your leader’s heart.