Should armor-bearer be a church position? What is an armor-bearer (armorbearer / armor bearer)?

TL;DR

An armor-bearer in the Bible was a soldier’s trusted aide, but in modern churches, it’s a figurative role for someone who assists the pastor so he can focus on ministry. While not a biblical office, having an armor-bearer doesn’t contradict Scripture and can help church leaders serve more effectively.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In Old Testament times, the role of an armor-bearer was one of honor in which a specific servant carried weapons for his commander. Military leaders such as Abimelech (Judges 9:54), King Saul (1 Samuel 16:21, 31:4), Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:6-17), and Joab (2 Samuel 18:15) all used armor-bearers, and the warrior Goliath had a shield-bearer (1 Samuel 17:7). Aside from David, the only armor-bearer mentioned by name is Naharai of Beeroth, Joab’s armor-bearer (2 Samuel 23:37; 1 Chronicles 11:39), who was also a mighty warrior in Israel’s army. The modern church use of armor-bearers is much different. Some churches use the term “armor-bearer” to designate a position in which a person will physically carry the Bible, symbolically representing “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) and serve the pastor of the church in other capacities. The goal of someone in this position is often to take on the more minor tasks for a pastor or elder so that he can prioritize fulfilling his ultimate ministry in the church (Acts 6:1-7).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Several Old Testament leaders had armor-bearers (Judges 9:54; 1 Samuel 16:21, 14:6-17, 31:4; 2 Samuel 18:15). Interestingly, after David played the harp for Saul, he became the king's armor bearer for a time (1 Samuel 16:21). This important position of service gave David personal access to the king that few other people held.

Goliath was a Philistine warrior rather than a military leader, but he also had someone similar to an armor-bearer: a shield-bearer (1 Samuel 17:7).

Naharai of Beeroth is the only armor-bearer mentioned by name (2 Samuel 23:37; 1 Chronicles 11:39). This position was one of considerable influence as Naharai was listed as one of Israel's top warriors during the time of David.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Still today, some churches have a symbolic or figurative position of a person called an armor-bearer. This individual generally carries the church leader’s Bible , considered the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). The armor-bearer also serves as a personal assistant or even a personal protector or bodyguard.

The concept of ministry leaders getting help so that they can focus on ministry is seen in Acts 6:1-7, when the apostles appointed disciples to distribute the daily distribution to widows so that the apostles could “devote . . . [themselves] to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

A look at the biblical evidence shows that the modern use of an armor-bearer in the church is not a biblical concept. In the Bible, the armor-bearer referred specifically to a person who carried real, physical weapons for military leaders for times of war. This has nothing to do with the modern usage of an armor-bearer as someone who serves alongside a pastor in the church.

However, the pastor having a personal assistant called an armor-bearer is not prohibited in Scripture nor does it necessarily contradict biblical principles. The most important parts of any pastor’s position are preaching the Gospel and shepherding the congregation. Church leaders may need an assistant to serve at their side.

UNDERSTAND

In the Bible, an armor-bearer was a military position of some prestige.

The modern church use of “armor bearer” is figurative and denotes an assistant who helps the pastor and free up his time to focus on ministry.

The modern armor-bearer position is not a biblical concept but neither does it contradict Bible principles.

REFLECT

How could you support your pastor or church leaders in ways that help them focus on ministry?

In what areas of church life do you notice a need for additional help or support?

How do you discern when stepping in to assist is honoring to God and beneficial to the church?

ENGAGE

What are the potential benefits and challenges of having a modern-day armor-bearer in your church?

How can a church determine whether creating a position like an armor-bearer aligns with biblical principles and will be helpful to a pastor?

How can a church honor biblical principles with practical needs when considering roles that are not explicitly mentioned in Scripture?