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-   -   Armor Bearer vs Flunky (https://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com/showthread.php?t=29014)

rgcraig 03-02-2010 01:32 PM
Re: Armor Bearer vs Flunky
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by warrior (Post 882143)
I don't think it is a matter of being envious. I see it as unecessary use and taking advantage of others. I am concerned that people are being used and are being taken advantage of.

Yes, it is popular in the African American churches, Renda.
Apparently, they want to do it, so I'm not sure I see it as being "taken advantage of" because I'm sure they will be blessed for having a servant's heart.

I do, however, feel it relays an air of arrogance and is unneeded. No one is too good to carry their own Bible and water bottle.

seguidordejesus 03-02-2010 01:38 PM
Re: Armor Bearer vs Flunky
 
Done right, it could be good. I don't see it being done right in the majority of cases, though. A pastor in my youth started this, but for some reason it never really got off the ground.

RandyWayne 03-02-2010 01:45 PM
Re: Armor Bearer vs Flunky
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by seguidordejesus (Post 882148)
Done right, it could be good. I don't see it being done right in the majority of cases, though. A pastor in my youth started this, but for some reason it never really got off the ground.
I am having a difficult time with this concept. Partly disgust for the "master" and even a bit more for the sheepish flock who would go along with it.

I can see ONE advantage though: The master could instruct his "shield bearer" to ambush him at random times in order for the master to hone his combat skills. I know of a shield bearer who spent all afternoon in a refrigerator laying in wait for the master to come home and open it. A most diabolical ploy!

warrior 03-02-2010 02:02 PM
Re: Armor Bearer vs Flunky
 
It is a bit arrogant and I think there are people who feel it is an honor to do this.

rgcraig 03-02-2010 02:05 PM
Re: Armor Bearer vs Flunky
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by warrior (Post 882154)
It is a bit arrogant and I think there are people who feel it is an honor to do this.
Hopefully, they won't take it this far:

1 Samuel 31:5 (New International Version)
5 When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him.

missourimary 03-02-2010 02:16 PM
Re: Armor Bearer vs Flunky
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rgcraig (Post 882147)
Apparently, they want to do it, so I'm not sure I see it as being "taken advantage of" because I'm sure they will be blessed for having a servant's heart.

I do, however, feel it relays an air of arrogance and is unneeded. No one is too good to carry their own Bible and water bottle.
I have heard it preached... and was part of a church for several years that used it to a wild degree. What I saw: a tired and frustrated pastor, a church full of distrust, pride, bragging, and backbiting, and a few disillusioned people who wondered where God was in any of it.

Sorry, just what I've seen. I pray it isn't that way everywhere, but it can be taken way too far. I hope I've only seen it taken to it's farthest extreme.

seguidordejesus 03-02-2010 02:27 PM
Re: Armor Bearer vs Flunky
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyWayne (Post 882149)
I am having a difficult time with this concept. Partly disgust for the "master" and even a bit more for the sheepish flock who would go along with it.

I can see ONE advantage though: The master could instruct his "shield bearer" to ambush him at random times in order for the master to hone his combat skills. I know of a shield bearer who spent all afternoon in a refrigerator laying in wait for the master to come home and open it. A most diabolical ploy!
I understand what you're saying, and I don't disagree that it could be misused, and I'm not really even trying to defend the practice in general. However, if a pastor really has the heart of a servant, and he wants his "flunkies" as someone so eloquently called them to develop the same, then he could train them that way.

As I said, does it work that way most of the time? Probably not. But it can.

Praxeas 03-02-2010 02:31 PM
Re: Armor Bearer vs Flunky
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by warrior (Post 882130)
I have seen a number of pastors and their wives implement the position of the armour bear. These people stand guard for them, run errands, pray for them, provide a spiritual barrier between them and the devils tactics sent from outsiders, prepare meals and drinks, wipe sweat, pack luggages for trips etc.

Is this position biblical and necessary? What does the scripture say about this? Or do we see this as an "errand boy/girl for the pastor?
Unbiblical and presumptuous. The Pastor is not a king

Praxeas 03-02-2010 02:33 PM
Re: Armor Bearer vs Flunky
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rgcraig (Post 882139)
I don't mind if someone wants to "cover" their minister in prayer privately, but to follow them around with water bottles and carry their Bible is a bit too much for me.

I accompanied a friend that spoke at a ladies conference and they did this. Drove me nuts because they did it for me too since I was with her. I never could find my "stuff" - - they'd get it and take it away. It made me nervous....lol!
Praying for the man is not a position. We are told to pray for one another. Sounds like a Frat house with pledges

Praxeas 03-02-2010 02:34 PM
Re: Armor Bearer vs Flunky
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rgcraig (Post 882147)
Apparently, they want to do it, so I'm not sure I see it as being "taken advantage of" because I'm sure they will be blessed for having a servant's heart.

I do, however, feel it relays an air of arrogance and is unneeded. No one is too good to carry their own Bible and water bottle.
They want to do it because they wrongly think this is God's will. Same guile is used to trick millions to give their money to TV evangelists


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