The Watchdog is happy to report that finally, FBC Jax has an armor bearer for their pastor, Mac Brunson. Chad H. Smith, the new children's director who recently replaced Shelly Norman, has publicly pledged his love and devotion to his pastor on Twitter, and declared to pastor: "I am your armor bearer". Mac replied and accepted his new armor bearer's devotion by tweeting back to Armor Bearer Smith: "U R the best".Doesn't all the love and devotion just bring a tear to your eye? It is so wonderful to see a grown man pledge his love to another man and declare himself to be his "armor bearer".
Now, those of you codgers like me who have been in Southern Baptist Convention churches for 25+ years probably haven't heard the term "armor bearer", or if you have you might not know what it means in the context of the modern church. Well, if you were trained in Old Testament history, you would know that "armor bearers" were the protectors of God's great warriors. They would risk their lives to protect the man of God from all attacks of the enemy. They were to attend to their every need. David was Saul's armor bearer for a time, for instance.In more modern days, in some churches, armor bearers are those men selected in the church who pledge their devotion and protection to the pastor, the "the man of God". They are to love and protect and defend him and to make his advancement their number one concern.
Here is a job description of a pastor's armor bearer, by author Terry Nance from his book "God's Armor Bearer":
• Must provide strength for the leader
• Must have a deep-down sense of respect for the leader, and acceptance for and tolerance of, the leader’s personality and their way of doing things
• Must instinctively understand the leader’s thoughts
• Must walk in agreement with and submission to the leader
• Must make the advancement of the leader the most important goal
• Must possess endless strength so as to thrust, press and force their way onward without giving way under harsh treatment
• Must follow directives immediately and correctly
• Must be a support to the leader
• Must be an effective communicator
• Must have a disposition that will eagerly gain victories for the leader
• Must have the ability to minister strength and courage to the leader
Good luck to Chad as he serves as both Children's Pastor AND Armor Bearer to the Pastor. Maybe the kiddos at FBC Jax will be taught all about the importance of being an armor bearer to the man of God.
Can a breakout session on armor bearers be arranged for the upcoming Pastor's Conference?
By the way: Watchdog is now accepting applications for "Armor Bearer to the Watchdog".
What a crock of nonsense. It is idolatry of the pastor, and any pastor who accepts this kind of idolatry is no servant of Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteoh oh oh Pick me lil pup!
ReplyDeleteMany celebrity preachers and pastors take this notion of "armor bearers" literally, employing armed security and body guards. I have personally attended one church which employed a team of body guards to escort the pastor into the church. There is something very wrong with this taking hold in the American church. Ask Christian pastors in Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, China who are in real risk for their faith about the concept of armed bodyguards in the American church. We should be ashamed, but we are too blinded by our hubris.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like something maybe one of the children in his ministry might say to him...certainly not something one grown man would say to another. Talk about sucking up? This guy takes it to a new level!
ReplyDeleteAre you ever going to write something that builds up the church or will you continue to tear it down?
ReplyDeleteCareful about volunteering for the "armor bearer" position. You might be asked to "fall on your own sword" for the king one day.
ReplyDeleteSteve Gaines and Jamie Parker were supposed to have a life-time commitment to each other.
Then he was blamed for the drop off in attendance and asked to leave.
I can truly appreciate the need to stay humble and be real as a pastor and remind everyone that I am truly a "wreck" without Christ. It would be wrong and wicked to be exalted above measure and ultimately set others up for disappointment.
ReplyDeleteBut for these very reasons, I would be grateful to have godly men around me who love me enough to not only protect me, but also tell me the truth. We all need someone to stand in the gap for us as well as watch our blind spots.
We who are pastors don't need blind loyalty, but godly friends by our side.
I nominate Scooby Doo as the official Watchdog Armor Bearer. He's adorable, can get to the bottom of a mystery, and drives a way cool van :)
ReplyDeleteYou can be sure that you naysayers would never be asked to be an armor-bearer nor would you even qualify. Its a good Biblical concept and of course you wouldn't like anything that's too Biblical.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Armor Bearing is a Calling and Gift. So you naysayer have no input really because its not your Gift or Calling so your opinions ARE IRRELAVENT!! We AB have to worship, fast, sacrifice, give, and Love much more. Also, Im reminded of the scripture that declares that we fleshly we dont understand things in The Spirit Realm
Delete"You can be sure that you naysayers would never be asked to be an armor-bearer nor would you even qualify. Its a good Biblical concept and of course you wouldn't like anything that's too Biblical."
ReplyDeleteMan-worship is not Biblical. And the man in question wasn't asked - he begged like a little sycophant.
The Bible instructs us to become strong men of faith ourselves - not to beg to carry water for mega-church rock stars.
"Are you ever going to write something that builds up the church or will you continue to tear it down?"
ReplyDeleteTry reading the previous post.
Can you say lazy?
The one critical aspect that is found lacking in FBC Jax leadership was that there was no one (within the leadership) who would question the leaders for their response to this blog. What was surprising was that by their very actions it was found that they were lacking.
ReplyDeleteWhat Mac needs are not yes-men, but who question their leaders. Definitely not armor bearers.
"Try reading the previous post.
ReplyDeleteCan you say lazy?"
Try reading 99% of the posts made on here. Can you say lazy?
I always admire a good suck-up when I see one.
ReplyDeleteSheri,
ReplyDeleteI vote for Snoopy for WD's armor bearer. He's got a plane!
:)
Anon 3:34
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you about Snoopy, but he has already been taken by Ed Young, to fly Ed's plane....
Huh, a pastor's armor bearer? Is that like a sort of weird cultish mafia protection... or something similar?
ReplyDeleteI thought God is our shield and our strong tower.
"A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me." Psalms 144:1-2
"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." Proverbs 30:5
Sheri,
ReplyDeleteHeh heh about Ed Young's plane! :)
If Snoopy's unavailable I vote for Hello Kitty!
Anon 4:41
ReplyDeleteTrue that. Can't argue with cute and sexy. Hello Kitty would be the purrrrfect armor bearer :)
OK, I'll be the punching bag.
ReplyDeleteI think the Children's Minister's statement is powerful encouragement to his pastor. Remember, encouragement is a spiritual gift and a direct command from the Holy Spirit.
Every leader, spiritual especially, needs other men who will pray for them, defend them, build them up, and charge into spiritual battle with them.
A previous post ridiculed pastors who have guards. That might sound ridiculous to some, but not to me. When the pastor was shot in the invitation in Michigan and died in front of his wife and children and congregation, a guard might have helped save his life. There are several security men at our church who with licensed handgun permits help to keep an eye on our pastor, nursery area and children's wing. I think it is wise.
Back to Armor Bearing, I can only assume at this point that the Children's Minister spoke from a heart that is pure before the Lord and I can biblically appreciate a watchman, an encourager, an intercessor and yes an armor bearer making a public statement that he supports his pastor.
I know that is not a popular stand for the cynic.
jason
In Homer and Jerry's time at FBCJax, they used ex-FBI, or policemen who's job was to sit near the front of the church and stop attacks upon the pastors. They were, by the way, ARMED. I was good friends with one of them.
ReplyDeleteJerry, in particular, when he was spoke against Islam was very carefully guarded by the "armor bearers."
It's just a fact of life in these United States.
John McArthur's "armor bearer" is noted blogger Phil Johnson of Pyromaniacs.
ReplyDeleteBTW, John McArthur's pulpit is bullet-proof.
People like John McArthur and Mac Brunson are hated for their stands.
This is America where you are free to hate and blog about anybody you wish.
Ha Ha Ha! Outstanding article Dawg. Classic! You excel in amplifying minutia into world class tragedy. I am certain that I will see you on Dateline real soon.
ReplyDeleteJimmy Brown - big difference between "body guard" and "armor bearer" there fella. Vines was not guarded by an "armor bearer". He was guarded by...ready, Jimmy....a "guard"...yes, a guard with a gun in his jacket. Not a Tweeting bootlicker with a seminary degree.
ReplyDeleteYes, Vines and Lindsay always had armed guards with them while on church property, and most everyone knew that. But thanks for trying to seem like you have the inside scoop.
Love the recommendations for armor bearer for the Watchdog.
ReplyDeleteActually, the Watchdog already has an armor bearer, and I'll share pictures very soon. :)
Are you ever going to write something that builds up the church or will you continue to tear it down?
ReplyDeleteThe only thing there is to build up are veracious egos and pastors incomes. The family could use some building up but perhaps the church has other ideas such as rule by secrecy. Armor bearer will protect from Gods Rath. These pastors will seek safety but find a palace of Judgment. I hope they repent on their knees but are comformed to this earth.
"UNBELIEVEABLE"!!!!
ReplyDeleteMac either knows or should know that this armor bearer concept is a bunch of unbiblical nonsense;And nowhere to be found in the context of the New Testament.
Mac's continued actions betray his heart!
"WORSE nad WORSE" Dr.Dog "WORSE AND WORSE"[2Tim.3:13]!!!
CULT CULT CULT CULT!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 11:42,
ReplyDelete"Watchdog journalism aims to hold accountable public personalities and institutions, whose functions impact social and political life. The term "lapdog journalism", for journalism biased in favour of personalities and institutions, is sometimes used as a conceptual opposite to watchdog journalism.
Watchdog journalism is commonly found in mainstream media, investigative journalism, alternative media, think tanks, or citizen journalism, such as blogs"
You and the other complainers about this blog should get together and start your own "LAPDOG" blog. Is the Watchdog concept too difficult for you to comprehend?
"People like John McArthur and Mac Brunson are hated for their stands."
ReplyDeleteTheir stands on what?
"Try reading 99% of the posts made on here. Can you say lazy?"
ReplyDeleteTry showing an example where the 99% were as lazy as you were and couldn't go back and read the previous thread that did exactly what you were asking for. Can you say lazy?
"John McArthur's "armor bearer" is noted blogger Phil Johnson of Pyromaniacs.
ReplyDeleteBTW, John McArthur's pulpit is bullet-proof."
Jimmy (I see you are using your real name now that you have been called out), you are confusing "armor bearer" with a guard. Big difference.
FB Dallas also has a pastor entourage who pack heat and wear ear buds. Just ask them how proud it makes them.
ReplyDelete"People like John McArthur and Mac Brunson are hated for their stands."
ReplyDeleteJohn MacArthur (correct spelling) teaches grace giving (as the New Testament does) and says that the tithe is not for today.
Mac Brunson teaches one of three Old Testament tithes and says you are stealing from God if you don't give 10%.
Since they are preaching two totally different doctrines, how can both be hated for their stands?
"This is America where you are free to hate and blog about anybody you wish."
ReplyDeleteYes, your comments about WD make that very clear.
I don't get the infatuation with broadcasting every nuance of what should be considered personal communication with the outside world. We surrender every right to privacy of communication when we choose to communicate in what is essentially a public forum, and we certainly forfeit the ability to control how such communication is interpreted. If you make a public statement, regardless of the medium, it will be responded to publicly. So either wise up or toughen up.
ReplyDeleteJL Carver
So much criticism of so-called idolatry behind the pulpit. Yet so many of you from both sides of the issue are in denial that Tim Tebow is an idol in your home. Just sayin...
ReplyDelete"So much criticism of so-called idolatry behind the pulpit. Yet so many of you from both sides of the issue are in denial that Tim Tebow is an idol in your home. Just sayin..."
ReplyDeleteI'm just sayin...
that's a stupid comparison.
I dont like the church anymore than you Watchdog, but your no different than them. THink about it.
ReplyDelete"I dont like the church anymore than you Watchdog, but your no different than them. THink about it."
ReplyDeleteThe difference is that they are the ones handing out the trespass papers and he is the one receiving them.
Anonymous said...
ReplyDelete"People like John McArthur and Mac Brunson are hated for their stands."
What? You compare Mac with John McArthur as though they were some how equals in the faith? What an insult to John, his integrity and intellect far exceed that of Mac.
I doubt John has ever issued trespass orders to a member, nor would he get a court order to learn the identity of a blogger.
Nor would he put a church on a building program, state it was God's vision given to him to have this new building, then mysteriously start showing up at Jacksonville.
Yep, all that in view of a 'call'. The usual baptist jargon for hiring a pastor. He left Dallas in the middle of the building program, went to Jacksonville for more money and a sweet land deal for his gated life style.
It is insulting to insinuate that Mac is on John's level of leadership.
That is just wrong.
"The difference is that they are the ones handing out the trespass papers and he is the one receiving them."
ReplyDeleteIf some one wrongs you, how are you going to respond? In grace or bitterness. Choose grace, it is liberating.
Anonymous said...
ReplyDelete"People like John McArthur and Mac Brunson are hated for their stands."
Their stands on what?
January 25, 2012 8:58 AM
You Anon are in complete error. Johnny Mac(MacAuthur Jr.)is the polar opposite of Mac Brunson.
There is absolutely "NO" comparison between those to.
Mac is a hireling plain a simple!
"If some one wrongs you, how are you going to respond? In grace or bitterness. Choose grace, it is liberating."
ReplyDeleteNow you are changing the subject. Well, that's what most people do when they discover that they are mistaken.
Choose grace, it is liberating.
"People like John McArthur and Mac Brunson are hated for their stands."
ReplyDeleteYou mean like their stands on tithing?
John MacAruthur teaches grace giving (as the NT does).
Mac Brunson teaches one of three OT tithes that is not in effect for today and calls anyone who disagrees with him a thief.
I DON'T believe it... LOL...
ReplyDeletePurchase this book for your leadership team great tool!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Will-Real-Armorbearer-Please-Stand/dp/1469959704/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390575463&sr=1-10&keywords=armor+bearer
I was asked to be an armor bearer this Sunday at Church..I think its an honor..no I want be carrying a gun, doing security..just giving spiritual and emotional support...everyone has an opinion.
ReplyDelete