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Ministry Gift of a Helper

Definition:

Someone who has the ability to discern specific needs within the church body and apply the right resources (i.e. time, money, supplies) necessary to meet those needs. Also identified as the gift of service in Romans 12:7. Helpers are people called to work behind the scenes and assist others in their ministry. They provide reliable support and assistance to a wide range of church functions.

Biblical References:

• Romans 12:7
• 1 Corinthians 12:28
• 1 Corinthians 1-6:15-17
• Luke 10:38-40

Typical Ministry Characteristics:

1. Supernatural ability to discern what kind of support is needed in a church so that its ministry is successful. Can sense where the weak areas are in ministry or organization. Able to come along side others and help them complete their mission.
2. Strong desire to support others with their ministry endeavors. Do not like to be out in front or lead the charge in an activity. Enjoy participating in wide variety of church activities, but does not usually look to lead them.
3. High sensitivity towards olher people. Naturally talented at dealing with a wide range of personalities. Make friends quickly and easily. Readily adjusts to different styles and methods of leadership.
4. Multi-talented in a number of different areas. Great natural ability as well as supernatural empowerment to get things done. Demonstrate excellence in their work. Serve in a wide variety of roles and functions within the church.
5. Pragmatic in ministry approach. Able to offer people practical solutions to different problems and issues. Show great creativity and patience in working out an issue. Pay close attention to details.

General Information

The Greek word for helps is antilempseis. It means something that provides relief. This word is found only in 1 Corinthians 12:28. and is not used anywhere else in the New Testament. Other non-biblical manuscripts indicate it was a technical word used by the banking industry in that era, and may suggest some connection with the administration of money or assets.

In Romans 12:7 Paul mentions it as the gift of service. The Greek word for service is diakonia. which means attendant or deacon. It is the same word used in Acts 6:1-6 to describe the ministry of those who served the Jerusalem Church by administering its money and resources. Also, this word is found in 2 Corinthians 5:18 to describe the ministry of reconciliation.

The Example Of Onesiphorus

Onesiphorus is an example of this type of ministry. In 2 Timothy 1:16-17 Paul tells Timothy how this saint helped and encouraged him while he was in Ephesus ministering, and then followed him to Rome and provided for his needs while he was in jail. Helpers provide the body of Christ critical assistance. They seek out needs and find practical solutions to them.

Not Centered Around Menial Labor

The gift of helps is not a ministry calling to menial labor. Rather, it is a supernatural calling God gives some members in the body of Christ to help other ministries be successful in what they are doing. Those with this calling are very talented people with a number of strong natural abilities. Their ministry is not divinely appointed for the purpose of cleaning up the kitchen or taking out the trash. Everyone in the church is called to kitchen duty! Helpers are given for the spiritual support of the body of Christ.

Have A Multifaceted Ministry

The word that is used for helps is plural, suggesting a number of possible applications for this ministry. Scriptural references indicate that helpers can work with people both one on one or in a group setting. They can take on many different tasks and serve in a variety of functions within the church. There is also some indication that helpers may become actively involved in the financial management of a church.

Several writers, such as Peter Wagner, suggest that helps and service should be viewed separate ministry gifts with helps geared solely towards the working with people, and service with the working of tasks and programs. The New Testament doesn't provide any strong examples to support this view, but helpers may find themselves drawn more towards ministry that is people oriented or task oriented, depending on their individual personality traits.