“We Could Use a Little Help in Here!”
“…no suitable helper was found.” Genesis 2:20
On one rainy afternoon a windshield wiper blade disintegrated on our automobile. Every time it went up and down, a horrendous screech thundered through the cab. If allowed to continue, undoubtedly a permanent indention would have been made on the windshield. We pulled into a local discount store to purchase a new wiper blade. Making it back to the automotive section, we found hundreds of wiper blades available. We waited a few minutes for someone to come back and assist us in our selection, but no one came. We walked over to the customer service desk and waited for the clerk to get off the phone. Finally he assured us that someone would be back to help us. We waited and waited, but no one came. I hate to admit it, but I felt a little anger begin to simmer beneath the surface. Under my breath I barked out to my wife, “We sure could use a little help in here!” She didn’t look too happy either. We made our best effort to find what we needed, but ultimately we left the store empty handed.

Our experience is not unique. Report after report reveals that businesses are not doing enough to help their customers. While clerks jabber on the phone, munch donuts and flirt with each other, patrons are unable to find what they are looking for. As clientele wander through the stores, they are largely left to their own devices. Consequently there are a lot of empty‐handed people saying, “We could use a little help in here!”

For your average shopper, these facts are hardly surprising. It is likely that you have been personally affected by poor customer service at some point in your life. I have even met some people who have come to expect it from businesses. The fact that an unredeemed world possesses a complete disregard surprises few. What astounds the populace is that neglect occurs in the Church. I have met numerous people disillusioned that the local church made little effort to help them. While mature believers are patting themselves on the back, the weak are falling through the cracks. On the way out the door you can hear them saying, “We could use a little help in here!” In this strategic hour, the local church must learn the importance of the ministry of “helps.” The various support ministries in the local church are essential for the fulfillment of their divine calling. The sooner congregations understand this truth the sooner their destiny can be realized. Preaching, prayer and praise are all important, but until a congregation begins to understand the importance of “helps,” they will be inhibited. Let us take a few moments and consider stories that illustrate this truth.

The Neglected Family
“Moses heard the people of every family wailing” Numbers 11:10a
A troubled family in a sleepy little community had been in the midst of a devastating crisis. As all their options ran out, they agreed to give church a try. At first the husband resisted, but under pressure from his wife, he ultimately relented. As they drove into the church parking lot, no parking attendant was there to assist them. Confusion quickly erupted over where they should park their car. After finally finding a place in a distant corner of the parking lot, they nervously walked up to the sanctuary. The crumpled greeter standing near the door had been distracted by unruly children and was a little gruff with this visiting family. Since the service was about to begin, he rushed them into the sanctuary. Not another person greeted this family as they entered into the service. As the service concluded, members of the congregation walked by without even acknowledging them. While exiting the sanctuary, the husband mentioned to his wife that he felt like an “unwanted outsider.” While the church claimed to have a heart for the community, this disturbed family left the church more discouraged than ever. As result of their disheartening experience they never returned.

The Filthy Foyer
“You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean.” Leviticus 10:10
Arrangements were made to show a visiting dignitary around the sanctuary of a local congregation. On the way over, the pastor had gone on and on about all the programs and outreaches the church was engaged in. He simply could not wait to show the beautiful colors and layout of the sanctuary. In his excitement he almost skipped up to the door. After the door was unlocked, his porcelain white grin shattered like a plate falling to the floor. To the surprise of this pastor and his party, the church foyer was filled with piles of clutter from a storage‐shed that was being cleaned out. Supplies from the children’s church, heaps of clothing and discarded items from the “Lost and Found” were lying out in the open. It looked like the church was gearing up for a “rummage sale.” Needless to say, the pastor was utterly embarrassed. He was hoping to highlight the expanding ministry of his congregation, yet he was confronted with the glaring deficiencies of the “helps ministry.”

The misguided man who wasn’t stopped
“The assembly must protect…” Numbers 35:25
It was promising to be a powerful evening service. The people who had assembled were very excited. You could feel anticipation in the air. Prayer had erupted and joyful singing filled the room. While the senior pastor was carefully overseeing the worship service, a disheveled man slipped up to the front of the sanctuary and handed him a note. Opening the crumpled paper, the Pastor read, “God told me you are going to die in a plane accident.” Immediately it felt like the wind had been taken out of him. Trying to determine the source, the pastor asked the associate pastors and other leaders in the congregation who this man was. By the time the pastor discovered that this man was a “renegade,” floating around without any congregational affiliation, the service had already been disrupted. The disappointed pastor wished that one of the ushers had stopped the “false prophet” before he hindered the service.

Chaos in the Congregation
“The assembly was in confusion…” Acts 19:32
It was just a few minutes before a midweek Bible study was going to commence at a local congregation and people were starting to find their seats. Suddenly a blaring tornado siren reverberated through the sanctuary. You could immediately feel the tension mount. Several of the women began flailing and screaming. One member jumped up from the pew and frantically ran out of the front door. Just then a member who had been running late stumbled in with rain‐drenched clothes proclaiming, “A tornado has just been sighted on the other side of town.” At that split‐second the entire power went out in the building. The worship leader looked at the pastor and asked, “What are we going to do?” At this moment the pastor truly regretted that the church had not implemented an emergency management plan. Then he thought, “At least the ushers could help preserve order and direct people to safety.” At that moment he remembered most of the usher team did not attend the midweek service. He thought, “Where is a faithful usher that I can depend on?”

Yes, we could use a little help.

These stories, all based on real events, exemplify problems countless churches are experiencing. I have met hundreds of people claiming to want to be a part of a powerful, life‐changing church, but who are unwilling to bring any assistance to this pursuit. While believers are genuinely excited God has called the Church to be a light in the world, it seems no one ever wants to help change the batteries. Countless Christians expect to be served, but are unwilling to serve anyone else. This misguided attitude is in conflict with the very foundations of the Christian faith. Jesus affirmed “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life.” Mark 10:45. Over the years some of the nastiest attitudes ever exhibited have arisen over the issue of helping around the church. Whether greeting the people, mowing the grass or distributing the communion elements, a lot of church members think, “We’ll just let the pastor do that. What else are we paying him for?” I suppose many parishioners expect their pastor to do everything that needs to be done. According to Dr. James Dobson, unrealistic expectations such as this are causing “1,500 pastors to leave their assignments each month.” In the local church there are literally innumerable things that need to be implemented to effectively express the ministry of Jesus Christ. Along with administrative, outreach, and maintenance concerns, there are the complex challenges of education, counseling and visitation. These impending concerns are only the tip of the ice‐berg. A listing of the various necessary tasks could continue unabated for pages. It is safe to say that it is impossible for one person to accomplish everything needed in the local church. Ministry in the local church is definitely not a “one man show,” it requires the active participation of everyone.

“Helpers” in the Bible
“We will not neglect the house of our God” Nehemiah 10:39
The pages of the Bible are overflowing with men and women willing to labor for the greater purposes of the Kingdom of God. While a few became prominent in redemptive history, most are obscure, only remembered in the endearing heart of God. Few of the great events in history would have been possible if it were not for these valiant, sacrificial “helpers.” Would messages from the prophets of God have been as widely distributed without servants to record and transmit their divinely inspired words? Would territories or dynasties have changed if the great warrior‐kings had not had the support of their armorbearers? Would Israel have been able to ward off the onslaught of the enemy without the watchmen who guarded the gates? Would the early church have been able to survive without the Spirit‐led deacons who helped maintain unity in the body? These questions are very significant.

The more one reads the Bible, the more obvious it becomes that the ministry of “helps” is a distinguished, honorable service unto the Lord. It might be argued that “helps” and “support” ministries have truly held things together. Through the diligence and industry of “helpers,” leaders have become free to consider the larger picture. Movements have only been able to advance as people take upon themselves the burden of a greater cause. The Bible is filled with people who possessed that kind of vision.

While numerous examples of support ministries in the Bible could be discussed, the following is a sampling of the more significant helps ministries.

Holding up the arms of the Prophet
“They…held his hands…so that his hands remained steady.” Exodus 17:12
Contrary to popular opinion, being out in front is extraordinarily difficult. Along with intense criticism and opposition, leaders often have to carry an incredible load of personal responsibility. On occasions, the great patriarch Moses was overcome with the intense battle for Israel’s future. Over time he became aware that he would have to depend on the help of others to see the purposes of God realized. Crying out to God, Moses proclaimed, “I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.” Numbers 11:14. God listened and responded to his plight saying that seventy men would be raised up to “help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.” Numbers 11:17b. Over and over again Moses learned he had to depend on “helpers.” On one particular occasion the children of Israel were battling the vicious Amalekites. In the midst of the battle, Moses discovered that as long as his arms were held up the Israelites were winning. However, whenever he let his arms down, the Amalekites began to prevail. At first it was easy to hold up his arms. Yet as the war raged on, Moses grew tired. To ensure victory he had to depend on two associates for help. The Bible recounts, “When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up‐one on one side, one on the other‐so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” Exodus 17: 11‐12. Without the help of Aaron and Hur, it is clear that Israel would not have won the battle. Like Moses, many times leaders need someone to help them hold up their arms in the midst of battle.

Bearing Armor for the King
“Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 1 Samuel 14:7b
Throughout the age of the Bible, great wars were fought. Kings and their armies would fight to the death with other nations. Kings learned they had to depend on the expertise of their assistants to prevail in the midst of the fight. These brave assistants were often called “armor‐bearers.” The men known as armorbearers were truly valiant servants, helping the king and his court with shield and weapons of war. As the king stood strong in times of battle, the armor‐bearer would be there to stand with him. One can see the heart of an armor‐bearer in David, who served in this capacity under Saul. Even when the vindictive Saul turned against him, David would not waver in his support. David affirmed, “I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you…my hand will not touch you.” 1 Samuel 24:11b, 12b. David was not alone in his valiant stand, the Bible also records the courageous disposition of the armor- bearer under Jonathan. “Jonathan said to his young armor‐bearer, ‘Come, let's go.... Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.’ ‘Do all that you have in mind,’ his armor‐bearer said. ‘Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.’ 1 Samuel 14:6‐7. It was men like these armor‐bearers who helped topple the forces of evil and establish righteousness. Many leaders today need men who will stand with them in the fight.

Attending the Prophet
“He set out to follow… and became his attendant.” 1 Kings 19:21b
Sometimes believers have the wrong idea about the great prophets in the Bible. In our mind’s eye, prophets are wandering the countryside alone, without any companionship or assistance. While there are certainly occasions where prophets were alone in the Bible, it is certainly not a universal depiction. In numerous passages we learn that anointed men of God raised up “servants” or “attendants” to assist them. Servants would help the prophets in numerous “practical” and “spiritual” capacities such as gathering food, preparing for an excursion or delivering a message. Because of immense spiritual and societal pressures the servant of the prophet had to possess a pure, valiant heart. I have found that one of the best examples of an anointed, sacrificial servant is a man named Elisha, who was raised up under the prophet Elijah. The Bible declares, “Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha…took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.” 1 Kings 19:19b, 2. Elisha was willing to abandon his business, family and everything he had known to become a servant unto Elijah. He willingly took what appeared to be a lower place in order to fulfill the glorious purposes of God. Throughout their time together, Elisha refused to leave the presence of his leader. The Bible recounts, “Then Elijah said to him, ‘Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.’ And he replied, ‘As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.’ So the two of them walked on.” 2 Kings 2:6. The servant attitude of Elisha ultimately resulted in a wondrous promotion. He received a double portion of Elijah’s anointing.

Keeping of the Gate
“The gatekeepers…stay. ‘We will not neglect the house of our God.’” Nehemiah 10:39
During the Biblical era, cities were often fortified with massive walls to keep out disease and treacherous intruders. To preserve and protect the city, the king would raise up several men to watch at the entrances of the gate. These men became known as “gatekeepers.” Forced to determine who might bring disease, corruption or shame on the city, gatekeepers shouldered the responsibility of all who entered. Since even the slightest error could bring destruction, the keepers of the gate took this task very seriously. Having upon his heart the preservation of the Tabernacle, King David began to set up gatekeepers who would watch over the things of God. Under the Spirit‐led leadership of David, these gatekeepers began to do much more than secure the Tabernacle. These anointed “helpers” began to prepare rooms and furnishings for sacrifice, gather offerings and sanctify the Tabernacle. The Bible recounts the numerous tasks these gatekeepers were called to accomplish. “Gatekeepers… were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the LORD…(They) were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God. They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning. Some of them were in charge of the articles used in the temple service; they counted them when they were brought in and when they were taken out. Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary.” 1 Chronicles 9:19, 26‐29

Waiters of Tables
“We will turn this responsibility over to them.” Acts 6:4
As the early church was emerging, many new problems began to surface. As the Apostles were being called to lead the followers of Jesus into greater exploits, practical concerns were threatening to bog them down. The way they dealt with these setbacks was to appoint anointed helpers who could assist them in the practical concerns. Some of the responsibilities of the “deacons” were as follows: feeding widows, waiting tables, and relieving the Church leaders from the encumbering details of daily church operation. The Bible recounts, “The Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’" Acts 6:2‐4. As ministry expanded in the early church, God raised up Spirit‐led “deacons” who were able to help accomplish everything that needed to be done.

The Biblical Mandate and Meaning of “Helps”
“God has appointed these in the church…helps.” 1 Corinthians 12:28

In the previous section we looked at various support ministries in the Bible. While every particular example in the Bible was not considered, it is felt that an adequate overview was given. While diverse, the various support ministries can be summed up under the general category of “helps.”

I believe the Bible gives powerful insights into the wonderful ministry of “helps”. God anointed the apostle Paul to affirm the following, “God has appointed these in the church…helps.” 1 Corinthians 12:28. This passage is very crucial in understanding the importance of various support ministries in the local church. A lot of people like to talk about how God has appointed pastors, teachers and the other five‐fold ministries. If fact, many people are striving to enter into one of the “five‐fold” callings. We like to talk about how God has anointed the preacher and empowered the prophet but for some reason nobody talks about God supernaturally appointing the ministry of helps. Just as sure as God has supernaturally called pastors and teachers, He has also supernaturally called those who function in the ministry of helps. The ministry of helps was not conceived by man, but orchestrated by the sovereign hand of God. Thus the anointed purposes and callings of the “helps” ministry are very important to comprehend. Yet, before we get into the purposes and callings of the helps ministry, let’s take a look at the meaning of the word “helps”.

The meaning of the word “helps”

If one were to delve into the original languages, they would find that the word “helps” in our English Bible is derived from the words antilepsis or atilempsis. Both of these words descend from the root word, “lambano.” According to the New American Standard New Testament Greek Lexicon this derivative of “helps” means:
1. to take
a. to take with the hand, lay hold of, any person or thing in order to use it
1. to take up a thing to be carried
2. to take upon one's self
b. to take in order to carry away
1. without the notion of violence, i,e to remove, take away
c. to associate with one's self as companion, attendant
1. of that which when taken is not let go, to seize, to lay hold of, apprehend
2. to take to one's self, lay hold upon, take possession of, i.e. to appropriate to
one's self
3. catch at, reach after, strive to obtain
4. to take a thing due, to collect, gather (tribute)
d. to take
1. to admit, receive
2. to receive what is offered
3. not to refuse or reject
4. to receive a person, give him access to one's self,
2. to regard any one's power, rank, external circumstances
a. to take, to choose, select
b. to take beginning, to prove anything, to make a trial of, to experience
3. to receive (what is given), to gain, get, obtain, to get back

The diverse applications of meaning in this root word help us comprehend the posture as well as the various activities of the ministry of helps. First of all, a majority of these definitions emphasize activity and action. The ministry of helps is not a passive activity. It is very active.