The role of a deputy or assistant pastor is often undervalued in the church, despite its strategic importance in God’s work. This office is God-ordained and will remain vital until the kingdom of God’s final consummation. Unfortunately, worldly wisdom has distorted our understanding of Christian ministry. For instance, the practice of using different sizes for leaders’ images on church materials, reflecting their office, raises questions about our values. Does a higher office make one more human?
The church’s principles ought to differ significantly from worldly operations.
Leaders should treat their deputies and assistant pastors with Christian values, relating as colleagues called by God; with love, mutual respect, and accountability. Too many testimonies reveal a reliance on worldly wisdom and values rather than God’s principles (Matthew 20:25-29). Believers are in the world, but not of it (John 17:11, 14-15). Therefore the kingdom’s—thus the church’s—principles ought to differ significantly from worldly operations.
Deputies Aren’t Inferior
A deputy is often viewed as a mere substitute; the assistant pastor likened to a spare tire. They are considered unnecessary, compared to the primary leader, even if no one says it in those words. This worldly perspective doesn’t hold true in the kingdom of God. This misalignment with kingdom principles results in restlessness, rivalry, and burnout.
God has historically called individuals to the unique ministry of deputising.
But God has historically called individuals to the unique ministry of deputising for other leaders. And he continues to do so today. This reflection aims to encourage those currently in or called to this role to embrace it with joy and faithfulness. Deputising is not a sign of inferiority but can be a period of learning, maturation, or a lifelong calling, as seen in the lives of Joshua and Aaron. God’s sovereignty ensures he places us where we are most needed.
The primary task of God’s servants should always be to please him, regardless of your position. Not everyone can be a top leader, simultaneously. Thus being a deputy is crucial in God’s global mission. Deputies are indispensable. So we must resist worldly pressures and self-will that conflict with God’s purpose, in both our lives and ministries. It is our faithfulness within our assigned roles that will be the measure of our success. We should strive to serve God, not men (Galatians 1:10). We should seek to please our heavenly master wherever he places us.
Aaron: An Example of a Faithful Deputy
Aaron, the elder brother of Moses, exemplifies a godly, loyal, and respectful deputy. Despite the potential for leadership conflict, Aaron and Moses worked harmoniously, furthering their God-given task without any recorded disputes (Numbers 31:1-7,13; Joshua 22:1,13; 9:20). Aaron’s exemplary service as an associate is highlighted by his strong family legacy, particularly through his son Eleazar and grandson Phinehas. For both of them served as high priests and leaders in Israel. Phinehas’ notable intervention in Numbers 25:10-13 underscores the enduring impact of Aaron’s faithful ministry (Psalm 106:28-31).
Aaron’s exemplary service as an associate is highlighted by his strong family legacy.
Aaron’s lineage continued to produce significant leaders, including Ezra, the great Bible teacher and reformer. This legacy demonstrates that being a deputy is not a sign of inferiority. It is a vital role in God’s plan. Aaron’s humble faithfulness brought him blessings, both earthly and heavenly, showcasing the importance of serving in your God-given role (Numbers 20:23-29; Exodus 6:25-27; 1 Chronicles 6:3-5, 50; Joshua 24:33; Ezra 7:1-7; Numbers 35:11-13).
A Word to Senior and Junior Leaders
Unhealthy rivalry often arises when leaders look down upon their subordinates, leading to many evils in God’s vineyard. As top leaders, it is crucial to be loving, respectful, patient, understanding, inspirational, selfless, enduring, and sacrificial towards your deputies, assistants, and associates. Reflect on whether you are a builder and encourager; or a destroyer. What do you gain from being bitter, harsh, intimidating, and unwelcoming to your subordinates? Some Christian leaders even curse their subordinates. This is obviously detrimental to the ministry.
As a subordinate, deputy, associate, or assistant pastor, strive to be loyal, supportive, loving, caring, selfless, humble, and God-fearing. Imitate Aaron. Avoid being cunning, disloyal, greedy, impatient, self-centred, proud, and unteachable, like Gehazi. Scheming to spoil or eliminate your superior, even involving your family and congregation, is unholy and counterproductive. What do you gain from such actions?
Your Reward Comes From God
Wherever the Lord has placed us, whether as top leaders or associates, we must remember the scriptures. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit” (Galatians 6:7-8). “All of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. We will each receive what we deserve, according to everything we have done, good or bad, in our bodily life” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
May we all strive to fulfil our God-given assignments with integrity.
Whether we serve as top leaders or deputies in God’s mission, our attitudes and actions must align with kingdom principles. With the gospel. Leaders should nurture their subordinates with love, respect, and encouragement, while deputies should emulate Aaron’s loyalty and faithfulness (Colossians 3:23-25). Both roles are vital in God’s plan. Ultimately we are accountable to Christ.
Let us sow to the Spirit, ensuring our work is pleasing to God. Let us remember that we will be judged by Him for our deeds. May we all strive to fulfil our God-given assignments with integrity and dedication, knowing that our true reward comes from the Lord.
