Every Monday I post one of The Basics. The Basics are simple steps every church can take to grow. They are the same steps that led my church from 87 people in attendance to over 700. These steps have helped my church see hundreds of people saved and baptized in just a few short years. Most of these steps you can take this week without even having a board meeting. These are The Basics.

Two years after having our first child, my wife brought up the idea of having another baby. At first I was hesitant about it. We had just gotten Layla out of diapers, and she was finally sleeping through the night. We were in a good place, and I wasn’t excited about starting all over. But my wife would keep going back to this one statement, “You don’t want her growing up alone”. Layla needed a sidekick, and so do you.

Ministry is hard. It’s especially hard if we’re doing it alone. Your church may be full of people, but if you feel like no one has your back, you’re essentially on your own. You need to find a sidekick. Someone you can confide in. Someone you can share your burdens and frustrations with. Someone who can encourage you. Someone who can work with you to establish change.

Your wife can’t fill this role. She may be the strongest person you know, but she’s not meant to fill this position. If you try to make her, it’ll kill your marriage.

You need to find one person in your church who you can trust, and bring them along beside you. Share your dreams with them, and perhaps God will work through you to accomplish something great. That’s what happened in 1 Samuel 14.

“Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” 1 Samuel 14:6-7

Did you notice the armor bearer’s response to Jonathan’s crazy request?

“Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”

 That’s the type of person you’re looking for. Someone who will follow you. Someone who will fight for you. Someone who is with you completely. If you find that person, you’ve found your sidekick.

Who’s your sidekick? How have they helped you in ministry?