The Associate Should Help - Supporting the Service

I just listened to a worship service where an associate minister was given an assignment. However, instead of attempting to support the worship service, the associate attempted to turn his part into a chance to "preach."

The Role of the Associate

I have seen it many times before. The associate is called to read the morning scripture or announce the hymn. Instead of following proper protocol, the associate started adding some remarks that continued on. Then 20 minutes later the associate sat down. Sometimes this problem is a training issue. The associate needs to be taught that his or her role is not to add another sermon to the worship service, but to support the service and the preacher. Sometimes it is just an associate who will not follow directions.

Associates support the service by knowing the theme of the service and our part in it. If you have not been assigned the morning sermon, do not take it upon yourself to add one. That unnecessarily lengthens and detracts from the service that worship planners have put together. When it is your turn to give the Word, how would you feel if the 3 or 4 other associates had added 30-45 minutes of distracting additions? Get up, do your assignment, and sit down!

Know Your Role

Keep in mind that associates are used as they support the pastor and the service. Associates who sacrifice the service to gratify their own desire to preach out of season will ultimately limit their future possibilities. Do what God has assigned you in this service and sit down. Your turn will come, and when it does, you will hope that the other associates will follow that simply rule.