“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” John Wesley
This quote by Wesley seems like it could have been lifted from the book of Proverbs or one of Jesus’ sermons. John Wesley certainly modeled what he preached leaving a legacy of fruitfulness which has spanned the globe. One of the outstanding characteristics of the Wesleyan movement was it’s attention to order, discipline and accountability. He organized an army of workers who adhered to the methods he introduced and became known as Methodists. The Wesleyan movement transformed cultures and transcended generations. But Wesley did more than organize people; he launched thousands of “field workers” across the world who extended the Kingdom of God. John was not only a renowned apostle but a great people developer and HELPER. His advice is timeless.
In 1 Corinthians 12, the Bible speaks about a ministry set in the church which is simply described as “helps.” “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, HELPS, administrations…” 1 Cor.12:28
A simple definition of “helps” (GK= antilēpsis) is to render aid or support; to give assistance in a supportive role. It describes a category of action which is practically without limits. (How many ways are there to help?) Helps is not an elevated or exclusive ministry as the Apostle, Prophet, miracle worker or healer. In 1 Co.12:28, “helps” is excluded from the probing question, “Are all…?” Could it be that whatever gift or grace you have for ministry, it is intended to help someone, somewhere, sometime. The gifts for “helps” are divinely ordered and as supernatural as the rest listed in this verse. This is exactly what John Wesley is prescribing: a lifestyle which is completely devoted to helping others.
There are numerous examples throughout the Bible affirming supportive ministry. I love the iconic image of Moses arms being lifted by Aaron and Hur recorded in Exodus17. The weary arms of God’s leader were held up leading to the victory of God’s people over their enemies. Jesus’ twelve chosen disciples began serving in helps ministry. Whether it was controlling multitudes, distributing food, transporting their Rabbi across the Sea of Galilee or preparing for the Passover meal, they were giving aid and assistance by doing good. Jesus’ disciples, who became Apostles, began in the ministry of helps.
I cut my spiritual teeth and took my first steps in ministry within a culture of “Helps” ministry in the local church. My understanding of “helps” emerged from Paul’s admonition to the church in Corinth. It would take a lot of space to describe all the serving Gail and I did in a supportive role: much of it unnoticed and unrecognized by people. One of the first things we did when we returned from our initial trip outside of America was start the Missionary Support Office which provided practical administrative services, from banking to publishing to building itineraries, for sent ones (missionaries) from the church. It was our joy and most fulfilling. This Office was instrumental in launching dozens of sent-ones on short and long-term missions. We also provided assistance to local churches with their mission outreach. In many ways our contribution in “helps” continues to be a primary role whether as spiritual parents, mentors, coaches, counselors or partners. We are still helping others fulfill their ministry and finish their race. We started in “helps” ministry and have never stopped.
No ministry can succeed without supportive ministry gifts. Moses experienced this; Jesus understood it; so did John Wesley. For this reason we have the greatest appreciation and honor for every one of our partners who have helped send us to over 100 nations preaching and teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. There are many unsung heroes\helpers that share in the grace upon our life and the rewards of ministry. It is time to restore the honor to every person who helps\serves others with their talent.
I conclude with this powerful statement from W.B. Godbey, an evangelist and product of the Methodist Church and Wesleyan holiness movement in the 19th Century:
“Oh! The infinite value of the humble Gospel helpers. Thousands of people who have no gifts as leaders are number-one, helpers. How grand, revival work moves along, when red-hot platoons of fire-baptized helpers crowd around God’s heroic leaders of the embattled hosts.”