“This is one of the most valid and powerful ministries at Cornerstone Church, and the simple thing about it is that anyone can become involved.”- Pastor Neil Burum
“Rearguard Ministries” is a ministry of encouragement and spiritual support for those who serve as “Wall Builders” at Cornerstone Church.
In Matthew 9, Jesus had gone all over the land teaching and preaching as well as healing people of their sicknesses. Everywhere he looked he saw the crowds being harassed and helpless. They were like sheep without a shepherd, in bad condition.
“Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Askthe Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Matthew 9:36-38
Jesus commands us to pray specifically for workers who are working in His harvest field. These workers are our “Wall Builders”. Jesus says that there are few of them. This is the purpose of our “Rearguard Ministries,” for supporting our workers with encouraging words and spiritual prayer backing.
To be involved in the “Rearguard Ministry” it is necessary to read the eight key points below in its entirety and turn in a completed Rearguard Ministry Application Card into our office or in an offering container.
A Look At The Mission
“So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.”
Nehemiah 4:6
It is evident as you read God's Word that He would have us become “Wall Builders.” We are called to serve in building walls that defy the enemy and creates an opportunity for believers to live in peace, power and unity. But the enemy hates it. Satan would have us threatened and compromise our loyalty toward Christ. Just like Nehemiah, our response can only be that we must complete the wall.
The enemy that lived in the surrounding areas of these particular “Wall Builders” heard of the repairs to Jerusalem's walls and became threatened and infuriated. Even the smallest gaps were being filled in the walls, they were building a wonderful place to bring health and security for God's people. The enemy became very angry that they plotted to fight, stir up trouble and bring division among the people serving on the wall. Something had to happen or the wall would cease to be build and the city would remain in ruins.
A Look At The Response
“But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.”
Nehemiah 4:9
The two things Nehemiah found he needed to do in his situation is exactly the two things that we need to do:
Pray
Post Guards Day and Night
Nehemiah 4:10 tells us the natural occurrence that takes place when these two things are not in place and “Wall Builders” are left on their own.
"The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall."
Nehemiah 4:10
This happens all the time in ministries all over the world. In the process of building a wall for the Kingdom of God there is normally a great vision cast, people become engaged in the work, but little by little the enemy dismantles the work by their threats and manipulation. The “Wall Builders” are not covered. Their strength gives out and there life becomes so congested by the rubble of distraction and difficulties that they loose sight and eventually give up. We have to respond just like Nehemiah did:
“Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
Nehemiah 4:13-14
Nehemiah gave a mandate to his “Rearguard” ministers to not be afraid but remember your God and fight! Because these people were positioned behind the “Wall Builders” at the lowest points of the wall and behind individuals who were building the walls, the city was completely built in fifty-two days. These walls were the walls that were still standing when Jesus entered the city some four or five hundred years later. The walls we are building are going to be the walls that will be standing when Jesus returns again.
A Look At The Responsibility
The responsibility of a “Rearguard” is that of protecting those who are building the wall. In our case, we are to stand guard, protect and support our “Wall Builders” by prayer and encouragement. Paul tell Timothy:
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone...This is good, and pleases God our Savior.”
I Timothy 2:1-2
SHAMAR (O.T.)
The Hebrew verb shamar is translated "keep", once as "protect" and once as "guard". Shamar conveys the picture of one exercising great care to watch over and so to keep, preserve, protect and guard. This verb "shamar" is a most tender preservation; from it comes the derivative noun "shemurah" as used in Psalm 77:4 for the eyelids, the keepers of the eyes.
PHULASSO (N.T.)
Phulasso (5442) is a military word used 31 times in the New Testament and is meant to guard (so as to protect from danger especially by providing watchful attention), defend or keep watch in order to prevent robbery, loss or harm. Phulasso means to keep in safe custody and its use often implies assault from without.
I've Got Your Back
Our responsibility is in protecting those who build the wall. In essence, when we take our position as a rearguard we are saying, “I've got your back!” With our prayers, words of encouragement and cards or letters, we will continue to let them know that we are for them and with them in the eternal work for the Kingdom of God.
A Look At The Reward
“If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
I Corinthians 3:12-15
The truth is, if there is no wall, there is no reward. And just as important, we want to build a wall that can be rewarded. The only reward from God, based upon the scripture above, is a wall that can stand the test of fire. Satan would love to distract us and keep us from building on the foundation of our salvation. He would love to keep us at a minimum, with a wall half built. This is the importance of our “Rearguard Ministry”, to protect our “Wall Builders” so they can build the walls appropriately, walls that can stand the fire, walls that can be rewarded.
A Look At The Process
Our Goal as a “Rearguard” is to fully bless, encourage and strengthen the “Wall Builder” we are committed to guard. We must be cautious of a few things when we set out to serve in the “Rearguard Ministry”. We want to encourage you to give the person you are guarding the appropriate amount of love and attention that they will need but it is equally important that we do not become overbearing or obnoxious. We can not afford to become a distraction in the intended opportunity of blessing. Too many phone calls, too many e-mails and other forms of encouragement can almost be as defeating as too few. We have designed these guidelines to be safe, fair and measurable. These guidelines are not “laws” but perimeters that will assist you and your "Wall Builder" in having an incredible year in ministry.
Communication:
Phone Call and E-mails: You should make at least one phone call or e-mail a month to check on ministry needs and personal areas that can be prayed about. To remain faithful with these communication calls/e-mails, it would be best that you commit to a certain week or even day of the month. For example, if you called the first Tuesday of every month you would be far more consistent than if you called when ever you got around to it. More likely than not, you will not get around to it and forget.
Cards, Notes and Letters: It would be a great encouragement for anyone to receive one or two cards a month from their “Rearguard.” Prayerfully consider what you would write. At times God may only give you a particular verse or He may have a specific, prophetic statement that He wants to convey. This is a great opportunity to be a great influence in the Kingdom of God.
Gifts:
It is not always necessary, but an inexpensive gift, two or three times during 2007 would be encouraging and helpful. Perhaps you could assist in a needed study tool for their area of ministry. Your gift would be a pleasant blessing. It would say, “What you are doing is worth it and here's something to show my appreciation for you.”
Prayer:
Personal Prayer: One of the most challenging demands of this ministry is that you pray everyday, morning and evening for your “Wall Builder.” As you continue to read this material you will see several ways to encourage and pray for your “Wall Builder.” What we are asking of your commitment is that you intentionally call out your “Wall Builder's” name to God in the morning and in the evening, everyday this year. You will be amazed as you watch your prayers make a difference individually and corporately in our Church as well.
One on One Prayer: At least once a month, at church, in the parking lot or a quick drop by at work or home, it is important that you take the hand of your “Wall Builder” or just put your hand on their shoulder and pray to God on their behalf. Be bold, be ready and be considerate of a persons time. Make arrangements if possible, but don't let an opportunity slip by within a Month without personally praying for your “Wall Builder.”
Prophetic: Sometimes God wants to wake us up in the middle of the night or keeps bringing a person to our mind throughout the day. This often happens when a person takes responsibility for the guarding of another. You might be surprised how God will share the needs and concerns of the person you are guarding. There are a few reasons why God does this. Here are a few:
Intercession: Most of the time when God shares a need or concern of another person, it is for prayer support. The Bible says that, “...if two agree...”, the Holy Spirit might be nudging your heart to be the other person agreeing with them prayer. Intercession is prophetic. It is the revelation to seek God on behalf of another.
Interface: The dictionary describe this word as, “the place at which two independent systems meet and act on or communicate with each other.” There will probably be times when you have to go to your “Wall Builder” and ask, “What's going on?” or “I feel like God is telling me something about you, it may be bad pizza, but I'd like to run it past you.” It is possible that God will burden you with the burden of the task of the “Wall Builder.” Within a few months you might know each kid in your “Wall Builders” class.
Intervention: It is important that you keep yourself from becoming a “spiritual guide” or “spiritual superior” for your “Wall Builder.” For protection of our “Wall Builders” and of this ministry, I feel like I have to include the following sentences. The purpose of this ministry is NOT for you to have someone to enlighten, judge or control. If we see this occurring we will be quick to intervene on behalf of our “Wall Builder” and ask you to redirect your efforts. If there is concern on behalf of the “Rearguard” concerning their “Wall Builder,” it would be best that they inform an Elder of the church and get direction from that point.
Intervention is an important opportunity of a believer. And, there may be some real opportunity to intervene on a persons behalf. But use all caution in giving advise, counsel or direction. Your primary purpose is to pray for and encourage your “Wall Builder.”
A Look At Biblical Ways To Encourage
Encourage often. as you can in any form: cards, phone calls, letters, e-mails, affirmations, pats on the back, scriptures, gifts, acts of blessing, protection, care, love, prayer.
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”
Hebrews 3:13
Encourage outside the box. Paul says, “...let us consider how we may spur one another...” He is saying, “Think up new ways that will encourage your “Wall Builder.”
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Hebrews 10:24
Encourageface to face. Nothing really ever replaces a caring person. Nothing really ever replaces an encouraging person. Make your personal face to face time with your “Wall Builder” convenient, pleasant and to the point. Take their hands, pray over them. Don't settle for a long distant ministry, connect intentionally for the glory of God.
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:25
Encourage with words of Christ's return. It is important to continue to remind each other that one day Jesus Christ will call us home and we will no longer have the opportunity to make a difference in our world. Also, all the energy and sacrifices here on this earth are short lived compared to eternity “...with the Lord forever.”
“...we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
I Thessalonians 4:17-18
Encourage with words of encouragement and respect. “Wall Builders” need to know that their ministry is valiant an eternal. They need to hear that they are making a difference and are worth bragging over.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”
I Thessalonians 5:11-13
Encourage by recognizing God's love toward us. Just to be reminded that God's love and his grace toward us gives us an eternal hope is encouraging and will strengthen us in everything we do or say.
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
II Thessalonians 2:16-17
Encourage by recalling their ministry as an encouragement to you. You have to recognize ministry through the eyes of God. Your “Wall Builder” should be your HERO, because they are giving of their lives for eternal things. It could be working in the nursery or greeting at the front door. The truth is, we all serve for the glory of God. This should be a real test of your own heart as to what you really value and validate. Their ministry must become a valid, valued ministry that you are willing to fight Satan for!
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”
Philemon 1:7
A Look At Biblical Ways To Pray
Pray that God will strengthen them with power through His Spirit
So Christ may dwell in their hearts
So that they will be rooted and established in love so they can have power to grasp everything about the love of Christ
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:16-19
Pray that God will count them worthy of his calling and that they may fulfill every good purpose through them.
“...we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.”
II Thessalonians 1:11
Pray that God's message will grow rapidly and be honored among people.
“...pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored...”
II Thessalonians 3:1
Pray a prayer of thanksgiving because of their faith to serve and their love for the saints.
“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.”
Philemon 1:4-5
Pray that they will be active, not held back, in sharing their faith and in that way they will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”
Philemon 1:6
Pray for protection from wicked and evil men.
“...pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith.”
II Thessalonians 3:2
Pray day and night for them.
“...night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”
II Timothy 3:2
A Look At Caution
Many attempts at this kind ministry often dissolves because Satan manipulates its purpose by causing people to make it about them rather than its intended purpose. Many people can misinterpret an opportunity like this as a great chance to be someones “friend”. This ministry can be a wonderful opportunity to show yourself as a friend, and we do hope you are able to become partners in ministry, but you are not doing this so you can have an intimate relationship with your particular "Wall Builder." You are becoming a Rearguard so you can assist that individual in building their portion of the wall. You are a guard!
Many times people get their feelings hurt in a ministry like this because they are working too hard trying to find a “best friend” in the ministry rather than working hard at the ministry. Do not allow your “Rearguard Ministry” to be manipulative by the “level of relationship” you expect from your wall builder. Please understand that you are guarding them and it cannot be compromised with a personal agenda or special needs. We need to be connected with each other and we do need to communicate and it is possible that a wonderful relationship will grow out of this.
You may also discover the amazing, Godly characteristics the person you are guarding has. Be sensitive to that person. Be loving, be kind and friendly, but don't measure your willingness to guard that person based on how much you “like” them! Be a soldier, stand your guard!
