Are “Armor Bearers” Biblical?

Are “Armor Bearers” Biblical?

In a word, no…at least not the modern day “armor bearers” walking 2 steps ahead of and behind most pastors today, but that doesn’t mean that they’re un-biblical either.
The word “armor bearer” appears multiple times in the Old Testament, mainly in describing the activity of men charged with protecting a king – literally those who bore armor for protection of others (see the entire book of 1 Samuel for reference).
Sure, the minstrels will argue up and down that they “need an armor bearer, so that I can concentrate on getting a Word from the Lord!”. Of course, what they really mean is they need someone to carry their bibles, water glasses, briefcases, luggage, children, and more.
Gotquestions.org published a great article a few weeks ago (reprinted below in entirety, emphasis added):
Question: “What is an armor-bearer? Should there be a church position of armor-bearer?”

In Scripture, an armor-bearer (also spelled armorbearer and armor bearer) was a servant who carried additional weapons for commanders. Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 16:12), Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:6-17), and Joab (2 Samuel 18:15) had armor-bearers/armorbearers. Armor-bearers were also responsible for killing enemies wounded by their masters. After enemy soldiers were wounded with javelins or bows and arrows, armor-bearers finished the job with clubs and/or swords. After the time of David, armor-bearers are no longer mentioned, likely due to the fact that commanders began to fight from chariots (1 Kings 12:18; 20:33).
Some churches today have instituted a figurative position of armor-bearer. The duties range widely, but generally speaking, a church armor-bearer carries the “armor” of a church leader, such as the leader’s Bible “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). In some instances, a church armor-bearer essentially serves as a church leader’s bodyguard. Is the idea of a church armor-bearer biblically-based? No, it is not. Does the concept of a church armor-bearer contradict anything in Scripture? Not necessarily. Any church considering such a position should prayerfully study God’s Word and make sure the responsibilities assigned in no way conflict with the New Testament’s teaching on the church. The fact that the New Testament nowhere mentions armor-bearers and nowhere describes any of the apostles/prophets/elders having a person in that role should give pause to any church considering instituting the role of armor-bearer.

Churches and ministries should pray and be sure to adhere to TRUE scripture and not traditions of man. Of course, if more churches did pray and adhere to scripture, then their pews would be empty.