When Leaders Lack Support

In Search of Timothy: Traits of Great Supportive Ministers

By Tony Cooke

God the Father and Jesus are perfect in every way. Yet, both encountered problems in their leadership. Were their problems the result of poor leadership or poor follower-ship? The reality: Even great leaders cannot achieve optimum results without good follower-ship.

When Leaders Lack Support

Pastors often feel pressure because they do not have enough help. This problem is not new. Moses complained to the Lord: “I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me” (Numbers 11:14).¹

Paul was a great leader, but he did not always have the help he needed. Writing to Timothy, he said, “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:20,21).

Even great leaders cannot produce great followers without cooperation. Had it been solely up to Paul, he would have generated dozens of Timothys. Many leaders have compelling assignments from God, but they struggle because potential helpers are consumed with seeking their own and will not help carry the leader’s vision.

No One Else Like Timothy

Paul needed a representative — someone to reflect his heart. A hireling would not meet the need. This person must genuinely care for and serve the best interests of others. Paul had only one person available and capable of doing this — Timothy.

Paul described Timothy as “like-minded,” a word meaning equal soul. Timothy knew and shared Paul’s heart, values, priorities, purpose, convictions, and attitudes. 

Timothy was not self-promoting or self-willed. He had no personal agenda; this is what made him so valuable to the apostle Paul. He wanted to serve God by helping Paul. 

How tragic that Timothy’s attitude was an exception when it should have been the norm.