Border Guard Part 3 - The Heart

So you want to protect your Corps Officer?  You too can become a border guard for your pastor.  In this installment, we will take a look at a very important but sensitive area that needs to be watched closely - the heart.

While being a Corps Officer is sometimes the most exciting and fulfilling job, it can also be a very lonely position.  After all, there are times when the right decision must be made even though it is not popular.  At the same time, a captain is sometimes left with few people who really understand.  There are some situations that are confidential or sensitive and cannot be discussed with others.  Carrying that kind of load can leave a leader feeling very empty and discouraged.

Well, here are some steps can we as soldiers can take to guard the heart of our officers:

1. Watch your officer.  Sometimes, you can sense when an officer is going through a tough time.  A change in mood can be more than just a mood swing - there might be something deeper at stake.  Just being sensitive to how your officer is feeling can open the door to demonstrate your care for them.
   
2. Pay attention to key events.  There are certain times that can be make-or-break times as far as a Corps Officers' heart is concerned.  An advisory board or corps council meeting, or a meeting at DHQ can provide a lot of stress.  If you know that one of these stressers is coming, maybe it's time to say something encouraging.  I heard once that the most likely time for a preacher to resign is Monday morning.  This might be because Sundays can be very stressful.  Realizing this can help you to be a source of strength for your officer.
3. Send your officer a thank you note.  There are many times that an officer comes through for you or your family.  Don't overdo it.  But expressing genuine appreciation can make a big difference, maybe just at the time your officer needs it.  I have a file in my drawer marked "Keepsakes."  It is a place that I put notes that I have received through the years.  When times are tough, I open the file and review these letters, some of them from many years ago.  Some make me laugh out loud, while others make me feel humble at the way God has chosen to use me through the years.
4. Lighten it up.  We all need to laugh sometimes - officers included.  In one appointment, there were two soldiers who every once in a while took me out for breakfast.  It was a time when we just talked about our families and laughed and prayed for each other.  It meant the world to me that they just wanted to spend some time with me.  For an hour, I was forced to be away from the phone, email and the office, and I got a much-needed break.  I really appreciate those soldiers for their encouraging ministry to me.
   

Before you conclude from this post that Corps Officers are simply fragile creatures, just realize that they have a very stressful job, and sometimes need someone to stand in the gap for them - helping to guard their hearts.  Will you take up the challenge?