There are two men in Phil 2:19-25 who were excellent helpers to Paul in his ministry. When Paul wrote about them, he included remarks about their qualities. We should identify these qualities because these are the kinds of things you will need to be ministry helpers.
Timothy was:
Likeminded – Phil 2:20. A good helper in the ministry has to have the same mindset as the man with whom he is working, Rom 15:5-6. The minister and his helpers have to be of one accord and one spirit, Acts 2:46, 2 Cor 12:18. Ministry helpers are an extension of the ministry of the man they are helping.
Compassionate – Phil 2:20. Timothy cared for the Philippians the way that Paul cared for them. Care and compassion are essential qualities of ministers and those who help them.
Christ-centered – Phil 2:21. Timothy was not self-centered. Paul was an unselfish preacher and Timothy was like him in that he was concerned for the things of Jesus and not for his own things, so unlike modern preachers. There are probably more people in the ministry for selfish reasons than for the pure motive of simply and unselfishly helping others as led by the Lord.
Like family to Paul – Phil 2:22. Paul was like a father to Timothy which made their relationship extremely close. The best associates are as close as family to the people with whom they work.
Epaphroditus was:
A loyal companion – Phil 2:25. Paul said that he was a brother, a companion in labor and a fellow soldier. He was the man Paul could count on to help him under any circumstances.
A faithful minister – Phil 2:25-28. Epaphroditus was faithful to care for Paul at the expense of his own life. He followed the instruction of Paul in Rom 12:10, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” Paul would have sorrowed greatly at the loss of Epaphroditus.
Conclusion: when you are considering someone to help you in the ministry, look for these qualities. And if you are someone who has offered your help to a minister, then develop these qualities because you’re going to need them. These are some of the qualities of ministry helpers.