You can be an extension of your pastor and your ministry team leader. Extend means to stretch or open to full length; to make longer, broader, or wider: to continue; to prolong; to put forth or hold out, as the hand; to exert to full capacity; to offer something.

You can be an extension of your pastor as you:

Exemplify a yielded spirit.  Carry out his philosophy in the ministry and seek to do things the way he would want them done.

Examine your heart. Psalm 139:23, “Search me, O God, and know my heart:  try me, and know my thoughts.” Stay thoroughly right in your relationships.

Trust his discernment.  He might know more about the situation and cannot share details with you. 

Encourage those around you.  He cannot be everywhere, but you can be his extension. For instance, when you’re making a hospital visit, remind the person that Pastor is praying for them. I can help extend my pastor's ministry by helping him so he can use his time to do those things God has called him to do! In the office, be positive and appreciative of your co-workers.

Never limit your pastor's vision.  Ask yourself, how would he want it done? How would he want this classroom to look? Don't have tunnel vision and not look around you to see the visitors and the needs. Don't talk to your four friends and forget to look for those who need to feel like they belong and are accepted. I dare you to sit in a different spot in your Sunday School class this week!

Have a servant's heart.  Be supportive of your pastor or team leader in the ministry.

Have initiative.  Proverbs 6:6-8, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” I admire people who work hard whether “the boss” is looking or not. Stay busy!

Overlook.  (Allow him to have a bad day now and then!) 

Never say no.  Have a can-do attitude. Some project might seem overwhelming at first. Break it down into workable sections. Have a heart for your ministry. 

Capture the heart of your pastor—loving people and sharing Christ.