Alma 17–19: A Pattern of Ministering

This week in Come Follow Me, we read about Ammon’s mission to the Lamanites. Ammon was very successful in his efforts with King Lamoni and his people. What was, in the beginning, a very tumultuous situation with Ammon being bound and sent to the king ended with many entering into the waters of baptism.

Alma tells us how prepared Ammon was for the task. Chapter 17:2–3 tells us

…and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. (Emphasis added)

Notice the use of the word “waxed.” This word means to increase gradually. The author uses certain words to subordinate certain clauses in a cause and effect relationship. This cause and effect give the reader an understanding of how they gradually progressed in their spirituality. In verse 2 the word “for” has a causal subordinate relationship with the previous phrase. In other words, they had waxed strong because they were men of sound understanding AND had searched the scriptures. We see this cause and effect

Cause: They searched(notice the word search here and not the word “read”) the scriptures

Effect: They knew the word of God

Cause: They prayed and fasted

Effect: They had the spirit of prophecy and revelation.

Effect: They taught with power and authority of God.

When Alma arrived he had the option to marry the daughter of King Lamoni. This was more than likely offered as a way of politically merging the kingdom of Lamoni with the Lamanites. This of course was not Ammon’s purpose. His purpose was “that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth.”

So Ammon declined and instead opted to be a servant. In this story, Ammon gives us great insight into what real ministering means. His story tells us of certain essential characteristics of ministering.

Faithful Service

Ammon knew that faithful service was key to changing the heart of Lamoni. He willfully submitted himself to the needs of the king. When he was sent to watch the king's flocks he did so. When he was asked to prepare the king's horses and chariots, he did so. Whatever was asked of him he did.

After the confrontation that happened at the waters of Sebus, the servants of the king went and recounted the events and the king. The story tells us that king Lamoni “had learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving his flocks” and asked, “Where is this man that has such great power?” The servants replied, “Behold, he is feeding thy horses.” When the king learned that Ammon was carrying out his responsibility he marveled

Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.

In the context of ministering, our hearts should be turned to people’s needs. We often ask the individuals to which we administer “Do you need anything?” to which most of the time the answer is no. The lesson we can learn from Ammon and his faithless service is to do things without being asked. Learn what the needs are if those individuals and be faithful in carrying them out when needed.

Uplift and Protect

The first task assigned to Ammon was to watch the king’s flocks. After three days a group of laminates had come and started scattering the flocks. After the flocks had been scattered the servants were scared and thought they would be executed similar to servants before them.

Ammon knew what his purpose was and the story recounts Ammons thoughts in 17:29–31

29 Now they wept because of the fear of being slain. Now when Ammon saw this his heart was swollen within him with joy; for, said he, I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow-servants, that I may lead them to abelieve in my words.

30 And now, these were the thoughts of Ammon, when he saw the afflictions of those whom he termed to be his brethren.

31 And it came to pass that he flattered them by his words, saying: My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us.

32 And it came to pass that they went in search of the flocks, and they did follow Ammon, and they rushed forth with much swiftness and did head the flocks of the king, and did gather them together again to the place of water.

Ammon not only uplifted and comforted his fellow servants but took action with the servants to make things happen. The eventually regained control of the flock and gathered them again. Then Ammon took action against the people that had scattered the flocks. He was proactive with the situation.

Ammon is teaching us to properly minister. He first helps them to understand that all is not lost, and they are capable of fixing the situation. Second, he himself joins in the search. Lastly, he protects the king's flock(and the servants' lives) by taking on the cause of the problem. He doesn’t leave them in their time of need. He makes sure that their problem is solved to the best of his ability.

Become a Friend

Because Ammon had shown such great diligence in his service, it caused the king to think that he was the great spirit talked about by his father. In chapter 18:3 there is a key phrase.

And they answered the king, and said: Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter the king’s flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain.

Unfortunately, most of us have been in a position in the church where people have visited, and we know that they are only there to fulfill an obligation. They don’t know anything about the people. They leave a message and then leave.

Ammon teaches us that trust has to happen. The king saw Ammon’s sincerity, his faithfulness, and his dedication. Therefore, both the servants and the king considered him a friend. This caused a sincere conversation about God and his plan of redemption.

In our efforts to minister we should remember the example of Ammon and the pattern he used to change hearts. Ministering is much more than just “checking in”, it’s a deep love for the people we minister. It’s a dedication to their well-being. It’s a dedication to their eternal salvation. It’s the pure love of Christ.