Barnabas
The Go-To Encourager
- Practical
- Organised
- Outgoing
- Warm
Barnabases see the person who needs someone in their corner. When believers were afraid of Saul, Barnabas brought him to the apostles and helped them hear his story.
An illustrative Big Five pattern. Further out means a stronger tendency; emotional balance varies from person to person.
They like a plan they can finish, and they notice how people are doing.
They introduce the new person, plan the hangout and check in afterwards. When someone is struggling, a Barnabas type shows up with real help.
Strengths
Real help
Their encouragement comes with something useful, like a lift or a study session. People feel the difference.
They follow up
They may offer a message, a plan or a check-in the following week. Asking what would help gives the other person a say.
They bring people in
They introduce the new person and tell the group why that person is worth knowing.
They see potential
They notice what someone could become, even when others only see the past. Hearing it from them can keep someone going.
Watch-outs
You may dismiss concerns about someone
You may focus on someone’s good intentions and overlook a concern a friend raises. Ask what happened and listen before encouraging your friend to trust them.
You may expect others to follow your schedule
You may expect a teammate to follow the same schedule you would. Agree a realistic deadline together rather than checking against an unspoken expectation.
You may leave your own needs unsaid
You are good at lifting others up and not always good at asking for it. Tell a friend when you could use a pep talk.
Barnabas as a friend
As friends, Barnabas types often look for ways to encourage people and offer practical support. They may remember what a friend is working towards and want to follow up.
Encouragement in return, and room to say when they are stretched, can make that care easier to sustain.
What helps them feel close
- Friends who encourage them back, not only receive it.
- A straight answer when someone they backed has let the group down.
- People who follow through on plans made together.
In everyday life
Youth group
At youth group or on a team, they may welcome a new person and offer another invitation without putting pressure on them. They often end up mentoring someone younger.
School
They may appreciate a plan and the chance to help a classmate. Leaving time for their own work matters alongside offering support.
Faith
They may live out their faith by encouraging others. God sees them and delights in them, whether or not anyone noticed what they did this week.
How could you help someone enter a group thoughtfully?
His name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, “son of encouragement.” He sold a field and brought the money to the apostles to share with those in need.
When the believers in Jerusalem were still afraid of Saul, Barnabas took him to the apostles and told them Saul’s story. Later, in Antioch, he was glad at what God was doing and encouraged everyone there to stay close to the Lord.