CHURCH AND POWER

 A few days ago, a colleague in ministry requested a recommendation. His request was among similar requests from persons wanting favorable opinions. Persons requesting recommendations believe that the persons from whom recommendations are requested have the capacity to influence.

One’s capacity to influence is a basic description of power. To a greater or lesser degree, everyone has the capacity to influence, which means everyone has power. The problem is that few persons are aware of the power they possess. Some believe power is evil and therefore should not be acknowledged. As a result, many persons live feeling powerless internally, yet are expected to display power externally.

Honestly, we all have power, especially persons entrusted with leadership roles. Unfortunately, many leaders do not understand the sources of power and as a result do not understand how to exercise power responsibly.

In his book, Just Ministry: Professional Ethics for Pastoral Ministers, Richard Gula, shares six primary sources of power. The first he refers to as POSITIONAL POWER. This is power that comes with a position or title. The position provides a platform for influencing others.

Gula cites PERSONAL POWER as a second source of primary power. This refers to the possession of specific competencies. For instance, gifts, personality, knowledge, privilege and education. We acquire some of these assets at birth and others through unique opportunities.

I would refer to the other source as SACRED WEIGHT. The power we carry when our role formally places us in a position to represent God. We symbolize something beyond mere human knowledge. We represent God’s presence, even if we feel inadequate for the task.

PROJECTED POWER is the power other people unconsciously project onto us. Others sometimes project their unmet needs and unresolved issues, in hopes that we will meet those needs and help them resolve those issues. As a general principle, the more distressed a person is, the more invisible power he or she is likely to project onto a leader.

Our RELATIONAL POWER grows as people entrust to us their fears and secrets. Sometimes we stand with people in their most vulnerable moments. We listen to painful experiences and at times unimaginable evils. These we hold in confidence. Each time we are entrusted with one of these moments, it adds to our power base.

CULTURAL POWER might include everything from age and race to gender, ethnicity and ranking within families. In my own upbringing, I was taught to respect the contribution of older persons, including older siblings. In many countries men carry more power than women. Sadly, the colour of one’s skin and or ethnicity conveys a greater or lesser amount of power. Each of these factors impacts one’s ability to influence others.

According to Peter Scazzero, “emotionally healthy leaders are keenly aware of the sources of their power as well as the nuances in their use of power” (The Emotionally Healthy Leader). Scazzero contends we should identify and own the sources of power that apply to us. However, we do not affirm our power in order to flaunt it before others. Neither do we deny power as though ignorance is humility. Then, how should we handle power?

Jesus answered that question in his strategy of humility and sacrificial service. In the world, Jesus says leaders throw their weight around – “but it is not so with you…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:42-43). Jesus demonstrated power, not by force or control, but by humbly washing the feet of his disciples and by dying on a cross – humility and sacrifice.

Simply put, we have power. However, we must use that power to empower the powerless. Like Jesus, that requires a posture of humility. Humility is not a surrender of power. Rather, it is strength to control power, in order to accomplish unselfish gain. Some may contend that that looks more like personal weakness. It is through that apparent weakness, God’s strength blossoms.

Interestingly, the New Testament often mentions about God “tabernacling” or taking up residence in the weaknesses of his people. Why would God do this? The apostle provides two reasons. Firstly, “…so that no one may boast before him” and secondly, “that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power” (2 Corinthians 1:28-2:5).

Honestly, if I am the only one to benefit from the power I have as a leader, then I am guilty of abuse of power. My power should benefit the powerless and bring glory to Jesus who replaces human imaginations of power with his strength.