Attentive to the use of power
What is asked of every congregation and its leadership is to be attentive to the use of power.
Artwork by Sophie Killingley
There is no getting around the idea of power. It is woven into the fabric of every human community and organisation. What is asked of every congregation and its leadership is to be attentive to the use of power.
by Rev Greg Bakker
An attentiveness to the use of power in our congregations is rooted in the humility of God. Our worship liturgy, sermons, and prayers frequently affirm the power of God. Yet, one of the defining but understated characteristics of God is humility.
We often read our Bibles and pray as though humility is primarily about our unworthiness. But what the coming of Jesus shows us about divine humility is its willingness to draw alongside humanity and nurture space for us to be seen, heard, and thrive. Equally, our disposition of humility before God is about cultivating space for God to be seen, heard, and honoured in our lives and world.
How would we know that our church community and leaders are being attentive to the use of our power? We might expect to see:
- significant efforts to include as many as possible in the contributing of ideas
- robust, transparent, honest conversations in our church communities
- a curiosity to understand others and what has shaped their perspective
- careful listening for ideas that reflect the whisper of the Spirit rather than just simply seeking the opinion of the majority
- pastorally sensitive, participatory processes of change rather than change done to us by those with power
How would we know when our church community and leaders are not being attentive to the use of power? Power lacking humility:
- frequently expects people to move quickly through stages of loss or adjustment (just get on with the new stuff)
- marginalises those who have questions or simply need more time to see in a new way
- reflects and benefits the personal preferences of the “powerful” within the congregation
- rewards those who get in line with the vision and strategies of those in charge without robust processes for communal discernment
Attention to the use of power is vital to the thriving of our church communities. Power used well, power to bless, is ultimately shaped by a humility which allows us all to feel we have been seen, heard, and valued within the kinship of God.
Discover more about paying attention to use of power during a Pioneering Parishes course. Find out more.
