Two kinds of power

In my devotional reading this morning the author discussed two kinds of power: relational and coercive.  Coercive power is used by leaders who refuse to listen to others or change the direction or focus of their ministry.  Such leaders often feel they are being led by God and anyone who challenges or questions them is being used by the enemy to keep their vision from being fulfilled.  I've known many pastors who feel that their position gives them the authority to force the congregation to think as they do or leave.  From such people you'll hear complaints like, "They don't seem to realize that I'm the pastor and they are to follow my leadership."  These pastors leave a trail of destruction as they move from one ministry to another.

Relational power recognizes that all of God's people have been called and gifted for ministry.  There is a genuine respect between the leader and those he or she serves.  Pastors who lead with relational power are true servant leaders who requests and respects input from others.  Such mutual respect takes time to develop as people learn to trust one another, but the results that come from such relationships are often long-lasting.

I have always believed that one of the strengths of bivocational ministry is the opportunity to develop such relationships with members of the congregation.  Those who pastor large churches often do not even know the names of those who attend.  In medium size churches the pastor may know the names but may know very little else about the members of the congregation.  In bivocational churches we often know too much about one another!  But, this is also a strength as we can know the gifts and passions of those we serve, and we can challenge them to serve in those areas.  The greatest accomplishments we enjoyed during my pastorate were the ones that flowed out of the relationships we had with one another.

It might be possible to get things done quicker using coercion, but that does nothing to develop people.  It also fails to get other's perspectives which may mean that you accomplished much less than you could have with more input.  There is a greater chance of upsetting people making later changes more difficult.  Leaders who use such tactics are usually short-sighted, insecure people who simply do not understand the importance of servant leadership.  Don't be that person.  Develop relationships with those within your congregation.  Trust their wisdom and judgment.  Doing these simple things will allow you to move forward together.