Monday, April 20, 2009

Influence

Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, says he believes the church is the most leadership-intensive enterprise in society. I assume any organization that is dependent upon volunteer labor would fall under this category. The military has rank. Business leaders have paychecks. Leaders of volunteer organizations have to influence from something deeper. The temptation in the church is not to influence but to manipulate. What is the difference between manipulation and influence? Where is the line drawn that distinguishes the two?
The difference must exist with motivation. Is my motivation as a leader to increase my power or to empower others? As a minister my role is to see more in others than they see in themselves. This type of influence does not come with position (be a lot easier if it did) but comes from relationship building.

1 comment:

garysgirljo said...

So, you're saying that the guilt trip method should go away? :-)

I hear so many people say that they are doing the things they do because the Bible says they are supposed to, etc... but to me that is just law living.

For me the ultimate motivation is the amazing love and blessings that God has given me and the realization that He gave them to me in order that I might share them with others.

Some days it is more difficult, because I'm doing the things that people expect me to do... even if they are not within my strengths.

I think we all get caught up in the "if I don't do it, it won't get done" mentality, instead of seeing that our fellow followers have that strength and could be blessed in doing it.

It would be amazing if we could get beyond the power struggles of who is in charge and realize that He is ultimately in control and we are equal in His eyes.

Sometimes it is the clergy that sets itself up to be the one in power and trying to be all to everyone and sometimes it is the laity that sets clergy up with those expectations...

If only we could get to the point where we are working together using our gifts and strengths for furthering His kingdom instead of our own...

OK... I'm done with my rant this morning. :-)