Power and Leadership Source: Bob Perry, Pass the Power, Please

Power Exercised and Unmasked Most often exercised in unseen and informal channels Most often exercised in unseen and informal channels The wise leader unmasks pockets of power and discerns hidden patterns. The wise leader unmasks pockets of power and discerns hidden patterns.

Assumptions about Power n Power can be used for (un)righteous ends. n Power can be used in Godly or ungodly ways. n Power can be used by saints and sinners. n There is never a power vacuum. n Knowing where power resides is itself power. n Position does not guarantee power. n Power often comes from informal, non- institutionalized sources.

Sources of Power n Individual n Group

3 Types of Power n Informational n Relational n Coalitional

Informational Understanding the history of what has and hasn’t worked in the church. Expertise of pertinent subject matter. – –(i.e. theological, sociological) Mastery of data and trend interpretation.

Relational n n Being married to a power person n n Kinship with power sources Having the right “last name”

Coalitional Friendship with a power person Being part of key “discussion arenas” Reputation as “sounding board” Can include one’s perceived relationship with God

Congregational Power Analysis Survey: 15 questions toward discerning and unmasking power pockets in your congregation.

Mr./Ms. “My Church” n Who embodies what this church is all about? n Who is the quintessential member?

“Let’s vote!” n Ability to summarize essence n Consensus namer n “I’ve heard enough”

“End-around” n Who do I go to if I want to get a hearing? n Who makes sure you get the message? n Unofficial gathering places and discussion forums

S/heroes in Tough Times n Who has a medal for bravery beyond duty in combat or crisis times? n Who was here (didn’t leave) when the church weathered the storm?

5% Giver n Perception of their wealth and/or giving to the church matters more than the reality of what they actually give

Intimidator n Position or reputation in community n Perceived wealth n Occupation (i.e. business) n Personality n Known history in church life/issues

Celebrity n Media presence n Frequent speaker in large group gatherings of the church n Visible in community life –golf pro, commerce, government, management

Smarter than the Pastor n Again: perception > reality! n Business acumen (“real world”) n More experience with church life n Stronger biblically or theologically n More formal education n Better people skills n Better handle on nature/goals of organization

More Spiritual than the Pastor n Perceived to pray more n Knows more of the Bible n Interprets life theologically without being seen as falsely pious n Longer tenure in faith n Viewed as more dedicated giver –$/time

Wise, Articulate, Persuasive n Gift of discernment n “On earth as it is in heaven” n Few words, well-chosen n People want to know how this one feels before they decide how they’ll vote n Public & behind-the-scenes persuasion

Bloodline and Blessing n Who has the right last name? n Who has parents or family members who played decisive roles in church life? n Actual regular physical presence at the church not required.

“Trust me …” n Different than “persuasive” category. n Seen as having the best interests of the church at heart. n Can’t be “bought” out of convictions.

15: “WWJD?” n This person does not have to be seen as exercising formal power, but is viewed as one of the “saints” of the church.

Analyzing Your “Power” Data 8 steps

1. Gather Accurate Perceptions n Get sample of 5-20 church leaders n Include: –your spouse –other staff –your best friend in the church –people loyal to your leadership –choose some of the probably powerful –people who know people that you don’t know

2. Enlist by Explaining Purpose n Enable more Godly and helpful leadership in the church by providing an accurate picture. n More beyond the formal to the informal “getting things done.”

3. Tally and Rank n List every name mentioned in surveys n Tally number of votes for each person listed n Rank by # of votes received

4. Interpret Emerging Patterns n Are the most powerful people those who have information, relationships, or coalitions? n Among the most powerful, are there any significant coalitions? n Don’t forget spouses of the powerful!

5. Assess: “What About Me??” n If no one is “smarter” or “more spiritual” than the pastor, then that’s one vote for you! n What is your “power rank” in relation to others? n How much is in your “leadership bank account?”

6. Determine Future Coalitions You Need to Form n Individuals or groups? –Do I need to be at certain gatherings? n Accumulate enough “power go-ahead” before proceeding with a change n Who are the permission-givers/takers?

7. Power through Morale Building n Cultivating relationships as a task-oriented event n Mission-morale balance n Change-agent through friendship

8. Steward of this Knowledge n Undertaking this process itself grants you new power. n Pray for wise and discerning use of power for Kingdom ends!

Power and Leadership Dr. John P. Chandler The Ray and Ann Spence Network for Congregational Leadership Copy right John Chandler, 2000