Missional Leadership & The (Ab)use of Power
"What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life." -Henri Nouwen ("In the Name of Jesus")
While I find this sentiment easy to agree with, the more I consider it the more I realize how often I am guilty of choosing power over love. It is not that I take control out of a selfish desire for power, but rather find the demands and expectations of leadership make it an easier choice. In fact, it can often seem like the best, most loving choice, as it can help avoid a great deal of suffering.
I also realize how easy this compromise is to push on our leaders. I cannot count the times I have been in a situation where people demand my intervention as a leader, but fail to own a fraction of their responsibility in the demanding process of reconciliation. We justify our abdication with all kinds of "legitimate reasons", but ultimately only contribute to systems of power that rob us of communally moving towards Christlikeness.
Genuine love- the love that reflects the imitation of Christ in our individual and communal lives- requires to unconditionality that does not allow for us o hoist the challenging responsibilities of faith onto our leaders. Especially when we then cry out with the masses for an end to hierarchies and power structures. In the same way, leaders must serve their communities, not by wielding power to achieve stability, but to serve, guide and nurture them through the difficult processes of reconciliation and growth.
"I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self." -Henri Nouwen ("In the Name of Jesus")
What do you think of Nouwen's vision of the future of leadership?
How might we work towards this, both as leaders and followers?
Missional, Leadership, Henri Nouwen
