Analyzing the Perception of Power in the Church
“I have the power!”
There is a lot of talk in the church today about power. There is even more posturing.
Constitutions are dusted off. It’s easy to find the denomination’s favorite passage that at first glance gives the bishop and synod council powers over individual congregations. Its pages are well-worn. The sections that support the current desire of leaders are easily quoted from memory. All other sections or even sections that further define the powers are ignored.
The constitutions define very specific powers and they are all to be read in the context of the church’s founding document — The Articles of Incorporation. Very few people in the church ever read these foundational documents. This includes bishops and synod councils. Delegates at Synod Assemblies don’t give them a moment’s thought. Does anyone at a Synod Assembly stand up and ask if they have the power to take votes on some issues?
The Articles of Incorporation define the scope of responsibility. They set the rules for the writing of constitutions and the altering of constitutions over the years. If they are never read, there is a danger of writing new church bylaws that conflict with founding documents. This has created the backdrop for church legal issues, including the ones the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (SEPA) faces with Redeemer, that little passionate church in East Falls, Philadelphia.
Bishop Claire Burkat reviews the constitution and finds the powers she seeks. She probably cited them to the other churches she closed with less trouble. No one challenged her.
She declared way back in 2008 (or even earlier). “I have the power to close that church and I intend to close it.”
Maybe she does. Maybe she doesn’t. The courts didn’t rule that she does. They deferred to the church to make that decision. In making that decision the church must follow its rules — which most people in the church have never read.
Five powers vested in the church
Let’s not argue any more about it. Putting all constitutions aside, we know very well that the bishop has significant power — should she decide to use it.
Let’s just look at powers the bishop and church leaders have.
Where would we be today if Bishop Burkat had cited the following powers?
- “I have the power to help that church and I intend to help them.”
- “I have the power to love Redeemer’s people and I intend to love them.”
- “I have the power to forgive the people of this synod who disagree and I intend to forgive them.”
- “I have the power to reconcile with the member churches of this synod who are unhappy and I intend to reconcile.”
- “I have the power to be a peacemaker, if I value peace over acrimony.”
These are the powers given to Bishop Burkat and all the members of SEPA Synod as defined in our founding documents: the Books of the Bible.
Let’s dust them off for a change.