Why the Church Cannot Handle Power
Oh, to be free from second-guessing
The Church loves power.
We talk about servanthood and sacrifice but there is always the temptation to accumulate wealth and prestige.
In order to accumulate wealth and prestige you must make people happy—especially people who already have some wealth and prestige.
These people hold power over the whole Church. They, by virtue of their status, are responsible for the Church’s success—and its failure. Don’t wait for them to admit it.
We are now watching the celebration of power, in its highest Christian form, with the activities in Rome.
But the Roman Catholic Church is not alone. Most church bodies are tempted to organize around power.
It’s funny. All this power doesn’t seem to help the Church grow.
Living within a power structure causes the people of God to look over their shoulders. The smallest idea or initiative, regardless of its potential, is likely to die before it can be tested.
- An individual brings an idea to a committee.
- The committee has to check with its version of elders.
- The elders have to check with the pastor.
- The pastor has to check with the bishop.
- The bishop doesn’t have time.
- Everyone promises to pray.
- Nothing happens.
Perhaps one definition of “saint” is a Christian who steps outside this power structure and gets something done.