A church is power-driven by God, or by people, but not both. God seems to simply refuse to share the reins of leadership in his beloved assembly known as the local church.
Does God have permission to be the power source in every church? Absolutely not. Humans are much too tempted to drive the wagon themselves.
A human-led church succumbs to tainted power. Petty struggles steal energy from leaders; the atmosphere becomes sticky with an undercurrent of grudges and backbiting. Does the Holy Spirit pass over such a church? It seems possible, maybe probable. Discerning members and visitors realize something is missing--perhaps the very presence of the Spirit of God.
A God-led church has a different distribution of power. Even the leaders are followers--of God--along with all of those under the teaching of that church. When everyone has equal status as learners in need of direction from God himself, there is no attempt to rule or humiliate or stage a behind-the-scenes coup.
Pope Francis said recently:
We have to find a new balance; otherwise even the moral edifice of the church is likely to fall like a house of cards, losing the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel.Of course, he was talking about his charge, the Catholic Church. But isn't it true of all churches?
Human-led power will default to rules and punishments and superiority claims. God-led power will usher in the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel.
The movement of a local church in its community is only as strong as the power behind it. God's guidance will often create a stir, a reviving of sorts, of new life and breath and outreach. Human-led churches will observe in disdain; to grant God the power of their church would be to wrench it from their own hands.
Acts 5:38-39 is the test of power in any church:
If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop [them]; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.As church attenders, we receive God-led strength or human-led confusion.
Not a contest. Lead us, Lord, to churches whom gladly sit under your power.
Comments are welcome at feedyourstrength@gmail.com.
