"Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand." -2 Cor 1:24
Paul's relationship with the Corinthians wasn't one of a ruler over a people, or of a king over his servant's. Paul had authority as an apostle but he wasn't an authoritarian. His goal wasn't to suppress people or make others do as he willed. Some churches attempt to micromanage people to a point where they cannot sneeze without first getting written approval. LOL I'm exaggerating of course, but there are those pastors and leaders who forbid their people of even visiting another church without their pastor's permission. The late pastor Chuck Smith wrote about this once; "I was in a church for so many years where they exercised dominion, that I was almost afraid of going to another church. I'd surely, you know... "Well, if you go to another church, you pray the rapture doesn't happen while you're there. Because they're not as spiritual or righteous or all as we are, you know." And it was terrible to feel so bound." When leaders try to have their hand in everything they don't give room for others to grow, and it points to an insecurity within themselves. Some fail to trust in the Lord and believe that they are holding all things together, that without them everything would fall apart. Last I checked that's Jesus' ministry! Paul says it's not about dominion but about joy and working together for that purpose. A joy that can only be found in serving Christ.
- WHY DO YOU THINK SOME SERVANTS IN THE CHURCH LACK JOY? HOW CAN YOU BALANCE OVERSIGHT AND LIBERTY OF THOSE YOU LEAD?
- "Leadership is not wielding authority it's empowering people" -Becky Brodin