Are You Unknowingly Enabling a Power Grabber? A Guide to Self-Awareness & Repentance (Part 4)
- Joycelyn Lewis
- Feb 8
- 4 min read
In today’s church communities, a concerning trend is surfacing—power grabbers. These individuals often step into church leadership and decision-making roles without being appointed. Instead, their rise often comes from a vacuum created by others who hesitate to lead. This blog post addresses the issue of passive leadership and its unintended consequences, specifically targeting Christian men and women who might be reluctant to voice their convictions.
Recognizing the impact of passivity is critical. Leaders will ultimately be held accountable by God for their actions and inactions. In this exploration, we will examine biblical principles of leadership, raise important self-reflection questions, offer prayers for guidance, and suggest practical steps toward empowerment and repentance.
Understanding Passivity in Leadership
Passivity in leadership often stems from a fear of conflict or a reluctance to accept responsibility. This is especially true in church settings, where maintaining harmony can seem more important than taking decisive action. However, when leaders do not step into their roles, they create a dangerous vacuum.
The Bible contains many lessons about leadership and accountability. For example, James 3:1 reminds us, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." This implies that being a leader is not just a privilege; it's a serious responsibility.
When passive members avoid leading, they unintentionally pave the way for power grabbers to take control. Often, these individuals are charismatic and persuasive, but their goals may not align with core Christian values.
Signs You May Be Unintentionally Aiding Power Grabbers
To help with self-assessment, consider the following questions:
Do I often avoid conversations about important church decisions?
A study by Lifeway Research found that only 29% of church members regularly discuss church governance issues, highlighting a concerning trend toward silence.
Am I unsure about voicing my thoughts when I see troubling actions in the church?
Research shows that half of churchgoers feel uncomfortable challenging leadership decisions, which can lead to unchecked authority.
Am I hesitating to take responsibility as a leader because I fear making the wrong decision or being judged by others? Am I allowing the fear of people’s disapproval to override my responsibility to lead with wisdom and courage? How is my reluctance affecting the health and direction of the church, and what would it look like to trust God more in my leadership?
Reflecting on these questions can provide insight into how passive behavior may support power grabs, and it is essential to conduct a candid self-examination.
A Prayer for Awareness
Before moving forward, invite God into your process of self-examination:
Heavenly Father,
I come before You seeking wisdom and insight. Reveal to me any areas where I may have fallen into passivity. Help me understand my role in the Body of Christ and recognize the impact of my inaction. Grant me the courage to step up and lead as You have called me to. Amen.
This prayer opens hearts and minds to the transformative work God wishes to do.
The Consequences of Inaction
The effects of passive leadership go beyond individuals and touch the entire church community. For example, when leaders overlook moral or ethical issues, congregations can spiral into chaos. Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law."
Leaders need to not only acknowledge their authority but also uphold biblical truths and moral principles. Failures in leadership can cause confusion and discord among believers, leading to disunity and weakened faith.
A Prayer of Repentance
Recognizing your part in enabling power grabbing invites the need for a sincere prayer of repentance:
Gracious God,
I come to You with a heavy heart, acknowledging my passivity in leadership. I repent for allowing my fears to overshadow my faith. Forgive me for remaining silent when I should have spoken and for not acting when I should have. Fortify me to fulfill my role within Your Body and guide me toward impactful leadership. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This prayer is an important step toward genuine repentance and a renewed commitment to your responsibilities within the church.
Moving Forward with Intentionality
After awareness and repentance, taking action is essential. Here are some practical steps to embrace effective leadership:
Engage in Open Conversations:
Start discussing church matters in small groups or leadership meetings.
Seek Mentorship:
Reach out to seasoned church leaders who can guide you in navigating leadership challenges.
By participating intentionally in church dynamics, leaders can prevent power grabs and foster a stronger community that reflects Christ's love.
Bridging the Gap
As power grabbers become more prevalent in the church, it is crucial for passive leaders to examine their roles and responsibilities. God calls each believer to lead, fostering clarity, discernment, and accountability. Understanding that passivity creates space for power grabs is the first step in reclaiming one's place in the church.
By learning biblical principles of leadership, engaging in self-reflection, and committing to action, individuals can empower themselves and make a significant difference in their church communities. It’s time to stand firm for the truths of the Gospel, ensuring the Body of Christ stays united and resilient.
