Voting to Disempower— and Ministerial Powerlessness
As an American, I am sometimes asked what politicians do I like, what party to support, or who will I vote for. My response is, “What do I care, I live in the Philippines!” Sometimes, I am asked what politicians, or politics I support in the Philippines. My response is, “What do I care, I am a US citizen!”
I am being a bit deceptive since I do have my own opinion. My reason for not sharing is that my views in terms of politics puts me in opposition to almost everyone. The vast majority of people… even political cynics… tend to believe that if their own candidate or their own political party is elected then things will be better. I strongly disagree. I believe that any person or political party that gains power will ultimately misuse it. Good governance comes from power being checked— gridlock and forced negotiation. So how does one achieve gridlock and force negotiation? Try to vote in such a way that disempowers individuals and parties.
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Now I don’t really care if you agree with me on this— support whatever horrible candidate or party you find appealing. I am more interested in Christian missions.
Henry Nouwen in his article “The Monk and the Cripple” (Published in America Magazine, March 15, 1980) spoke of how Christian ministers should seek a “ministerial powerlessness.” He says, “It is our ever-present temptation to give up our powerlessness and use ministry, servanthood, as power. Whenever we use the Word and the sacraments to exercise power we betray our vocation.”
A friend of our family put photos up on FB standing in front of the largest (individual) church in the world. Her description I would describe as one of awe. It is not my place to judge (thankfully, for what a poor judge I would be) but I struggle to look at the artifice as showing anything other than a failure of someone in ministry to embrace powerlessness.
It is all too common. I live in the Philippines where a minister began describing himself as “The Appointed Son of God.” Another ran multiple times for President of the nation, arguing the prophecy has ordained his election. A well-known Korean religious leader declared himself to be Emperor of the Universe. I have read of religious leaders in Africa trying to place curses on religious rivals (who are fellow Christians). These cases are rather extreme, but in many smaller ways it happens.
I have seen mission organizations “buy” churches in other countries. I have seen missionaries refuse to give up power to local leaders, keeping control through ownership of the land associated with the organization. I have listened to a pastor tell his congregation that they must obey what he says, even if what he says is sinful— because God is (apparently) more pleased by unlimited submission than He is righteousness. I have seen religious leaders surround themselves with people who agree with them, or at least those who are politically savvy enough to appear not to disagree.
Jim Harries speaks of “Vulnerable Missions.” I think it is a great concept— refusing to use money and other forms of power to control mission work. But I never really cared for the title. It should be “Powerless Missions.” I am pretty sure I know why that is not used. Christians… like pretty much all people … like power. They can even justify it Biblically. Acts 1:8 speaks of how the disciples of Christ will receive power from the Holy Spirit. Power sounds like a good thing.
And perhaps in some ways it is. But picture what the power that comes from the Holy Spirit would look like. How does that relate to power that comes from property, hierarchy, wealth, position, or popularity? These, I believe, are not only quite different— they may, in many ways, be opposing each other.
The job in missions is to empower others. This does not mean making other powerful. Rather it means making oneself powerless so that others can carry on work without you.
I was talking with someone who is part of a Non-Government Organization. That person likes their job, and likes what they do. However, they do express some discomfort in how the leadership puts on a show in front of cameras, and seeks to cozy up to powerful politicians. This is not a religious organization… and maybe that is what it takes to get things done. I don’t know. But the poem (allegedly the translate of a quote of Lao Tzu) that has been embraced by community developers feels to me to be a better way:
“Go to the people.
Live with them.
Learn from them.
Love them.
Start with what they know.
Build with what they have.
But with the best leaders,
when the work is done, the task accomplished,
the people will say
‘We have done this ourselves.” —Lao Tzu
