It was the first time I had met the chaplain of a nation’s legislative body. This legislative body possesses significant power because collectively they can impose taxes, propose new laws, declare war, and end war. Their actions impact the lives of many.
What kind of power does the chaplain have? Offi cially, the primary role of the chaplain is to pray at the opening of each day’s session of this legislative body. That’s it! That does not seem to be much power—to pray for those who have the real power.
But perhaps authority is more than possession of brute power. If true, then the chaplain is rich with authority— spiritual authority. I saw him interact with individuals, expressing interest in their well-being, their families, and their spiritual needs. It was obvious that they saw him as a spiritual leader, a role vastly different from secular leadership, for spiritual leaders ask, whereas secular leaders often demand. Spiritual leaders focus on the needs of those they lead, whereas secular leaders focus on that which is important to them. Spiritual leaders depend on example, whereas secular leaders often depend on power. Spiritual leaders give; secular leaders demand—sometimes our lives.
What kind of authority do clergy possess? Or are they powerless? Before I reflect on the theoretical aspect of this question, I want to suggest that we consider at least two areas in which clergy have potential authority but often do not use this authority.
In a provocative article, Miroslav Volf addresses the “other.” The “other” person—how we view them and how they view us. The “other” may include those who don’t look like we look, who are not as educated as we think we are, whose views are different—an endless list. The question for leaders should not be the length of the list of differences; rather, it should be how we view and treat those whom we (or our congregations) consider different from us, or those whom we view negatively. Jesus explores that question with His story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37).
Several months ago I was holding lectures in a country that has experienced turmoil. One of the individuals attending the lectures invited me to attend the worship service of the majority church in that nation. Following the worship service, we joined several hundred worshipers for a meal, but before we started the meal the religious leader of the church addressed us. He started with the expected welcome but soon moved into a denunciation of the leader of another religious denomination. The denunciation was so brutal that I wondered whether I understood the words—my host assured me that I had. There was no evidence of a willingness to understand the “other.”
Brian Bull authoritatively addresses the myth that moderate drinkers of wine are healthier than those who do not drink. I challenge you to read this provocative article and consider its implications for our ministry. The media has flooded us with reports stating that drinking red wine is good for the heart. Rarely are we told of the strange classification they have for nondrinkers or that the substance found in red wine is also found in grape juice. Imagine—it’s possible to help your heart without getting drunk! Seldom are we told that some of the studies about wine are financially supported by those who produce wine, nor are we reminded that before a person becomes an alcoholic, that person is most likely a moderate drinker.
What are we spiritual leaders doing? I have mentioned only two issues—how we treat the “other” and the challenge of alcohol. Are we using our spiritual authority, or are we are allowing those with power to usurp our role?
On April 18, 2007 (some parts of the world, April 19), many Ministry readers along with thousands of other clergy will participate in the Ministry Professional Growth Seminar broadcast live by satellite. (If you wish to sponsor a down link site or want to know the location of the nearest site, visit http:// www.ministerialassociation.com. Or call +1-301-680-6515.) The live broadcast will be coming from the site of the International Congress on Preaching in Cambridge, England. Whether you are in Cambridge, England, or at a site where you live, I urge you to reflect on your role as a spiritual leader. At one time, for example, churches were on the forefront of dealing with the problem of alcoholism. Why have we, for the most part, given over that issue to others? Can we once again give leadership in the fight against this international scourge?
Let us use the authority we have— spiritual authority—an authority that comes from God. Spiritual authority is an invitation to submit ourselves to God and to invite others to acknowledge God’s plan for their lives. Invitations may, indeed, prove to be a powerful authority. After all, it was Jesus who said, “Follow Me. . . .”
