PastorPower

Power is a persistent topic of conversation in circles both sacred and secular. Yet, how are those who follow a crucified Christ, one "whose strength was made perfect in weakness," to think about power?Martha Ellen Stortz presents an important volume for all those who lead or would lead in the ministry of the church. She lays an ecumenical groundwork for understanding ministry and authority, then systematically examines the different dimensions of power inherent in both: power over -- or coercive power; power within -- or charismatic power; and power with -- or coactive power. Through case studies and in-depth discussions, Stortz offers guidance for balancing these three dimensions of power in one's own ministry, enabling readers to recognize their own gifts or liabilities and shape their leadership styles to reflect the image of Christ.

Martha Ellen Stortz is Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Ethics at the Pacific Lutheran School of Theology in Berkeley, California

Preface: Pondering Questions of Power or Where Can I Get a Cup of Coffee at This Hour?	p. 7
Introduction: A Parable of Power	p. 13
On Parables	p. 14
On Power	p. 17
Playing the Parable of Power as Theater-in-the-Round	p. 20
The Powers of Leadership: Becoming an Agent	p. 20
The Power of Defining	p. 20
The Power of Naming	p. 23
The Power of Delineating Space	p. 28
The Powers Acting on a Leader	p. 32
Authority	p. 32
Community	p. 36
The Exercise of "Power from on High"	p. 39
Secular Understandings of Power	p. 41
Theological Understandings of Power	p. 42
Power Over: Sovereignty, Parenthood, or Bureaucracy	p. 43
The Music Minister and the Preacher "Power Over"	p. 49
Abuses of "Power Over"	p. 51
Uses of "Power Over"	p. 53
"Power Over": Sovereign, Parental, and Bureaucratic	p. 56
"Power Over": A Sovereign Relationship	p. 56
"Power Over": A Parental Relationship	p. 59
"Power Over": A Bureaucratic Relationship	p. 63
Ministry as "Power Over"	p. 65
Images of God	p. 65
Images of Community	p. 67
Images of Leadership	p. 67
Power Within: Discerning the Spirits	p. 69
The Pastor and the Church Matriarch	p. 69
"Power Over" and "Power Within"	p. 76
Possibilities of "Power Within"	p. 79
Abuses of "Power Within"	p. 82
Uses of "Power Within"	p. 82
The Charismatic Leader	p. 85
Keeping Charisma in Check	p. 89
Charismatic Leadership in the Church	p. 93
Images of God	p. 93
Images of Community	p. 95
Images of Leadership	p. 96
Power With: Coaction and Friendship	p. 98
The Healers	p. 98
"Power Within" and "Power With"	p. 105
Possibilities of "Power With"	p. 107
Problems of "Power With"	p. 109
Aspects of "Power With" or Friendship	p. 110
A Ministry of Friendship	p. 117
Images of God	p. 119
Images of Community	p. 121
Images of Leadership	p. 121
Drawing Things Together	p. 123
Revisiting the Case Studies	p. 124
Thinking Theologically About Power	p. 128
Notes	p. 131
Index	p. 142
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.

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