I am expected to submit a research essay on the concept of 'power dynamics.' It's part of a compulsory module and part of my doctoral program for the first year. I struggled a bit here because, after collecting the required data, the outcome didn't go as I expected. And so, even as my 'essay' is stuck in a rut, and I am super demotivated (analysis paralysis), I thought I would write something that is unacademic —and on the concept of 'power', if not dynamics.
In church life or Christian ministry, the concept of power is supposed to be the opposite. A paradox. One where the 'meek' inherit, the poor are rich, the sad are comforted, the last is first, and children (considered the least) are the criteria for one to enter the kingdom of heaven. However, at times, we do not witness this paradox.
Too often, Christian ministry has been tainted by 'power.' The pastors are now referred to as 'senior' pastors. Normal preachers are bearing the title of 'apostles.' Enter a church office of a full-time minister, and you will see the walls adorned with their certificates/degrees. Not bashing it, but it happens mostly here in India.
As if that is not enough, too often in Christian ministry, the place of the degree is also a matter of pride, and the leading ones are Oxford, Cambridge, Heidelberg, Princeton, Duke, etc. It is a matter of great pride and validation for a Christian minister to have conferred their degree from a prestigious university, akin to the holy anointing that comes down from Abraham's beard.
Titles and geographical validation appear essential, but there is one more aspect: social connections. When Christian ministers rub shoulders with 'powerful' politicians, it is the final seal on their divine calling. They have their 'Lydia' on call 24/7. The ability of these Christian ministers to fly business class, not worry about church funding, use the latest iPhone, iPad, iWatch, because one must be up to date with the world, if one were to save the world.
And as we hold on to these 'powers', earthly powers of titles, prestige, and the right connections, our bond towards them grows stronger, and our dependency on God grows weaker.
We have no worries; we are confident in our status, our achievements, and our powerful friends. There is no need to pray and fast and 'Ask to receive.' Our standing is strong; we have it all, or so we think.
Perhaps it is not the power we think we need- but the obscure we need to embrace.
Not a well-known establishment, but perhaps an obscure town called Bethlehem (now under Palestinian territory). Not a famous title or degree, but a carpenter/manual labourer/ and not too lavish, with a branded designer high-end luxurious crown, but a wooden cross.
Perhaps it's the small places, the humble beginnings that need to remain not only our beginning but embodied in our being- to be meek, to be humble, and perhaps even obscure.
As my cousin once reminded me, 'this is why it was Frodo, who was chosen for the task. Not the powerful elves, nor a king, but a hobbit, to walk across Mordor.'
Blessed are the obscure- for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Disclaimer:
No shade to anyone who studied/graduated from Oxford or Cambridge; I still have friends there, lol.
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