LEADERSHIP - Five Kinds of Power

"A leader helps someone move from where he is now to somewhere else. We may define leadership “power” as the leader’s capacity to influence others to move from where they are now to somewhere else."

There are essentially FIVE reasons why people follow someone else, or five kinds of “power”:

1. Coercive power. 
2. Reward power. 
3. Positional power. 
4. Expert power.
5. Servant power.

We will look at each of these kinds of power in detail.

1. Coercive power. 

This means the leader has the ability to administer punishment in some form to those who don’t do what he says. Such a leader uses the fear of punishment to motivate his followers.

This kind of leadership is sometimes found in (often small) churches in which an insecure pastor maintains his following by threats, such as “if you leave this church, you will lose your salvation (or, at least, your place in God’s end-time move, etc.)!”

Sometimes this power can degenerate into sheer brute force. The political leaders of Jesus’ day used this kind of power to rule. Military dictators use this to get the job done. One national leader said, “Political power is obtained from the barrel of the gun.” 

Today, some religious cults use physical violence to gain a following.
In some situations, the fear of punishment is legitimate. For example, an employer has the authority to fire someone who doesn’t fulfill his obligations. Therefore, the employees follow their leader’s directions. 

Moreover, a parent needs to establish this kind of authority early in the life of his small child. That is quite legitimate.

Furthermore, there are a few times when this is appropriate in the context of the church. For example, the prospect of church discipline is a legitimate motive for sinning members to repent:

But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls
himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. (1 Cor. 5:11)

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. (2 Thess. 3:10-15)

Additionally, God chastens His children so they obey Him:
because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. (Heb. 12:6)

In some situations, the fear of punishment is legitimate.

Furthermore, the fear of God’s future judgment is a legitimate motive for people serving Him now:
...The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding. (Job 28:28)

...be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matt. 10:28)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men... (2 Cor. 5:10-11, NKJV)

In general, however, coercion is not an appropriate kind of power for Christian leaders to use.

not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet. 5:3)


The following table sums up key aspects of the use of coercive power.

Coercive Power
Benefits	Costs
*Can be effective for gaining obedience	*Drains physical, emotional and spiritual energy from both leader and follower
*Appropriate for disciplinary actions	*Undermines positive attitude of followers
*Achieves quick results	*Destroys trust and commitment
	*Becomes less effective over time (must be repeated with greater and greater force)
	*Obedience obtained by this means is usually only superficial, and often grudging

Coercive Power
Benefits	Costs
	*This process must be supervised continually
	*Followers may respond in kind! Leaders who live by the sword will likely die by the sword
2. Reward Power In a corporation, if you do what your boss tells you to do he might promote you to a higher level, or he might give you extra pay for working overtime. Consequently, you obey him.  At school, the students who desire the reward of good grades will work hard. This is reward power at work. This also is appropriate in the Christian life sometimes. For example, the promise of future rewards is a legitimate motive for faithfulness now: If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. (1 Cor. 3:14) If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward... (1 Cor. 9:17) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:10) Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven... (Matt. 5:12) ...and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matt. 6:18) ...store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:20-21) Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matt. 19:27-29) and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, (1 Pet. 1:4) However, the rewards that the Bible encourages us to look forward to are always eternal rewards. When material, temporal rewards are used as incentives, they frequently become stumbling blocks to one’s motive (cf. 2 Kings 5:26).  I knew of a ministry that planted a new church in a foreign country. The leaders found it very hard to get anything done, so they began to pay the new believers to do various things for them. After a while, it became impossible to get any of the local Christians to do any kind of ministry unless they were paid to do it! ...men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim. 6:5-6) Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; (1 Pet. 5:2) The laborer is worthy of his hire (1 Tim. 5:18), but this should not be his motive for serving. Much damage has been done to churches by leaders who continued in church leadership only because they were not sufficiently skilled or qualified to work in a regular job for a living; the sole reason they remained in spiritual leadership was that it was their only way to have an income. Thus, reward power in the materialistic sense is not appropriate for most forms of Christian ministry. The following table sums up key aspects of the use of reward power. Reward Power Benefits Costs Sanctioned in certain cultures, such as the U.S. Undermines the real “want to” in followers; motives for service become mixed; creates stumbling blocks Focuses attention on group priorities – “we pay for what we want” Does not consistently produce high performance. “I’m only paid to do ‘thus-and-so’ and no more!” Effective for gaining obedience – temporarily, at least Undermines commitment if rewards are perceived as insufficient Benefits Costs Boosts short-term performance Churches, and other nonprofit ministries and groups, have limited tangible rewards to offer Many organizations are too complex for clear reward systems Temporary – giving a reward may ensure short-term success, but not long-term commitment Expensive – one must provide increasingly greater tangible rewards Ineffective if rewards are not desirable or attractive Destructive if wrong individuals are rewarded Destructive if partiality is practiced Encourages self-centered individualism Ignores the reality that Christians are not primarily driven by material incentives Taken together, the coercive and reward strategies form the “donkey” approach to leadership: leading by means of a carrot (reward) and a stick (coercion).  One problem with this strategy is that if you treat people like donkeys they will start to act like donkeys! Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. (Ps. 32:9) 3. Positional power  This kind of authority resides in the position rather than the person. In other words, “I’m the leader, so you must follow me.” This is the organizational equivalent of “because-I’m-the-Mommy” power. A new factory owner went to lunch at a nearby restaurant which featured a “blue plate special” that allowed for no substitutions. When he asked for a second piece of butter, the waitress refused. Irritated, he called for the manager, but she also refused him. “Do you know who I am?” he asked indignantly. “I am the new owner of the factory across the street.” The woman smiled and said, “Do you know who I am, sweetie? I am the person who decides whether you get a second piece of butter.” The power of positional authority! There are times when the use of positional power is appropriate. For example, people should obey police officers simply because they are the authorities.  Similarly, school teachers, parents and employers should all be obeyed whether or not they’re absolutely right about something. You may disagree with your boss about how to do something, but you should do it his way nevertheless – simply because he’s in charge. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Rom. 13:1) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Eph. 6:1-3) Positional power may be appropriate at times for church leaders – usually when someone who is contentious needs to be reminded who is “in charge.” There are also times when the leader has to make the final decision on a difficult issue, and the people should respect that decision simply because he is the leader. However, positional power should not be the main reason why church leaders expect people to follow them. This was the kind of leadership that the Pharisees exercised: Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them “Rabbi.” But you are not to be called “Rabbi,” for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth “father,” for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called “teacher,” for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matt. 23:5-12) Essentially, the better the leader, the less he needs to rely on positional power. The following table sums up key aspects of the use of positional power. Positional Power Benefits Costs Sanctioned in certain cultures, such as Mexico and the Philippines Lowers performance. People only cooperate when the “boss” is around Puts the weight of the entire organization behind the leader Lowers followers’ commitment and “want to” Effective for gaining obedience May become less effective over time Becomes very complicated in a multicultural situation Creates distance between the leader and the people. Positional leaders encourage “distance” through their clothing, titles, etc. Weakened by any display of weakness, failure or simple “humanity” in the leader Puts pressure on the leader to be “perfect” and to always have the right answer Can become difficult for the leader to have genuine nurturing friendships with others 4. Expert power  This is based on the person and not on the position. Experts are influential because they supply needed information or skills. They have the credentials. People follow them because they know what they’re doing. They have particular knowledge or skills that qualify them for the task. Certainly, Christian leaders should know what they’re doing: He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) (1 Tim. 3:4-5) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15) However, this is not sufficient reason to expect others to follow – simply because you are the “smartest” person around. The following table sums up key aspects of the use of expert power. Expert Power Benefits Costs High commitment and “want to” in followers Takes a long time to develop deep credibility High performance in followers Must possess the necessary knowledge and skills Drains little, if any, spiritual and emotional energy from leader Not as effective in gaining quick compliance as the first three forms of power, particularly in the case of disobedience May not be effective if followers do not share the leader’s goals 5. Servant power This is when people will follow you because they respect you. It’s not because you demand respect; it’s because you have earned it. People follow you because they want to follow you. It’s not just that: They will be punished if they don’t. They will be rewarded if they do. They must because you’re in charge. They think you know what you’re doing. But they admire you, they like you, they love you, they respect you. They want to follow you. If you are a leader God has raised up then you will want this to be the primary reason why people follow you. A servant leader sets people free. He wants people to follow him because they genuinely want to. This means the followers will have adequate knowledge of alternative leaders and alliances and the capacity to choose among those alternatives.  People will freely respond only to leaders who are proven and trusted as servants. Servant leadership is a relationship based on personal influence. Another kind of leader may think of himself as a boss, but a servant leader will see himself as a coach or facilitator – one who serves others. Jesus calls us His “friends” (John 15:15)! This kind of leadership influence depends on feelings of affection, esteem and respect. This loyalty is nurtured over a long period of time. The differing source of power is one of the key distinctions between servant leadership and the leadership of the world. If you take away a leader’s formal position, credentials and ability to reward or punish, will the people still choose to follow him?  Servant leadership truly depends on who you are rather than on your position, title, knowledge, or ability to give rewards and punishments. Servant leadership is a relationship based on personal influence. Servant Power Benefits Costs High commitment and “want to” in followers Takes a long time to develop High performance in followers Not as effective in gaining quick compliance as the first three forms of power, particularly in the case of disobedience Biblical basis for leadership power Requires death to self and personal sacrifice How Jesus Led Jesus led His followers by means of servant power. As God, Jesus could have immediately punished everyone who wouldn’t follow Him. (Coercive power.) He could have offered them great wealth, fame and successinthislifeiftheywouldfollowHim.12 (Reward power.) He could have simply said, “I’m in charge – in fact, I’m God – you must follow me!” (Positional power.) He could have appealed to His infinite wisdom and knowledge of all things – “I’m the smartest one around so you should follow me. I know what I’m doing.” (Expert power.) All four kinds of power would have been appropriate and right for Jesus to use. Instead, He served His followers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:25-28) They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:33-35) Who is the greatest? The one who is the servant. This is Jesus’ master principle of leadership. Because He served His followers, they loved and respected Him and wanted to follow Him even to the point of death (Matt. 26:35). Please read John 13:3-17 – another of the great servanthood passages. We can gain some insights into the true nature of servant leadership from this passage: • Servanthood is not weakness. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; (John 13:3) Jesus’ servanthood was not out of personal weakness, but personal strength. He knew who He was in God. He knew He was God. He was very secure in who He was. Only those who are secure in Christ can exercise true servant leadership. Those who are insecure become dominating and possessive, ambitious and competitive. They intimidate others through their expertise, manipulate them through coercion or reward, or dominate them through position. Servanthood must be chosen. so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. (John 13:4) Jesus chose this style of leadership. No one made Him do it – no one even expected it! He could have chosen the other kinds of leadership. In reality, few men choose this style of leadership: I have no one else like him [Timothy], who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. (Phil. 2:20-21) Moreover, servanthood must be chosen daily. It is not a one-time event. We must take up our crosses daily, allowing God to put to death our own agendas and ambitions. Servant leadership is genuinely selfless. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:5) ...he knew who was going to betray him... (John 13:11) How many pairs of feet did Jesus wash? 12!  Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him, yet still washed his feet. This reveals the selfless nature of true leadership.  The true Christian leader will not only serve those who can benefit him or who are assured of succeeding in the future.  The godly leader will also serve those who he knows will let him down – even those who he knows will stab him in the back!  He serves not only the loyal but also the disloyal; not only the strong but also the weak; not only those with great potential but also those without apparent potential. • Servanthood does not mean weakly letting everyone else set the agenda. “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John 13:8) Jesus’ servanthood did not mean that He gave up being in charge, and just naively let others set His agenda for Him. He was always the leader. Servant leadership is not “people-pleasing” but doing the will of God. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.” (John 13:13) To be a servant does not mean you don’t lead, but it establishes your motive for leading and your attitude as you do lead. Some think that true servant leadership means that you give up leadership and let others set the course and the agenda.  Servant leadership does not mean you give up leadership. It refers to the motive, style and the attitude with which you exercise your leadership. You must lead, but you must lead as one who serves. The Characteristics of Servant Leadership The following are some essential and biblical characteristics of servant leadership: Our model is the Lord Jesus who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). In the Kingdom of God, greatness is ranked by service, primarily through voluntarily being last (Mark 10:43-44). One of the primary functions of leaders is to serve the needs of others. The leaders serve the people (2 Cor. 4:5); the people do not serve the leaders. If you have a heart of servanthood towards people, they will follow you. You won’t have to flash your badge of authority at them, to let them know who they’re supposed to take their orders from. People will want to follow you. They will respect you and trust you and want to follow you. You will become their role model: To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet. 5:1-3) This kind of relationship with the people takes time to nurture. The first four kinds of power are quicker and easier to use.13 The true servant leader must build a life before the people that earns their respect and trust. Thus, churches that change pastors every 3-4 years are destined to perpetual fruitlessness, as are the leaders who try to lead them. This relationship must continually be re-charged. Just because you served someone 10 years ago, and they wanted to follow you then, doesn’t mean they still do now. This must be a continual lifestyle of leadership. We do not start with servanthood and the cross and then move on to “bigger and better things.” We start in servanthood and we go deeper and deeper in servanthood and in the cross. Servant leadership always results in people following Christ, not the servant. This is because ultimately – and in the truest sense – we’re all serving Him. Consequently, the servant leader will not be guilty of the arrogant self- promotion that characterizes so many insecure religious leaders today. Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? (2 Cor. 3:1) For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Cor. 4:5) The servant spirit of Jesus is revealed in Isaiah 42. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. (Is. 42:2) Jesus was not a self-promoter. Neither should we be. Servanthood involves stewardship: Servant leadership always results in people following Christ, not the servant. Of the gifts that God has given you. This means the servant leader will use his gifts for the benefit and advancement of others and not himself. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Pet. 4:10-11) Of the people you serve. This means your desire will be to mobilize and empower them to find their greatest fulfillment in life and ministry (Eph. 4:11- 13). This also means the servant leader will be sympathetic with the weak and merciful and understanding toward those who err. This was the spirit of Jesus. For example, Jesus served Peter and restored him when he fell. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; (Is. 42:3) • Servanthood involves self-giving even to the point of death if necessary. The servant leader must be totally dedicated to the cause he shares with his followers – even to the point of accepting personal risk, personal loss and self-sacrifice for the good of others. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 15:26) • The servant-leader is the one God will anoint and vindicate! Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. (Is. 42:1) Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. (John 12:26)

(Adapted From Leadership Notes 2002)