Using Our Power for Good

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 19 : Teen Vogue Editor-in-Chief Elaine Welteroth, Uber Chief Brand Officer Bozoma Saint John, Emmy Award–winning writer Lena Waithe and singer Jamila Woods before the 2017 Chicago Ideas Week event “A Seat at the Table: Finding an Equal Footing through Storytelling.” (Photo by Tim Klein/Chicago Ideas)

“Power is the ability to change the rules.”  Rashad Robinson, Executive Director, Color of Change

I am looking for a new call, as my current employer knows, and it’s a fascinating exercise in self-reflection and calling.  Whatever God calls me to do next, I hope to have some power.

Yep.  I openly wrote that.

Power makes it possible for me to make the way clear for uniquely gifted pastors to follow their calling.  Power makes it possible to open avenues for creative new ministries.  Power is not about me (although it’s fun to wield it and share the joy.)

Rashad Robinson of Color of Change has used his power to successfully convince PayPal to stop processing the funds of hate groups and Fox to cancel The O’Reilly Factor.

Lena Waite, who spoke in Chicago last week with the editor of Teen Vogue and the Chief Brand Officer of Uber could not have inspired the audience more if she had been standing behind a pulpit.  She uses her celebrity to advance the careers of other writers, clothing designers, and actors.  She spreads the joy and the opportunities.

This is my calling too and it’s really fun.  We all need mentors and mentees. What can we teach another person and what can they teach us?

As leaders, we are only successful if our followers are being prepared to take over.  If there are any senior pastors out there, consider how you can give your associate pastors experiences that will prepare them to be senior pastors.

We’ve been hearing terrible stories in the past weeks about a Hollywood guy who used his power to assault and threaten people.  This is the day we put in a more concerted effort to use our power for uplifting and inspiring people.

Think – right now – about someone you can professionally lift up.  Let’s do it.

Image from Chicago Ideas Week.  It’s ends today but it’s back next year.  Become a member here.

This post is written in honor of ZR’s ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament today in Chicago.