Your Church is Dying
By Ulrick Refsager Dam
Discover how shifting to a leadership model of inspiring, equipping, and empowering can transform your church.
Pastor M’s troubles
Once, I helped a pastor who was struggling with his leadership. Pastor M was a dedicated and passionate leader of a small but growing church. He was known for his deep theological knowledge and commitment to the congregation. However, despite his best efforts, he felt something was missing in his leadership approach. The church members seemed disengaged, and attendance at events and volunteer activities was dwindling. Pastor M was frustrated and did not understand why his sermons, which were packed with wisdom, were not translating into a more vibrant church community.
One day, Pastor M reached out to me for advice. Over coffee, he poured out his concerns. He felt like he was doing everything right—preaching strong messages, organizing events, and maintaining the church’s operations. But he confessed that his focus was more on managing the church, than shepherding his flock. He wanted to be the CEO more than the servant. People were definitely showing up on Sundays but not really connecting or growing in their faith outside of that hour.
As we talked, I asked Pastor M a simple but important question: “What inspires you in your leadership?” Without hesitation, he answered, “The Bible and how it tells me to manage my flock.” That response sparked our deeper exploration into what the Bible actually teaches about leadership.
We began to look closely at how Jesus led during His ministry. We noticed a clear pattern: Jesus inspired people by sharing a compelling vision of God’s kingdom. He equipped His followers with the knowledge and understanding they needed, and then He empowered them to go out and make a real difference in the world. This realization hit home for Pastor M. He saw that while he was deeply committed to delivering meaningful sermons, he was not fully tapping into this biblical model of leadership—he was not spending enough time inspiring, equipping, or empowering his congregation in a way that connected with their everyday lives.
Together, we began to develop a new approach that closely aligned with the biblical principles we had discussed, especially the concept of amipotence—God’s way of leading with love, empowerment, and relational engagement. Pastor M realized that to truly embody this divine model of leadership, he needed to focus on three core aspects: inspiring, equipping, and empowering his congregation.
Over time, Pastor M noticed a profound transformation. The church was not just growing in numbers; it was growing in depth. Members became more engaged, volunteer participation increased, and the church evolved into a vibrant community where people felt genuinely inspired, equipped, and empowered to live out their faith. By aligning his leadership with the biblical model of Inspire, Equip, and Empower—rooted in the concept of amipotence—Pastor M discovered that he could lead his congregation in a way that was not only effective but also deeply enriching, fostering a thriving and spiritually rich church community.
Amipotence in Leadership
Following the story of Pastor M, it is important to understand the concept that became the foundation of his transformational journey—amipotence. Coined by theologian Thomas Jay Oord, amipotence offers a groundbreaking perspective on leadership, one that is deeply rooted in the divine characteristics of God as revealed in the Bible.
Amipotence combines two key aspects of God’s nature: God’s infinite love and empowering spirit. It suggests that true leadership is not about exerting control or wielding power over others; rather, it is about leading in a way that reflects God’s unconditional love and God’s desire to empower those God leads. This means nurturing others, fostering an inclusive environment, and guiding people toward realizing their full potential—much like God does with humanity.
In this essay, I will explore how this divine model can be practically applied to leadership today by aligning with the example set by God in the New Testament. Specifically, we will delve into three key steps: Inspire, Equip, and Empower. These steps not only mirror the way Jesus led during His ministry but also how He continues to guide through the work of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the events of Pentecost.
Amipotence invites leaders to emulate a nurturing, inclusive, and transformative style. By embracing this approach, leaders can create environments where individuals are not only inspired to envision a better future but are also equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve it.
Ultimately, through empowerment, leaders can instill confidence in others, enabling them to take ownership of their roles and contribute meaningfully to the community. In essence, amipotence is about leading with love and empowering others to lead with purpose, creating a ripple effect of positive change and growth.
Inspire, Equip, Empower…
Building on the concept of amipotence, we can see how Jesus’ leadership in the New Testament exemplifies the principles of inspiring, equipping, and empowering others. Each of these steps reflects a crucial aspect of divine leadership and provides a practical framework for leaders today.
Inspire
The first step in Jesus’ leadership model is to inspire. This is powerfully demonstrated in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus presents a revolutionary vision for the relationship between God and humanity. Through His teachings, He offers a new way of understanding the world—one that emphasizes love, humility, and righteousness. By casting this compelling vision of the Kingdom of God, Jesus inspires His followers to reimagine their lives and align their actions with this higher purpose. His visionary leadership lays the foundation for a transformed way of living and interacting with the world, motivating people to strive toward a common goal rooted in divine love.
Inspiring others in leadership involves:
1. Creating a Vision: A clear, compelling vision sets the direction and motivates people to strive toward a common goal. Jesus’ teachings on the kingdom of God provide a visionary framework that inspires hope and commitment.
2. Leading by Example: Actions speak louder than words. Jesus exemplified servant leadership, demonstrating humility, compassion, and integrity, which His followers could emulate.
3. Cultivating a Culture of Love: By fostering an environment where love is paramount, leaders create a supportive and nurturing community. This mirrors Jesus’ emphasis on love as the core of His teachings.
Equip
The next step in Jesus’ leadership is equipping His followers. Jesus did not just inspire with His vision; He provided His disciples with the tools and understanding necessary to fulfill it. Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught His followers the essence of the law, encapsulated in the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor. He ensured they had the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their mission. This equipping process reached its zenith at Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit endowed the disciples with wisdom, courage, and spiritual gifts. This divine empowerment enabled them to carry forward Jesus’ mission with confidence and authority.
Equipping others involves:
1. Training: Providing education and skill development to ensure individuals are well prepared for their roles. Jesus’ extensive teaching sessions equipped His disciples with the knowledge and understanding necessary for their mission.
2. Supportive Mentorship: Offering guidance and support to help individuals navigate challenges and grow. Jesus mentored His disciples, offering personalized guidance and encouragement.
3. Securing Inclusion and Open, Loving Communication: Ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, fostering an inclusive environment. Jesus welcomed diverse individuals and communicated openly, breaking down barriers and building community.
Empower
Finally, Jesus’ leadership culminates in empowerment. After inspiring and equipping His followers, Jesus empowered them to take action. The event of Pentecost vividly demonstrates this, as the disciples receive the Holy Spirit, signifying divine authority bestowed upon them. This empowerment is further reinforced in the Great Commission, where Jesus entrusts His followers with the mission to spread the Gospel. By doing so, He effectively hands them the keys to lead and transform the world, encouraging them to step into their roles with confidence and creativity.
Empowering others involves:
1. Delegating Authority: Trusting individuals with responsibilities and the autonomy to make decisions. Jesus empowered His disciples by sending them out to preach and heal, giving them true authority.
2. Encouraging Creativity: Allowing space for innovation and new ideas. Jesus encouraged His followers to think beyond conventional norms, fostering a spirit of creativity and adaptability.
3. Cultivating Confidence and Ownership: Building individuals’ confidence in their abilities and encouraging them to take ownership of their roles. Through His affirmations and trust, Jesus instilled confidence in His disciples, enabling them to lead with assurance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adopting a leadership style based on amipotence involves inspiring, equipping, and empowering others through love-based relational practices. By creating a vision, leading by example, and fostering a culture of love, leaders can inspire those they lead. By providing training, mentorship, and inclusive communication, they can equip their followers. Finally, by delegating authority, encouraging creativity, and cultivating confidence, leaders can empower others to reach their full potential. Through this approach, we can emulate the divine leadership exemplified by God, fostering environments where love, growth, and transformation thrive.
Bio: In the heart of Ringsted, Denmark, Ulrick Refsager Dam, 35, dwells on an old farm with his family. A theologian and pastor by day, he also weaves tales as the author of Building the Basileia, exploring the divine kingdom. By night, he dives into the magical realms of books and fantasy worlds. Known for his “get-shit-done” spirit, Ulrick’s true magic is spreading love and kindness wherever he goes.
OORD’S DRABBLE* RESPONSE
Ulrick Refsager Dam explores the decline in church attendance, but he links divine amipotence to positive leadership that inspires, equips, and empowers. This connection is fitting, especially when it comes to leaders who empower others. Omnipotence promotes an overpowering theology rather than empowering. If we seek to imitate God as leaders, amipotence offers a superior model. It emphasizes guidance, encouragement, and relational influence rather than dominance. By embracing this perspective, church leaders can cultivate communities built on love and mutual support. This shift may help address the church’s decline, making faith more inviting, participatory, and aligned with God’s true power.
For more on God and leadership, see this article.
* A drabble is an essay exactly 100 words in length.