The Power of Influence
“… and Geshem says it is true.” (Nehemiah 6:6)
Back in the nineteen eighties when I did my Management Studies one of the University tutors took a tutorial on the subject of power, authority and influence. To illustrate the subject, he told a story about a company that was going through an important change. The company directors had made careful plans so that no one would lose their job. They published the information ahead of time so that no one would be caused unnecessary anxiety. However, a shop steward (Union representative) suggested that you could not trust the directors, and this led to panic and industrial unrest. Some left the company and moved to other companies. The directors’ plans for a smooth transition were ruined.
Now the authority in this situation belonged to the directors, but because of his close working relationship with other employees the shop steward hadinfluence. Clearly, the outcome showed that it was he who also had thepower! Not necessarily what you might expect.
I went through a similar situation when working as a CEO of a charity. Many of the key staff members, including the former CEO lived in community. He regularly contradicted information I provided and made my life unbearable. No matter what I tried, his influence proved greater than my authority and I quit after three years.
In the UK we are being faced with making an important decision in a referendum in June. Over the last few weeks I have been wondering whether the outcome on that day will come from informed knowledge or biased influence. I fear that many will make the decision based on the editorial position of their daily newspaper. Day after day they will be deliberately steered in one direction.
As Christians, we too are easily swayed by popular opinion rather than taking the trouble to check it out for ourselves. This even affects how we understand doctrine and interpret Bible passages. If you hear enough of the same message Sunday after Sunday, you might easily think it must be true. Sadly, I recently came across two churches where Christians have been affected by unbalanced teaching which seemed to have biblical authority because it was being taught with strong conviction. There used to be a TV comedy programme entitled “Never mind the quality; feel the width”. I sometimes think that some churches and preachers operate on the basis of “Never mind the truth; feel the passion!”
The book of Nehemiah tells us how Nehemiah led those who rebuilt the walls of the formerly devastated city of Jerusalem. It was an important task but also symbolised hope for the People of Israel. He met with opposition that used many tactics to wear down poor Nehemiah. The quotation at the top of this article comes from a tactic in which Sanballat accuses Nehemiah of rebellion and the intention of setting himself up as a king. This is of course not true. So to add weight to the pressure he is putting on Nehemiah, he adds “Geshem says it is true”.
Fortunately, Nehemiah does not allow himself to be influenced by this tactic. He knows the truth.
This Sunday many good Christian men and women will seek to open God’s word for a congregation aware that some who do not like what they teach will seek to influence them. Some will hear those dreadful words “People have been saying…” I have heard that just a few times and always respond by asking the bearer of the influence to ask any complainers to speak with me. They have never materialised.
So, where am I going with this. Firstly, I would urge you to be on your guard. Don’t be influenced by the prejudices of others. Study to learn the facts. Secondly, never do the cowardly thing of hiding behind alleged gossip. Express your own opinion openly, honestly and always graciously. Avoid using the “other people have been saying” approach. Thirdly, if you are the one under pressure don’t play the enemies game. Know the truth and gently declare. That is what Nehemiah did, refusing to be knocked of course. But first be sure you are on solid ground in the position you are adopting.
GREAT IDEAS FOR SEASONAL MISSION
The next webinar by Rural Mission Solutions will be led by Gordon Banks, one of our trustees. He will explain how we can make mission more effective if we take advantage of seasonal changes both in church life and the communities in which our churches are set. There are bound to be some good ideas for Spring. This is a great session and I urge you to register now to book your place. Benefit for this 45-minute presentation on Wednesday 2nd March at 7.30pm. All you need is an internet connection.
Register now athttps://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2501067168754428930
Praise & Prayer from the Diary
Our Lent programme at Yelvertoft has got off to a good start. We are discussing the letters to the churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. I hope to put a short video comment on these passages on the Yelvertoft Church website. Keep a note of the link and come back to it from time to time.
Please keep praying for the Chaplaincy Department of HMP Gartree. Prison chaplaincies provide a vital service and we have been short one full time Anglican chaplain for almost a year. Another good friend and colleague is off sick and another will probably cease his role in the summer. Meanwhile, extra work comes my way. While I value this ministry and derive pleasure from this service I want to see these men on life sentences being best served. Advertisements have gone out. Somewhere God has the right man or woman for this important post. Please join your prayers with ours.
Yelvertoft Congregational Church meets on Monday 29th February for the next important meeting as they seek God’s guidance for the future as I step aside as their Minister. This is an important moment in the life of the church. I plan to use released time to invest more in rural mission and evangelism.
Katrina Thomas has been offered a part-time position with Rural Mission Solutions to help renew our work with children and families. Katrina and her family have just moved into the South East from the East Midlands. She will be working with a rural Parish Church and has another commitment. We are encouraged by her appointment and hope to see this aspect grow – possibly through a network of part time ministries around the country.
Last Week. It was good to catch up with friends at Herstmonceux Free Church (a former pastorate) on Sunday evening and I spent a difficult 24 hours tackling a complicated situation in East Sussex where I am a co-trustee of a Will left in 1979. We have had to take a tough decision which may well create challenges over coming weeks. Unfortunately, my visit to the property left under the will was followed by two days of illness! We had a great Get Messyat Yelvertoft this Saturday morning.
Coming Up. This Sunday (21st) HMP Gartree and Yelvertoft Congregational Church in the morning. On Tuesday (23rd) School Assembly in the morning and HMP Gartree in the afternoon. Thursday (25th) Early morning Communion at HMP Gartree followed by Lent Bible Discussion in Yelvertoft. Thursday afternoon I travel to Kent and will be working for Action for Christ for a couple of days returning to home for Sunday ministry.
Remember to register for the webinar on Seasonal Mission and Spring Outreach Ideas
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2501067168754428930
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Yours in His service,
Barry
Barry Osborne
“… and Geshem says it is true.” (Nehemiah 6:6)
Back in the nineteen eighties when I did my Management Studies one of the University tutors took a tutorial on the subject of power, authority and influence. To illustrate the subject, he told a story about a company that was going through an important change. The company directors had made careful plans so that no one would lose their job. They published the information ahead of time so that no one would be caused unnecessary anxiety. However, a shop steward (Union representative) suggested that you could not trust the directors, and this led to panic and industrial unrest. Some left the company and moved to other companies. The directors’ plans for a smooth transition were ruined.
Now the authority in this situation belonged to the directors, but because of his close working relationship with other employees the shop steward hadinfluence. Clearly, the outcome showed that it was he who also had thepower! Not necessarily what you might expect.
I went through a similar situation when working as a CEO of a charity. Many of the key staff members, including the former CEO lived in community. He regularly contradicted information I provided and made my life unbearable. No matter what I tried, his influence proved greater than my authority and I quit after three years.
In the UK we are being faced with making an important decision in a referendum in June. Over the last few weeks I have been wondering whether the outcome on that day will come from informed knowledge or biased influence. I fear that many will make the decision based on the editorial position of their daily newspaper. Day after day they will be deliberately steered in one direction.
As Christians, we too are easily swayed by popular opinion rather than taking the trouble to check it out for ourselves. This even affects how we understand doctrine and interpret Bible passages. If you hear enough of the same message Sunday after Sunday, you might easily think it must be true. Sadly, I recently came across two churches where Christians have been affected by unbalanced teaching which seemed to have biblical authority because it was being taught with strong conviction. There used to be a TV comedy programme entitled “Never mind the quality; feel the width”. I sometimes think that some churches and preachers operate on the basis of “Never mind the truth; feel the passion!”
The book of Nehemiah tells us how Nehemiah led those who rebuilt the walls of the formerly devastated city of Jerusalem. It was an important task but also symbolised hope for the People of Israel. He met with opposition that used many tactics to wear down poor Nehemiah. The quotation at the top of this article comes from a tactic in which Sanballat accuses Nehemiah of rebellion and the intention of setting himself up as a king. This is of course not true. So to add weight to the pressure he is putting on Nehemiah, he adds “Geshem says it is true”.
Fortunately, Nehemiah does not allow himself to be influenced by this tactic. He knows the truth.
This Sunday many good Christian men and women will seek to open God’s word for a congregation aware that some who do not like what they teach will seek to influence them. Some will hear those dreadful words “People have been saying…” I have heard that just a few times and always respond by asking the bearer of the influence to ask any complainers to speak with me. They have never materialised.
So, where am I going with this. Firstly, I would urge you to be on your guard. Don’t be influenced by the prejudices of others. Study to learn the facts. Secondly, never do the cowardly thing of hiding behind alleged gossip. Express your own opinion openly, honestly and always graciously. Avoid using the “other people have been saying” approach. Thirdly, if you are the one under pressure don’t play the enemies game. Know the truth and gently declare. That is what Nehemiah did, refusing to be knocked of course. But first be sure you are on solid ground in the position you are adopting.
GREAT IDEAS FOR SEASONAL MISSION
The next webinar by Rural Mission Solutions will be led by Gordon Banks, one of our trustees. He will explain how we can make mission more effective if we take advantage of seasonal changes both in church life and the communities in which our churches are set. There are bound to be some good ideas for Spring. This is a great session and I urge you to register now to book your place. Benefit for this 45-minute presentation on Wednesday 2nd March at 7.30pm. All you need is an internet connection.
Register now athttps://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2501067168754428930
Praise & Prayer from the Diary
Our Lent programme at Yelvertoft has got off to a good start. We are discussing the letters to the churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. I hope to put a short video comment on these passages on the Yelvertoft Church website. Keep a note of the link and come back to it from time to time.
Please keep praying for the Chaplaincy Department of HMP Gartree. Prison chaplaincies provide a vital service and we have been short one full time Anglican chaplain for almost a year. Another good friend and colleague is off sick and another will probably cease his role in the summer. Meanwhile, extra work comes my way. While I value this ministry and derive pleasure from this service I want to see these men on life sentences being best served. Advertisements have gone out. Somewhere God has the right man or woman for this important post. Please join your prayers with ours.Yelvertoft Congregational Church meets on Monday 29th February for the next important meeting as they seek God’s guidance for the future as I step aside as their Minister. This is an important moment in the life of the church. I plan to use released time to invest more in rural mission and evangelism.
Katrina Thomas has been offered a part-time position with Rural Mission Solutions to help renew our work with children and families. Katrina and her family have just moved into the South East from the East Midlands. She will be working with a rural Parish Church and has another commitment. We are encouraged by her appointment and hope to see this aspect grow – possibly through a network of part time ministries around the country.Last Week. It was good to catch up with friends at Herstmonceux Free Church (a former pastorate) on Sunday evening and I spent a difficult 24 hours tackling a complicated situation in East Sussex where I am a co-trustee of a Will left in 1979. We have had to take a tough decision which may well create challenges over coming weeks. Unfortunately, my visit to the property left under the will was followed by two days of illness! We had a great Get Messyat Yelvertoft this Saturday morning.
Coming Up. This Sunday (21st) HMP Gartree and Yelvertoft Congregational Church in the morning. On Tuesday (23rd) School Assembly in the morning and HMP Gartree in the afternoon. Thursday (25th) Early morning Communion at HMP Gartree followed by Lent Bible Discussion in Yelvertoft. Thursday afternoon I travel to Kent and will be working for Action for Christ for a couple of days returning to home for Sunday ministry.
Remember to register for the webinar on Seasonal Mission and Spring Outreach Ideas
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2501067168754428930
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Yours in His service,
Barry
Barry Osborne
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