Author- Paul Beasley-Murray
Publisher- Paternoster Press
ISBN-0-85364-899-9
This book carries the subtitle “Power and abuse in the Local Church” and is mainly dealing with the abuses of power in the local churches in the United Kingdom. It is based upon findings of a complex survey taken in 1995 of some two hundred and fifty churches mainly of evangelical and charismatic persuasion. The findings of the survey were analyzed carefully along various lines to indicate areas in which actual power abuse was taking place and where it possibly could exist. This was not simply related to power abuse by ministers and pastors in their congregations, but of elders and congregations abusing power towards their pastors. The main aim of the book is to expose the dangerous reality of power in the church. Where power is misused both the God and His kingdom suffers. Beasley-Murray regards the issue of power in the local church as being a real problem and seeks to accomplish three things in his book. Firstly, to expose the existence of the problem itself which he believes by its very hiddenness makes it all the more dangerous. He encourages ministers, leaders and congregations to become far more self aware of the seriousness of the problem which can eat away at the structure of any assembly of God’s people. Motives are to be examined by all concerned and regular assessments to take place so prevent problems rearing their ugly heads. Secondly the author spends time reflecting on some of the issues surrounding the use of power (authority). He shows that the exercise of power is not morally wrong but must at all times be tempered and complemented by love and self discipline. He encourages ministers to give attention to a ‘spiritual director’ in their lives on a regular basis, a humbling thing in itself. Thirdly, he focuses upon the pattern of Jesus for our living and for the leading of the local churches. In this section lies the greatest benefit of the book. The Lord Jesus modeling true leadership and use of power as both servant and shepherd. In Christ power used for God’s sake is surrendered in the service of others and this is its true operation and all others are defiled and will defile. There is much value in leaders, elders and ministers reading this book. Certain data is drawn from several other writings dealing with similar issues in the North American churches and these help to clarify areas which clearly need serious attention.
