Nowadays, many people wonder whether certain politicians truly hold power, or if others are pulling the strings in the background. And I am not referring to the influence of lobby groups, but rather the suspicion that real power lies elsewhere. Have you ever considered whether this also happens on a smaller scale within a church? Have you ever been in a situation where you were speaking to someone in a formal leadership position, yet they did not seem to speak as the ultimate decision-maker?
The Hidden Influencers
In some churches and ministries, there may be individuals who shape the direction from behind the scenes, while the official leader does not actually have control. This could be a charismatic personality who has accumulated significant influence, a former pastor who struggles to let go, or a small group within the church council or board that effectively makes the decisions. Often, these are people who have been part of the congregation for years, sometimes even for generations, and have claimed certain privileges. And since a church is not a company but rather a ‘self-organising spiritual community in motion,’ there is more room for ‘strategists’ to impose their vision and beliefs through informal structures with a small change of experiencing any repercussions.
Such individuals often operate subtly and with patience. This dynamic can create uncertainty about who is truly responsible and can be frustrating when conversations with the ‘leader’ seem to have little effect, no matter how friendly and well-intentioned they may appear.
The Leader as a Puppet or a Lone Wolf
Sometimes, leaders are placed in their position by strategists because they possess certain qualities—such as public speaking or organisational skills—but they are not given real decision-making power. This can happen when a church is highly dependent on certain financiers, a dominant theological movement, or even an influential family within the congregation. The leader then becomes more of an executor than a visionary, making crucial decisions less transparent. This can undermine trust in leadership and often leads to disappointment among church members.
Alternatively, the official pastor may find themselves isolated. They may be well aware of the power dynamics at play and would love nothing more than to set things straight and facilitate change, yet they no longer have the support within the congregation to make it happen. Perhaps, in the past, they fought for the right cause but lost too many battles. Maybe they were discredited or simply ignored. Now, they focus, weary and disheartened, on preaching and pastoral care, keeping the church running while waiting for a call to start afresh elsewhere. Unfortunately, one can change congregations, but one cannot escape oneself. In the end, they have transitioned from a pastor to a lone wolf.
Consequences for the Community
When a leader is not actually the leader, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and a lack of direction within the congregation. Members often notice that decisions are inconsistent, there is no clear vision, or changes are constantly reversed. This can also harm the spiritual health of a community, as people feel powerless or suspect hidden agendas at play.
A healthy church structure requires clarity and transparency about who is truly in charge. This calls for a culture where leaders are authentic and accountable, and where decision-making processes are open. Only then can a church or ministry grow in trust and effectiveness.
But Would God Ever Allow This?
In reality, this does happen. God has given His followers the responsibility to know and apply His Word. With real responsibility comes real freedom—and with that, the possibility of choosing a different path. The church has structured itself in various ways to manage or prevent such situations. However, where people work together and practise their faith, power dynamics inevitably emerge.
Follow the Money
How can you determine where the real power lies? The principle of ‘follow the money’ applies here too, in the sense that you can trace decision-making processes. The person who ultimately makes the final decision may very well be one of these hidden leaders.
Look at the power structures and follow ‘the money.’ Where does the influence lie? Who has been in the church the longest? Who is always making phone calls or having private conversations to ‘brief’ an elder or small group leader? Especially in discussions about transition, leadership, and organisational structures—particularly during times of renewal—you will see the true power players at work. Or perhaps they should be called power seekers?
Those who longed to bring renewal, the spiritually inclined, and the leaders appointed by God for a new season often find themselves wounded and adrift in a sea of pain and confusion—torpedoed by these tactical submarines that surface only when it matters most.
What Now?
A healthy church structure requires clarity and transparency about who is truly leading. This calls for a culture where leaders are authentic and accountable, and where decision-making processes are open. Only then can a church or ministry grow in trust and effectiveness. My advice is to build the church with healthy apostles and prophets who possess both strength and character. There are plenty of them floating out there.
Just make sure they are healed first.
Sven Leeuwestein
The Hidden Influencers
In some churches and ministries, there may be individuals who shape the direction from behind the scenes, while the official leader does not actually have control. This could be a charismatic personality who has accumulated significant influence, a former pastor who struggles to let go, or a small group within the church council or board that effectively makes the decisions. Often, these are people who have been part of the congregation for years, sometimes even for generations, and have claimed certain privileges. And since a church is not a company but rather a ‘self-organising spiritual community in motion,’ there is more room for ‘strategists’ to impose their vision and beliefs through informal structures with a small change of experiencing any repercussions.
Such individuals often operate subtly and with patience. This dynamic can create uncertainty about who is truly responsible and can be frustrating when conversations with the ‘leader’ seem to have little effect, no matter how friendly and well-intentioned they may appear.
The Leader as a Puppet or a Lone Wolf
Sometimes, leaders are placed in their position by strategists because they possess certain qualities—such as public speaking or organisational skills—but they are not given real decision-making power. This can happen when a church is highly dependent on certain financiers, a dominant theological movement, or even an influential family within the congregation. The leader then becomes more of an executor than a visionary, making crucial decisions less transparent. This can undermine trust in leadership and often leads to disappointment among church members.
Alternatively, the official pastor may find themselves isolated. They may be well aware of the power dynamics at play and would love nothing more than to set things straight and facilitate change, yet they no longer have the support within the congregation to make it happen. Perhaps, in the past, they fought for the right cause but lost too many battles. Maybe they were discredited or simply ignored. Now, they focus, weary and disheartened, on preaching and pastoral care, keeping the church running while waiting for a call to start afresh elsewhere. Unfortunately, one can change congregations, but one cannot escape oneself. In the end, they have transitioned from a pastor to a lone wolf.
Consequences for the Community
When a leader is not actually the leader, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and a lack of direction within the congregation. Members often notice that decisions are inconsistent, there is no clear vision, or changes are constantly reversed. This can also harm the spiritual health of a community, as people feel powerless or suspect hidden agendas at play.
A healthy church structure requires clarity and transparency about who is truly in charge. This calls for a culture where leaders are authentic and accountable, and where decision-making processes are open. Only then can a church or ministry grow in trust and effectiveness.
But Would God Ever Allow This?
In reality, this does happen. God has given His followers the responsibility to know and apply His Word. With real responsibility comes real freedom—and with that, the possibility of choosing a different path. The church has structured itself in various ways to manage or prevent such situations. However, where people work together and practise their faith, power dynamics inevitably emerge.
Follow the Money
How can you determine where the real power lies? The principle of ‘follow the money’ applies here too, in the sense that you can trace decision-making processes. The person who ultimately makes the final decision may very well be one of these hidden leaders.
Look at the power structures and follow ‘the money.’ Where does the influence lie? Who has been in the church the longest? Who is always making phone calls or having private conversations to ‘brief’ an elder or small group leader? Especially in discussions about transition, leadership, and organisational structures—particularly during times of renewal—you will see the true power players at work. Or perhaps they should be called power seekers?
Those who longed to bring renewal, the spiritually inclined, and the leaders appointed by God for a new season often find themselves wounded and adrift in a sea of pain and confusion—torpedoed by these tactical submarines that surface only when it matters most.
What Now?
A healthy church structure requires clarity and transparency about who is truly leading. This calls for a culture where leaders are authentic and accountable, and where decision-making processes are open. Only then can a church or ministry grow in trust and effectiveness. My advice is to build the church with healthy apostles and prophets who possess both strength and character. There are plenty of them floating out there.
Just make sure they are healed first.
Sven Leeuwestein