Power and Partnership Conference: Challenging the Power Structure

Abstract

God, the creator and the proprietor of every living and non-living thing, is the source of power and authority, which he delegates to humans to exercise authority and control, for proper use and care of all God’s creation, placed at their disposal and for the well-being of humanity. But with power comes the misuse of power as evidenced is power sharing struggles, misuse of power by the governmetn and misuse of pwoer by the church. In the palce of the exercise of pwoer, Jesus gives us the servanthood partnership--partnership which is expressed in compassion, humility, obedience, and a genuine spirit of service to the point of sacrificing oneself. If we are motivated by fear, love of God, and compassion, we can see the needs of the people and join them to walk alongside in collaboration with them in order to alleviate their sufferings. True partners do not end their relationship after the goal of temporary relief has been obtained, but move into the critical phase of long-term and lasting development for transformation and growth.