Some years back, I had the opportunity to teach as an adjunct professor at a local university. The class was Management Theory and one particularly memorable subject of discussion was the use of power within organizations; memorable because it clarified for me why Jesus was opposed to positional power within the organization of disciples (the church). Recall Jesus' instructions to his followers: "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their leaders exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become a leader among you shall be your servant..." Mark 10.42b-43
The distinctions between personal power and positional power (also called authority, sometimes called command authority) provide an appreciation and understanding of Jesus' point. Positional power or authority is influence bestowed due to one's position, rank or title within a hierarchical structure; associated with this power are reward power (influence derived from the ability to grant rewards) and coercive power (influence derived from the ability to direct punishment or retribution). Positional power or authority permits the issuance of directives or commands as reward and coercive powers help ensure the compliance of subordinates.
Personal power, on the other hand, is influence derived from personal qualities or characteristics; forms of this power include referent power (influence derived from qualities or characteristics others find admirable, inspiring or worthy of emulation) and expert power (influence due to one's knowledge or expertise in a specific area - this power is typically limited to the scope of the knowledge application). Personal power is not dependent on the superior-subordinate hierarchy, and is the primary power available within a horizontally structured (egalitarian) organization. The influence of this power (especially referent power) has an internal orientation as it appeals to one's sense of values, principles, vision or aspirations.
It becomes apparent that the power Jesus approves for use within the body of followers is personal power that invites the engagement of hearts. It is a power of love; commensurate with this power of love, the leadership style Jesus advocates is the others-centered servant-leader. Unselfishness, love and equality emanates throughout the organization of followers when structured according to Jesus' instructions. This results in an organization with the true capacity to be Spirit led, as leadership and influence is not found in office, title or rank, but is granted by the gifts of the Spirit.