Empowerment ~ 1

A topic that is often mentioned is EMPOWERMENT and no doubt there are many people with differing views. However I would like to start a series of five blogs looking at this subject from a different angle and my hope is that you find this both thought provoking and interesting so ……

Empowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social, or economic strength of individuals and communities. It often involves the empowered developing confidence in their own capacities.

This session I would like you to reflect on the word “Empowerment” what it means.

Now let’s take a look at a great empowerment scripture ~ Luke 10:1 (AMP)“AFTER this the Lord chose and appointed seventy others and sent them out ahead of Him, two by two, into every town and place where He Himself was about to come (visit)”.

What did Jesus do? Jesus gave them clear instructions, His communication was clear and concise it left no doubt what they can expect and no doubt what actions to take and their behaviours.   

A major cause of why individuals in organisations/church do not become empowered is the imbalance between trust and enablement.  This imbalance problem may result in three conditions – entrenched in bunkers, flying blind, and caged eagles. These conditions need to be prevented or individuals will never become empowered.

Trust means allowing people to make decisions that affect their work. 

Enablement means giving individuals the skills, knowledge, resources, and motivation to do their jobs better.  It means providing individuals with the opportunities for growth and development. Get to grips with this powerful matrix.

The Empowerment (Trust) Matrix

Low trust                    Entrenched in bunkers        Caged Eagles

High trust                    Flying Blind                    Empowered Individuals

                                     Low Enablement                    High Enablement

Entrenched in bunkers, caged eagles and flying blind are in effect frustrated individuals who never perform to their full potential, why?  It’s not our Lord he has given us every spiritual blessing (2Peter 1v3) however it is man who puts his own opinions, views, beliefs on others that curtail their development.

In the four blogs to come I will elaborate on the four highlighted areas in the matrix areas that hinder empowerment.

Remember: ~

Empowerment is the process which enables individuals/groups to fully access personal/collective power, authority and influence, and to employ that strength when engaging with other people, institutions or society.  In other words, “Empowerment is not giving people power; people already have plenty of power (2Peter 1v3), in the wealth of their knowledge and motivation”. Empowerment can also be defined as letting this power out, it encourages people to gain the skills and knowledge that will allow them to overcome obstacles in life or work environment and ultimately, help them develop within themselves, in the society or in the church.  

How effective was the empowerment Jesus gave to the seventy in Luke 10v1 read down to verse 17 and the results were of unmistakable joy, (Luke 10:17 (AMP) The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!) release the potential within, encourage, coach, stand back and observe the growth of people and yes even the church.

If these posts are encouraging you, I would welcome feedback, comments or observations that  you may have. 

Enjoy and be blessed.