Adam Dodds and Josh Newington recently joined the Pastors Podcast — hosted by Vic Francis and produced by Solace — which addresses issues facing pastors across Aotearoa, New Zealand, to discuss their research on power and leadership in Pentecostal churches.
The episode, “Misuse of Power,” explores their recently published article, The Theology of Power in Contemporary Pentecostal Church Leadership in Australia and New Zealand, co-authored with Faith Girardi and Duane van Vuuren.
The article examines power dynamics in Pentecostal church leadership using Osmer’s four practical theology questions — what is going on, why, what ought to be going on, and how might we respond. Having identified real concerns around power in church leadership, the authors draw on a theological understanding of the Trinity to propose healthier practices for ministry.
A particular strength of the project is the breadth of experience its collaborators bring. Alongside his role as Head of Theology at AC, Adam has served as a pastor in both New Zealand and Australia, including as a teaching pastor and senior leader. Josh has served as a pastor in the ACC for more than a decade and is part of AC’s Ministry faculty.
Reflecting on the article’s purpose, Josh said:
“We certainly look at the part of the church that we’re involved in with a great deal of hope and find a source of encouragement. But … it [power] seems to be one of the main challenges that we’re facing—just the use and misuse of power in pastoral work and ministry.”
Adam highlighted practices that can help churches guard against misuse of power:
“When decision-making is concentrated in the hands of very few, without meaningful discussion and consultation, it is problematic—not just practically, but theologically as well. Honouring leaders is important and biblical, but it must be balanced by the biblical call to honour one another.”
The interview explores these issues in greater depth, with practical application for the contemporary church. The project has already sparked interest beyond its original audience, including adaptation for a denomination policy. The project will also be extended later this year at AC’s upcoming symposium on the theology of power.
