POWER AND THE PULPIT - A LOOK INTO THE DIVERSITY OF MINISTERIAL POWER

The issue of extreme variability in regard to types of power displayed within the typical ministerial position is discussed. Six power bases originally offered by French and Raven (1 959) were applied to the representative ministerial roles as the theoretical constructs for discussion. Where most vocational positions afford the individual several different types of operant power within the job setting, due to the heterogeneity of the ministerial role within the church, a minister is frequently utilizing all six throughout the week. Implications of this model for ministerial effectiveness are discussed.