Stewarding Power

This mini-course is about the way we use the power (or influence) we hold in our lives—and nearly all of us do have influence in some sphere. While the world’s “power-over” strategy is characterized by control and dominance, Jesus demonstrated a “power-under” strategy characterized by humility and sacrificial service. In this two-session mini-course with Andy Crouch (Author and Praxis Partner) and Peter Greer (CEO of Hope International), you will learn that the power we have been given was intended for us to serve others for their good and flourishing, not for our own benefit. When we rediscover this truth about the relationship between power and service, we strengthen our impact, our community and ourselves in the process. These sessions are essential to the vision for redemptive entrepreneurship, which is all about leveraging personal and organizational power for the sake of others, while leading and growing ventures that join God in the renewal of all things.

Authority & Vulnerability

// Andy Crouch

True human flourishing requires the stewardship of power, which Andy Crouch defines here as equal parts of authority and vulnerability. Though we might naturally think that flourishing consists of maximum authority (capacity for meaningful action) with the least possible vulnerability (exposure to meaningful risk), that's not the way God has created us. We need both authority and vulnerability to fulfill our purpose and participate in his redemptive work in the world.

In this talk based on his book Strong and Weak, Andy (Partner for Theology & Culture at Praxis) points us to Jesus as the ultimate example of living in full authority, as the son of God, and full vulnerability, in dying on the Cross. He shows us how we can be more faithful image-bearers as we steward our power in our leadership in general—and in our entrepreneurial journey in particular.

The Spiritual danger of doing good

// Peter Greer

The vast majority of social entrepreneurs begin their journey of service and mission with the best of intentions. Peter Greer, CEO of microfinance development organization Hope International and Praxis Venture Partner, discovered that despite all the care he took to guard his heart and practices against selfish motives and misusing his own power, he was prone to "self-centered service.”

In this talk, Peter contrasts the marks of self-centered service with the marks of true service for the sake of others.