One leadership style of significance is the manner in which Machiavelli imposes his will on his reader. His assertiveness is hard to see. In fact, he risked being taken lightly when he said, though I judge this work unworthy to be presented to you (p. 15). His desire to leave an imprint and his understanding of the political games of his time prompted him to take the humble approach. He continues, nevertheless, I am very confident that because of your benevolence, you will accept it (p. 15). In other words, Machiavelli says I am giving you my best even though my best is not worthy of you. Gardner describes this attribute as ascendance, dominance, and assertiveness (p. 53). This advance was the first step in Machiavelli’s quest to leave his thumbprints on events.
Application in the workplace
Experience shows that only princes and republics with troops of their own have accomplished great things, while mercenary forces have brought nothing but harm (p. 53). In addition to the themes strewn beforehand, the use of mercenaries is a theme that lends itself to the ministry of Victory Outreach. To fully understand my explanation, give the following analogy the benefit of any doubt. Mercenaries equal church transfers, regular army equals members raised in Victory Outreach (VO), and the Church a military force.
Machiavelli says mercenary captains either are or are not skilled soldiers. If they are you can not trust them for they will always seek to gain power for themselves either by oppressing you or oppressing others against your wishes (p. 52). Church transfers with skill have the preponderance to undermined authority. Anecdotally, in my experience, I find the preceding statement to carry much weight. Over time, a conflict of philosophy arises and the mercenary tries to repress decision making. In my 26 years of ministry this has happened innumerable times.
The Desire for Territorial Growth
The lure of mercenary is the very skill that will create trouble in the organization. One example of many; a mercenary brings an understanding of tithing and giving. Tithing and giving finds it beginnings in scripture. Throughout the bible the reader is told that a tenth of the produce of the earth must be consecrated and set apart for special purposes. The patriarch Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. The most descriptive verse on giving and its effect on those who work in the church is 1 Corinthians 9:13-14.
Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. (Easton’s Bible Dictionary, 2006)
Rev. Al Loma
Since the tithe is often the sole source of income, the snare is set for the desperate or untrained prince/pastor. As a result of their contributions, the mercenary believe they have a right to tell the leadership how to deal with the membership and how to operate the kingdom/church. Even though VO encourages input, decisions in ministry rest ultimately with the Pastor and his or her leadership staff.
Machiavelli declares that control of the troops should be in the hands of princes or republics (p. 52). Ministry leadership should welcome mercenary help, one should be tempered by Machiavelli’s warnings and strive to develop loyalty via regular troops. Notwithstanding that God if He chooses can bring in loyal mercenaries.
