Every leader has a source from which his or her influence flows. Some people influence from the depth of relationship with those they lead. Others influence out of their expertise in a given field. Still others influence by the weight of their character and the respect they’ve garnered through a life of integrity.

These are positive sources of influence, but they are not the only sources. A common source of influence today — and throughout history — is fear. Fear-based influence is corrupt, abusive and self-centered.

The Book of Exodus provides a startling example of this kind of leadership. Long after Joseph died, the Israelites had “multiplied greatly” and “increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them” (Exodus 1:7). This caught the attention of Pharaoh.

Pharaoh proclaimed, “The Israelites have become far too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country” (verses 9–10).

The Egyptians oppressed the Israelites with forced labor, working them ruthlessly (Exodus 1:11–14). This horrible situation started with fear. Pharaoh was afraid of losing power, so he exerted his power in a cruel and unjust manner.

Author and activist Danielle Strickland defines power as the ability to influence the behavior of others or the course of events. She observes that how we use our power is the measure of our leadership.

“If our reactions are fear-based, if our decisions are fear-based, if our dreams are fear-based, we will either be oppressed, or we will be an oppressor, because fear is the currency of oppression,” Strickland says.

We see this throughout Scripture. In the Book of Acts, Demetrius the silversmith, who made pagan shrines for a living, felt threatened when the apostle Paul’s message of salvation began gaining traction.

Demetrius called together the other craftsmen and said, “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty” (Acts 19:25–27).

When we make ourselves the center
of the universe, we’ll expect everyone else
to revolve around us.

And “soon the whole city was in an uproar” (verse 29).

Demetrius employed the same tactic as Pharaoh: fear-based leadership. He was afraid of losing business, so Demetrius instilled fear in those around him.

This kind of corrupt leadership is evident in today’s world as well. We see it in business, politics, education, and, sadly, even the Church.

How can we know when it’s seeping into the way we exert influence? Consider these three signs of fear-based leadership:

1. Reacting Out of Insecurity

Pharaoh’s insecurities were rooted in his fear of being outnumbered, and overtaken, by the Israelites. He let insecurity become the driving force in his leadership.

Author John Maxwell says, “Insecure leaders want to be the center of everything. They love the incredible emotional return of feeling indispensable. They make everything all about themselves, and what they do is motivated by preserving their power, not giving it away.”

When we make ourselves the center of the universe, we’ll expect everyone else to revolve around us. The solution is putting others first — finding ways to serve and celebrate those around us.

Philippians 2:3–4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

2. Seeking to Control Others

Fear-based leaders attempt to control others for personal gain. The fear of losing power often leads to abusing power. The story of Pharaoh shows how ugly that can become.

What’s the cure? First, we need to release circumstances to God. That means yielding to His leadership and trusting Him with the outcome.

Second, we need to release people to God. We don’t own them. As church leaders, we are merely shepherds of the people God has brought to us. When the shepherd’s staff becomes a means of controlling others, it’s a sign that we are being controlled by fear.

3. Refusing to Empower People

Empowering others means sharing authority. It also means giving them the benefit of the doubt and choosing to believe the best. Empowerment happens when we trust others with resources, knowledge, power and decision making. When we hold all the power, we tend to use that power in the least effective ways.

One of the most constructive uses of power is to empower others. Are there unknowns to releasing power? Certainly. Will some people take advantage of our trust? Perhaps. But when we’ve done a good job of training and equipping people, we’ll be able to empower them more freely.

Those who are determined to hold on to all the power will one day have none. Empowering leaders tend to be entrusted with more power because they’ve proven they are good stewards of it.

There is nothing redemptive about fear-based leadership. It only destroys the soul and hurts the people who are influenced by it. As you lead, guard your heart. Submit to Christ, and refuse to let insecurities get the best of you. Be an empowering leader, and look for ways to help others succeed.