How do we lead without manipulating?

Phil Moon  |  Features
Date posted:  7 Jan 2026
Share Add       
How do we lead without manipulating?

Photo by Nycholas Benaia on Unsplash.

Note: This article contains content that may be triggering for some readers.

I recently had a really helpful call from someone, and it made me think more about manipulation in Christian ministry.

Sadly, manipulation has been, and for some people - who are on the "receiving end," still is - a crushing reality in churches. And that, especially in its extreme form, is hugely damaging. I once asked a friend to define leadership and he immediately replied “influence.” But how can we lead people, influence people, without manipulating?

Share
< Previous article| Features| Next article >
Read more articles on:   leadership  /  ministry
Read more articles by Phil Moon >>
Features
Before you make that decision, ask this question...

Before you make that decision, ask this question...

Some years ago, I was chatting to Peter Lewis, the former pastor of Cornerstone Church in Nottingham. We were having …

Comment
Leader, are you an 'accepter' or a 'controller'?

Leader, are you an 'accepter' or a 'controller'?

What do you think is the opposite of a "control freak"?I found that question difficult to answer, so I …

Looking for a job?

Browse all our current job adverts

Search

Need to advertise?

We can help you reach Christians across the country

Find out more