J.R. Briggs

The Banjo Lesson and the Gift of Power

June 10, 2010

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A few weeks ago I attended a lecture at Biblical Seminary featuring Andy Crouch.

I’m a big fan of Andy Crouch so I was quite excited to attend the event.  The title of his lecture was Playing God: Christian Reflections on the Use and Misuse of Power. Biblical has been hosting a series of lectures called “Conversations on Christianity and Culture” that are very, very well done. The first lecture featured Dr. Jeremy Begbie from Duke as he spoke on the significance of worship in culture.

Andy spoke on the role of power in the life of a follower of Jesus – and how easily it can shift from healthy to unhealthy power. He prompted some great questions: What is the role of power? How do we wield power appropriately? What does it look like to give power away to others? How did Jesus exhibit and wield power?

During his lecture he showed a striking painting by Philadelphia artist Henry Ossawa Tanner called “The Banjo Lesson.”

That’ll preach…

I just can’t get this painting out of my head. Tanner paints this concept of training and equipping and passing on from one generation to another in striking fashion.

Andy gave the listeners a few moments to reflect on the painting in silence and then allowed the audience to share their insights and reflections – and how it might relate to leadership and power.

Relational.

Intimate.

The older gentleman (we assume is the boy’s grandfather) is at ease, takes a back seat to the event and seems watchful, even patient.

The banjo is the most expensive item in the painting.

There seems to almost be a halo of light around the two of them in the center of the room.

The most important reflection that I took away from the painting that evening was that the older gentleman was providing support for the young boy, but allowing the boy to play the instrument himself.

Which made me realize: great leaders know how to support others without controlling them.

Leaders: Are we supporting people or just trying to control them?

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