Physical Address: Jamil King Ministries
8745 Gary Burns Dr. Suite 160 #352, Frisco TX 75034
The Fight for Influence Across Generations
Introduction
Every generation is wired to seek power.
It just shows up in different forms.
- Older generations often see power as responsibility and legacy.
- Younger generations define it as freedom and influence.
The tension?
They’re both right—but they’re not listening to each other.
The Power Struggle in Real Time
One of the hardest dynamics to navigate is when your family, parents, or close friends are also your employer or spiritual authority.
The lines blur fast.
What starts as “helping out” can quickly feel like a trap if boundaries and communication aren’t clear.
- Older generations often say: “Respect my authority.”
- Younger generations are thinking: “Why are you trying to control me?”
Neither side is trying to hurt the other—
but when roles aren’t defined, and honor is confused with obedience,
it becomes a power struggle disguised as loyalty.
Story: The Invisible Contract
A young adult named Marcus worked for his parents’ ministry.
He loved them, honored their leadership, and was excited to help—at first.
But what started as service turned into unspoken expectations.
His father, a respected elder and spiritual leader, often said:
“I know what’s best. Just do what I say.”
To him, it was leadership.
To Marcus, it felt like invisible manipulation.
Marcus wasn’t rebellious—he just wanted to be respected as an adult.
He tried to speak up but was told he was:
- Being emotional
- Entitled
- Too “modern”
Eventually, Marcus stopped trying to lead altogether.
Not because he didn’t care,
but because he was never really given authority—just responsibility.
It broke the relationship—
not because of disagreement,
but because there was no room for discussion.
Don’t Sign Up If You’re Not In Charge
Here’s the hard truth:
If you’re not truly in charge, don’t agree to take the weight of something that’s still under someone else’s control.
That’s not rebellion. That’s wisdom.
Too many younger leaders are asked to:
- “Own the vision”
- But can’t shift anything without getting permission
Too many parents want their adult children to:
- “Take over”
- But won’t let go of the steering wheel
Too many families fall apart because no one says the honest thing:
“I love you, but we need clear roles, real boundaries, and mutual respect—or we will destroy each other emotionally in the name of ministry.”
Biblical Insight: Shared Power, Shared Purpose
In Genesis 1:26, God said:
“Let us make mankind in our image… so that they may rule.”
Notice—it wasn’t a solo effort.
Even God—Father, Son, and Spirit—operated in shared dominion.
Real leadership isn’t about control—it’s about collaboration.
Jesus, even as the Son of God, told His disciples in John 15:15:
“I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends.”
Why?
Because authentic influence invites people into the process, not just the position.
The Root of Control
Control isn’t always about pride.
Sometimes, it’s fear:
- Fear of failure
- Fear of disrespect
- Fear of irrelevance
- Fear of being replaced
And when that fear isn’t healed, it turns into:
- Micromanagement
- Manipulation
- Spiritual guilt
Especially in multigenerational environments.
Reflection Questions
- Where am I holding power that I need to share or release?
- Have I ever taken on responsibility without the authority to make decisions?
- How can I build a culture at home, in church, or in business where every generation feels heard and respected?
Call to Action
Let’s break the cycle.
Let’s:
- Stop demanding blind loyalty
- Start building bold trust
- Stop confusing silence with honor
- Start having real conversations
Because power isn’t about control.
It’s about stewardship.
And when generations learn to share it,
something unstoppable gets released.
