2 min. read
Celebrity pastors aren’t cool anymore. But were they ever, really? North American churches have too easily slipped into cults of personality. And celebrity pastors have too easily given into the temptation to be called “good.”
via // http://www.churchleaders.com
I won’t name names in this post. The intent here is not to call people out, nor add to divisions. The headlines of shady actions by celebrity pastors speak for themselves. Instead, let’s explore why this phenomenon even exists, and what it means to you.
Follow Me
Jesus used this phrase often. He called those who wanted to follow him to take up a cross and walk with him. To follow him in ushering in God’s kingdom. The thing is, Jesus is Jesus. No pastor around, celebrity or not, is Jesus. Yes we want to lead like Jesus led. But we do better to look at Jesus-followers who were also pastor-leaders, and learn from them.
Take Moses for example. He had Aaron. Joshua had Caleb. When the nation-state of God’s people entered the promised land, they were led by a panel of “judges.” But people seem to want kings. And you can read the histories in the Old Testament to see how the whole “king” thing worked out, by and large.
We get to the New Testament and we see that Peter had James. Paul had, at turns, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy.
And let’s return to Jesus. He sent out 70+ pairs to minister. He travelled around with 12 flawed co-leaders. Yes, people were drawn to him because of what he was doing. But when he challenged them to be disciples, the crowds thinned out quickly.
Celebrity Pastors, Meet the Dodo Bird
The dodo bird became extinct, not of its own fault, but because it was over-hunted on a small island. The people wanted it too much.
Hmmm … maybe this makes for an appropriate commentary on the plight of celebrity pastors.
A pastor becomes a celebrity because the people want that pastor and no one else. They want “that leader” too much. They pin their spiritual walk on the inspiration, talent, and drive of “that leader.” They make the pastor a celebrity.
Now granted, some pastors embrace this unhealthy codependent love of the people. But a good leader lives out “less of me, more of Christ.”
Let’s resist the temptation to exalt pastors over their servant roles as the God’s shepherds and mouthpieces.
Otherwise, it may became more about the celebrity than the Creator.
Why I Don’t Want to Be a Celebrity Pastor
I can never forget that this call to peach is not about me, but about Jesus the Christ. The gifts I use are simply that: gifts. I didn’t earn them, I don’t own them. I’ve simply been entrusted by God to be a good steward of them.
I’ve done the solo lead pastor thing before. It’s not fun. Plus, though I have noticeable strengths, I have just as noticeable weaknesses. I’d much prefer to pastor as part of a team. And thankfully, I get to do that now.
In fact, I’d suggest that the paradigm of the single lead pastor is on its last legs. Co-pastoring and team pastoring is the strength of the church of the future.
So Tell Me Something
What’s your take on the celebrity pastors?