EGO MANIACS ON THE LOOSE - By Lisa Are Wulf
Living for God
The other day I came across a quote from A.W. Tozer that really made me think. Here's an extract from it:
"Egotism, exhibitionism and self-promotion are strangely tolerated in Christian leaders....I trust it is not a cynical observation to say that they appear these days to be a requisite for popularity in some sections of the church. Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice."
Wow. How sad - but true! Have we turned into a celebrity driven faith? It's an easy trap for anyone in ministry to fall into. I've even struggled with it myself. But honestly, is this how we want to portray Christianity to the world? Let's contrast this image with the genuinely holy people of the past. They merely served God, often in obscurity and difficult circumstances. But such an unassuming and selfless devotion truly reflects Christ.
What do you think?
Tags: Living for God, Reflecting Christ, Christian Living
Categories: Living for God, ALL LISA'S ENTRIES
Tags: Reflecting Christ Christian Living Living for God
It is the dilema. Strong leadership can grow churches. People often select a church based on what they get out of the worship service. Eventually they identify with more and more with that leader. I don't know about all protestant churches, but I do know the Methodists make the senior ministry staff move every few years (6 or 7 I think) to prevent over identification. (See the movie Twelve O'Clock High for a complete characher composite of over identification with leadership) Where as when a guy or couple start a church, or say a television ministry, they have created their job and organization and don't report to a governing group. Then you get Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart or Martha Stewart.
Tozer is on my reading list, which is usually longer than reasonable time allows. Reading Martin Luther letters right now. Thanks for sharing.
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Hi Erin -
Thanks so much for your comments. I understand what you're saying about how people are drawn to strong leadership. I think it's possible to exert that leadership while staying humble and totally focused on Christ. Mother Teresa comes to mind in that regard. But it's so easy to start putting yourself forward instead. I think the Methodists have a good handle on the problem with their rotation system. In the end, though, I think it is really up to each person's heart about how they will present themselves. Supervision is good, but it does boil down in the end to the individual.
Wow, you have quite the challenging reading list. I've never read Luther's letters. Did you see the movie about him that came out a few years ago? It's very cool. I saw it 7 times at the dollar movie theater here in town and have the DVD now. I love it!!
Thanks so much for your insightful comment. Have a great day and hope to hear from you again soon.
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I think there is way too much celebrity in the Christian community...particularly in the Mega Chuch industry where the sheer size of the venue requires the use of video and technology. While these devices have propelled Christianity into the 21st century and all the world...and have accomplished much for the kingdom in many ways...It does seem to ... Read Moreinevidably feed ego...not only of the person on the platform...but it does something to those watching as well. Seeing a giant talking head on a big screen @ church or on TV etc...can really shift our focus...Shane Hipps has a good read out called "Flickering Pixels" that addresses this issue more thuroughly. He asks us to reconsider Marshall McLuhan's statement "The Mediium is the Message". I think there is really something to that. (o:
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Hi Joy - Hey thanks for your comments. I think you're absolutely right. There have been good things about technology, but one of the unintended consequences was the rise of the celebrity Christian. I remember Marshall McLuhan from years ago. Seems like his message is more relevant than ever. Thanks again.
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I sadly agree that this is happening in our churches, which is (unfortunately) why many people are leaving the Church:
http://www.examiner.com/x-7312-Miami-Interfaith-Spirituality-Examiner~y2009m4d28-People-leaving-childhood-religion-blame-hypocrisy-judgmental-behaviors
I think you raise important topics on this site, and I added it to my favorites!
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Hi Dr. Deb -
Thanks so much for your comment. The article you linked to is great. It gives us a lot to think about as far as how we're coming across to others - especially young people. Along with you, I also hope that today's leaders do an honest appraisal of the situation and begin to make changes. Great article!
Thanks also for your kind words about our blog. I sure appreciate it.
Lisa
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