The nation’s obsession with celebrities has infiltrated Christianity, thanks in part to the rise of social media. Courtesy Photo.
Church leaders have warned that ‘celebrity culture’ in churches often begins when pastors isolate themselves — from others, from accountability, and ultimately, from the truth.
Speaking to faith-based media in USA, Jimmy Evans, the senior pastor of Gateway Church in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and Scott Sauls, the senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville explained how a ‘celebrity pastor,’ with a wide sphere of influence, falls prey to sin.
Another Pastor, Ronnie Floyd of Cross Church of Northwest Arkansas, urged that humans are made to worship. He however cautioned against channeling worship to Pastors instead of God.
“In a celebrity-obsessed culture, worship is often directed toward an influential pastor or charismatic church leader,” Ronnie Floyd said.
“There is always the danger to idolize a pastor,” he continued. “But they are men. And that’s what the country and church is being reminded of — pastors are just men. We live a very fast life today, and when we’re not careful, we become careless in the way we live. We can’t let our guard down. That’s why God says, ‘Guard your heart.'”
The Pastors warned that the ‘celebrity culture’ often times leaves a trail of chaos and disillusionment.
Sauls however clarified that the problem doesn’t necessarily lie with the “celebrity” aspect. There are, he said, healthy “celebrity pastors.”
“It’s much better to be shepherded, led, and pastored by a person with average gifts but a beautiful character than it is by someone with incredible gifts but average or below average character.” he added.
While the Gospel is able to reach formerly uncharted territory, so, unfortunately, are scandals within the body of Christ, noted the Christian Post, what once remained within the four walls of the church are now able to creep into a watching, scornful world.
Ronnie Floyd advised pastors to resist the temptations today’s consumer culture offers and instead set boundaries that honor God and protect people, create a culture of accountability, and focus on presenting the Gospel with discernment and wisdom.
“Ultimately, a pastor must maintain his personal walk with God, that must be the priority of his life,” he said. “The Lord must always be his first love ultimately, and when his heart is in tune with God, a moral purity will follow.”
On the other hand, Pastor Jimmy Evans noted: “We’re all human beings, and I believe pastors who fall put themselves in a position of secrecy.”
“I’ve never met a pastor that didn’t have the same basic temptations as the other guy. The difference is how we deal with it.
“As pastors, we need to not put ourselves in a position of living a private life away from the eyes of others. That’s why pastors fall, and it can happen to any pastor. It’s the way we carry ourselves, the way we relate to people around us, whether we’re honest or dishonest.”
“It’s really important to be surrounded by people who are close enough to you, that they can express concern with you and your character and help steer you toward toward Christ. Pastors need to welcome this kind of friendship, community, and accountability,” he added.
