The modern Church in America has fallen prey to a great many things that have proven detrimental to her health and mission. One of the most overlooked and therefore least understood is the so-called “cult of personality.”

This cult of personality could also be called the cult of celebrity pulpiteers. These monikers describe the same enigma. American Christianity has never been more captive to a few well published pastors and church leaders who by virtue of their celebrity status are sought after for their viewpoints and commentary on every issue of importance. Unfortunately, in many instances the celebrity pastor is off base theologically and out-of-touch relationally with actual church life and practice.

The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthian believers about this issue when he warned them about quarreling over which pastor or teacher they would listen to and follow. Paul said, “For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:11-13)

Simply stated, the cult of personality is the development of a person or group of people becoming the focus of attention within a local church body. It is most often the pastor but can also be the board of elders, prominent financial supporters, or the most vocal supporter or critic.

Outrageous stories abound such as congregations who have been trained to rise to their feet anytime the pastor comes into the room, or the strange idea of the pastor having a “posse” that follows him everywhere in the building like bodyguards who effectively form a ring of protection that shields the pastor from contact with the other members of the body.

So how can you know if a cult of personality has enveloped your church? Here are some telling signs that would indicate problems within the body:

• Does the pastor or other individuals teach that they are to be treated in a manner that is beyond or above any other member of the church?
• Does the pastor or other individuals cultivate an environment that severely restricts asking questions?
• Does the pastor or other individuals receive praise and borderline worship for the ministry or does God alone receive the praise, honor, and glory?
• When the body of believers considers what their future would be without the pastor or other individuals do they believe that God will continue to direct their path or do they believe the church could not go on without the pastor or other individuals?

Folks, pastors are not rock stars and when we treat them as such we are creating a clear and present danger for the church. Pastors are to be servants of God and His people. When we forget that we set ourselves up for much heartache and even disillusionment. Be a Berean today and hold you pastor and leadership accountable before God.