Comments on: I met a “celebrity” pastor yesterday

By: Truth

Truth — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:26:02 +0000

I really have issue with the whole ‘celebrity’ label but particularly when it is tagged to a Christian. I have met well known preachers, been part of the hospitality team/ worship team etc and have seen some very extreme behaviour. This label distracts from the truth of the gospel and I believe that preachers who encourage this behaviour are wrong. I remember being part of a worship team when Rev Jackie McCullough was preaching at a convention, she called a woman forward and after ministering to her the woman (who was wearing a very short skirt) went and laid prostrate on the floor, as this was in full view of a few thousand people I took the nearest thing to cover the woman which was Rev McCullough’s cape, she was fine about it but a woman on the team with me started carrying on as if I had blasphemed. I told her very politely Jackie McCullough doesn’t have a problem with it, she is a regular woman. this mentality of putting preachers on pedestals is totally wrong. Yes have respect for the preacher, treat them well but don’t treat them as if they are God… that is idolatry and it is a spirit that is in operation in the church

By: Michial

Michial — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 05:55:14 +0000

Im still trying to imagine Paul’s response to VIP sections, hordes of admirers asking for bibles and books to be signed, and pastors who rather than plant churches with a local teaching elder/ shepherd, think they can do it better by duplicating their own celebrity gifted ness on multiple plasmas to satellite multi site campuses. Oh for a Peter or Paul. Where are they?

By: Matthew Rushing

Matthew Rushing — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:47:51 +0000

I really appreciate this reminder. Listening to these men on podcast, you can get the feeling that they are “super Christians” and yet like the apostle Paul or Peter, they are ordinary men who are doing their best to live through Christ and for him.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 02:36:20 +0000

Thanks David. I pray that the Lord will keep all of us humble and FANS only of HIM.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 02:34:29 +0000

Great points, Joey. I’ve experienced the same painful rejections too. Nathan at Ligonier is a fine role model for bloggers. I wanted to be at BoB but messed up my flights. It was Steve Renkema of Reformation Heritage Books who stood in for me.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 02:30:42 +0000

Yes, Trevin’s a great guy and a good model for many of the younger gifted men.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 02:29:48 +0000

Right on, David.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 02:29:15 +0000

You’re right about the need to retreat from the entourage, and even at times to walk away from the organizer’s arrangements.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 02:27:54 +0000

Amazing story, Bob.

By: Jim Swindle

Jim Swindle — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:51:18 +0000

My own pastor is reformed and excellent, though not a celebrity. One Sunday in the morning and evening worship services we had a visiting couple who had driven far to hear him, after hearing him on a radio station in their state. In the evening, as an application of one of the points of his sermon text, our pastor mentioned the danger of appreciating the famous pastor far away, such as John MacArthur, and not appreciating the faithful but less-gifted pastor who’s nearby. I’m convinced that it was a loving warning to that dear couple. Our pastor cared more about their spiritual health than about his own fame. I thank God for such a pastor.