Comments on: Where are the Presbyterian Celebrity Pastors?

By: Phil R. Taylor

Phil R. Taylor — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 01:54:00 +0000

Thank You Pastor David , for this truly enlightening, informative and encouraging article. Finally, an answer to a question that has long been on my heart. Believe the equal ‘Dividend Platform’ as you reveal in your article , is reflective of the godly humility exhorted in Philippians 2 , and what Jesus taught with regards to true godly leadership — ” But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” – Mathew 23:11.

Personally I’m astounded and disheartened by the extravagant salaries some of these men , feel they are entitled to , all the while , having the nerve and audacity of asking for donations from those in their congregation that , live in great need and even poverty. … Is this the way Jesus served?

… and then there are those , that say to themselves , “hey I can make a whole lot more money in the private sector” and leave the Pastoral ministry altogether, (and believe, one does not have to go to far, to discover who those individuals are ) which makes one wonder if they ever knew the Truth and were transformed in the first place? ) Yet that is a whole other discussion for another time.

Thank You Pastor David for sharing your thoughts and insights. Have been truly blessed as a result of reading this article. God Bless You.

By: Sharon Whitley

Sharon Whitley — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 21:00:03 +0000

I have to differ with this statement: “No church is allowed to stand alone but is accountable to other local churches.” You apparently have never heard of Independent Presbyterian in Savannah, GA. The congregation is not part of any denomination… not PCA, not ARP, not OPC, not any, and it’s been that way since its founding in the 19th century. The pastors are PCA, but not the congregation. I realize that’s an odd situation, but I had to correct your incorrect blanket statement. Incidentally, IPC in Savannah is not the only independent Presbyterian church in existence.

By: David Murray–“Where are the Presbyterian Celebrity Pastors?” | Captive to the Word

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:22:13 +0000

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Nick’s Top 6 | — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 05:22:16 +0000

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By: Ben Thorp

Ben Thorp — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 15:47:16 +0000

I’d be inclined to agree with the other commentators – I don’t think that the Presbyterian form of church governance protects against “celebrity” pastors particularly. Equally, even within this form, I’ve seen abuse of power by the minister – equality only works when everyone believes in it, but seemingly the long-standing tradition of one-man ministry leads many to believe that the “minister” is the one in charge, whatever the “rules” say. At least, that’s been my impression within the Church of Scotland.

(FWIW, the pay grade in the Church of Scotland sounds considerably higher too. I suspect that things are very different in the CofS to your denomination though )

By: AJ

AJ — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:40:15 +0000

I think you’re right Michael. Even if the following is not mainstream, I fear that we all have those names that readily roll of our tongues when we consider who makes up a great conference lineup. Even that dear Scottish gentleman David Murray is becoming quite a name ;)!

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:38:17 +0000

Ferguson, Duncan, Tchividjian, Sproul, and Horton are all celebrity pastors. Just because they don’t look like Perry Noble or Rick Warren (or have followings as big) doesn’t mean it’s not the same thing. Your argument is like saying that Pavarotti couldn’t possibly be a celebrity because he sings in a tux and not in lingerie like Madonna and hasn’t sold as many records.

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Tue, 05 Jun 2012 09:02:02 +0000

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By: Drew

Drew — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:42:50 +0000

I think there is a case to be made that the PCA’s Tullian Tchividjian most fits the celebrity pastor persona, and while he does not have as much media attention as Rick Warren or Mark Driscoll, he still enjoys a decent amount of notoriety.

By: Randy in Tulsa

Randy in Tulsa — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:41:07 +0000

Good points about the Presbyterian form of government. However, the late D. James Kennedy and R.C. Sproul were pretty big in their day.

Actually, I can’t think of a truly celebrity Methodist, Episcopal or Anglican pastor either. Post Falwell, is there a Baptist celebrity pastor? Perhaps Piper?

Bottom line, haven’t most of them been of the charismatic variety? Pat Robertson and Oral Roberts certainly come to mind along with many patterned after them.