RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP

I’m not talking about pastors who have officiated weddings of celebrities.

I’m actually referring to ministers who have risen to ‘rockstar’ status. It no longer has become about the gospel, or the kingdom but about themselves.

It’s their pictures on every brochure, name on every flyer and presence in every event. It has become all about them.
They walk around with assistants, ready to serve at their beck and call.
They’re first at every line, eat the best of the lechon (haha) and sit at every front seat.

Daniel Borstin tautologically defines it as “a person who is known for his well-knownness.”

In his book, “The Image“, he further describes the celebrity – “A sign of celebrity is that his name is often worth more than his services.”

I really hate to admit it but this is a real temptation and a potential trap.

But when I can feel the temptation coming down on me, there are a few questions I try to ask myself:

1. Whose example am I following?

Jesus came humbly and unannounced except to a few wise men and a bunch of shepherds. If that was me, I’d tweet, Facebook and call for a press conference.

But not Jesus…

He said, “That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served.” (Matthew 20:28, MSG)

Are we following the example of our common day rockstar or Jesus?

2. Who don’t I want opposing me?

Peter wrote, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

If there’s was one i DON’T want opposing me is God.

I’d rather have my friend, co-worker, even family opposing me… but not God.

3. Who am I trying to please?

Starting out with the intention to please God is easy. But staying in that route necessitates being deliberate. At a certain point, applause of men becomes more important than the applause of heaven.

Paul told the church in Galatia, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

Just a few questions to help me remember…