Ministry Divas
Awhile back I blogged about my frustration with rockstar pastors – leaders that forget that ministry is about people. You can read it HERE. My friend, Phil Cooke, recently blogged about “Warning Signs of a Ministry Diva”. See below:
Today, we’re seeing a real rise in what I would call “ministry divas.” These are men and women who are pastors, or ministry or spiritual leaders who’s focus is more on themselves than the people they serve. As a public service to our readers, the global research team at Cooke Pictures has developed a list of warning signs that someone might be a ministry diva. The following warning signs can apply to either a man or a woman:
1. He doesn’t participate in worship. He only comes out to preach.
2. He’s escorted on and off the platform so he doesn’t actually have to mingle with people.
3. He has multiple assistants – or what some call “armor-bearers” to carry his cell phone, Bible, man-purse, etc.
4. He doesn’t travel that much, but needs a private jet when he does.
5. When he visits other churches, he naturally assumes he’ll get either a seat on the platform or a front row seat.
6. When he promotes his books, he always calls it a “best seller” even though it wasn’t.
7. He makes ever growing demands on the church for more free time, bigger perks, larger personal staff, etc.
8. He spends more on his wardrobe and cars than the church spends on the children’s program.
9. Divorce is OK for him, because of the ministry pressures he’s under. So when it happens, he doesn’t need to step down or submit to counseling – he doesn’t need it.
10. When he advertises a conference in magazines or other places, his picture is the biggest thing on the ad.
Have you noticed other warning signs we should be looking for?
July 10th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Excellent comments Greg. I think these are "lagging" indicators. The "diva" attitude started & developed before – now, these indicators are just showing up. If someone is at this point, the church probably can't afford to get rid of them because of the "draw" that their personality brings to the church. Huge subject you have opened here.
July 10th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Very true. Once these signs appear the church is pretty much stuck with their diva. Thanks, Joe.
July 10th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I agree with Joe as by the time these indicators show up the church is most likely not going to be able to stop it. It's a great subject that very few people seem to want to talk about…
I'd also add that the person's book emphasizes the author and not content:
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=Joel...
July 10th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I agree with Joe as by the time these indicators show up the church is most likely not going to be able to stop it. It's a great subject that very few people seem to want to talk about…
I'd also add that the person's book emphasizes the author and not content:
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=Joel...
July 10th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Thanks, Trae.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I would add the following:
'The most widely used scripture in the church Psalm 105:15 about not touching God's anointed."
This scripture is used to slap folks in the face when you disagree with any decision with leadership especially if the decisions are unscriptural.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
True, Jason, true. I've heard that said as well.
July 12th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
You know i love playing a little devil's advocate
so…with that in mind.
1) how does anyone know? i think the worship part of things is just as much in the heart and doesn't have to happen in a seat in an auditorium.
2) this happens to several pastors i know. when you have guys jumping over the fence to your house, it makes sense to try and be safe.
3) god has gifted and equipped these people to serve and they love it. what's wrong with that?
5) i have been hosted by several churches and i don't ever ask to be put in the front, but they do it as an honor to host others. it's not a big deal.
10) you and i both know that it's not the pastor running the ad department…usually.
just a few nuggets to chew on….generalities are never completely accurate.
July 17th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Thanks for commenting, Anne. I always appreciate your insight and perspective. I agree that most pastors aren't running their ad department, but some weigh in a little more than others.
I think the thing that Phil Cooke and I struggle with is the pastors with private jets – those don't seem to sit well with me. I fly a ton and American Airlines is just fine with me. Ed Stetzer flies somewhere everyday and he's fine with traditional travel arrangements. That's the main thing I really take issue with.