Unfortunately, many (not all) expect pastors to be psychologists, CEOs and super stars. Many (again, not all) also adulates how their church has become a pre-show of ASAP every Sunday and considers celebrity members a bragging right and a sign of church success. The "Star Center" complex in some Filipino churches has to stop. It is toxic and destructive. It leads to self-absorption and swallow theology - it has no place in the church. If many think that the pastor is the "main attraction" and the best place to see Filipino celebrities is in church, the church has serious image problems that require a hard dose of self-reflection and sound-Biblical wake up call. The True North is the only star that needs to be in the spotlight at local churches.
Great article...and indeed we should watch our hearts and examine the motives of why we attend church. If it's anything other than to come and worship our Lord Jesus Christ as a family of believers, then trouble brews.
ReplyDeleteBut it's not uncommon that we are excited to go for other reasons. Heck I remember a season in my youth where I'd love to go to church because I was really, really, REALLY interested in a girl there. Talk about idolatry.
But, who among us did not succumb to going to a church because we like the communication skills of the Pastor? I'm a huge fan of guys like Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, and Francis Chan...and I sometimes catch myself telling friends about them more than about the God they serve. Guilty as charged
There's only One who deserves glory every Sunday.
Amen! Many (including me) are guilty of it. Thank you.
DeleteI agree. Though it will be hard to shake this off our system. It's part of our human nature and culture to look up and compare ourselves to others. I'm annoyed at some Christian celebrities at our church who thinks they deserve some special entitlement. They're like that to even outside church. I know a pastor who is so proud that some artists go to his church. I feel like they are being used endorsers or spokespersons for the church. That's very disturbing. Thank Filipino Christian blogger!
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is hard to change. Only when our focus is on God, its possible. Thank you for the response.
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