Superstar preachers

[TwinCrier]

What do you think of Superstar preachers? Does it go against the ideal of being humble and sold out to God to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? What about these pastors that have their "insert my name here" Ministries? And is it just me or is Christianity the only religion that has this phenomenon?

 

[Arnold_Philips]

Don't think very highly of them.

 

[Yusuf Evans]

Who's a superstar preacher?

 

[CaerMac]

My opinion of most of them is that they are only after money and fame. Or perhaps they started for the right reason - to glorify God - and their fame and money went to their heads.

 

[cobweb]

Don't think very highly of them.

I don't either. I have a big problem when someone calls themself a "man of God" and yet uses the widow's mite to buy Armani suits and multi-million dollar mansions.

 

[MethodMan]

Who is it that makes them super?

 

[MethodMan]

I don't either. I have a big problem when someone calls themself a "man of God" and yet uses the widow's mite to buy Armani suits and multi-million dollar mansions.

I take little pleasure in people that blame the superstar for his/her status and toss in a little envy dressing for said success salad.

 

[cobweb]

I do not envy these men and I do not consider their material wealth "success".

1 Timothy 6:7-11

 

[MethodMan]

1 Timothy 6:7-11

Ans now a sprinkle of mind reading.. This is dangerous ground to walk.

How intimate is your knowledge of any of these "preachers"?

 

[UZZA]

Matthew 20:25-27 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Is this the protrayal of SuperStar Preachers?

 

[ApocryphaNow]

Who's a superstar preacher?

St. Paul, for starters.

 

[christalee4]

What do you think of Superstar preachers? Does it go against the ideal of being humble and sold out to God to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? What about these pastors that have their "insert my name here" Ministries? And is it just me or is Christianity the only religion that has this phenomenon?

Power is starting to corrupt, isn't it?

Especially those conservative churches that get involved in politics.

They want to mandate legislation under God's name over the other non-parishioners.

The pastors want to be kings.

 

[Yusuf Evans]

St. Paul, for starters.

No, I woldn't say he was. People through the ages have placed him on a plateu that he didn't strive to be on.

I guess someone like Fred Phelps is a Superstar Preach, or maybe Pat Robertson.

 

[sister_maynard]

The problem with some superstar preachers is that they, whether through accident or design, elevate themselves above their message. When preachers are famous entirely for doing their best to interpret the Word of God and help the less fortunate, that's fine. When they start relying on their famous faces and reputation to get the support they want, and when some of them spend money selfishly, they're overstepping their bounds and discrediting the honest preachers.

 

[knightlight72]

I don't understand the problem? Is the problem with corrupt people, or those who are successful at helping other build a relationship with God?

If it's corrupt people, then which "superstar" preachers do you refer to being corrupt?

If they are not corrupt, and bring many people to a better relationship with God, I don't understand any problem here at all.

In the end, God has many tools, some are hammers, some are nails, and some are just plain rulers. Can you build a bookshelf with just one of the three? Or do you use several different tools to do the job?

 

[fanatiquefou]

I take little pleasure in people that blame the superstar for his/her status and toss in a little envy dressing for said success salad.

Oh, come on. How in the world are you reading envy into what she said? I think it's a very valid criticism to note the wealth and lifestyles of those who are meant to be servants to the lost and to Christ's church. We SHOULD be scrutinizing our leaders, to make sure we're following one who is leading through servanthood and demonstrating Christlike actions to their flocks. How can you read sincere concerns over the use of funds meant for ministry as a blame game and jealousy run amok?

 

[non-religious]

[frostymama]and yet uses the widow's mite to buy Armani suits

Hey ain't nothing wrong with owning a couple of nice Armani suits.....

 

[TwinCrier]

I thought of this yesterday when I found out Billy Graham has a star on the UnHolywood walk of fame. Tacky! Those who really contend for the faith usually face persecution and mockery, not accolades. I don't care what kind of suit he wears, but when he's basking in the limelight, my skin starts to crawl.

 

[cobweb]

Hey ain't nothing wrong with owning a couple of nice Armani suits.....

We will have to agree to disagree.

I am by no means wealthy. I live in a modest home in a working-class neighborhood. By American standards I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination.

Still, I am often troubled that I live too ostentasiously. In comparisson to many people on this planet I am very rich.

How many children will go to bed tonight fighting the gnawing pains of hunger, begging God that there will be enough food tomorow so that even their parents can eat their full. I have been that child and it weighs heavily on my heart.

As long as there are people who don't have thier basic needs met on this planet, I will be hanging my head in shame when I see gilded sets on TBN and ministers living like royalty.

 

[NateBlack]

I don't have a problem with wealth or success. Money just makes you more of what you already are. I intend to be incredibly wealthy... and I intend to be a successful minister, i.e. reaching THOUSANDS of people with a transforming message of God's love.

The church I grew up in had 15,000 members, but the pastor was on a set salary of about $90k I think. And that was modest given the huge staff, K-12 school, Bible school, etc., that he was responsible for. And he started the church... so presumably he could be making as much as he wants. I really respect him for the way he approached & taught about money.

I want to take it a step further, actually. I am intending on not taking any money from any church where I am a minister. I want my family's wealth to come from my business and personal endeavors.

Am I going to live like someone on the "lifestyles of the rich & famous?" Absolutely not. My family will be comfortable and money will never be an issue and we will have integrity & modesty in our financial way of life.

The way I look at it... being wealthy will give me the ability to control my time 100%. It will allow me to do and to give whatever I feel God calling me to. It will also ensure that I am following God in my ministry and won't get sidetracked by needing/wanting to make more money.

So, yeah there is a problem with people becoming rich at the expense of the Church. But I also think there are many, many people living lives of integrity and humility. Pastors of big churches who are down to earth and live on what they need. Wealthy people who constantly give their time, energy & money to advancing the cause of Christ.