Wisdom from Escondido URC pastor Chris Gordon:
The peril of self-promotion in the Christian ministry is nothing new. Jesus himself had to deal with this problem on numerous occasions in his own disciples. The Son of God became a servant to seek and to save that which was lost, and before him were his own followers often arguing about greatness, fighting over the best seats, and pushing their earthly agendas upon him for their own glory in the here and now. Jesus took every opportunity to correct this problem, summarily when he said, “whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave–just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Matt 20:27-28).”
Over the years I have witnessed this problem in the pastoral ministry both in myself and in others. As I see a new generation of young pastors aspiring to the pulpit ministry, I would like to offer some reflection upon mistakes that are common both to young men training for pulpit ministry and for young pastors. No one ever warned me of these things, so I hope such a reflection will help us all to remember that our calling is to be servants. Read more»
What I see in regards to this is the shameful self promotion of pastors on social media, Facebook, twitter,etc. I’ve noticed it happens in the reformed camp but not near the degree as the YRR camps and all the hip guys who are like celebrities and followed and lifted up at conferences and big posters with them on it, RSVP sections and all for these superstars. It’s bizarre. I expect it in Hollywood or at Red Rocks but not by so called Servants of the gospel