These days, hero worship is rather common. Actors, musicians and athletes are put on a pedestal by their loyal followers. When such a person comes to a town, the avid fans line the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of their hero, maybe even get an autograph or pose for a picture with this celebrity. As Christians, we are no longer shocked at such idolatry. We live in a sinful, perverse world. We expect pagans to live like pagans. We know that mankind is built to worship, but sin has diverted this worship to worldly items, including people.
In my lifetime, TV and internet ministers have become celebrities. Their following may not be on the same scale as an actor or athlete, but the avid worship is just as intense. To their fans, these celebrity preachers can do or say no wrong. When these celebrity ministers speak to a crowd, they evoke the same kind of rowdy response that any other celebrity would. They sign books, sell T-shirts, advertise videos and offer autographs. False teaching or questionable decisions are rarely questioned by their followers. Why have we gotten so far off course? Why has such idolatry infiltrated the lives of professing believers?
I admit that there are a few well-known ministers that I like to listen to occasionally … and many that I don't! However, it is one thing to appreciate a minister's sermon or his oratory skills, it is another thing to put him on a pedestal. My faith is in Jesus, not a TV evangelist. When it comes to TV and internet ministers, let me point out some obvious truths.
First of all, a celebrity preacher is not your pastor. He is not available to visit you when you are sick. You can't count on him to perform your daughter's wedding or conduct the funeral of a family member. You need to be an active member of a local church. You need a pastor who will minister to you and your family. You need his guidance, wisdom and prayer.
Secondly, a celebrity preacher is just a man. He has feet of clay. He is not to be worshiped. He may be able to craft and deliver a powerful sermon, but he is vulnerable to temptation. He has a family to raise, bills to pay and other personal responsibilities. He may seem perfect on TV or the internet, but let me assure you, he is not perfect. He is mere human, in need of God like you and me.
Next, a celebrity preacher should always be examined through the lens of Scripture. There is so much false doctrine being spread on TV and the internet these days. Without a practical knowledge of the Bible, many well-meaning believers fall prey to every whim of doctrine. A man may wear a suit and tie, hold a Bible in his hand and quote Scripture, but that does not mean he is rightly interpreting and applying that Scripture. Also, beware of the financial extravagance and character flaws of the preacher. By the way, when it comes to giving, make sure you give to your local church first. After that, give to the ministries that are faithful to the Word and operate with integrity.
Finally, celebrity preachers need our prayers. When a preacher is given a wider scope of ministry, the temptations multiply. When the Lord gives a man a bigger platform to minister from, more responsibility is bestowed upon the man, and thus greater scrutiny at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The greatest thing you can do for any minister is to pray for him.
We are often impressed with celebrity preachers. They have huge churches, enthusiastic crowds and impressive programs. What does God think about celebrity preachers? I believe He would condemn the heresy, hypocrisy, greed and pride among some of these ministers. He may be pleased with a few of them. Yet I can't help but think that God is probably more pleased with obscure preachers. Perhaps those who have a small platform or broadcast over the local TV or radio station. Some are even bi-vocational pastors, serving God with integrity. They are faithfully preaching the Word, helping people and leading small congregations. They love Jesus, spread the Gospel and have compassion for the needs of others.
Whether you are a minister or not, it is better to be famous in heaven than a celebrity on earth. It is more important to be pleasing to God than to be popular among men. We should never desire to be celebrities. Instead, let us consider ourselves to be nothing more than humble servants of the living God. That is far better than we deserve. Instead of seeking celebrity status, let us labor daily to shine the spotlight only on our Lord.
He deserves it.
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