From Shane Idleman, CP Guest Author | Wednesday 06 September 2023
Unsplash/Greg Weaver
Without question, being a Christian leader, especially a pastor, is one of the most difficult jobs. Close friends are leaving you, others are betraying you, social media is judging you, the world hates you, and demonic forces are rallying against you and your marriage. Because of this, thousands leave the ministry every year.
Also, we are often overwhelmed financially, relationally, emotionally, and physically while living in a fishbowl for the world to see. The women pastors also feel this and are often the secret heroes in this struggle.
Popularity will not solve the problem
To deal with the stress of ministry, we sometimes believe that popularity (celebrity) will solve our problems: Life would be so much easier if I could just be a mega pastor and have 100,000 followers and a popular podcast. Trust me, this is NOT the case. Busyness can be a cruel slave owner.
If I could start a small church without a national calling again, maybe I would take that opportunity. The slower pace of life was refreshing. Staying true to God’s call (not mine) is the only thing that keeps me going.
Let God make it grow
Whether it’s itinerant speakers demanding Hollywood status, worship teams demanding rock star treatment, or pastors chasing “likes” and “retweets,” celebrity has infiltrated churches on an unprecedented scale.
This must break the heart of God, for “no flesh should boast in his presence” (1 Corinthians 1:29).
There is nothing wrong with God building a ministry as long as we remember who built it. It’s not about your position, it’s about your attitude… the attitude of your heart.
American Idol prevents resuscitation
We are not celebrities: we are sent to help the broken, injured and lost. We are not building up our ministry (leave that to God), we are called to build up others. The “American Idol” mentality will never usher in another spiritual awakening; it will repel it.
Granted, my motives are not always pure unless I stay close to the fountain of living water and drink copiously—brokenness and humility must be the fuel that fills us.
The enemy’s whispers
God took this small-town boy with dyslexia, who was often called “dumb,” and called him into the ministry. God opened tremendous doors to spread my preaching across America, write books, and speak nationwide. That’s why I have to be on my guard when the devil whispers in my ear, “Look at everything you’ve built.”
Of course, there is nothing wrong with divine ambition—we must be disciplined and respond to God’s call—but all glory and honor must be bestowed upon Him.
Greenrooms must become prayer rooms
I’ve been behind the scenes in greenrooms and while that’s not true for everyone, it’s sad to see the mental state of many. We are keepers, weepers and teachers, not rock stars who need green rooms full of joy and chilled water at 40 degrees. We’re not special, but God is.
Instead of showing up to an event and slipping under the radar, doing our thing and slipping back unnoticed, we need to be among the people whenever possible. It’s exhausting, but that’s what we’re called upon to do – to turn green spaces into prayer spaces.
His presence must be our goal
We must repent of our celebrity status if we are to see God working in these trying times. His presence must be our goal.
Too many focus on posing, swearing, and dealing with superstars. Facebook timelines are full of selfies while prayer cupboards remain empty – instead of rubbing our elbows, we have to bend our knees.
Many measure success by the popularity of their social media feeds rather than the fullness of the Holy Spirit and faithfulness to the call. They are active on many platforms, but heaven hardly knows their name. And like Samson, “they don’t know the Spirit is gone.”
No wonder so many are struggling with depression and leaving the Ministry. You must serve in God’s strength and not in your own. His sovereignty will be your sanity.
Don’t lean…get up!
In their quest for notoriety, many fail to realize that they are straying from God. Ultimately, when we compromise our character, we also compromise the gospel.
Samuel Rodriquez once related a story in which a pastor asked him, “We are leaning to the left. Which way are you leaning?”
Pastor Rodriquez replied, “We do not refuse – we stand!” Amen! I wish that all pastors would carry the fire of the Holy Spirit and stand up for the truth. We must seek God’s presence, not our supremacy, and spiritual power, not popularity.
Blinded by pride, we can easily become unteachable and no longer hear the voice of God. If we are to kill the cancer of celebrity, “the pride in you must die, else nothing of heaven can live in you” (Andrew Murray).
A man on his knees
The heartbeat of prayer must govern every aspect of our lives. “Whatever man kneels before God, that is what he is, and nothing more” (Robert Murray M’Cheyne).
We need to put brokenness back above followers and humility above likes. Leonard Ravenhill once lamented, “Everybody wants my coat, but nobody wants the sack and the ashes.”
It’s not too late: we must regret our selfish pursuit of fame and return to our first love. He will fill and energize you with periods of refreshment from the presence of the Lord. This is our only hope!
Shane Idleman is the founder and senior pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Lancaster, California just north of Los Angeles. For Shane’s sermons, articles, books, and radio programs, visit shaneidleman.com or wcfav.org. He is the author of Feasting & Fasting, If My People, Desperate for More of God and Help! I am addicted. Follow him on Facebook at: facebook.com/confusedchurch. You can also follow Pastor Shane on the new free speech platform Parler: https://parler.com/profile/ShaneIdleman/posts.
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