Discussing
Community vs. Cult of Personality (or 3 days at TIFF)

A common theme among a handful of films at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival was the cult of personality.

I can't help but see this in terms of the modern Evangelical Church. Entire churches will grow, rapidly, and have a major case of the "cult of personalities." Folks at those church will only go when NAMED preacher is speaking that day, or will abstain from attending if he is out of town. Churches will alter their existence and mission to accommodate more people's ability to hear the main speaker. And then, when said person moves on to a different church or a national speaking circuit, those churches will shrink. All those big numbers chased the entertainment.

In Reply to Andrew Johnson (comment #27498)
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The "pastoral cult of personality," as it were. I wonder, what are ways someone in that position can create true community? I imagine it has to be one of the real challenges of the "job."

In Reply to Josh Larsen (comment #27499)
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Firstly, I blame your article because I have had Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings playing all day. All of her recordings are pure gold. That Daptone label certainly is winning.

Secondly, the church exists to be the peace and wholeness of Christ (shalom) to a broken world. We come alongside others and help them see the necessity of Jesus in all of life and what a vibrant change he brings. When we lose our aim, when we cease to exist alongside folks with grace and hope in Jesus, then the cult of personality will arrive.

Yes, some preachers are better than others. But if we have made our churches about consuming good messages and being entertained, then we shouldn't be surprised that our churches are filled with people whose faith is only an inch deep. The onus isn't entirely on the church (the body of Christ), but on the leaders who have catered to the loud clamor for such and such type of music or messages. Where has humility and submissiveness to the Spirit gone? Yes, it is a massive challenge of leaders in the church to make sure God gets the glory and to continue to lift him up and not run with popularity when it comes knocking.