Narcissism and playing "pastor"...
According to legend, Narcissus was a Greek hero who ended up falling in love with his image, hence, narcissism could be accurately defined as someone in love with the image of something rather than the real thing. To be narcissistic, then, would be someone having trouble distinguishing between what's real and the image of what's real.
Having said that, I don't think it requires astute observation to conclude that we live in a narcissistic culture...one that feeds on images, even desiring the image over the real. Movies,T.V., books, video games, fantasy, fiction, pornography...all with their larger than life heroes and celebrities, all feeding this insatiable appetite for the image of what we think is (or should be) real. Companies spend billions of dollars on marketing and advertising, creating images, all designed to make you unhappy with what you have. Keeping up with the Joneses is, in fact, keeping up with an image of the proverbial Joneses. So we stress and wear ourselves out, pile up debt, want what we don't have, and lose sleep...over what? Chasing images of what we think will make us happier, richer, smarter, thinner, sexier, more fulfilled.
To quote, Morpheus in the first Matrix movie, this is the world that's been pulled over our eyes. And we've grown comfortable with following after these images and even look up to them, idolize them, spending our money and time on them, perhaps, even deriving a sense of self-worth from their promise of fulfillment. And we also spend of lot of our time trying to project an image of who we are. After all, we want to present an acceptable image and fit in.
And, sad to say, the same is true in the church today.
So...here I am, finding myself being called "pastor" of a Pentecostal-Charismatic church. What image should I be projecting then? I've been called one of these for about a year and a half now. Now, don't get me wrong; I love being a pastor. I love my church congregation. It's wonderful! But everyday, I find myself being pushed into this image box called "pastor." Should a "pastor" look a certain way, wear certain clothing? Should I look like I have all the answers?
And, being a "Pentecostal-Charismatic" pastor, should I project a certain image like preachers we see on T.V.? You know, talk Christianeze lingo, shout amen and hallelujah, strut around the platform, parrot all the Pentecostal affectations, and hype people up into a frenzy? Amen? Maybe, use guilt and manipulation to make you come to my church and tithe? And what if I don't play this game? Then, will people be disappointed in me and wonder if I am even called? I mean, do I even have the "anointing?"(pronounced, "anointingggg-ha!) Maybe, they will look for another "pastor" who projects a better image to follow and love? And probably the most important question for me is, would I even want to be part of a "church" that chases these kinds of images? So...welcome to my world! Some ponderings to consider and let you know a little about me...hopefully, the real me. Well, enough rambling for now...I may continue this when I get more time...
God bless,
Mel
Having said that, I don't think it requires astute observation to conclude that we live in a narcissistic culture...one that feeds on images, even desiring the image over the real. Movies,T.V., books, video games, fantasy, fiction, pornography...all with their larger than life heroes and celebrities, all feeding this insatiable appetite for the image of what we think is (or should be) real. Companies spend billions of dollars on marketing and advertising, creating images, all designed to make you unhappy with what you have. Keeping up with the Joneses is, in fact, keeping up with an image of the proverbial Joneses. So we stress and wear ourselves out, pile up debt, want what we don't have, and lose sleep...over what? Chasing images of what we think will make us happier, richer, smarter, thinner, sexier, more fulfilled.
To quote, Morpheus in the first Matrix movie, this is the world that's been pulled over our eyes. And we've grown comfortable with following after these images and even look up to them, idolize them, spending our money and time on them, perhaps, even deriving a sense of self-worth from their promise of fulfillment. And we also spend of lot of our time trying to project an image of who we are. After all, we want to present an acceptable image and fit in.
And, sad to say, the same is true in the church today.
So...here I am, finding myself being called "pastor" of a Pentecostal-Charismatic church. What image should I be projecting then? I've been called one of these for about a year and a half now. Now, don't get me wrong; I love being a pastor. I love my church congregation. It's wonderful! But everyday, I find myself being pushed into this image box called "pastor." Should a "pastor" look a certain way, wear certain clothing? Should I look like I have all the answers?
And, being a "Pentecostal-Charismatic" pastor, should I project a certain image like preachers we see on T.V.? You know, talk Christianeze lingo, shout amen and hallelujah, strut around the platform, parrot all the Pentecostal affectations, and hype people up into a frenzy? Amen? Maybe, use guilt and manipulation to make you come to my church and tithe? And what if I don't play this game? Then, will people be disappointed in me and wonder if I am even called? I mean, do I even have the "anointing?"(pronounced, "anointingggg-ha!) Maybe, they will look for another "pastor" who projects a better image to follow and love? And probably the most important question for me is, would I even want to be part of a "church" that chases these kinds of images? So...welcome to my world! Some ponderings to consider and let you know a little about me...hopefully, the real me. Well, enough rambling for now...I may continue this when I get more time...
God bless,
Mel
Labels: Ministry, Narcissism
posted by Pastor Mel at 5:45 PM
4 Comments:
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Just stumbled on your blog but thought I might stick my 2 cents in...First of all, I pray you don't project yourself in the images of those on tv....think about being transformed in the image of Christ Jesus. You may get persecuted more, but it will be worth it.
Next, I personally think the Scriptures say (in fact I know Jesus said it), that there is only one "pastor" or "shepherd" of the flock. It would be nice to know that there is at least one person out there in the "church" that recognizes this. The flock doesn't need another pastor. So as far as what they call you...why can't they just call you Mel?
Last but not least, you call yourself a "Pentecostal-Charismatic". I understand the word image, but "it's time to get off the milk and start eating the meat" as Paul would say. I urge you to get beyond the doctrines of man and allow the Lord to reign.
Hope that I didn't step over the line...I live in another state and don't attend your (HIS) church where you are, but as a brother in the Lord, just wanted to encourage you to not conform to the traditions of man.
Thanks for your comments. You make my point and, no, I don't follow those T.V. images. I just used the "Pentecostal-Charismatic" label to describe an image of a certain kind of "pastor" I am alledgedly supposed to be. Now, I wholeheartedly agree with P-C doctrines and, especially, the necessity for the gifts of the Spirit in the life of the believer. I just think we go after images and spiritual celebrities too often rather than the real thing. In fact, people want the images and entertainment and even called it anointed. We would rather study it, shout about it, than actually do it.
It's funny you mentioned why can't people just call me Mel. I totally agree! And this is a whole other subject, but that's actually what most do call me at our church because I don't normally use the title myself. But I also don't get bent out of shape if people call me pastor, I don't care about the title either way.
To be biblical, I function more as a teacher than pastor anyway, but sometimes a simple title is easier for people to understand. But it was King James who titled Paul, "Apostle Paul." He only referred to himself as Paul, the apostle. Actually, his preferred title for himself seemed to be "bondslave."
All believers are priest and ministers in the Body of Christ. Our local body has heard me talk about that often. That doesn't mean that there isn't leadership, just that biblical leadership serves the Body, not lords over them. We all have differing gifts and responsibilities. My goal is that we would be a living embodiment of Eph. 4:16...without all the weird affectations added in. Jesus wasn't weird, and we don't need to be either.
Again, thanks for stumbling on...I appreciate your comments. God bless.
Just Mel
Mel...thanks for the reply. Will be praying for you and hoping to read great things from your blog.
Sorry about hitting the publish button twice yesterday! I'll try not to do that again. May the Lord bless you.
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