clergy

clergy

The cult of Christian celebrity

I must admit, as a pastor it is very easy to raise up followers of your ministry. That might not sound bad, but it is. Your purpose as a pastoral leader to raise up disciples of Christ. There are a lot of pastors out there that just make mini-disciples of themselves. Pastors who make people pledge their authority to a leader fail to see how hurtful it is, such is the case if you join Mark Driscoll’s Mars Hill Church.

As we have seen the rise of mega-churches, we have also seen the rise of mega-egos. Churches who center a cult of celebrity around their pastors often feature the pastor’s image alongside the church. If a church presents itself as, “Pastor Joe Smith and Christ Community Church” (not intended to be a real church) then, Houston, we have a problem.

Case in point, Bishop Eddie Long, who recently was tainted by a sex scandal, was recently crowned “King” with a kingdom as a Torah scroll was wrapped around Long. Worshipers bowed before him.

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Why I Wear A Clergy Collar

As many in my church know, I often wear a clergy collar for hospital visits. When I visit parishioners or when I’m asked to give an opening prayer at a fireman’s dinner, the collar goes on. As I discussed in my book, The Work of the Associate Pastor, pastoral identity is very important.

For those who are versed in denominationalism or Protestant traditions, you know that vast majority of Baptist ministers do not wear clergy collars. Those funny looking white tabs or rounded white collars that ministers wear are most identified with Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions.

If collars are not required for Baptist ministers or not a part of the Baptist tradition, what is a Baptist doing wearing one?

As a young seminarian, I did a stretch in a clinical chaplain program in a hospital in the suburbs of Philadelphia. As a student chaplain, I was charged with doing rounds to patient rooms. As I visited, we evaluated the patient’s needs, offered prayer, and gave emotional support.

clergy

Jon Stewart, You Need Me

Jon Stewart and his Daily Show crew are on to something. Just as Glenn Beck had his “Restoring Honor” rally in Washington D.C., Steward is holding a “Rally To Restore Sanity.” http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/ on October 30, 2010. Just days before the mid-term elections. Stephen Colbert is holding a counter rally, “March to Keep The Fear Alive” http://www.keepfearalive.com/ on the same day. This is all very funny and will no doubt draw cheer and jeers from conservatives and liberals.

Clearly a farce on Glenn Beck, Stewart and Colbert are masterminds at political and social comedy, however they are missing one essential element in this rally. The clergy. Glenn Beck had his “Black Robe Regiment” with his rally and Jon Stewart needs clergy. Actually, he needs me. I propose that Steward build a Black Robe Brigade. I wrote about Beck’s Christian aspirations and open theism in my Times Union blog post and Stewart needs some clergy support.

So, what can I do for you Jon Stewart?

The cult of Christian celebrity

Why I Wear A Clergy Collar

Jon Stewart, You Need Me

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