Ross du Preez probes a troubling trend in the Church in recent years — the fall of celebrity leaders
How on earth is God beautifying His Bride amidst the current-day exposé of sin at the highest levels of the church?
Charisma, eloquence, and an air of superiority from the pulpit can be really attractive. There are few things as enticing as a powerful figure energising followers with lofty promises, heavy-handed ultimatums, and flattering recognition of calling and giftedness.
The tragedy of this flavour of leadership in the Church is that, when the “man of God” validates you, you know you’re going places! It’s like a drug, and as a follower becomes dependent on it, a world of power opens up for that leader that might allow him or her to commit atrocities against God’s loved people with impunity.
Recently, though, we’ve seen much of that charm and showmanship for what it is: a cunning mask for self-pleasure, and it is being exposed.
The “man of God” syndrome is collapsing under its own weight, and it’s no stretch to boldly say that we are at the dawn of a much-needed Church reformation.
Household names to household shames
In the past five years, we’ve witnessed painful revelations of celebrity leaders in the Church being involved in dysfunction, deceit, and domination. Having been household names in Christian society, they became a source of great shame as trust broke and disappointment set in.
Believers reeled with shock, and the world rolled its eyes at yet another confirmation that religion can be and often is a source of abuse and terror.
Take a renowned apologetics celebrity, for instance, brought low by his enduring pattern of sexual promiscuity and adultery. Or a megachurch leader known for his Kingdom enterprise and outreach, defrocked overnight after revelations of his abuse of power and sexual sin. Even a famed worldwide prayer movement wasn’t spared — blackened by the concealment of its founder’s predation.
Think about the victims, left to squirm in shame and self-hatred for a seeming eternity until they simply couldn’t be silent any longer. While they suffered, the world celebrated and stood in awe of their abusers.
The reports continue: predation, unfaithfulness, substance abuse, domination, manipulation, and blackmail. Are we to accept that these things are happening in the Church? Is this worthy of the suffering of Jesus Christ? It’s a hard NO from me and many, many others.
What is the root problem?
With deep vexation and holy indignation, we must ask: “How did this happen?” It starts with the confession that when man takes the Kingdom, power, and glory for himself, destruction follows.
We must face the ugly truth that, in the institutional church, this kind of misconduct is happening; it isn’t new, and it will continue as long as the “man of God” is the main attraction.
Are we brave enough to ask: “Are we sometimes responsible for building churches without God?” If we are, isn’t it logical that abuse and sin would follow in a church headed by man? One thing is certain – the love, safety, purity, and power of a Church built by and for God’s glory would be missing. I think we’re at the point where we can say that, in some instances, man-headed church has been accepted without question. Those days are ending.
Jesus said in Matthew 23:11 that the greatest among us would be a servant. Paul echoed this sentiment in 1 Corinthians 4:9, showing that apostles weren’t driven by institutional power but became less so that Christ would be exalted.
Whether pastor, pauper, or prince, none of us should wield illegitimate power for sinful gratification. And if we do, we should expect God’s truth to eventually remove us from influence. It’s that simple.
True servanthood defies unholy power
Service from a place of genuine gratitude and humility can and will counter the lust for unholy power. Not desiring that power keeps us in a place where we cherish our salvation and hold God in awe. If we focus on Jesus, we won’t prey on others or conceal our sins but will seek restoration.
When we’ve lost humble servant-heartedness, we’ve set ourselves up for unholy power and all that will ultimately flow from it.
Before presuming innocence, remember that we’re all capable of falling. Given the right circumstances, any of us could stumble. We all need mercy and restoration. Because of this, we need to explore the “why” behind religious abuse as being more crucial than the “who”.
When influential people in the Church become enamoured with power, they reject humility and accountability. They become untouchables who maintain appearances while serving their lusts in the dark, far from any question. They create a place where their followers are too scared to question them, and so they continue in their abuse unabated. Paul lamented, and I heartily agree, when he said: “My brothers, this should not be.”
We must live to give God the Kingdom, power, and glory that are rightfully His, or expect the unwanted consequences.
Deny disillusionment and rejoice in God’s light and truth
I’ve felt disheartened and angry about these reports. But, being at somewhat of a crossroads, I realised that all this is not outside of God’s faithful working. He exposes darkness to set things right, heal hurts, and restore us to His kindness and glory. It is being exposed because He is good, all-powerful and merciful beyond measure.
God’s light has revealed the truth, allowing victims’ stories to come out. He will complete what He has started. God is at work to make His Church beautiful, removing hidden shame and adorning her for Himself.
Grieve with hope and assurance of His salvation, and hold fast to His promises. He will not delay!
About Ross du Preez
Ross is a writer who is increasingly preoccupied with the wonder of being called a son of God. He is also a husband and father who serves a passion for making peace, bringing reconciliation, and helping to turn people to the God of Heaven and Earth.
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A necessary article about an unfortunate reality. Im reminded of the late Timothy Keller who said, “The Church needs the Gospel as much as the rest of the world”. Well done on being transparent about this issue, Ross du Preez. We need more of this in the Church.
Thank you Craig. I appreciate your support and feedback.