Given the church’s propensity to mimic the culture, it’s no surprise that the previous generation has seen increasing numbers of so-called celebrity pastors. Some churches want their own franchise player—someone who is strong, dynamic, and inspiring. They want someone exceptional, a charismatic visionary who can lead the way. Consequently, such celebrity pastors are often given special privileges and entitlements, regarded as specially gifted above all others, and given a voice and authority that exceed all those around them (even if churches claim these individuals are just one voice among
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