Narcissism Among Pastors
The revelations about Jacob Prasch and Joshua Chavez are a reminder of other wolves in the pulpit such as Ravi Zacharias, Benny Hinn, Todd Bentley, Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland and a host of others. And, as you dig deeper into this problem, you realize that this isn’t just about flawed preachers, but a system that attracts narcissists to positions of leadership.
Like the military version, our Seminary Industrial Complex has created a system of corruption in our churches that is now impossible to fix. We’ve created a monster, and it is now destroying us.
Ask yourself something:
Why do kids go to seminary?
What happens to them when they get there?
Why do we need seminaries in the first place?
Now, I understand why we want our kids to be given thorough training in the fundamentals of our faith. I understand why learning Greek and Hebrew is so valuable. I get it that you don’t want your sons and daughters to attend a university that will destroy their faith.
I understand all that, but look at the results that our seminaries have produced. Most pastors that I’ve met are raging narcissists. I can literally count the exceptions on both hands without need my toes. And, for some reason, we want it this way.
Why?
Instead of humble, caring shepherds who devote their lives to the care of precious sheep, we have impressive speakers who put on a good show for us every Sunday – or he’s fired. And, I don’t see the Bible saying anywhere that a great speaker is important. Yet, that is the system that we’ve created. Somehow, it’s what we want.
Unfortunately, most dynamic preachers seem to be full of heresy, sexual abuse, financial mismanagement, arrogance and spiritual repression. And, it comes in all shapes and sizes. Rock stars like Joel Osteen will tell you everything that you want to hear and leave you dead inside. The story tellers like Ravi Zacharias will peddle fascinating tales and rape the women in your church. Kenneth Copeland will infect you with a prosperity gospel and use your tithes to buy his mansions, luxury cars and personal jets.
The violence and depravity in the pulpit is truly astonishing. And, I struggle to understand why we let them get away with it. I’m even surprised at how long it takes even me to jump up and do something about pastors who devour churches I belong to. But, let’s take a step back and take a closer look at what I’m talking about.
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