👉 Just Think About This:
Society’s Approach to Role Models
( Trends): ↓
Modern society celebrates charismatic and pragmatic figures who prioritize felt needs, emotional experience, and mass appeal. Traits like confidence, influence, and personal success (e.g., fame, wealth, and media visibility) are often valued more than integrity, humility, or truthfulness. This cultural mindset sets the tone for what is admired in leaders.
The Church’s Adaptation
(Examples & Theological Stances): ↓
Many church leaders have mirrored this societal approach. Figures like Rick Warren (purpose-driven pragmatism), Mark Driscoll (seeker-sensitive charisma), Joyce Meyer and Paula White (prosperity theology), and Mark Holloway (subjective personal revelations) exemplify this trend. In these cases, church growth, media presence, and personal branding are often emphasized over doctrinal fidelity and humble character.
The Biblical Mandate
(Scriptural Guidance & Traditional Interpretation):
In contrast, Scripture defines leadership through humility, service, and faithful adherence to God’s Word. Elders and overseers must be blameless, self-controlled, respectable, and able to teach—not greedy, arrogant, or seeking personal gain (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). Shepherds are called to guard the flock, proclaim the whole counsel of God, and serve willingly—not for popularity or power (Acts 20:28–31; 1 Peter 5:1–4).
