Cult Status Leadership
January 26, 2009
What happens when a leader gains cult status? The short answer is that everything becomes tied in some way to society’s view of the leader.
Recently, Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple, stepped down because his health issues were becoming a problem. The interesting thing is that the problem was that his health was becoming a public affairs issue. People were afraid that he was becoming ill and that Apple would falter without him. As a result, stock fell.
While the truth is that Apple will continue to move forward without Steve Jobs. It is interesting to note how attached a CEO and a company can become. Sometimes it reaches a point when they become synonomous.
When I see things like this I often look for insights that I can apply to church leadership. This case is no different.
Steve Job’s departure made me think about those churches that have become synonomous with their leaders. Is there a danger with the way some leaders have become tethered or even overshadowed their churches?
There is no doubt that America is looking for it’s “stars”. We have even made tv shows about looking for the next idol. I am afraid well intentioned pastors may be falling in the trap of fame. With multi-site campuses, self named websites, and a tv spots, some church leaders have made it big.
Don’t think I am against these tools. They can be very useful and help advance the gospel. However, in a society like ours they can also detract from the message of Jesus. I could say much more but I don’t want to sound like a critic of large churches. I am not.
Posted in Simple Church, leadership 
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