It's ego tripping?

@averygirl72 (37544)
Philippines
March 3, 2013 5:54pm CST
I am so malicious to think about this thing. Isn't it just pure ego tripping when we listen to preachers on Sunday? Let say we ought to do it for the Lord but if you put yourself in the shoes of preachers, it's a great ego trip. Imagine, you will stand on the pulpit everyone is listening to you, all eyes on you and no one will dare to speak while you are speaking. Wow, and come to think of it I can practically get inspiration in other channels like books and why do I have to listen to same person every Sunday. No wonder some preachers feel so important that they can make you feel intimidated. Have you observed the music performers in church, they seem to be the same face every meeting and usually they don't rotate that ministry to the rest of the members of the church. Is it like those who are on stage are just having a grand time? So practically, it's nothing but a show.
2 people like this
13 responses
@Kathy1981 (157)
• United States
4 Mar 13
Most preachers are really into what they are doing and they beleive in God to the fulls. Of course you will have those wjo do not beleive in what they are doing. Those are the ones that the churches need to get rid of. there are good and bad preachers in every church. just like there are good and bad people. Just go to different churches and find a good one and stick with it.
@averygirl72 (37544)
• Philippines
5 Mar 13
All preachers are definitely sincere and passionate of God but eventually as they enjoy the opportunity, you know, it slowly becomes an addicting candy they can't resist. Cult leaders started as genuine leaders eventually gets so overwhelmed by fame and prestige.
@averygirl72 (37544)
• Philippines
5 Mar 13
See Gimme That Showtime Religion www.gty.org/resources/print/articles/A163
@MoonGypsy (4606)
• United States
4 Mar 13
you are right! the whole thing is nothing but a show. i must admit watching it on tv is very entertaining.
@averygirl72 (37544)
• Philippines
4 Mar 13
Well, I can ask for a spiritual advise with a counselor and I listen to radio broadcast. Why the need to see same face every Sunday, blah blah, blah? It's just us who can sing and dance in front of you attitude
• United States
4 Mar 13
I have always thought those preachers on TV are doing it for the money and nothing more. They give you great prices for donations.
@KrauseHome (36449)
• United States
5 Mar 13
Personally, I would think it really depends on the person, where they are attending and who the pastor or preacher is. If this is someone who is mostly on TV then a lot of times they are not in it for Souls, they are in it for money or fame. But most good down home preachers, especially from small congregations are in it for souls. To help give them a better path and choice to live, and an understanding who Jesus is and why he is needed in ones life if you choose to go there.
@averygirl72 (37544)
• Philippines
5 Mar 13
Yes, they do love to share God to people and to win souls. They are honestly good and I feel their kindness. Maybe my problem are those that turned unreachable and unapproachable and a little arrogant.
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
5 Mar 13
"I look for a church and I found it in the world, I looked for the world and I found it in the church." This is a meaningful quotation that describes how a church could not longer be different from the world. An example of this kind of Church was seen by Apostle Paul in the Church of Corinth and for that he admonished them and taught them how to behave and be the Church according to God's design. If pride, envy, strife, selfishness, division, backbiting and all sorts of carnality reign in the church then the church does not deserve to be called the body of Christ. The church and I mean true church is the body of Christ. There are many members but one body with Christ as the head. Shame on any Church that does not reflect the very nature of Christ. Why is the church called the body of Christ? One reason is because the church is supposed to manifest all the characters of Christ through its members who have been given particular spiritual gifts through which Christ could minister to the Church. All members do have spiritual gift and they must use it for the benefit of Church, to serve one another and so fulfill the commandment of God to love one another. Does pride, envy, strife, selfishness,division and all forms of carnality represent any of God's character? NO! So woe unto the preacher, the elders, the Sunday School teachers, the singers and all other who serve in the church if they glorify themselves and not God. The spiritual gifts and the talents and even in giving or helping...must have just one single purpose and that is to glorify God alone because without God, we can do nothing. So whenever one serves in the Church, the spirit of humility and submissiveness to the Holy Spirit that gave him the strength and ability to perform must be observed. But guard also your heart my dear. For if your judgment is not right, then the problem is certainly on you. Romans 12:8-9 - "Or he that exhorteth, on exortation; he that giveth, do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, do it with diligence, he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation, abhor that which is evil and cling do that which is good.
@averygirl72 (37544)
• Philippines
5 Mar 13
Excellent! I reviewed all the church I have been and this factor is really present. People feel they are somebody just because of their humungous role during the ministry or service. At first, it's good to look at knowing everything inside the church is for God, everything people do is for God but on the second look, you will soon find out it's tricky. I just want to be close with God, I don't want to be in a church to be a fan of anybody.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
5 Mar 13
On the one hand I can say that I complete understand what you are saying here because I do think that you get an ego trip whenever you are speaking or performing in front of other people. However, I really don't think that the reason that a person decides to become a preacher is because of the fact that they do get a weekly ego trip, I really think that the reason that a person becomes a preacher is because of a genuine love of the lord and also a love of people and their well-being.
@averygirl72 (37544)
• Philippines
5 Mar 13
Absolutely, yes. It's me who has the problem really. But for me, if I have already heard lots of good teachings from you that is enough, I don't have to do it over and over again and I would listen to other preachers and won't think that a single leader got all the answers in the world and all the inspiration in the world I can get.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
4 Mar 13
I don't think it that way. There are preachers who help people to better understand what is truly meant in the bible. Obviously, because of a lot of religion, they have different versions or interpretations. But some people just do not understand what the bible says if they just read it by themselves. And these preachers have took time to study about it and share them consequently to the people. Music performers are the same coz maybe there are the only ones who show that much interest to sing. I am sure that if there were others who would want to participate, they would gladly let them join.
@averygirl72 (37544)
• Philippines
4 Mar 13
Yes, for the majority it's true. Tendency for ego tripping? It's possible why not? no need to explain. We all love the spotlight, chance to hold the microphone and occupy the stage with the cheering crowd. See church cults--http://www.hicktownpress.com/church-cults-part-ii/
@averygirl72 (37544)
• Philippines
4 Mar 13
hicktownpress.com/church-cults-part-ii/
@avonrep1 (1862)
• United States
4 Mar 13
I don't know about an ego trip, but I do not need anyone to preach to me as I can read and interpret what I read. I been to a few different churches through out the year, and they all want to interpret the bible their way. They believe in their hearts they are doing what they have been called to do in most cases. Though there are those who seem to do it more for fame. You have hit something on the head, the successful churches do put on one heck of a show. I don't believe in organized religion. I am a very spiritual person though and before anyone attacks me, I know I am right with my maker. But I also believe that in order to find the path that feels right to you, you need to study and understand all religions. To find the path that works right for you. So my children have had that type of religious up bringing. I have one child who is spiritual, one who is a Christian, and one who hasn't figure out yet what is right to him. My little Christian child recently wanted to get baptized and I went to the church service with her to witness her faith. And it was a big huge show. The music was more like rock music, not traditional music, their teen church program offers video games before their 30 minute service that is 15 minutes of singing, 10 minutes of preaching and another 5 minutes of singing of the 2 hour service. They have a snack bar, and a coffee bar, and a book store right in the building. So I do understand where you are coming from. For my child, she truly is there for her love for God, but many kids don't attend for god, they attend for the games, and snacks and fun. And are bored and disrespectful during the message. So I guess to sum up my answers, yes depending on the church it is nothing but a show, with very little message, and really the best message any church can teach is the lesson of diversity and acceptance of others who don't believe just the way you believe. To instead of focusing on the differences that we look at the things we all have in common.
• United States
4 Mar 13
It depends on if you want to hear the message or not. I know that going to church might seem like a chore but if you are listening for the good news of Christ then you'll hear it. If you are focusing on the messenger then you've lost it. I've been where you are, nothing coming out the preachers mouth interest me but then I took a look at the bible and how it was being presented. The pastor is just a messenger, talk with God, he will give you the message, it will allow you to talk with him. God bless.
@SIMPLYD (90727)
• Philippines
4 Mar 13
In my opinion, i don't think it's that way, averygirl. Since pastors are being looked up into leading the religious group, he has the obligation to explain the scriptures as part of the Sunday worship. He is the counterpart of the priest , for the catholic religion, who gives the sermon on Sundays and during the mass, thus he does that. As to the music ministry, i think everyone is invited to join. It's just that, the same group is performing because that is their assignment and they are always having their practice so during the mass, it will be a well synchronized singing. Besides, it was them who initially volunteered to be in the music ministry.
• United States
3 Mar 13
Maybe for you.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
4 Mar 13
Sorry you feel that way, many like me looked forward to my sunday church service here.
• Indonesia
4 Mar 13
If for you they are so ego-driven and self-absorbed and that's the feeling that you got from the church, then I think it's time for you to move from that church. It's not a healthy feeling for you to have when you are worshiping God to the house of God. The good church will make you comfortable to worship God there. Also it's the true case with the servants of God as well in the house of God.
@blackrusty (3519)
• Mexico
4 Mar 13
I am a Pastor and it is not ego all we want to do is give you the word and hope that you understand it and at my church I never had a pulpit I would walk up and down the center isle saying the word now don't get me wrong some love to stand on a stage some like the fancy robes me I am plain jane jeans and a t all i have to do is speak the word then i have done my job and i have been a pastor for over 20 years now god bless be safe