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When the church is at its healthiest, many people contribute to the life of the body with gifts they’ve been given. One of those gifts is “pastoring”, or care-taking. Mixed with all the other gifts in the body, the whole community is healthy, alive, free, and an expression of God’s love in the world that is obvious and undeniable.

But this is very rare among church gatherings.

Much more often, the group is dominated and defined by the personality of one person: the Pastor-god.

The Pastor-god is not merely a contributor within the body; he is the voice, the face, and the authority in the church. He is the boss, the CEO, the example, the teacher, the father-figure.

In the Cult of the Pastor-god, they are called “God’s anointed”. They are the one who communicates God’s word to the followers. They are the mouth, while the church is the ears. Their part is to provide care and discipline to the people; the people’s part is to listen, honor, and follow.

And in many churches, this model works flawlessly. People really want someone to lead and protect them—without it they feel vulnerable and lost. And of course there are no shortage of people willing to assume this role of the Pastor-god.

The Pastor-god claims to not want adulation and adoration from the people, but inwardly they crave it. The people claim they don’t believe their pastor is a god, but they treat him like he is. When the pastor makes them proud, they heap accolades. When the pastor does not live up to his god-like standard, they look for ways to take him down.

When the Pastor-god is there, the people feel safe. When the Pastor-god goes away, the people are devastated.

Of course this is nothing new—people are afraid to be leaderless, as was the nation of Israel when they demanded a leader:
But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” (I Samuel 8:19-20)

God reluctantly gave them their leader, an outstanding young man named Saul. Their craving for a leader was satisfied, but it was wrong; what resulted was anxiety, strife, war, madness, and death.

One of the reasons churches suck today is because they are much less like the body of Christ and much more like the Cult of the Pastor-god—or "the cult of personality." More and more within the church are recognizing this disturbing reality:
“...evangelicalism is not so much a religion as a series of fast-moving personality cults.” ― Frank Schaeffer

Thinking about this, I could not get the image of an old Star Trek episode out of my mind. It’s called Who Mourns for Adonais and it’s about the Enterprise crew coming face to face with Apollo, one of the gods from earth’s ancient culture.

Remember this one?

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As the episode goes, back when the gods (turns out they were actually aliens) came to earth, the primitive people saw their power and naturally fell down to worship them. Under their authority, people felt cared for--and the gods were happy to have the attention. It was a comfortable, but immature and ultimately dysfunctional relationship. The gods’ part was to provide care and discipline to the people; the people’s part was to listen, honor, and follow…

…just like in the Cult of the Pastor-god.

In those days, to defy the gods was a fearful thing—as Captain Kirk discovered when he dared to defy Apollo’s authority:
Kirk: “Apollo, we’re willing to talk, but you’ll find we don’t bow to every creature who happens to have a bag of tricks.”

Apollo: “Agamemnon was one such as you, and Hercules--pride and arrogance. They defied me, until they felt my wrath.”

Have you ever been called “proud” or “arrogant” by a pastor-god when you questioned their authority? If you have, you have come face-to-face with the Cult of the Pastor-god.

Apollo expected these people to fall down and honor him just like people did in the ancient days. But Kirk, recognizing the dysfunction of such an authoritarian relationship, continued to defy—and the conflict escalates:
Apollo: “I could sweep you out of existence with a wave of my hand, and bring you back again. I can give life or death. What else does mankind demand of its gods?”

Kirk: “Mankind has no need for gods. We find the one quite adequate.”
Apollo: “We shall not debate, mortal. I offer you eternal rest and happiness according to the ancient ways. I ask little in return. But what I ask for I insist upon.”

The one thing he cannot handle outright defiance; he can only insist on its authority, and promise judgment upon the one who dares defy them. If you do decide you need to escape the cult, understand one thing:

There is no gentle way to get out of the cult of the Pastor-god.

If you are struggling to get free from a pastor-god cult, please re-read that last sentence a couple more times. This will be a battle of wills.

Eventually, Kirk and his crew had use force to disable Apollo’s source of power. Apollo was reduced to his true, powerless nature.

In the end, Apollo lost everything and is reduced to tears:
Apollo: “I would have cherished you, cared for you. I would have loved you like a father loves his children. Did I ask so much?”

Kirk: “We’ve outgrown you. You asked for something we can no longer give.”

And there’s the thing. Even people who have been raised life-long in a pastor-god cult are realizing they can no longer give outright honor and obedience to a religious authority figure. And they shouldn’t. Our leader is Christ, not the one up front with the loud voice and the big platform.

More and more people in the body of Christ are finding true “body life” outside of the Cult of the Pastor-god--but it hasn’t come without a price. The emotional turmoil that comes from separating from an old authority figure can be intense, even devastating.

I’ll repeat: There is no gentle way to get out of the cult of the Pastor-god.

I have my war story of leaving the Cult of the Pastor-god, and I know many of you do too. If you want to share your story in the comments, please feel free.

http://whychurchessuck..co.uk/2011/11/cult-of-pastor-god.html

[size=15pt]Disclaimer : This is not intended for true Pastors, Caring Pastors and Loving Pastors. This is not intended for those Pastors who have sacrificed their all for the church.[/size]

*Edited*

Sorry I did not read this before commenting, this is very accurate about the pastor-god we have in our midst for I am also a witness. And if only this would make the frontpage, many need to realize the bondage they are in.

NB Bt seriously frosbel I would want to know what u stand for, 'cos u hardly post anything aside from criticism. True that some things need be exposed, bt what about giving the right food.

U are telling people this isn't right bt not ready to give that which u think is right?

Pastor Olu T: Bt seriously frosbel I would want to know what u stand for, 'cos u hardly post anything aside from criticism. True that some things need be exposed, bt what about giving the right food.

U are telling people this isn't right bt not ready to give that which u think is right?

Hello Brother, I have posted tons of uplifting articles , and will start again , but the church needs serious cleansing and our brethren need to be set free, especially in Nigeria.

Maybe the madness in the church has got to me in a personal way, especially because of the damage it has caused to me and many others, but also to prevent others from falling under the spell that I personally sat under for many years .

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^^

Alternative : Local assemblies in neighborhoods, homes, schools , market squares etc.



Note : The Pastor is not your Boss, Leader or Head, Only JESUS fulfills all these roles.

If you are in a pastoral office ( caring not lording ) then you are simply a laborer , helping God to take care of his sheep with his guidance.

The moment you usurp the place of Jesus's leadership as the only HEAD, you make yourself a hireling and there are thousands and thousands of hirelings in Nigeria, we must expose them and free our brothers and sisters.


Also : Not everybody who is called Pastor or who opens a business center 'church' is called by GOD , many are in it for the £££££££££$$$$$$$$$$$₦₦₦₦₦₦₦₦₦₦₦₦

Hmmm

Pastor Olu T: *Edited*

Sorry I did not read this before commenting, this is very accurate about the pastor-god we have in our midst for I am also a witness. And if only this would make the frontpage, many need to realize the bondage they are in.

NB Bt seriously frosbel I would want to know what u stand for, 'cos u hardly post anything aside from criticism. True that some things need be exposed, bt what about giving the right food.

U are telling people this isn't right bt not ready to give that which u think is right?

What I stand for : Anything that God stands for , for example : Jesus as Christ and Messiah, Jesus as the King of Kings, Jesus as the Son of God, Jesus as the means of salvation, Grace, holiness, love etc etc

In addition : In my second year at university, I came within a few hours of death because I followed a leadership that said taking medicine was a SIN. Guess what the church name is - Apostolic Faith. I know of a family friend who lost his daughter because of this same issue and many other similar stories.

These are just a few of the problems other than financial exploitation, control, threats and fear, slander - list is endless.


Following ONE MAN's interpretation of what the Bible says is deadly , that is why in the early church , multiple pastors or elders cared for the sheep in the local assembly, in fact every believer had the authority to correct false doctrine and kick out the hirelings, something not happening today.


Bible example :

Acts 20:17-36
American Standard Version (ASV)
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.

1 Peter 5
American Standard Version (ASV)
5 The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

1 Peter 4:10-11
American Standard Version (ASV)
10 according as each ( ALL Believers ) hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

11 if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; is any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

frosbel:


What I stand for : Anything that God stands for , for example : Jesus as Christ and Messiah, Jesus as the King of Kings, Jesus as the Son of God, Jesus as the means of salvation, Grace, holiness, love etc etc

Yeah I know, bt what I am actually expecting from u with all sincerity is articles like the need for salvation n Christian growth. I tell u I have been evangelizing for many years now n many people dont even know if they are saved or not, just observing tradition.

frosbel:
In addition : In my second year at university, I came within a few hours of death because I followed a leadership that said taking medicine was a SIN. Guess what the church name is - Apostolic Faith. I know of a family friend who lost his daughter because of this smae issue and many other similar stories.

These are just a few of the problems other than financial exploitation, control, threats and fear, slander - list is endless.


Following ONE MAN's interpretation of what the Bible says is deadly , that is why in the early church , multiple pastors or elders cared for the sheep in the local assemble, in fact every believer had the authority to correct false doctrine and kick out the hirelings, something not happening today.


Bible example :

Acts 20:17-36
American Standard Version (ASV)
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.

1 Peter 5
American Standard Version (ASV)
5 The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

1 Peter 4:10-11
American Standard Version (ASV)
10 according as each ( ALL Believers ) hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

11 if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; is any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

All these are doctrines of men which is eating deep into the Christendom, and funny enough those that are held bondage would fight u tooth n nail for trying to get them out. Bt I believe the more the truth is been said n Christ is exalted many sincere xtians would see the light n come out.

This men have actually become god that anyone that dares them is playing with his/her life, except u are strong spiritually n physically.

Maybe I will share my story with u someday if God wills!

Pastor Olu T:

All these are doctrines of men which is eating deep into the Christendom, and funny enough those that are held bondage would fight u tooth n nail for trying to get them out. Bt I believe the more the truth is been said n Christ is exalted many sincere xtians would see the light n come out.

Yes, I think we need to talk about God and his wonderful gift of salvation through Jesus a bit more on this forum.

Addition : Especially his office as King, head of the church, Chief shepherd, Saviour , the Word etc.

Thanks.

frosbel:

Yes, I think we need to talk about God and his wonderful gift of salvation through Jesus a bit more on this forum.


Thanks.

Coming back to the op, I wonder how they get people to do their bidding when obviously what they do is against the scriptures. Like how they convince their members to lie, falsify/exaggerate testimonies n many more. It beat my imagination n this people still think all is well n they are saved n safe.

NB Though I know many of them are using contrary powers aside from God, to hold men bondage, bt it still beat me how sincere xtians are deceived

^^

Deception is the reason why many are deceived.

Many of these Pastors are cursed and they do not know it :

"Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of My pasture!" declares the LORD" - Jeremiah 23:1



But , the good news :

God is a mighty deliverer, he will deliver his true children at the end times.


"He ( Jesus ) will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." - Isaiah 40:11

frosbel: ^^

Deception is the reason why many are deceived.

Many of these Pastors are cursed and they do not know it :

"Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of My pasture!" declares the LORD" - Jeremiah 23:1



But , the good news :

God is a mighty deliverer, he will deliver his true children at the end times.


"He ( Jesus ) will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." - Isaiah 40:11

Yeah u are right, whenever I think about all that is going on, its scriptures like this that can give me comfort. That at the end the true ones shall be saved, well little wonder the bible says if it were possible even the elect shall be deceived.

Pastor Olu T:

I wonder how they get people to do their bidding when obviously what they do is against the scriptures.

It's quite simple. They just keep them ignorant, blinded from the light in the scripture or feed them false teachings.
If you can get to track all their teachings and preaching through a season,you'll see that they will not teach what christ would have termed "weightier matters" of his teachings.

Pastor Olu T:

Yeah I know, bt what I am actually expecting from u with all sincerity is articles like the need for salvation n Christian growth. I[b] tell u I have been evangelizing for many years now n many people dont even know if they are saved or not, just observing tradition.[/b]

Dear Pastor Olu, what you said in the bolded portion is very very true. Tradition has replaced Christ in many church groups today

anukulapo:
It's quite simple. They just keep them ignorant, blinded from the light in the scripture or feed them false teachings.
If you can get to track all their teachings and preaching through a season,you'll see that they will not teach what christ would have termed "weightier matters" of his teachings

@the bolded. I did take stock of the messages i heard when i was in one mega faith ministry over the course of 18 months or so. I ensured i bought CD's of messages i couldn't attend, and never once did i hear any talk about heaven, Christ second coming or anything associated with end time study and prophecy.

Not once.

It was what finally convinced me that they had no interest in Christ and the coming kingdom but are only about the material things they could gather here and now, the influence and clout they could wield and how many people they could oppress.

Eternity had no place in their thinking and considerations AT ALL

Candour:

@the bolded. I did take stock of the messages i heard when i was in one mega faith ministry over the course of 18 months or so. I ensured i bought CD's of messages i couldn't attend, and never once did i hear any talk about heaven, Christ second coming or anything associated with end time study and prophecy.

Not once.

It was what finally convinced me that they had no interest in Christ and the coming kingdom but are only about the material things they could gather here and now, the influence and clout they could wield and how many people they could oppress.

Eternity had no place in their thinking and considerations AT ALL

I don‘t really know if i should say i don‘t believethis or simply say am suprised, but find it difficult to believe a christian congregation can go 18 months without preaching Christ or heaven.

Sal C:

I don‘t really know if i should say i don‘t believethis or simply say am suprised, but find it difficult to believe a christian congregation can go 18 months without preaching Christ or heaven.

My bro, I don't know if you want to believe it or not.

I went at least 18 months without hearing about heaven, Christ second coming, Great white throne judgement and other associated topics.

All we were hearing was how Christ has come to erase poverty from our lives ( but you must engage in kingdom investment to benefit), heal all our diseases and other components of the health and wealth gospel. Even during easter, it was about how the cross broke the yoke of poverty but with playing your part of sowing seeds to reap financial benefits

Candour:

@the bolded. I did take stock of the messages i heard when i was in one mega faith ministry over the course of 18 months or so. I ensured i bought CD's of messages i couldn't attend, and never once did i hear any talk about heaven, Christ second coming or anything associated with end time study and prophecy.

Not once.

It was what finally convinced me that they had no interest in Christ and the coming kingdom but are only about the material things they could gather here and now, the influence and clout they could wield and how many people they could oppress.

Eternity had no place in their thinking and considerations AT ALL

I am not surprise, I know that too well.

"And MANY shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. "And through COVETEOUSNESS shall they with FEIGNE WORDS make MERCHANDISE of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not" (2 Peter 2:2-3).

anukulapo:
It's quite simple. They just keep them ignorant, blinded from the light in the scripture or feed them false teachings.
If you can get to track all their teachings and preaching through a season,you'll see that they will not teach what christ would have termed "weightier matters" of his teachings.

Hmmm, I can relate with this.

Candour:

Dear Pastor Olu, what you said in the bolded portion is very very true. Tradition has replaced Christ in many church groups today

Smiles, it reminds me of a lady who gave her life to Christ in later years of her life. She said while she was growing up in the church she never knew the difference between her G.O n Christ, 'cos the man was exalted above Christ!

Candour:

@the bolded. I did take stock of the messages i heard when i was in one mega faith ministry over the course of 18 months or so. I ensured i bought CD's of messages i couldn't attend, and never once did i hear any talk about heaven, Christ second coming or anything associated with end time study and prophecy.

Not once.

It was what finally convinced me that they had no interest in Christ and the coming kingdom but are only about the material things they could gather here and now, the influence and clout they could wield and how many people they could oppress.

Eternity had no place in their thinking and considerations AT ALL

So pathetic

Sal C:

I don‘t really know if i should say i don‘t believethis or simply say am suprised, but find it difficult to believe a christian congregation can go 18 months without preaching Christ or heaven.

Welcome to the real world bro

Candour:

My bro, I don't know if you want to believe it or not.

I went at least 18 months without hearing about heaven, Christ second coming, Great white throne judgement and other associated topics.

All we were hearing was how Christ has come to erase poverty from our lives ( but you must engage in kingdom investment to benefit), heal all our diseases and other components of the health and wealth gospel. Even during easter, it was about how the cross broke the yoke of poverty but with playing your part of sowing seeds to reap financial benefits

That's quite appalling, and such a pity most members won't even realize that. Surely such a congregation needs spiritual awakening.

Pastor Olu T:

Welcome to the real world bro

Lol. Honestly such a place need to be avoided.