“Christian” Pastors Who Are Like Cult Leader?
Because the Bible clearly states that all pastors and church leaders are to be male (1 Timothy 2, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Corinthians 14), we will only be discussing mega-churches with male pastors. Though, the information would be valid for females as well.
Several characteristics could be used to define a cult leader. And some mega-church pastors display many of the same characteristics. We’ll only be looking at a few of the commonalities.
They’re Leading Their Followers Astray (Intentionally or Otherwise).
In the article 14 Characteristics of a Cult Leader, Hanan Parvez of Psych Mechanics explains “A cult leader and his followers are bound together by shared beliefs, practices, and rituals that are considered deviant by the mainstream belief systems of a society.”
The article goes on to say that “Cult leaders, unlike other leaders, eventually incur some kind of harm to their followers. This harm may or may not be intentional. A cult leader may genuinely believe what he believes and draw followers in with his persuasive power. Other cult leaders aren’t so delusional. They’re manipulative and know full well they’re conning their followers.”
The purpose of the referenced article is to provide insight into cult leaders and their characteristics. In this article, we’re going to look at various cult leader characteristics and how they align with some “Christian” pastors.
Related article: Watch Out For Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing.
They are narcissists.
One of the main characteristics of a cult leader is their narcissistic tendencies. A narcissist, according to dictionary.com, is “a person who is overly self-involved, and often vain and selfish.”
Even though the Bible teaches that Christians are to be humble, the leaders of these various mega churches are anything but. Some of these church leaders may have started out from humble beginnings. However, that’s changed over the years.
Membership in these various mega churches is in the thousands. We have no problem with their large congregations. But one must ask themselves, why they’re so large. Is it because of good wholesome and solid biblical teaching? Or something else.
It’s important for us to remember that God can use anyone to draw His followers to Himself. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Unfortunately, the pastors of these churches seem to have turned the love they once had for God onto themselves.
Each of these men live in mansions. The majority have multiple estates. Although not all of them have their own private jets, most of them do.
Related article: Fourteen Symptoms of Toxic Church Leaders.
They have charisma.
Charisma is “a spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people.”
In the article “The 9 Most Common Personality Traits In Cult Leaders” the Huffington Post lists “Charisma” as a cult leader’s top trait.
The vast majority of the megachurches around the world are charismatic churches led by a charismatic leader. But we’re not talking about just likeability here. This charisma led to the charismatic movement.
Having charisma isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Afterall, that’s why they have so many devotees. They have something that makes people want to like them.
Churches that have mean pastors typically don’t stay open very long. Even if they’re speaking the truth. Most people would rather be told a lie in a nice way, than the truth in a manner many consider to be rough.
Then again, a mean person definitely shouldn’t be a pastor. It’s obvious they don’t display the gifts of the spirt (Galatians 5:22-23).
Nonetheless, these church leaders have taken this a step further. Using their charisma, they tell their followers a version of the truth. Altering the truth changes it from being true to being a lie. A lie that’s 99% truth is still a lie. That’s why the best lies are based on truth.
Being liked is one thing. Changing the meaning of the biblical text is the same as telling a lie. Unfortunately, the only way to spot a lie is to know the truth. And most Christians can’t do this because they don’t read the Bible (whether they own one or not).
When a person doesn’t know the difference between a truth and a lie, they’ll easily fall for the lie when it comes from someone in a position of authority. Especially if it’s from someone they like.
Related article: Why Write About Christianity and Satan.
Their intolerance for criticism.
Pastors and cult leaders are both flawed humans. Most pastors will admit they’re flawed humans in need of a savior.
However, some pastors (including those of megachurches) don’t feel that way. While most pastors will simply ignore any criticism that comes their way, others will become defensive of their position.
In all honesty, none of us necessarily do well with criticism. But these individuals typically react in a way that’s unbecoming.
As a for instance, in an interview Inside Edition, prosperity gospel preacher Kenneth Copeland became visibly and verbally upset with the journalist. She questioned him about something he said. In response, he angrily pointed his finger in her face stating he never said that. See the full interview below.
Related Video: Full Interview: Preacher Kenneth Copeland Defends Lavish Lifestyle
In the article When to Distrust Your Pastor, the author states the following about pastors getting defensive. “Beware of pastors who cannot receive critique or who become defensive whenever questions arise. A church where criticism is treated as high treason is not a spiritually safe environment for the pastor or those under his care.”
That’s because that church is run by a cult leader or communist dictator and not a messenger of God.
If you notice your pastor displaying these characteristics, perhaps it’s time to go Matthew 18 on them.
“If another believer sins against you, go privately, and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.
“18 ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.
“19 ‘I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.’” – Matthew 18:15-19
If they’re truly a man of God, they’ll listen and be corrected. If not, then do to that church what Jesus told His Apostles to do, leave.
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” – Matthew 10:14
Do not lose faith in God because you lost faith in a human. Humans will fail, but God never will. Do not believe in the created (pastor) believe in the creator (God).
If you found value in this article, consider reading “Christians” Who Will Be Denied Heaven (Part 1)
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