Are You a Messenger or Influencer?

The rise of “Celebrity Preachers” has made it easy for people to idolize personalities rather than pursue Christ.

Instead of shepherding people toward Jesus, some leaders seem more focused on building a brand, gaining followers, or creating viral content.

One of the biggest dangers is that people start looking to these preachers for validation, miracles, or even permission in their faith instead of seeking God for themselves.

It creates a culture where charisma is valued more than character, and entertainment replaces discipleship.

It also makes it easier for people to be misled.

When a preacher becomes the focal point, their words may carry more weight than Scripture itself in the eyes of their followers — and when they fall into scandal (as many do), it leaves people hurt, confused, and sometimes even doubting their Faith.

This isn’t to say that all well-known Pastors are in the wrong — because some genuinely use their platforms to point people to Jesus.

But the moment the Preacher becomes ‘the center’ instead of Christ, things go off track…

Here are the risks:

• Ego-Driven Ministry — When a ministry becomes more about the leader’s influence, brand, or charisma, it shifts the focus from Jesus Christ to human personality which ultimately leads to pride and self-glorification.
• Dependency on a Person — People start relying on those leaders for guidance instead of seeking Christ through prayer and Scripture. When that leader fails (as all humans do), their faith may be shaken.
• Diluted or Distorted Gospel — Some leaders may alter their message to gain more followers, watering down biblical truth to be more appealing rather than preaching repentance and salvation through Jesus.
• Spiritual Manipulation — When people idolize a leader, that leader may be tempted to control, exploit, or mislead followers for personal gain rather than serving with humility.
• False Assurance — If people are drawn more to a leader’s charisma than to Christ’s transforming power, they may think they are growing spiritually when they are merely engaging with content.
• Lack of Accountability — Leaders who place themselves above correction can fall into error because they have no one to challenge or guide them in truth.

Here are the fixes:

• Point People to Jesus — Not Yourself.
• Stay Accountable.
• Reject the Celebrity Mentality.
• Avoid the temptation to seek fame, prioritizing faithfulness over popularity. Ministry should be about serving, not self-promotion.
• Encourage followers to study Scripture for themselves so they rely on God, not just a preacher’s words.
• Live with Humility and Integrity — A true servant leader remains humble and transparent, acknowledging weaknesses and pointing others to the grace of Christ.

At the end of the day, Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).

The goal of any ministry should be to make Jesus famous, not the messenger.

Shalom
~ Syreeta Thomas

Syreeta Thomas

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