Viewing Leaders in the Church

by: Chic Broersma

In our television age the emphasis is on image: a presenter’s good looks and charisma. This attitude creeps into the church, and the preacher’s skills become the focus rather than the cross. Actually, there’s nothing new about that.

When my wife and I were dating, we stopped at my grandpa’s house so I could introduce Nancy to him. Over dinner we talked about church life. One of his counsels stands out: “Don’t focus on the man.” To illustrate how devious some preachers could be, he told a story about a preacher who boasted to his friends that he could have people laughing and crying at the same time. It was in the early days of the Dutch church when the preacher wore formal dress, including a frock coat with tails. As he preached vigorously, moving here and there, the choir behind him smiled as his tails waved about, while the eyes of his listeners before him filled with tears from his emotional stories.

Paul declares if we think we are wise in “this age” we should become what the world considers fools so that we may become truly wise. What matters most has been done. Jesus Christ has become the cornerstone. Beyond that, each of us is either a “planter” or “one who waters” the seed of the gospel. Nothing more. God alone reaps the growth. Faithful preachers deserve respect and support, but God alone deserves our praise.

Of whom will you boast today? Your preacher? Your church? The cross?