How Authentic Should I be?
How important is it that people can "relate" to the pastor? Do they want the preacher to model strength or weakness? Should a pastor be a voice of authority or a fellow struggler?
James Emery White
January 1, 1998
How important is it that people can "relate" to the pastor? Do they want the preacher to model strength or weakness? Should a pastor be a voice of authority or a fellow struggler?
The answer is seldom either/or. But clearly, there are two opinions on the matter, and at the heart of the issue is the role of a pastor. To bring clarity to the discussion, Leadership asked two respected leaders to make their case on how authentic a pastor should be.
Be Honest About Myself
by James Emery White
On Saturday, September 13, 1997, Miss Illinois, Katherine Shindle, was crowned Miss America 1998. Due to sagging ratings, the 1997 pageant was designed differently than it was in years past. The most obvious change, of course, was the addition of two-piece swimsuits. Ratings soared.
But other changes may have contributed to the higher ratings.
Pageant officials wanted the new Miss America to be what she presented herself to be; for example, no contestant was allowed a custom-made swimsuit. The interview of the five finalists included unscripted questions. Professional hairstylists were banned from the backstage area. Judges were permitted to penalize any contestant believed to be putting on false airs or misrepresenting herself in behavior or dress.
Today, pageant officials said, people want authenticity.
The same is true of those who fill our churches.
Authenticity has its reasons
Authenticity is simply being a person whose outward presentation matches reality. For pastors, that means being able to say with the apostle Paul, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well" (1 Thess. 2:8).
For too long many of us in ministry have labored under the ideal of what a pastor should look and ...
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