I thought of Noble as I read The Leadership Mystique<\/strong> by Manfred F.R. Kets De Vries 3.\u00a0 De Vries discusses the charismatic role of the leader (referring to a magnetic personality, not Pentecostalism). He paints the picture of the charismatic leader as someone who\u2026<\/p>\n \u2026has a clear vision of what is to be accomplished. I do not have personal experience with Pastor Noble and wish him the best as he seeks to rebuild his life (he recently posted “one year sober” on his Facebook page and had been very public about his struggles). Having said that, I think that many pastors, especially megachurch pastors might be defined as charismatic leaders. If so, some of de Vries observations about charismatic leaders might be of use.<\/p>\n Kets de Vries contrasts the charismatic role of leadership (envisioning, empowering, energizing) with the Instrumental role of leadership (designing, controlling, rewarding). As a someone with degrees in business who is also a trained psychoanalyst, he brings a unique perspective to leadership. In writing about charismatic leaders, de Vries highlighted the psychological pressures that leadership brings. I think that these pressures can plague those of us who are in ministry. I will outline a few of these.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How often do pastors ask other pastors “how many are you running these days?” or “how are your offerings these days?” It is easy for church leaders to evaluate their worth by the numerical and\/or the financial growth of a church (aka “nickels and noses”). The next step is to envy those who seem to be doing better.<\/p>\n Along with “envy” can come competition. While competition may not be bad in the business world, it can be a destructive force among churches. Ephesians 1:22 says that <\/p>\n In a recent article in Relevant Magazine entitled “Confessions of a Depressed Pastor”, Daniel Loy wrote “I am a pastor and I struggle with depression. I know you’re not really supposed to say that as a Christian, and certainly not as a pastor, but the truth is I have struggled on and off with depression for as long as I can remember”4.\u00a0 Most of us who have been in ministry a long time have known of peers who have left the ministry because of depression. Church leaders and business leaders alike face emotional pressures which, left unchecked, can cause psychological damage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Leadership Mystique points out that many leaders suffer from what is called “The Loneliness of Command.” The bottom line is this. If you are at the top, it may be difficult to have any friends who see you as you are. If you ask, most pastors can tell you a story about a friendship with a church member that went sour and caused damage. An issue with charismatic pastors of large churches is that there is a reality that many people want to hang out with you. When pastors become “celebrity pastor” after writing a successful book, appearing on television, etc. this only increases. <\/p>\n Kets de Vries’s background in psychotherapy showed when he discussed narcissism among leaders. A quick reading of the gospels shows us that Jesus was the most powerful, yet least self-absorbed person to ever walk the earth. Yet, that same cannot be said for everyone in ministry. From evangelists in powder blue suits to hipster pastors in skinny jeans, narcissism is not alien to the pastorate.<\/p>\n Narcissism is more than an inappropriate focus on appearance. For some leaders, their narcissism takes the form of an unwillingness to accept any form or criticism. As church leaders, we must be vulnerable enough to listen to the wisdom of both coworkers and church members who can help us make good decisions.<\/p>\n Many pastors and other church leaders are gifted in communication, motivation, and charismatic leadership. These gifts can be used by God to reach people for Christ and to build up the church. At the same time, pastors and church leaders need to be in touch with the psychological pressures that come with their position. They need to maintain healthy relationships, deal with pressure effectively, and fight against envy and narcissism if they are to be effective for “the long haul.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n\u2026is highly successful in motivating others.
\n\u2026destroys enemies who get in the way.
\n\u2026is able to get the best out of followers.<\/p>\nENVY<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dminlgp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/plants.jpg\")
COMPETITION<\/h3>\n
\nGod has put everything under the Messiah’s feet and has made him the head of everything for the good of the church,
\nIn essence, all pastors work for the same company. For one pastor to speak ill of another pastor hurts everyone involved. Yet, it is tempting for pastors to make their church look better by highlighting the faults of another church.<\/p>\nDEPRESSION<\/h3>\n
THE LONELINESS OF COMMAND<\/h3>\n
\nGod wired us up to need friends. Pastors are no different. In addition to this, pastors who preach about “authentic community” feel hypocritical if they are unable to form quality friendships. For many pastors, these relationships are formed outside of the church where they serve.<\/p>\nNARCISSISM<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dminlgp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/hipsterpreacher.jpg\")
<\/b><\/i><\/u><\/p>\nSUMMARY<\/h3>\n