Worship of pastors or any human leader is unacceptable according to the Bible. God alone deserves our worship and praise. However, the Bible does instruct us to respect, appreciate and follow godly leaders within Biblical parameters.
The meaning of pastor worship
Pastor worship refers to elevating a pastor or other spiritual leader to a place of reverence that should only be reserved for God. It goes beyond healthy respect and appreciation, to treating the pastor as an idol and source of ultimate spiritual authority.
Examples include:
– Placing the pastor’s words/teachings above scripture
– Obeying the pastor even when he contradicts Biblical truths
– Looking to the pastor as the source of spiritual life rather than Christ
– Making the pastor the center of church life rather than keeping Christ central
– Treating the pastor as the “voice of God” who can do no wrong
This distorts true Biblical leadership and gives too much power and prominence to a mere human being rather than keeping the focus on Jesus Christ.
Bible verses against pastor worship
The Bible clearly prohibits worshiping or idolizing anyone other than God:
“You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” (Luke 4:8)
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:6)
“I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” (Isaiah 42:8)
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)
These and other verses forbid worshiping created things rather than the Creator. Elevating a pastor to a place of veneration that supersedes obedience to Christ is idolatry, which God detests.
Honor godly pastors, but worship only God
While pastor worship is wrong, the Bible does instruct us to honor, obey and financially support godly pastor-shepherds who faithfully represent Christ:
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrews 13:17)
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17)
We should receive Biblical teaching from pastor-teachers as from the Lord:
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” (Matthew 10:40)
However, our ultimate loyalty must be to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Human leaders are flawed people who can make mistakes. We must follow them only as they follow Christ, not treating them as objects of worship:
“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5)
Dangers of pastor worship
Elevating pastors to divine status has dangerous spiritual consequences:
1. Distorts the gospel – It can shift people’s faith from Christ to trusting in man. Our hope comes through Jesus alone.
2. Breeds abuse of power – Ungodly pastors may take advantage of people’s trust in unbiblical ways.
3. Confuses new believers – New Christians may be unable to discern that pastors are human vessels, not the fourth person of the Trinity.
4. Creates disunity – Congregations can become divided into factions loyal to certain leaders rather than unified in Christ.
5. Makes it hard to leave an unhealthy church – People can become stuck under spiritually abusive pastors.
Signs of unhealthy pastor worship
Here are some indicators that pastor worship may be occurring:
– The pastor’s words are preached over scripture
– Questioning the pastor is forbidden
– All ministry decisions go through the pastor
– The budget is kept secret from the congregation
– Risking the pastor’s approval causes deep anxiety
– Public criticism of the pastor is strongly discouraged
– The pastor lives and travels lavishly at the church’s expense
– Sermons focus more on touting the pastor than exalting Christ
These are not fruits of Biblically-functioning spiritual leadership.
What should healthy pastoral leadership look like?
While avoiding pastor worship, Christians should embrace Biblically-informed pastoral leadership:
– Pastors should preach sound doctrine from scripture, not their own ideas (Titus 2:1, 2 Timothy 4:2)
– Pastors are called to humbly serve the church, not wield power and control (1 Peter 5:2-3)
– Believers should receive quality teaching while also studying the Bible for themselves (Acts 17:11)
– Pastors should be evaluated based on their Christ-like character and spiritual maturity (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
– Congregations should implement accountable church government under elder leadership (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-5)
– Financial decisions should be made with transparency and wisdom to steward resources well (1 Peter 5:2)
Godly pastoral leadership points people to Christ, not itself. It anchors the church on scripture rather than human wisdom. And it submits to shared accountability.
What should we do if pastor worship occurs?
If pastor worship starts to emerge, take these prayerful steps:
– First, humbly examine your own heart. Are you projecting too much onto a leader?
– Study scripture more deeply. Ask God to purify your understanding of His truth versus man’s.
– Pray for your pastor and church leaders to stay submitted to Christ and scripture.
– In a gracious spirit, discuss concerns with church leadership when major red flags arise.
– Seek any needed counseling to identify unhealthy relational patterns that could contribute to the problem.
– Stay anchored in the hope of the gospel and identity in Christ.
– Discern if it becomes necessary to leave an unrepentant, abusive situation after reasonable efforts.
With wisdom and grace, we can honor pastoral leadership without worshiping it. Our worship belongs to God alone.