The Greg Mortenson Debacle

(I cross posted this at Mr Adventist with additional comments about how this applies to our view of the work of pastors.)

The Greg Mortenson debacle is a vivid example of the dangers of itinerant stardom, especially spiritual stardom. It is so easy for both the hero and the hero's devotees to be seduced by the heroes stories and charisma.

This is a danger for traveling evangelists, revival speakers, and spiritual stars.

The traveling preacher is constantly applauded for his or her special gifts, which are real. The traveling preacher is typically not confronted with the reality of his or her weaknesses, which are also real. Both the preacher and the admirers are seduced into thinking the extraordinary gifts on display in public are the fruit of an extraordinary character. both preacher and audience become blind to the weaknesses and failings in the preacher's private life.

Extraordinary gifts of preaching and storytelling have no essential connection to character.

The more a preacher travels, the more he or she is admired, the greater the risk for self deception.

Pastors who stay long in their congregations have a slight advantage over itinerant preachers. Their people are more likely to know them as whole persons rather than as performers. This personal knowledge tends to counterbalance a preacher's natural high regard for his own opinions.