It’s a hard truth to swallow, but some people don’t pursue ministry because they love God’s people—they do it because they love how it makes them look.
A true pastor’s heart is humble, servant-minded, and broken over the flock’s needs. They’re willing to do the quiet, unseen work of loving people, walking with them through pain, and admitting their own faults. But a narcissist in the pulpit? They don’t care about being a good pastor. They only care about looking like one.
They’ll say all the right words in public. They’ll craft the perfect image. They’ll post the right verses, tell the emotional stories, and give the polished sermons. But behind the scenes, their fruit tells the real story—control, manipulation, lack of empathy, blame-shifting, and the destruction of anyone who threatens their image.
For a narcissist, ministry becomes a stage. The pulpit becomes a spotlight. The congregation becomes an audience to admire them, not a flock to shepherd. And if you try to hold them accountable, suddenly you’re the problem. They’ll twist Scripture, spin stories, and gather allies—all to protect their image at all costs.
But God is not fooled by appearances. The Lord sees the heart. And He calls out shepherds who feed themselves instead of the sheep (Ezekiel 34).
So don’t be gaslit into believing that charisma equals character. Don’t confuse charm for calling. A true pastor doesn’t just look like one—they live like one, even when no one is watching.
Pray for discernment. Pray for courage. And remember: it’s better to follow a humble shepherd than a polished performer.
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