When Church Culture Fuels Narcissism: Redefining Leadership and Spiritual Formation

Apr 17, 2018

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How the culture of modern church leadership, platform-building, and celebrity status can unknowingly attract narcissists—and what that reveals about our definitions of church, spiritual maturity, and humility. Mike Erre continues last week's conversation on narcissism, deepening the discussion by exploring how certain church structures, American evangelical ideals, and personality-driven ministry models may unintentionally foster and enable narcissistic tendencies in both leaders and followers.

Mike reflects vulnerably on his own journey with narcissism, engages listener feedback—including a psychologist’s affirmation and thoughtful community questions—and examines the broader theological implications of humility, self-denial, and leadership through scriptural lenses like Philippians 2, 1 Corinthians, and 3 John.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding Spiritual Narcissism – Why ministry roles can attract narcissists and how church platforms can be used to reinforce the false self. • Church as an Applause Machine – Exploring how celebrity culture, branding, and performance-driven ministry create unhealthy cycles of ego gratification. • Redefining Leadership in the Church – Challenging narrow, type-A, CEO-style leadership models and embracing a fuller picture of biblical servanthood. • Humility and Self-Denial Reframed – Unpacking the difference between denying the self and practicing self-denial as modeled by Jesus in Philippians 2. • The Role of Community and Discipline – How obscurity, silence, and spiritual practices can disrupt narcissistic patterns and lead to transformation.

Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard – “The Divine Conspiracy,” “Renovation of the Heart,” “Hearing God” • John Coe – Talbot School of Theology's Institute for Spiritual Formation • 3 John – A biblical example of spiritual narcissism • Philippians 2, 1 Peter 5, James 4, Matthew 11 – Verses on humility and Christ-like leadership • Sky Jethani – YouTube video on celebrity pastors and the Evangelical Industrial Complex

Join the conversation as we pull back the curtain on how power, platform, and personality intersect with faith—and what it takes to embody a healthier, Christ-centered vision of leadership.

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As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy