Pastors, Teachers, Shock-Jocks?

There is a lot of discussion and debate going on about the role of publicity in ministry. Is it a good thing to take advantage of it to spread the message of the Gospel further? In generating more attention, do we cloud the message? The Gospel is controversial, but does that mean that every controversial thing we say or believe is indeed a part of the truth?

The Bible speaks about roles beyond mere witness that God uses to spread His kingdom: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. What is not mentioned anywhere is the role of the celebrity, rock star, or shock jock. That does not rule out the possibility that God would use such characters for His purposes. However, when God works to advance His kingdom and in a way that will bring Him glory, does it not stand to reason that hundreds of gifted individuals would be used locally and in real relationships rather than a single person being idolized by throngs?

Beyond all of that speculation, there is a very real warning given in Scripture for any person in a position teaching scripture; against anyone who teaches error or interjects their own opinions and guesses as being the teaching of God’s Word. People who heed those warnings tend to be rather cautious in their teaching. We like to distinguish between what Scripture actually says and what we interpret it to mean.

There is a difference between cowardice and humility. Boldness for the truth does not automatically translate to self-promotion.