The Plague of Fanaticism

By Ed Vasicek on

Why do people who have been influential in the evangelical world passionately advocate a cause, pull back, and then sometimes take the opposite stance with equal energy?

The answer, I think, is found in the word “fanaticism.”

Not all who fall are fanatical. Not all who fall from leadership end up denying the Lord or the Word. People like Bill Hybels, James MacDonald, or Mark Driscoll have succumbed to various sins (some more serious than others). As far as I know, these men still profess faith in Jesus Christ.

Nonetheless, others could be described as fanatics and may completely reverse themselves.

You Don’t Want to Have a Megapastor

By Filings on

“I do think there is a contemporary foible that leads, among other things, to these catastrophes. Why do churches need to have 12 site campuses with everybody linked up by video feed so they can drink from the pure font of one guy’s leadership?” - Rooted Thinking

Rethinking Leadership

By Ed Vasicek on

How many workshops, conferences, videos, and books have you experienced about “leadership?” Ten secrets of that, nine habits of those people, or seven principles about leadership that are sure to transform your ministry? Those who present or write those books seem so competent, so successful, so energized.

I want to tell them, “Chill out, won’t you? Stop with adrenaline already!”

I have long been disenchanted with the evangelical world’s obsession with leadership. Leaders have developed an entire (extra-biblical) leadership science. These secular principles are often “baptized” with Scriptural examples to give them an air of authority.