For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. - Titus 1: 7-9 (ESV)
In Colossians, the Apostle Paul warns us about not being taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. It is amazing how prescient the Word of God is. How those words penned thousands of years ago are so relevant and true today for the church. One of the consequences of the Warren theology amidst the purpose driven church is that pop psychology, secular leadership principles, and the wisdom of this world is running through the Body of Christ like the leaven Jesus warned us about. This week's example of such comes from Charisma News, which published an article entitled, "Does Your Pastor Have These 7 Character Traits? Do You?" Eagerly I read it, hoping to find good solid, biblical values being offered. Unfortunately I was vastly disappointed. Here is the list from author Dan Reiland:
Great leaders have great faith
Great leaders create
Great leaders insist on healthy relationships that are productive
Great leaders practice fierce focus
Great leaders know when to push and when to back off
Great leaders are willing to tolerate "messy" if it means progress
Great leaders have settled their call
I should have been prepared for my disappointment when I saw that Reiland runs a website for "developing church leaders." The seven traits had brief summaries akin to the brevity of substance in today's sermons. There was plenty of human wisdom, including directly quoting psychologist/philosopher William James. There was plenty of Christianese, such as "kingdom fruit" and "settled call." Just enough of the name Jesus thrown around to make you feel like you are reading something that was of God. Except one little problem. Outside of having great faith, none of these traits are remotely biblical. Even within the explanation for great faith however the focus was on whether your faith inspires others. Overall very humanistic. Very secular. Very unbiblical.
