'The curse'  of the clergy
or  'the blight'  of the pulpit

A woeful condition, found quite commonly among those who have been a long time in  'leadership' in religious circles

Readily identified by several prevailing features, which can be analysed and identified
by the usual Zoological or medical criteria

HABITAT

Invariably found amongst the 'Clergy' Religious Circles,  in Churches of all sizes and
denominations,
but especially prevalent in the Pentecostal 'stream'  
and particularly in independent Charismatic assemblies

But wherever groups of people gather, where ex  'PRS'  (Present Religious System) clergy frequent
even found in 'out of church' groups where such  ex clergy are observed

SYMPTOMS

Deference is demanded, even when none is due or warranted
They seek and look for Honour,  if not by title, then by being recognised as  'the Man'

Keen on Titles, even may be (or have been) called Pastor, yet so often without a Pastor's heart 

Invariably found in the prominent seat, with fingers clutching a microphone if one is available
Time conscious of others, but not of themselves – just let them spot an opening, then stand back

Usually eloquent and loquacious, which although not fatal attributes in themselves, combined with
dominance and control can very well be so

Love conferences and religious gatherings where esteem and honour abound

Performance orientated

Jealous of others with the same complaint

Not readily accountable or willing to receive comment
Become offended when rebuked
Become hostile when challenged
Unable to accept correction from anyone – from anyone at all

But can display false humility in public, yet dominant, even controlling

Know little of servant-hood in practice, only as a principle for others to apply

Know little of the art of listening, or sharing from the heart, 
Often quite lonely, with few real friends

Can leave a trail of bruised and battered sheep behind them, along the way of their 'ministry'

Often pride themselves in their scriptural knowledge or  even in their 'immersion in The Word' 
yet quite barren of grace towards others  -  leaves without fruit

Often their wives are very compliant, seldom heard from or given a chance to speak
they can be blissfully unaware of the man's problem
(Alternatively  --  some wives can end up with the very same complaint !! )

Such a condition can be called   'the curse of the clergy'   or   'the blight of the pulpit'

A consequence of not following Jesus express words of Matthew 23

Jesus left a brotherhood of equals (although with widely differing talents and giftings)

Not the 2 classes of believers or followers of the Lamb, into which religious circles have divided
his followers

            Clergy               and  Laity                      (Nicolaitan-ism )

            Speakers          and  Listeners

            Performers        and  Passive Recipients

ANTIDOTES                 The only ones that can really work !!

CONFESSION   and
REPENTANCE              Godly Repentance at that

EYESALVE                   Revelation 3 : 18

Spending time with those with a Pastoral or Servant heart

A personal experience of the risen Lord .....
Somewhat like the Damascus Road experience of Saul of Tarsus,  who, although a Pharisee of
the Pharisee's, changed so completely after a personal experience with the risen Christ that he
became Paul.       
Then, for him, 3 years in the Arabian desert followed. Galatians 1 : 15 – 24

Beware    the  'curse of the Clergy'      or  the  'blight of the pulpit'

So it was in Jesus day,  so it would seem to be still now, and presumably so it ever will be ....... 
as long as there are religious buildings,  and platforms,  and an opportunity for performers !!