Idolization of pastors has become an epidemic in church culture. More popular speakers like Steven Furtick and Joel Osteen have set the standard for the type of speaker many people find appealing.

But often, church members focus on the pastor rather than on becoming a part of the body of Christ. This danger is not limited to megachurch pastors.

Whether they have a congregation of 50 or 500, how do pastors avoid the trap of popularity?

Here are 10 ways to do so: 

  1. Be accountable.
  2. Engage the enemy.
  3. Maintain humility.
  4. Draw boundaries.
  5. Promote God, not yourself.
  6. Avoid branding.
  7. Don’t focus on numbers.
  8. Minimize the bells and whistles.
  9. Don’t excuse sin.
  10. Avoid the religious spirit.