I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”;another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Corinthians 1:10-13

I’m not sure if it is still around, but years ago, there was a Twitter account named “Celebrity Pastor.” It was a parody account, poking fun at the idea of pastors of churches who are, in fact, celebrities of a sort.

According to Paul, the idea of a celebrity pastor is not a new idea. The people at the church in Corinth were playing favorites. Paul was a writer and theologian. Apollos was eloquent. Cephas (Peter) was an eyewitness and one of the three closest disciples).

I’ll admit there are pastors and leaders I listen to on a regular basis. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been introduced to a few new ministries. I try to choose carefully and I do listen to some who hold to views contrary to my own on some topics, but playing “follow the leader” can sometimes lead to disappointment.

Paul addresses the “cult of personality” problem head on by redirecting the Corinthians to the core of the Gospel in the resurrected Christ.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

1 Corinthians 1:17