How do you build a 'Cult of Personality' in a church? Here is one way: Create a display about the leadership. Here are pictures of a shrine-like display at Bellevue Baptist Church, in Memphis, TN.
The glass enclosed display is all about Donna Gaines, the wife of the senior pastor, Steve Gaines. Seems Mrs. Gaines is a former beauty queen and cheerleader and is quite proud of that.
One has to wonder why she allowed this abomination?
Note the verse above the glass case. Then point me to the 'wonders of old' in this case?
Perhaps someone can clue me in on how cheerleading memorabilia and tiara's Glorify God or the mighty Work of Christ on the Cross?
What exactly is this shrine supposed to accomplish? Can anyone point me to a personal testimony of the greatness of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ? I can find nothing here but glorification of a 'created' human being instead of Glorifying the CREATOR.
I cannot believe there is no shame or embarrassment over this shrine. Do the members not see the idolatry they are allowing in their church?
This seems to be a love letter that Pastor Gaines wrote her early on in their courtship.
What is the point of this shrine in a church? Can someone explain to me what this is doing in the church? What is the purpose? To boast of her early 'earthly' accomplishments? To what end?
A display like this is designed to do one thing: Boast. But then, this sort of display/shrine usually comes about when someone dies as a memorial...at the very least. Even then it's existence is questionable in the church.
Have some pastors and their spouses become celebrities instead of disciples of Christ that are willing to lose it all? Must they boast of themselves?
"He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Therefore, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
1 comment:
A very unpopular comment may be for the camera to look to the left of the Donna Gaines display and see the rest of the "Bellevue" history. She is just another willing recipient of man's worship and admiration. I believe that there are those who truly believe that this display is an expression of love and proper respect... because, there is a way that seems right to a man. Putting personal items in a glass display and placing that verse overhead is immature and blind at best and an abomination at worst. What, may I ask, are the wonders of God here? What miricles and marvelous things are we recalling here? Yet another sacred text ripped from Scripture and used to glorify man and imply God's favor.
I'm all for history and giving honor to whom honor is due, but as a member who has been around a while, it is painfully clear that Bellevue has fallen in love with itself. Words of how "we" can do this and that, talk of our budget and all the good we'll do, how our numbers are up and how God is pleased with us; these are the blessed testimonies of the day. I was recently in a meeting with a group of men and to hear one significant staff member speak of how the church is doing well and capable of this and that... there was no mention of God, His will or His work.
It is simple pride and flesh.
The facility called "Bellevue Baptist Church" will continue to tumble - until and unless there is true and total submission to God, in both the pulpit and the pew.
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