This is not a new problem rising in modern Christianity. It has been present for generations, and Scripture itself proves it. What is happening today is not the birth of the cult of personality in the church, but the amplification of a long-standing spiritual issue.
Apostle John Eckhardt defines it plainly: “A ‘cult of personality’… is defined as exaggerated devotion to a charismatic political, religious or other leader.” That definition exposes a pattern that has repeated itself throughout church history.
When Honoring Leaders Turns Into Idolizing Pastors
There is a clear biblical line between honoring leaders and idolizing them. That line is being crossed in many personality driven churches.
Eckhardt explains, “Nothing wrong with following an anointed man or woman of God… as long as it does not become obsessive or fanatical to the extent that you can’t listen to anyone else.”
This is where the danger begins. What starts as respect becomes restriction. What begins as loyalty becomes control.
The warning signs are unmistakable:
- Believers reject other ministries
- Churches isolate themselves from the broader body of Christ
- Leaders become the primary voice instead of Christ
- Followers cannot receive truth from outside their circle
Eckhardt issues a direct correction: “If you cannot fellowship with others because they don’t follow your leader… then we have a problem.”
This is not biblical leadership. This is spiritual imbalance.
Division in the Body of Christ Is the Fruit
The most visible result of the cult of personality is division in the body of Christ. This is not accidental. It is the natural outcome.
Eckhardt points back to the early church: “For as one saith, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal?”
This proves the issue has always existed. Believers aligning themselves with personalities instead of Christ creates factions, arguments and spiritual immaturity.
He states it clearly: “This is not the will of God. It grieves the Spirit of God.”
This is the root of much of the strife seen across churches today. It is not doctrine alone. It is devotion to personalities.
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How Modern Culture Is Amplifying an Old Problem
While this issue is not new, today’s environment has made it far more visible and far more influential.
Eckhardt explains, “In the age of media and marketing, it’s easier for leaders to really develop what we would call a cult of personality.”
Social media, online platforms and global reach have intensified what was once localized. Now personality driven Christianity spreads rapidly, shaping large audiences and reinforcing loyalty to individuals.
This has created a culture where influence can overshadow truth.
Biblical Leadership vs Controlling Church Leaders
True leadership in the church never isolates believers or limits their ability to receive from others.
Eckhardt makes this clear: “We’re never there to control you and never there to separate you from the wider body of Christ.”
This statement draws a sharp distinction between biblical leadership and controlling church leaders.
He gives a strong warning to leaders: “Never develop a cult around your gift, your calling, your personality… It is ungodly, and God will judge you if you do it.”
This is a direct rebuke to any system that builds dependence on a personality instead of maturity in Christ.
When It Crosses Into Spiritual Danger
This issue does not remain neutral. It progresses.
Eckhardt warns, “It is fleshly and leads into witchcraft and control and domination… That’s when it becomes very dangerous.”
At this stage, what began as admiration becomes manipulation. What began as leadership becomes control. What began as influence becomes bondage.
This is where spiritual abuse in the church begins to take root and operate.
A Call Back to Unity in the Body of Christ
The answer is not to reject leaders. The answer is to put them in their proper place.
Eckhardt reminds believers of the bigger picture: “All of us came through Christ through different ministers… and yet, you’re part of a larger body called the church that God wants us to operate together in love and unity.”
The church is not built on personalities. It is built on Christ.
Unity is the standard. Maturity is the goal. Christ is the center.
Anything else leads to division, control and a dangerous distortion of the faith.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
