Prof Oyewole Sarumi
When Personality Overshadows the Person of Christ, then our faith is on trial! As already emphasised in the first part, it is crystal clear that we stand at a critical juncture in modern Christianity where the line between genuine spiritual authority and religious celebrity has become dangerously blurred. Across charismatic and Pentecostal circles worldwide, a disturbing trend has emerged—one where dynamic personalities, dramatic prophecies, and sensational miracles (outside the precinct of the Written Word) have supplanted the sober, Scripture-grounded faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).
Apostle Paul warned of this very phenomenon when he wrote to Bro. Timothy, one his disciple, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3). What we are witnessing today is not merely a shift in style but a fundamental distortion of biblical Christianity—one that elevates human personality over divine truth, emotional experience over doctrinal fidelity, and supernatural manifestations over Christlike character and His righteousness.
This second article on this same subject serves as both a prophetic warning and a clarion call to Christian leaders: we must courageously confront the rise of celebrity-driven ministry and return to a faith anchored in Scripture, tested by discernment, and measured by the fruit of righteousness rather than the frenzy of crowds.
The Rise of the Celebrity Prophet—A New Testament Warning Fulfilled
- The Distortion of Spiritual Authority:
Modern charismatic Christianity has birthed a new class of spiritual leaders who operate more like influencers than shepherds. These figures command stadiums, dominate social media, and issue prophetic decrees with celebrity-like fanfare. Yet beneath the polished veneer lies a troubling reality: many of these ministries prioritize personal branding over pastoral responsibility, and their “fresh revelations” often stray dangerously close to—or outright cross—the boundaries of biblical orthodoxy.
The New Testament anticipates this very challenge. Apostle Peter warns of “false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them” (2 Peter 2:1). Notice the method: privily—slipping in error subtly, often under the guise of spiritual authority. These teachers exploit the trust of believers who assume that a large platform equates to divine approval. That’s not true!
- The Berean Imperative-Testing All Things:
The early church model for handling spiritual authority stands in stark contrast to today’s celebrity culture. The Bereans were commended not for their blind acceptance of apostolic teaching but for their rigorous examination of it: “They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).
Yet in many charismatic circles today, to question a “prophet’s” word is treated as rebellion—a direct violation of the biblical command to “despise not prophesyings; prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). When leaders position themselves beyond scrutiny, they mirror not Christ but the cult leaders Scripture warns against. Even in the church of Galatia, apostle Paul openly condemned Apostle Peter when he refrained from eating with the gentiles because the Jews from Jerusalem just arrived (Gal.2:11-16).
The Dangers of Unchecked Charismatic Excess
- Signs Without Substance: Reversing the Biblical Order
Jesus declared that “these signs shall follow them that believe” (Mark 16:17)—not precede them, not replace them, but follow the preaching of truth. Yet much of modern charismatic practice has inverted this divine order. Ministries now chase signs as the main event, with truth relegated to an afterthought.
This reversal has devastating consequences:
- It produces Christians who are “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7)
- It creates a spirituality addicted to emotional highs but devoid of doctrinal depth
- It leaves believers vulnerable to deception when their favourite leader falls (Matthew 7:26-27)
- The Scandal of Unbiblical Revelation:
A particularly troubling trend is the proliferation of extrabiblical “revelations”—angelic encounters, heavenly portals, and “downloads” that claim authority equal to Scripture or even above it. This directly contradicts the biblical warning: “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).
When leaders claim special access to divine knowledge unavailable to ordinary believers, they undermine the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) and the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Path Forward—Recovering Christ-Centered Christianity
- Reestablishing Scripture as the Supreme Authority
The Reformation’s cry of sola Scriptura must be reclaimed. Every prophecy, every vision, every “word from the Lord” must be tested against:
- The content of Scripture (Isaiah 8:20 I John 4:1-3)
- The character of Christ (Hebrews 1:3)
- The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Cultivating Discernment in the Church
We must train believers to:
- Distinguish between genuine anointing and emotional manipulation
- Recognize the difference between spiritual authority and celebrity influence
- Value character over charisma (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
- Returning to Humble, Servant Leadership
Jesus defined greatness as service (Mark 10:43-45), not platform size. We need leaders who:
- Measure success by disciples made, not crowds gathered
- Prize integrity over influence
- Seek God’s glory, not personal brand Conclusion: A Call to Courageous Reformation
The current crisis in charismatic Christianity demands more than tweaks—it requires complete reformation. We must have the courage to:
- Challenge unbiblical practices even when they’re popular
- Elevate Scripture above personal prophecy
- Measure ministry by Christ’s standards, not the world’s metrics
As leaders, we will give account not for how many followed us, but for how faithfully we pointed them to Christ (Hebrews 13:17). The question before us is stark: Will we continue to perpetuate the cult of celebrity Christianity, or will we start to lead the church back to her first love?
“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). This is the heartbeat of true ministry. May it become ours once more. Amen.
