Me Monster Minister

One of my favorite comedians has to be Brian Regan. If you've not seen his stuff you should spend a few hours unwinding with him on YouTube.



I was recently reminded of this particular video after a few friends attended a gathering where they encountered what Regan refers to as a "Me Monster." The "Me Monster" is a person who explicitly or implicitly can't help but talk about themselves. Regan's act is based on the explicit type, but I think the implicit type is a growing blind spot so it seems.

It's been a few days, but after watching this video over and over again with a few friends in my office I feel compelled to write a little about how I've seen Regan's "Me Monster" manifest itself in the life of those who serve in the ministry. (Not a particular minister mind you.)

Regan points out how the need for "one-upmanship" seems to be a part of the human condition and the human condition certainly doesn't get cast aside when you serve in vocational ministry. Let me just go ahead and say that I know there have been times when I too have been a "Me Monster." I'm certainly not writing about this issue from the outside.

I've seen the "Me Monster Minister" syndrome manifest itself in the desperate need for validation. We need a Ph.d., we need to be published, we need a jammed speaking schedule, we need commercials and bill boards. The explicit "Me Monster Minister" craves lights camera action so it seems.

I think the formula for "Me Monster Minister" is at least one part self fulfilling narcissism, one part desperately seeking validation to overcome low self-esteem, and at least one part lights camera action for reasons not entirely known to me other than we like to think much of ourselves.

The most subtle form of the "Me Monster" is the implicit kind. We all have the ability to sit down and point out the explicit "Me Monster" but the implicit "Me Monster" is harder to detect. This implicit leek is like a subtle smell that can be hard to pick up on for a while. First it disguises itself in jockeying for position and it's kept implicit when it's accompanied with applause as a result of some level of success or natural ability. It's even drawn out of us when we receive any level of affirmation from those we look up to and admire. The "Me Monster Minister" begins to believe his own press so to speak. Finally, the "Me Monster Minister" syndrome can be so implicit that it doesn't show itself until one "Me Monster" begins to get more press than the other. It takes one to know one...sometimes.

Humility in ministry isn’t so common. The two most humble guys I've served under are Jack Graham and Ronnie Deal. Both of these men have the highest profile in their church as lead pastor and both seem to be so comfortable in their calling they share their pulpit along with other roles and seek to affirm others rather than hold everything to themselves. Nearly everyone of their church members love them and feel empowered by them because they know these guys love the Lord and aren't allowing the "Me Monster" to breath in their lives.

Think about it this way: If we really believe that God is for us - should we spend so much effort trying to be for ourselves? The "Me Monster" says we need too because God isn't working on my time table or at least He's not doing it big enough.

Finally, a call to humility and prayer. "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24) “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)