Derek Tidball’s recent book lists 12 potential idols that all preachers should beware and search themselves for. Which do you think are the greatest danger for us in our context?
Idols of the self
- The idol of the pulpit
- The idol of authority
- The idol of popularity
Idols of the age
- The idol of success
- The idol of entertainment
- The idol of novelty
- The idol of secularization
Idols of the task
- The idol of oratory
- The idol of immediacy
Idols of ministry
- The idol of professionalism
- The idol of busyness
- The idol of familiarity
fidelnyikuri
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Utumishi Blog 
It’s really interesting how the issue of ‘denomination’ has a bearing on this question. I think the answer may be different within each ones and may have a lot to do with ministry stylistics.
But popularity and success are two biggies across all even if there is an apparent lack of both!
Ps 24:3
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false (an idol)
and does not swear deceitfully.”
It goes on to say, ‘such is the generation of those who seek the Lord’.
Today, idolatry is pandemic – but they just don’t look anything like golden calves.
I want to have that book. It looks very helpful to me. thanks Andy.
NickFranks, your insights too are really helpful. Thanks a lot. there is a lot of idolatry in church today. Thats why a deep understanding of Gods word and remaining faithful to it is very helpful. It doesn’t look anything like golden calves and it is very hard to identify it but it is very evident. God help us to remain faithful to His calling and word.
Very helpful thoughts there. I find the lure of entertainment and proffesionalism quite common in our pulpits today.