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Confession: I don't typically like religious personalities. I'm not sure if it is a result of an overexposure to the stereotypical "pastor personality" that I grew up watching on TV or if it is disdain stemming from unconscious ministerial jealousy. For whatever reason, I tend to bristle when I hear someone talk about how wonderful, charismatic and brilliant some pastor, evangelist or author might be. Perhaps the reason I pooh on so many of these personalities is because many of them vehemently espouse an ideology and theology that falls a little too close to my lamentable past. When I was younger I attended a megachurch whose pastor is renowned for labeling the prophet Muhammed a "demon-possessed pedophile." That's my past. Or maybe it is because I too was mesmerized by the hypnotic tune these religious pipers played and their melody led me to follow the evangelical rats out of the city of critical reflection and engagement.

I can't help it. When I see one of these personalities on a magazine or cover of an overpriced hardback my thoughts digress. Through the clergy scandals of the 80's and the clergy scandals of today, I have lived and I have become a cynic. Moreover, my own ministerial vocation has heightened my cynicism from an existential perspective. I know my own dark thoughts and peccadillos all too well. "I am now ordained?" "I am now reverend?"

When I hear someone like Richard Land or Jerry Fallwell touting their homophobic agenda, I can't help but think--reaction formation. When I see the plastic smile of Joel Osteen, I can't help but think--he beats his wife. I don't mean to think this negative thoughts, they just come out. Quickly, however, my rational side kicks in and I say to myself, "these guys are probably great people. They probably love their wife and children, pay their taxes and are loving, gracious, humble and hospitable."

Surprisingly, this was not my experience with another religious personality who is gaining prominence in the US and abroad: Brian McLaren. My first encounter with Brian was at a training event for young CBF leaders. Brian talked about ministering in a postmodern world. We were given a copy of his book, "The Church on the Other Side." I liked him instantly. But this was four or five years ago. He had not yet been declared one of the '25 most influential evangelicals' by Time Magazine. He had not yet been invited to speak on Larry King Live. He was just a pastor who was trying to help other church leaders figure out how to navigate the turbulent waters of our culture.

Now, Brian is a bonafide religious personality. I've heard him speak several times and every time I have been thoroughly impressed with his humility, pastoral nature, perspicacity, ammenablity and un-imposing sense of humor. I have read most of his books and I thoroughly appreciate how he writes without pomposity or bombast; he writes like a friend chatting over coffee. He is one religious personality that I consider a mentor.

I wanted to share these thoughts with all of you because I know that some of you share my disdain for many religious personalities. I hope you will all read Brian's latest reflections on the church that is emerging. Peace.

Brian McLaren: Not Just Another Personality

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