Preachers and the Limelight

In theaters of old, a beam of light was produced and shone upon the stage by focusing a particular type of flame into a cylinder made of lime. It was called the “limelight”. And since this light was focused upon the action on the stage the stars of the show were always “in the limelight”. This is the source of the expression with which most of us are familiar: people who are “center stage” or the center of attention are said to be “in the limelight.”

I am afraid that we have, perhaps unintentionally and unknowingly, created a similar set of circumstances among brethren by putting preachers “in the limelight” which borders on violating some scriptural principles (carefully read Matthew 20:20-28).

“We” have historically rebelled against the “clergy-laity” distinctions that are found in denominations and well we should. But by our “limelighting” preachers we have created among “us” the very thing we have criticized others for (now read Romans 2:17-21 and following verses). While we have spoken out in protest against this practice, we have done the same thing in principle and our actions speak louder than our words. Let me give some examples.

Preachers and prayer. I have noticed all my life the practices of brethren regarding prayer which constantly throws the limelight on the preacher and makes him the center of attention. One would think, if you didn’t know better, that some brethren feel there is something special about the prayer of a preacher. One example: prayer at social gatherings. Certainly it is proper to “offer thanks” before a meal. But why is it the preacher’s “official function” to word that prayer? Why are other good men ignored and the preacher put in the limelight on such occasions? Another example: prayers at “gospel meetings.” Brethren (and especially preachers whose job, of course, it is to “make the announcements” on such occasions) need to realize that an assembly where we have a number of guests would not be a total loss if we failed to call upon some preacher to lead the public prayers. We constantly throw the limelight on preachers by calling attention to “the good number of gospel preachers we have with us tonight” and then make sure that those who lead the prayers are from that group of men. Why?! Is there something special about their presence and prayers? Just as there is nothing special about having a preacher lead a prayer in an assembly, there is nothing especially invigorating about having an audience where a large number of them are present.

Preachers and “social” introductions. Now to one of my “pet peeves”. But let me say this before I get to my main point: I’m not ashamed of the work I do or ashamed for people to know what I do. Having said that, let me say that I do not want, and in fact do not like, the following introduction to total strangers: “This is David Smitherman, he is a/our preacher” (or something like that). Why don’t I like it? Well, for one thing, I’d ask why you feel that such an introduction is necessary? What’s the point? Why “tag” your introduction of me by letting people know my “occupation”? I don’t introduce my brethren by saying, “This is so-and-so, he/she is a ________” (and then tell what your occupation is). I think sometimes the reason we do that is to make sure that someone knows that a “man of the cloth” is among us, therefore watch what you say or do.

Another reason I don’t like this sort of introduction is the reaction that I sometimes get when introduced in this way due to the stereotypical concepts that some have of preachers. I had one guy at a basketball game say (after such an intro) “You’re kidding! You sure don’t act like one!” (I replied by saying, “Thanks for the compliment. By the way, what is one supposed to act like?”) Another said, “You sure don’t look like one!” (And, after also thanking her for the compliment, I asked “What is one supposed to look like?”) In both cases, neither one knew how to respond to my question.

My point is simply this: those sorts of responses frankly embarrass me and make me ill-at-ease. And, I believe, if most brethren were constantly and consistently introduced and responded to in a similar manner they would have the same reaction as I. (I’d love to introduce some of these brethren in this manner: “This is _________ he/she is a priest of God.”, see 1 Pet. 2:4-10) and then stand back and see how they react to the reaction of those to whom I introduced them. It would embarrass them if I did such a thing and would create an awkward situation. And that is exactly one of the reasons why I don’t like it. It’s simply pointless and puts me in a very awkward position. Just simply introduce me thus: “This is David Smitherman He’s a friend of mine”. (“friend of mine” is optional) But the greater reason is based upon the passage in Matthew 20:20-28. It unnecessarily puts the limelight on men, because they are preachers, and makes it appear that we, indeed, have those who are “great among you” when the scriptures teach the exact opposite.

Please don’t think I’m being “nit-picky”. While part of my problem with being in the limelight is purely personal having to do with my personality and personal preferences, my major concern is that we don’t send a wrong signal to brethren and others about the role and importance of preachers. Let’s think before we speak or act.

David Smitherman