From Charisma Magazine’s editorial page a devastating critique of “Christian celebrity”:
One friend of mine in Texas recently inquired to see if a prominent preacher could speak at her conference. The minister’s assistant faxed back a list of requirements that had to be met in order to book a speaking engagement. The demands included:
– a five-figure honorarium
– a $10,000 gasoline deposit for the private plane
– a manicurist and hairstylist for the speaker
– a suite in a five-star hotel
– a luxury car from the airport to the hotel (2004 model or newer)
– room-temperature Perrier
Of all this Charisma, a magazine written by and for charismatic evangelicals, writes:

What has become of the American church? What is this sickness spreading in the body of Christ? I don’t know whom to blame more for it: The narcissistic minister who craves the attention, or the spiritually naive crowds who place these arrogant people on their shaky pedestals. All I know is that God is grieved by all of this shameful carnality.
How far we have fallen from authentic New Testament faith. Paul, who carried the anointing of an apostle but often described himself as a bond slave, told the Thessalonians, “Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives” (1 Thess. 2:8).
New Testament Christianity is humble, selfless and authentic. And those who carry the truth don’t preach for selfish gain or to meet an emotional need for attention. May God help us root out the false apostles and false teachers who are making the American church sick with their man-centered, money-focused heresies.

Hat tip to Holly! Thanks.