The Personality Profile Of Faith Leaders

There are several traits that characterize faith leaders who are diagnose as having or being on the borderline of such narcissistic personality. Such personality disorders are not admirable, but negative in the most negative of personality traits. What is so disturbing about the cultic leadership "within" the Word-Faith movement what is known as the Positive Confession movement is their hidden chronic illness of such personality traits that are related to narcissism: that of the preoccupation of Self, grandiose of illusion, lack of empathy, and paranoid. 

   Even though this is a subject that is quite difficult to grasp, but it is important to present a crystal clear picture of the cultic leadership within the Faith movement especially within the context of the African American Word of Faith religion own leadership. Also, even though at times it is not pleasant to address that of this particular issue, but it is necessary so that people are made aware of the personality of narcissism that is displayed within many prosperity teachers who are leaders of Word-Faith ministries and churches across the United States and around the world.

    Faith leaders who hide behind the mask of narcissism have a poor self image of themselves, but rather prefer images of themselves in others who are in the position of power and authority. They also rather not see themselves in the mirror as to their true Self, but a reflection of the images of others. They have lost self in the images of themselves by denying the real self. Narcissist is so preoccupied with image. Why? Because image is what makes a person. Unless narcissist sees him or herself in a "positive" light they feel a sense of low self-esteem or self-worth.

    Throughout this article I will begin to address some of the personality traits of many Faith leaders who displays such narcissism: that of the preoccupation of Self, grandiose of illusion, grandiose of illusion, lack of empathy, and paranoid. Today I will attempt to address two most important personality traits of narcissism that are present within the "psyche" of many Faith leaders, especially African American Faith leadership: that of preoccupation of Self and lack of empathy when it comes to the poor and needy. In chapter 6 of my book, "The Prosperity Gospel: Where Did It Come From? Gnostic Source? Or Spiritual Revelation?  gives a full blown description of the DNA personality profile of Faith leadership which is available at Amazon.com and Kindle Book.

    The preoccupation of many Faith leaders are so embellish with Self. They have such an I, meism attitude. They are not concern about others nor are they in the best interest of others when it comes to reaching out to the poor and needy. They will convince the poor and needy that by them "sowing" seeds into God's kingdom that they will receive an "hundred-fold blessings (Mk. 10:30).

    Many African American prosperity teachers like Dollar, Jakes, and Bynum are born "hustlers" who are skilled at fleecing the poor and needy of their monies and assets. They talk about the "wealth" being distributed into the hands of the needy, but it only serves to benefit the one's who are preaching the prosperity message (2 Pet. 2:3).

    Prosperity teachers are always on the receiving end, but never on the giving end. It is all about Self at the exclusion of others.

   Narcissist lack of feelings would appear to be concern about people, but they display such lack of empathy towards others. They are only concern about themselves and no one else. The insensitivity, insecurity and apathy characterize that of narcissism.

    The insensitivity of many Faith leaders are characterized by such narcissistic personality disorder. They are insensitive when it comes to a member who is sick in the hospital, but will in turn scorn them for not applying the "formulas" of faith so as to be healed. Many Faith leaders especially within the context of the African American Word of Faith religion will blame the sick for not having enough faith or lack of faith. So the sick even family members are left with a sense of guilt and shame in blaming themselves for not praying enough, making such Faith confession, and thinking positive thoughts.

   The insensitivity of many Faith leaders is there unwillingness to take responsibility for what they have taught others by causing people's faith to become spiritually shipwrecked (2 Tim. 2:17, 18). It is a tragedy for the sick and their grieving family members.

Rev. Darryl L. Miller, is the founder & Lead pastor of Contending for the Faith Church of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the president and Chairman of Darryl Miller International Ministries and travels extensively throughout the United States and the continents. Darryl is the bestselling author of his book, "The Prosperity Gospel: Where Did It Come From? Gnostic Source? Or Spiritual Revelation? which is available at Amazon.com. He is also Radio Host, "Answers N Focus" Ministries that is aired throughout metro Atlanta and the surrounding counties of Georgia. As a apologist, pastor-teacher, senior researcher/editor, and lecturer he is in great demand both in the United States and around the world. Darryl lives with his wife Vivian outside metro Atlanta, Georgia with their puppy "Little Baby."