Pastors Experience Success from Status

If we lack money and power, we can still feel successful if we have the respect of our peers. As a young minister without wealth or power, I loved being called “Reverend.” It was an ego trip for me when I was asked to pray at important public gatherings: I thrilled at the honor of addressing prestigious meetings.

When I was asked to fly from Pennsylvania to speak at a convention on the West Coast, that seemed proof that I was somebody special. I might be short on power and low on cash, but I felt as…