Today, we are joined by Ben Kirby, creator of the Instagram account @PreachersNSneakers and author of "PreachersNSneakers: Authenticity in an Age of For-Profit Faith and (Wannabe) Celebrities." Ben is helping us answer the question: should Pastors wear pricey clothes?

Although Ben's account highlights many celebrity pastors, this conversation reminds us that this question is truly a gut check for all who claim Jesus: Am I wearing what I am wearing for the approval of others? Am I only appealing to the lust of the eye and pride of life? Is what I am doing distracting from or diluting the message of the gospel?

Be encouraged, friends; this is not a “be poor for Jesus” discussion. Rather, this is a let’s “be more like Jesus” conversation!

Timecodes:

(7:00) What is Preachers N Sneakers, and how did it take off?

(9:59) The comments section of Preachers 'N' Sneakers

(10:20) What are we getting from wearing expensive clothing in the pulpit?

(11:15) Ben's dog also has an opinion about celebrity pastors and enters the chat...

(13:55) Should pastors ask for our money if they drive a Rolls Royce?

(16:20) At what point does the "celebritization" of the pastoral office become something we should be talking about?

(19:52) Are we causing our neighbor to sin by showing off our fancy clothes and apparel?

(21:50) What has capitalism done to the pulpit and the church?

(26:49) Have we idolized stuff, numbers, and access?

(33:17) Is the church hurt we've seen today because we've prioritized money, fame, and access?

SHOW LINKS:

Ben signed books for us! YAY! Enter the giveaway, which ends June 15th, 2024. You could win a signed copy of PreachersNSneakers!

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Ben's Book: "PreachersNSneakers: Authenticity in an Age of For-Profit Faith and (Wannabe) Celebrities."