Narcissistic Spiritual Leaders

So how do narcissistic leaders show up in the church and Christian organizations? Christian leaders often use those they lead to enhance their own image and improve the way they feel about themselves. Far too many sermons are preached in an effort to gain the approval and admiration of followers, with little or no concern for God’s approval. The pastor or speaker who steps down from the platform and is immediately obsessed with whether his sermon was good is dealing with a prime symptom of narcissism.

Jim Bakker seems to have been a classic victim of narcissistic personality disorder. His visions of grandeur were born out of deep feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. He was driven to achieve in an effort to prove to himself and others that he was worthy and approved. So deeply rooted was his psychological need to achieve greatness that he would stop at virtually nothing in an effort to gain the approval and recognition he craved.

Numerous churches have been destroyed by leaders who led the church into projects too energetic and costly for the congregation because the leader needed to feel good about himself. How easy it is for Christian leaders to use their organizations as nothing more than platforms from which they launch themselves on their chosen career path with little or no regard for the long-term health of the organization they were entrusted to lead.

When a pastor or Christian executive says to himself, This church (or organization) would suffer if I ever left, it is a sign of narcissism. When the leader is constantly beginning new ministries, even when existing, essential ministries are not adequately staffed or effective, it is a sign of narcissism. Rather than ensuring that existing ministries are efficiently functioning, the narcissistic leader needs the kudos that come from new and unique ministries. However, once the high of a new ministry launch is gone, the narcissistic leader provides little long-term oversight or maintenance.

Because ministry provides the ready justification that grandiose visions and risky ventures are necessary to accomplish God’s kingdom work, the church and Christian organizations provide fertile soil for a budding narcissist. Tragically, because many followers of the narcissistic leader think all this activity is being done for God, they feel uncomfortable challenging their leader.

Targeting Insights

One manifestation of the dark side is the development of the narcissistic leader. Solomon is one example found in the Bible.

Some signs of a narcissistic leader include the following. Narcissistic leaders are driven to succeed by a need for admiration and acclaim. They may have an over inflated sense of importance as well as great ambitions and grandiose fantasies.

At the heart of narcissistic leaders are self-absorption and uncertainty due to deep feelings of inferiority. In addition, they may not enjoy their success and may be dissatisfied with their lives.

Applying Insights

So how do you know if you are narcissistic when it comes to the exercise of leadership? One of the traits of narcissistic leaders is that they live in a state of constant denial and self-justification. Therefore, the following inventory may be helpful.

5 = strongly agree.
4 = agree.
3 = uncertain.
2 = disagree.
1 = strongly disagree.

1. Fellow leaders in my church or organization frequently question whether my proposed goals and projects are feasible and realistic.
   
   1 2 3 4 5
2. I am obsessed with knowing how others feel about my sermons, lessons, and performance.
   
   1 2 3 4 5
3. I find it difficult to receive criticism of any kind, reacting with anger, anxiety, or even depression when it does come.
   
   1 2 3 4 5
4. At times I find myself thinking, I’ll show them; they could never make it without me, when I experience conflict situations or opposition to my proposed plans.
   
   1 2 3 4 5
5. In spite of achieving what others would consider significant success, I still find myself dissatisfied and driven to achieve greater things in an effort to feel good about myself.
   
   1 2 3 4 5
6. I am willing to bend rules and press the envelope of acceptable behavior to accomplish my goals.
   
   1 2 3 4 5
7. I find myself feeling jealous of the success and achievements of associates, other churches, or organizations in my area.
   
   1 2 3 4 5
8. I am often unaware of or unconcerned about the financial pressures my goals and projects place on those I lead or the church or organization I serve.
   
   1 2 3 4 5
9. Success or failure in a project has a direct bearing on my self-image and sense of worth.
   
   1 2 3 4 5
10. I am highly conscious of how colleagues and those to whom I am accountable regard my accomplishments.
    
    1 2 3 4 5
11. I need to be recognized or on top when meeting with a group of fellow pastors, denominational officials, or associates.
    
    1 2 3 4 5
12. I see myself as a nationally known figure at some time in the future or I have plans to attain such a position.
    
    1 2 3 4 5

Add up the circled numbers and place the total here: _________

If your total comes to less than 20, you probably are not narcissistic. If your total is between 21 and 40, there is likelihood that you have some narcissistic tendencies. If your total is 41 or more, you probably are a narcissistic leader.

Do you see traits of a narcissistic leader in yourself? In what ways does this type of leader mirror your dark side?

Excerpted from the book, Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership, by Gary L. McIntosh and Samuel D. Rima, Sr. (pp. 99–103). Used with Samuel Rima’s permission. (Copyright owned by McIntosh and Rima.)