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FLOURISHING GOSSIP CHRISTIANITY

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil:

for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45 KJV

“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” Proverbs 11:13 KJV

ADDRESSING MINISTRY COMPETITION

FOMO, Wannabe-ism, and the Mantle Illusion

How Leadership Desires Can Derail Ministry
“Who put the ELF in SELFIE?”

By Taveau D’Arcy | EORR Cross Body Unity International

In today’s hyperconnected world, Christians in ministry face more distractions and pressures than ever before—not just from the world, but from within the church culture itself. One of the subtle, often unnamed pressures is FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), especially when paired with “wannabe-ism”—a longing to be seen, known, and mantled like a Solomon or David.

What starts as a desire to serve the Lord can, over time, morph into a quiet obsession with being chosen, anointed, and platformed. Let’s unpack how this affects the body of Christ and what Jesus says about it.

1. The Spirit of FOMO: Ministry Edition

FOMO in ministry doesn’t always look like missing a vacation or a trendy product. It sounds like:

“He has more numbers than I do.”
“Their post went viral, mine didn’t.”
“They were ordained as a prophet—when’s my turn?”

At its core, FOMO in leadership is rooted in the fear that God is blessing others and skipping you. It creates restlessness, jealousy, and sometimes even ministry rivalry.

Scripture Check: John 21:21-22

“When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’”

Jesus dealt with FOMO directly. Peter was worried about John’s role. Jesus reminded him: Mind your own call. Follow Me.

2. Wannabe-ism: The Allure of Fame in Christian Disguise

Wannabe-ism is that inner drive that says:

“If I could just be seen as senior ministry top office spiritual authority…”
“If I had more followers, I could change the world.”
“God’s hand is clearly on that person—how do I get that mantle?”

It’s the temptation to look the part without paying the real cost of intimacy, character, and suffering. Jesus never asked us to be influencers. He asked us to be servants.

Scripture Check: Matthew 6:1

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them…”

The desire for recognition can corrupt a pure call. It starts as passion but morphs into performance.

3. The Mantle Illusion: Solomon, David, and the Celebrity King Syndrome

In church culture, some crave the “Solomon mantle” or “David anointing” because they’re associated with wealth, wisdom, military success, or visible favor. But few remember:

Solomon ended his life backslidden, led astray by fame and compromise (1 Kings 11:1-6).
David paid a heavy personal price for his crown—betrayal, warfare, family drama, and heartbreak.

What people call a “mantle” is often just God’s assignment paired with suffering. In 1 Samuel 8, Israel wanted a king to “be like the other nations.” They weren’t seeking God’s will—they were craving appearance, structure, and human power.

Scripture Check: 1 Samuel 8:5–7

“Now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
“…they have rejected Me as their king.”

This desire for status over Spirit still echoes today. Many want the appearance of greatness—robes, titles, platforms—but not the secret life of humility, obedience, and silence before the Lord.

4. Pharisee-ism: When Ministry Becomes About Perks and Position

Jesus was crystal clear about this spirit:

“Everything they do is done for people to see… they love the place of honor… and to be called ‘Rabbi.’”
—Matthew 23:5–7

Modern-day Pharisee-ism may show up as:

Needing VIP treatment at conferences
Having “armor bearers” but no heart to serve
Using titles to distance instead of draw near
Silencing or excluding others who don’t fit the mold

This isn’t the spirit of Jesus—it’s a celebrity system in religious garb. The true Christlike leader bends low, listens deeply, and walks in meekness—even with great authority

5. What’s the Cure? A Return to Hiddenness and Holiness

Jesus made Himself “of no reputation” (Philippians 2:7).
He didn’t chase mantles—He carried the cross.
He didn’t market His miracles—He often told people not to tell anyone.

This is the pattern:

Seek His face, not just His favor.
Embrace the slow, deep work of formation.
Let go of needing to be seen.

Galatians 1:10

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? … If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Final Thought: The Invitation to Be Unknown

It’s okay to be hidden. It’s holy to be unknown if that’s what God ordains. Your fruit will find its way to the surface in His timing—not through FOMO, wannabe-ism, or striving for crowns that were never meant for you.

Let’s trade the desire for fame for the beauty of faithfulness. Let’s be a generation that doesn’t need a throne to lead, a robe to be holy, or applause to obey.

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