For question #1, I think that's everywhere, and it manifest in the way these people act, which is why you'll see them focusing more on 'hyping' than actually doing anything of substance. Some of these people, if you took them and placed them in an environment where there's no organ, no mic to shout your lungs out in, no people screaming and yelling throughout the sermon - an environment where you simply had to rely on substance, they'd be lost, because substance and practicality has taken a backseat to 'antics'. It's just about making the people 'lose themselves' so you can get a "Man, to' the church UP!" afterwards which will then, hopefully, transcend into "Man, can you come preach at our conference?"
It's sickening.
Question #2: I think it's human nature to want to be recognized. I heard a preacher preach about how glory-seeking is embedded inside of us by God - but it's meant to also be appeased by God. We, instead, look to outside sources to give us that glory and attention that we want. Outside sources that simply cannot give it.
It's like, if all of us were starving on a deserted island. We're all STARVING...but none of us knows how to cook. But there's a chef on the other side who knows how to, not only cook, but cook gourmet meals...and He's more than willing to cook for us. But instead of going to him, we continue to go to others who CAN'T COOK to feed us.
That may be a lame example. I just came up with it, but hopefully you get my drift.
Sometimes it's a matter of environment, as well. I've realized that in a lot of churches (namely charismatic), the musicians aren't recognized until they mess up. Then it's all eyes on them
. Church folks always say "WE DON'T NEED NO MUSIC TO PRAISE GOD, WE CAN PRAISE HIM BY OURSELVES! I AIN'T GOT NO ORGAN AT HOME, I STILL PRAISE 'EM!"
...then when the musician doesn't show up or doesn't "set the atmosphere" the way they feel it should be "set" (not going there today), everybody starts twiddling their thumbs.
It's like a subtle "we don't need you 'til we need you" aura.
But I've, too, noticed that a lot of small churches (especially Baptist) will go out of their way to appreciate the musician. One running joke I've heard among some musicians is that if you want to get paid REAL GOOD (for less work), play for some Baptist folks.
I'm speaking from a musician's standpoint, because that's all I really know. I don't know about the pastor's POV or whatever. But, yeah, I think it's human nature to want some sort of recognition, and any GOOD leader will tell you that the KEY to making sure that your team and underlings are motivated and such is to CONSTANTLY keep them uplifted and CONSTANTLY let them know how much you appreciate them. When you're dealing with a leader like that, it'll make you want to put in the work, because it's become a joy. But when you're dealing with a leader whose always on you about something, spotlighting what you do wrong while merely glancing over what you've done right - yeah...I think I'd rather watch TV tonight than spend my time practicing these songs you sent just to deal with that attitude. I'm not saying don't criticize them, but make sure it's CONSTRUCTIVE criticism - and if you have to criticize more than you apprecialize (I know that's not a word, but it rhymes
) then there's something wrong.
But, going back to my original point, it's okay to desire attention/glory, but it's probably not a great idea to seek it from man. Man's praise is fragile, but if God exalts you, Hiya ba hondo...you better believe you SHALL be exalted. The Bible says He will take DELIGHT in prospering you. I can preach that if I want to. In addition to that, listening to man for too long will cause you to miss your blessing. Shoot, Moses lost his right to the promised land listening to the folks around him. You just can't put THAT much stock in man. It'll set you up for a fall every time.
*Phew*.....I did NOT mean to type all of that. How quickly things can turn into a rant, huh?
