There’s a phenomenon in culture where people try to associate themselves others of higher social status. It’s with called clout chasing or social climbing. Nobody says that is what they’re doing, but it is what some folks do to get attention and promote themselves.
These days, popular people online are called influencers and if you can get one of them to mention you, others might sit up and notice. If you’re really lucky they will invite you to hang out with them.
Sort of. For-profit posters monetize their mentions. Here is the price guide for one gal who talks about books and has 52k followers:
- Story – $30
- IG Post + Review on Goodreads – $60
- Reel (Book showcase) – $80
- Reel (Video review) – $150
- Giveaway – $180
- Written Interview – $210
- Instagram Live Interview – $250
It works in business and in the entertainment industry, but is it right for ministry? My husband and I used to occasionally visit a church where the pastor used to name-drop. Our town was medium-sized, so it would just be other regionally-known locals. “I was out golfing with (first name of college basketball coach) the other day.” If Instagram existed then, surely they would have taken selfies. The thing is, when the pastor is supposed to be talking to God everyday, isn’t it kind of a downgrade?
The other, uglier side of chasing attention is those of lower status get left behind. Not all the way, of course. The plain, poor and awkward are allowed to attend to help maintain audience numbers, but carefully hidden from view so as not to disturb the aesthetic.
Jesus was refreshingly opposite. He invited himself to a tax collector’s house. His besties were men and women from all walks of life including the docks, the red light district and the wrong side of the border. Sick, disabled and diseased persons flocked to his side, sometimes yelling and begging loudly. Their desperation was ruining the vibe. It was also super embarrassing when the moms and children came by, yet Jesus welcomed them all.
And that’s a relief. The point of church and community is not only to see, but be seen, your name known and your story shared. People need to be liked and appreciated for who they actually are rather than who they’re forced to pretend to be. Otherwise what is the point of even leaving the house?
