Learning and Leading in Ministry: Chapter Seven

Superman is a Fictional Character

Learn human limitations.

“Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.” He flies through the air with the greatest of ease. His impenetrable skin repels knives and bullets, and can withstand raging fires and bitter cold. He has x-ray vision, infinite strength and can go for days without eating or sleeping. Best of all, he maintains his calm demeanor in the face of the fiercest enemy or most disastrous circumstances. He stays humble, kind and caring. His overarching goal is to do the right thing. His only known weakness is kryptonite, and when he gets close to that, he always manages to escape. And, none of the above is true.

The “Superman Complex”, as defined by Wikipedia, “is an unhealthy sense of responsibility, or the belief that everyone else lacks the capacity to successfully perform any task. Such a person may feel a constant need to ‘save’ others.” Sometimes called the “Christ” or “Messianic Complex”, leaders—especially those involved in ministry—frequently fall victim to this disorder. After all, when people look at you as a god, it’s quite an ego trip. Too many leaders tie on their cape to fulfill their followers’ fantasy only to find that the reality of gravity rudely trashes their flight plans. Why, then, do they try to do the impossible? The problem may lie deep within.

Listen to Max Carey, a Vietnam veteran who became a CEO.

“In simple terms, I’d always been a “stuffer.” Rather than deal with difficult emotional issues, I stuffed them deeply into my subconscious. This meant I’d stuffed all the grief and fear brought on by the horrors of combat and death. I had never told my family or employees there was anything I couldn’t do. In combat, it was “Keep up the bravado. Don’t tell anyone you’re scared or weak.” In business, it was “God forbid anyone should know you’re not perfect.” He addressed his problem through therapy. ‘One day my psychologist said, ‘Let me guess what it’s like at your company. The people are detached, they’re a little afraid of you, they do what you tell them to do, and that’s about it. You feel they’re not contributing.’ I said, ‘You’re absolutely right. What’s wrong with them?’ ‘Max,’ he said, ‘the question is what’s wrong with you?’” (Inc. Magazine, October 1988.)

If you are trying to be a superhero, you need to find out what’s wrong with you. It could be fear, pride, guilt, ego or some other problem. Don’t ignore it. You are headed for a crackup if you insist on being everyone’s indestructible champion.

At the very least, pay attention to your mortality. Only the delusional or nut cases go at full tilt without a break. God did not call any of us to abuse our bodies. Consider vacations mandatory. Give your body and brain ample rest. “Divert daily; withdraw weekly; abandon annually.” If you don’t, you will have to borrow from tomorrow’s energy. When you arrive at your tomorrow, the supply will be gone.