I'm not saying that, in the name of authenticity, pastors should share every defeat, every failing, and every struggle without discretion. Nor should pastors parade their woundedness before the church in a maudlin sort of way. Pastors should live so our congregation knows we too are sinners. Authenticity is biblical . Jesus modeled transparency in such things as his tears at the death of Lazarus and his fear the night before his crucifixion.
Authenticity prevents hypocrisy .
One great temptation of ministry is taking the assessment of others as the truth about our life. People often award us with a high level of spirituality when they have no idea whether we've had a quiet time in two weeks, treat our spouses with dignity, or avoid pornography when we go online. A commitment to authenticity helps us refuse the false image some project onto us. Authenticity lowers the mask of hypocrisy. Authenticity builds credibility .