I’m not a big deal at all, and never will be in evangelicalism because I don’t pastor a mega church with mp3’d sermons online and don’t teach a big school but I’m worn out from the last few years of non-stop traveling, speaking, visiting friends…

My buddy Joseph D. Martinez sent my a link to his blog with a TED clip of Scott Stratten about how we need to stop trying to be a big deal. We are not energizer bunnies. Stop. Being a “big deal” is not a big deal. (Link to 15 minute video clip.)

A few years ago, I remember Mark Driscoll canceled nearly all of his speaking engagements that one. I remember because I was bringing him to an event I was organizing. At first I didn’t understand why he did that but now I get it. Mark wasn’t trying to become super busy and a big deal it just happened as a consequence of his work.

I’m not a big deal at all, and never will be in evangelicalism because I don’t pastor a mega church with mp3’d sermons online and don’t teach a big school but I’m worn out from the last few years of non-stop traveling, speaking, visiting friends. Yeah, I have Platinum status on Delta and nearly always get upgraded. So what.

So, I sent an email to a few friends announcing my disengagement from a few conversations in evangelicalism. I’m tired. So, like Stratten says, I’m “stopping” a few things

(1) I won’t be speaking as much in 2011 or 2012…and I’m already saying “no” to things I’ve spoken at for years. I did it last week and felt great. I’ll still do a few but mostly “no.” If it requires getting on a plane it’ll take some convincing.

(2) Saying “no” to “Hey come visit us!!!” invites from friends I’ve known for years because getting on another plane to travel, even for a friendly visit, wears me out. I’m more than willing to hang with folks during their visits to New York.

(3) Saying “no” to “hey, can I pick your brain about….” I’m brain’s been picked by A LOT of people over the past few years but find few people interested in refilling my brain:).

(4) Slowing down on writing books. I need to read for a season.

My counselor told me that I’ve been an informational ATM machine for lots people for several years and I’m about out of cash. So true. Time for some deposits, otherwise I’m going to walk away from all of it and end being a doorman in New York. They earn about $70,000 a year. I’d be great at it:). Peace. Books, tostones, salsa. Nice. As Scott says, “we need to stop so we can keeping going.”

Seriously, watch this. Interested in your thoughts…..

I feel bad for all the guys I know trying to be like Tim Keller, Mark Driscoll, John Piper, Tony Evans, Bishop _______________, Dr. _______________, and so on. I feel bad for everyone trying to plant the next “amazing” church plant to be bragged about. Why are people trying to be such a “big deal” in evangelicalism? Most people in the world don’t care.

Anthony Bradley is an Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics at The King’s College, NYC. This commentary is taken from Bradley’s blog, The Institute and is used with permission of the author.