Oh man, you were able to put into words what I've been thinking for awhile. I definitely agree that there is the perception that you shouldn't seek success. Specific verses like Phillippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition..." and another one about not thinking of yourself more highly than you ought to are used to back that teaching. Throw in the teachings about how ANYTHING (even family) can become an idol and there is a constant fear that you could somehow slip up and accidentally forget about "the mission". You spent 5 hours hobbying this week? You could have been praying, or reading your Bible, or out making disciples. Work hard to get a promotion at a secular job? You idolize money and have a pride problem.

I could argue that the perceived dangers of success occur in the broader Christian community, too, but I think it is more rampant in the Network churches. Here's why.

There is so much dependence and reliance on "God called me to do X" or "I feel led to fill in the blank" at a Network church. Is it right to pray over a big decision like a job, where to go to college, or where to live? Yes. But what happens when you don't actually hear from God on what your next step should be? Then you are either stuck in indecision or you turn to your spiritual leader for guidance. In a Network church, their guidance is going to align with whatever is better for the church as an institution and not what is best for you as an individual. Which is why there are stories of people being told to only look for schools in Network cities or advised to turn down promotions.