11/04/24 BEWARE THE WOLVES

11/04/24 BEWARE THE WOLVES

WARNING...
(a plea to friends, acquaintances, Christians and church ministries in our area)
Do not let someone come into your life or your family or your church and steal your children or your ministry. 

Remember the Pied Piper.
Through the years I have deliberately chosen not to split churches or steal members.
I was pastor of a church in the middle part of the state years ago. I had really good people in that church and I had made many friends in that community. For reasons (which are not important to this post) I left that church. There were people in that church and Christians in other churches in the community who contacted me and said, if I would stay in the area, they would leave their churches and start a new one with me as pastor. I thanked them for their love and encouraged them to find God's will, BUT I REFUSED TO START A CHURCH BY SPLITTING OTHER CHURCHES OR BY STEALING MEMBERS (proselytizing).

On other occasions I have had people ask to go with me when I moved and started a new work somewhere. I NEVER RECRUITED. I always considered the need of my present church. In fact, at those times when folks wanted to join me in a new work, I would not accept anyone who was dissatisfied with their present ministry. I have even told people to take time away from our ministry, to make certain that they were doing God's will.

When a new person comes in to your midst, do not give them places of leadership or important ministries until they have proved themselves over a period of time. Remember, God warns us not to put our approval on anyone too quickly. If someone comes into your midst, it is important to talk to their previous pastor and church folks, to find out if there are any issues that might be troubling in your future.

I am not impressed with anyone who says or acts like they have come to help our church. I am glad for the people God sends or brings to us, but everyone who ministers or leads in our church must meet Biblical standards of doctrine, Christlike character, a sound philosophy of ministry. Pastors and churches must be kind, compassionate, patient, loving, sensitive to new people, but it must also protect the flock from wolves in sheep's clothing. Perfection of performance is not expected, but submission to Biblical light and authority and church unity are essentials.

Don't be impressed with new comers who draw people to themselves. A true minister of Christ (leadership or laity) draws people to Christ, to Biblical stability, to spiritual excellence, to body life loyalty. A person who is winsome, talented, gifted, exciting, knowledgeable is not always Biblical or sincere or honest or trustworthy.
Jesus warned us about those who are false witnesses, false teachers, false prophets, false Christs.

The Holy Spirit warned Paul and other New Testament writers, who in turn have warned us, to be careful of "angels of light."
It is the job of the pastor and the spiritual leadership to protect the flock from the wolves.
The problem with the wolves is that they scatter and devour the flock. Don't become the victim. Don't allow your family or your church to become the victim. If you let down your guard, it may be too late when you finally discover the truth about, "your friend."

Many of the problems that churches face could be solved with prayerful, Biblical, pastoral and elder led counseling. Sometimes the problem is with the established leadership. Sometimes the problem is with self centered, self promoting wannabees. In either case, Christians do not go into another ministry with the intent of splitting churches or stealing parishioners. If you are not careful, you may lose folks and ministries, with no chance of recovering them or delivering them.

The words of Paul to the Ephesian elders is appropriate.
Acts 20:28-30
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

dlg... don't say I didn't warn you.