How to Discern a False Shepherd from a Real One

Oct 24, 2024

Click here to read Part 1 of this article.

Some spiritual gifts are truly impressive, however they can be a mask, or a smoke screen to cover up ungodliness. As we are warned in Matthew 24:24, “false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”

Unfortunately, we see a lot of this in the church today, where powerful gifts woo naive sheep into churches where they are taught what they want to hear. Timothy outlined the dangers of this in 2 Timothy 4:3-4; “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

We must be very discerning about the spiritual leadership we place ourselves under and not to be swayed solely by charismatic personalities or impressive displays of gifts. The ability to perform signs and wonders does not necessarily equate to a genuine relationship with Christ.

So, how can you discern a gifted wolf from a true shepherd? Following are some things to watch out for. Please be aware that if you notice one or two items from this list, it doesn’t mean that particular leader is a false shepherd. You may just be dealing with an immature leader. You shouldn’t ignore the signals, but one or two don’t necessarily make them a wolf. However, if you observe several concerning behaviors, it is a significant red flag that you may be following a gifted wolf rather than a true shepherd.

Evaluate Their Doctrine: A true shepherd will uphold sound doctrine that aligns with the teachings of Scripture. In Titus 1:9 Paul instructs leaders to “hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” This means that a faithful leader will not only teach truth but also be willing to confront errors in teaching. It’s essential to compare any teaching against the full counsel of Scripture. Beware of teachers who cherry-pick verses to make their points, and who don’t do a thorough study of topics to get a fuller picture of the whole counsel of God on a certain topic. Such teachers are likely to have a “black and white” approach, and will fail to address complexities, nuances or scriptures that do not support their particular views. This aligns with 2 Peter 2:1 which warns that “there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies.” A true shepherd welcomes accountability and encourages dialogue, while a false shepherd will discourage questions, criticism or disagreement.
Look for the Fruit: Jesus emphasizes the importance of fruitfulness in discerning true leaders. In Matthew 7:16-20 He states, “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” A true shepherd's life will bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Examining the character and actions of a leader will reveal whether they genuinely reflect Christ’s love. While we are not perfect, over time we should expect to see growth in our humility and our capacity to love.
Check Their Relationship with the Flock: A genuine shepherd demonstrates care and concern for their flock. In John 10:11 Jesus declares “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” True leaders are invested in the spiritual growth and well-being of their congregation, prioritizing their needs over personal gain. If a leader seeks to manipulate or exploit their followers, it raises a significant red flag about their character and intentions. A true shepherd who loves and fears God will also love His children and will not abuse them, recognizing that whatever they do to one of God’s children, they do to God.
Seek Confirmation from the Holy Spirit: Discernment is not solely an intellectual exercise; it also involves spiritual sensitivity. In 1 John 4:1 we are instructed to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth (John 16:13) and helps us discern right from wrong. Therefore, prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit is essential when evaluating a leader’s authenticity.

A clear example of this can be found in the story of the three wise men. After following the star to find the newborn King, they encountered King Herod, who feigned interest in worshiping the child. Their gut instinct might have led them to believe Herod was genuinely interested, but they lacked the clarity to see the danger he posed. It was only through divine intervention that God revealed Herod's malicious intent to them in a dream, warning them not to return to him.

This example illustrates that, at times, we may not have the discernment we need, and it is only the Holy Spirit who can provide that clarity. Just as God gave the wise men discernment, He can reveal the truth to us through dreams, visions or other supernatural ways.
Be Cautious of Exclusivity: False shepherds often create an environment that fosters exclusivity, implying that only they hold the truth, or that they have a special wisdom or gift that other teachers do not have, or that God is going to move powerfully through their church (as opposed to other churches). A true shepherd recognizes they don’t have all the answers and gives people the freedom to learn from outside sources and are not threatened by them.
Assess Their Humility: True leaders demonstrate humility, recognizing their dependence on God rather than seeking personal glory. In Philippians 2:3, Paul instructs “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” A leader who is genuinely following Christ will prioritize serving others rather than seeking to elevate themselves. Some leaders are covert about their arrogance and may present as self-effacing and humble, but their arrogance can leak out in other ways. Are they condescending and patronizing? Do they perceive themselves as superior over the people they serve? Paul in the New Testament shifted from calling himself an apostle, to the “least of these” to “chief of sinners” over time. It is clear that he became more and more humble with the passage of time, not more proud. Is your leader bearing the same fruit?
Observe Their Response to Accountability: A faithful shepherd is open to correction and accountability, understanding that they are not above reproach. If a leader dismisses accountability or becomes defensive or plays the victim when challenged, it is a significant warning sign. Consider the example of the Apostle Paul. Even in the early days of his ministry, when he was considered the least of all the apostles, he did not hesitate to confront Peter—a more senior apostle—over his hypocrisy in dealing with the people he was called to serve (see Galatians 2:11-14).
Evaluate Their Long-term Commitment to the Truth: A true shepherd demonstrates perseverance in faith and doctrine over time. In Hebrews 13:7 we are reminded to “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Look for leaders whose lives reflect a consistent commitment to the truth and who endure trials with integrity. Also, observe whether these leaders are committed to representing the true heart and mind of Jesus Christ to the people they serve, or if they are only interested in advancing their own interests and promoting themselves. It is possible for a leader to think they are following Christ because they preach in His name, when in reality they are more interested in what is on their hearts than in conveying what is in Jesus’ heart.
Evaluate Their Associations: Another critical red flag to watch for is when a leader surrounds themselves with people who are corrupt, dishonest, or abusive. These traits may not be readily obvious if they are secretive about their behavior, but you can look for other hints of low character, such as flirtation, arrogance, back biting, sexual immorality, or a short temper. The Bible clearly instructs us to steer clear of such people, especially those who claim to be Christians while engaging in sinful behavior. It's essential to recognize the difference between ministering to those in need of restoration and forming friendships with those who lack integrity.

When a leader aligns themselves with questionable characters, it often reflects the principle of "birds of a feather flocking together." If the leader you’re following has close ties to individuals with dubious morals, it’s likely they share similar traits, even if they present a more acceptable facade. You might find yourself dealing with a wolf in sheep's clothing who is friendly with other wolves.

That said, it’s important to note that merely being associated with someone who has a shady reputation does not automatically mean that a person is shady themself. Many individuals can cleverly conceal their true nature unbeknownst to the people who were associated with them. However, what truly matters is the overall company a leader keeps. If they consistently gravitate toward those with questionable character, that’s a significant cause for concern. It’s not just about isolated incidents; it’s the pattern of relationships that reveals their true inclinations.

Click here to read part 3 of this article on what you can do to discern things well, and to safeguard yourself against the subtle distortions that can cloud your judgment. I’ll share practical advice on how to sharpen your discernment, stay rooted in truth, and recognize when you’re being misled.

Related Resources

Gifted Wolf or True Shepherd? Who are You Following? [Read]
How to Discern a False Shepherd from a Real One. [Read]
Why Narcissists Love Religion: 10 Ways they Use It to Serve their Own Purpose. [Watch]
Can You Be A Narcissist and Follow God? What Does the Bible Teach? [Watch]
Malignant Narcissists in Ministry: How to Spot Their Covert Tactics [Watch] [Read]
Can God Speak Through a Narcissist? How to Tell and How to Safeguard Yourself Against Deception [Read] [Watch]
10 Subtle Signs of Spiritual Abuse: How to Spot a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. [Read] [Watch]
7 Steps to Leave a Toxic Church Unscathed [Read] [Watch]

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