“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision…” – Philippians 3:2 It is sadly a well-known truth today that many of the problems facing the Body of Christ are caused not from outside persecution, but from within—by the very ones called to shepherd God’s people. Many churches have been destroyed, not because of the devil or persecution, but because of wrong leadership. Pastors, being under-shepherds of the Great Shepherd, can either build or break the flock entrusted to them.
As we cry out for revival and restoration in the Church of Jesus Christ, and as we seek to bring back the fear of God, holiness, and reverence into our fellowships, it is important that we shine the light on the kinds of pastors we must beware of. Apostle Paul did this with Timothy. He warned him strongly about certain types of ministers who would try to infiltrate the Church with wrong spirits and motives. He said, “Beware…” These are people:
- Who mutilate the Church spiritually,
- Who misuse the Church for personal gain, and
- Who mislead the Church into error.
These kinds of pastors are still very present today, and their actions have brought great reproach to the name of the Lord. Let us examine them one by one:
1. THE NOMINAL PASTOR
Micah 2:5–7; Jeremiah 8:20; Isaiah 58:2–3
These are pastors who bear the title but lack the transformation. They know how to quote Psalms but have no real relationship with the Shepherd Himself—Jesus. They speak Christianese but have not been born again. These are religious leaders, not spiritual ones. They turn the church into a social club where sin is tolerated, not repented of. Their hidden sins eventually contaminate the spiritual atmosphere and quench the Holy Spirit’s fire.
2. THE SINGLE-ISSUE PASTOR
This is the pastor who only emphasizes one theme in the entire counsel of God. It may be prayer, deliverance, mission, or prosperity—but he has no interest in the full gospel. He builds the entire ministry around one doctrine, and neglects the balance required for healthy discipleship. While specialization is helpful, it should never become an idol. God’s sheep need the whole Word.
3. THE POLITICALLY AMBITIOUS PASTOR
These are ministers who see the church as a stepping stone for denominational politics and personal ambition. They manipulate transfers, lobby for titles, and treat members as tools for self-promotion. Their hearts are far from God, though their lips may sound spiritual. They attend more meetings in headquarters than they spend feeding and tending the sheep of Christ.
4. THE PREDATOR PASTOR
Jesus warned us about wolves in sheep’s clothing (John 10). Some pastors are wolves, not shepherds. They are sexual predators, financial extortioners, or spiritual manipulators. Their ministries are followed by scandals. Rather than feed the flock, they fleece them. These men are not broken before God; they are destroyers. They must repent or be removed.
5. THE COMBATIVE PASTOR
2 Timothy 2:24–25 This is a hot-tempered leader who uses the pulpit to attack people, curse enemies, and stir up division. He thrives on controversy and quarrels, not love and truth. Instead of washing the saints with the water of the Word, he wounds them with verbal violence. He must daily bring himself to the cross and crucify the flesh (1 Corinthians 15:31).
6. THE IMMATURE PASTOR
2 Peter 3:17–18 Such pastors take offense easily, hate correction, and are obsessed with their reputation. They cannot bear criticism and mark anyone who challenges them as an enemy. They are unbroken and unteachable. Their childish behavior repels mature believers and hinders spiritual growth.
7. THE EGO-DRIVEN PASTOR
John 13:1–3 Whether it’s a superiority complex or deep insecurity, this type of leader rules by intimidation. He demands to be served rather than serve. He sees himself as doing the church a favor by being its pastor. His anger is unchecked, his insecurity makes him manipulate people, and he is a danger to the ministry.
8. THE SECULAR PASTOR
1 Corinthians 3:1–4 This kind of pastor is worldly-minded and carnally driven. He operates by human wisdom, not the Spirit. His sermons are motivational speeches, his prayers are powerless, and his goals are material. He pursues the world’s success model while neglecting spiritual fruit. Carnality governs his vision.
9. THE LONER PASTOR
Mark 6:7 This pastor walks alone. He isolates himself from other ministers and avoids fellowship, fearing “contamination.” But isolation breeds error. Lone pastors develop lone doctrines, and their work often lacks accountability. Ministry is not meant to be done in isolation—we are part of the Body of Christ.
10. THE LIBERAL PASTOR
Isaiah 5:20–21 This pastor refuses to take a stand on truth. Everything goes. He avoids controversy and calls it “peace.” He welcomes all doctrines and lifestyles without biblical filter. By trying to avoid offending people, he offends the Spirit of Truth. He dismantles the very foundation of scriptural Christianity.
11. THE TWO-FACED PASTOR
1 Timothy 3:4–5; 5:8 This pastor may appear spiritual at church, but his home is in crisis. His spouse controls or contradicts him and poisons the atmosphere. A man’s first ministry is his family, and when that is out of order, his church leadership is already compromised. Pretending everything is fine will not fix the problem.
12. THE HYPOCRITE PASTOR
Matthew 23:27–28 This pastor is only in ministry for a career or livelihood. He projects what he is not and lives a lie. He wears the mask of spirituality, but underneath, he is carnal. Such deception always leads to scandal, disgrace, and a church in ruins. God cannot be mocked.
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B. QUALITIES OF PASTORS THAT REVIVE AND BUILD CHURCHES
Thank God that not all pastors destroy churches! There are also many faithful, humble, Spirit-led shepherds whom God is using to bring healing and revival to His house. These are the kinds of pastors every church should pray for:
- Visionary
They have a divine vision for church growth, discipleship, and spiritual impact. They see the future and lead the church toward it. - Risk-Takers
They are not spiritual undertakers preserving the past, or caretakers maintaining the present. They take bold steps of faith to advance the Kingdom. - Courageous
They are not timid. They make hard decisions and overcome fear to obey God. - Strategic
They plan wisely and execute skillfully. They don’t just pray—they prepare. - Prayerful
They seek the Lord in the secret place. They spend time on their knees so they can stand strong in the pulpit. - Powerful Preachers
Their messages convict, convert, and transform. Their preaching brings revelation, repentance, and revival. - Supernaturally Empowered
They walk in the gifts of the Spirit. God confirms their word with signs and wonders. - Relationally Mature
They love people, work with teams, and walk in unity. They are approachable and build strong Christian families. - Christ-Centered
Jesus is at the center of their hearts and ministries. They model Christ-likeness in character and conduct. - Soul-Winners
They burn with passion for the lost. Evangelism is not a program for them; it’s a heartbeat. - Dedicated and Determined
They are sold out to God’s purpose. Their lives reflect perseverance and total surrender. - Informed and Current
They study, research, and update themselves to stay relevant in a changing world, without compromising the truth. - Spiritually Mature and Balanced
They are not swayed by trends. They have depth in the Word, are balanced in doctrine, and are grounded in grace and truth.
CONCLUSION:
We must pray for our pastors. The health of a church often mirrors the health of its leadership. Let us watch, pray, and train the right kind of leaders for the Lord’s house. May we raise more of the faithful, wise, Spirit-filled shepherds that will feed, guide, and love God’s people like Jesus does… Amen.