Tag: wolves

The invasion we need to guard against

Photo by patrice schoefolt on Pexels.com

I’ve talked a little bit here about how the language of “invasion” is being used to describe asylum seekers and immigrants. Christian Nationalism puts the focus on nation states and ethno-cultural groups and says that these are the things that need to be protected. Once again, they miss what Scripture actually tells us. In Acts… Continue reading The invasion we need to guard against

Elders have a crucial responsibility

We often think of elders being responsible for providing for the church, ensuring that the congregation are led, pastorally cared for, fed with God’s Word.  There is however a crucial responsibility which gets less attention.   In Acts 20:28-31 addressing the Ephesia elders, Paul says: Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy… Continue reading Elders have a crucial responsibility

Infiltration

One big question that comes up as we read through Galatians is “How were the agitators able to be so successful?”  It seems that they had already managed to infiltrate the Jerusalem church quite significantly when Paul and Titus visited (2:1-10).  They also were able to get Peter to cooperate with them, even though it… Continue reading Infiltration

What is eldership about?

I’ve recently joined the eldership team of our church.  The process has been significantly different to my previous experience including when we joined our previous church and when I had a look around at potential church jobs back in 2021.  This partly reflects the fact that I was not being considered for a paid role… Continue reading What is eldership about?

Is narcissism the problem?

The Gospel Coalition have just published this article offering further engagement with Chuck De Groat’s book “When narcissism comes to church.”  The writer, Dan Doriani, is positive towards Chuck’s work but has some concerns, particularly with the thesis that: narcissism is especially common among pastors because they often enjoy a high profile. Narcissists crave power,… Continue reading Is narcissism the problem?

He’s the good good shepherd

I love Psalm 23 and it was really helpful to hear a speaker talking about this at a recent church leaders’ retreat.  On Sunday I shared my own attempt at a paraphrase of the Psalm. It’s been particularly on my mind over the past few days as it seems to link with a few particular… Continue reading He’s the good good shepherd

Millstones and amputations (Mark 9:42-50)

Jesus has a serious warning for those who lead others into sin. He says: it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.  God has a great love and concern for the vulnerable and so we have a great responsibility for them. … Continue reading Millstones and amputations (Mark 9:42-50)

Keep a particular look out for narcissistic bullies

When thinking about dangerous leaders, the potential false shepherds and even wolves that might sneak in, being alert to the dangers of narcissism may be helpful. Narcissists are people with an unhealthy inward focus on themselves. They believe that the world should or does revolve around them, their needs and their priorities.  These are the… Continue reading Keep a particular look out for narcissistic bullies

Watch out for wolves

This is the bit we don’t really like to talk about because we don’t like to be personal. But your church will face attacks from wolves.  Paul makes it clear that not only might happen but that it will happen. “after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own… Continue reading Watch out for wolves