False Shepherds vs. Real Shepherds

Sometimes it's hard to tell in today's celebrity-centric churches

I recently came across a clip of a well known pastor whose language was harsh, accusatory, and puffed up. Listening to it turned my stomach. And as I thought about what he was doing, I wanted to delineate between false shepherds and real, genuine, good shepherds. So I started writing, and these 16 traits (negative and positive) came out.

Our celebrity-driven, platform adoring, big-is-better idea of pastors and churches needs to end. Those who shepherd sheep should not be known for their curated wardrobe, bombastic sound bites, political hot takes, misogyny, or smug “rightness.” True shepherds hang around everyday sheep. They tend to the souls in their care without fanfare. They do not parade themselves around, patting themselves on the back for their good deeds.

Nor do they demonize critics. Or vilify victims. Or platform themselves. Or boast about their riches and success.

I am deeply grateful for real shepherds in my life who take the last place, minister in the corners, and genuinely care for those under their care. Which is why these false shepherds alarm me. They do not at all represent Jesus Christ. They must be exposed, stopped, and reprimanded.

“Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others” (1 Timothy 5:20).

False shepherds vilify people bringing correction.

Real shepherds welcome feedback.

False shepherds are harsh.

Real shepherds are empathetic.

False shepherds blame shift.

Real shepherds take responsibility for their actions.

False shepherds protect themselves and their ministry at all cost.

Real shepherds are uninterested in personal PR.

False shepherds glory in the limelighted platform.

Real shepherds don’t mind serving in the shadows.

False shepherds bend the Bible to fit their pet narratives (eisegesis)

Real shepherds properly handle Scripture (exegesis)

False shepherds curry an insider culture (who’s out, who’s in)

Real shepherds notice the unnoticed.

False shepherds use Scripture as a weapon against opponents.

Real shepherds encourage with Scripture.

False shepherds align themselves with the powerful.

Real shepherds align themselves with Jesus.

False shepherds exploit their congregation financially.

Real shepherds seek to help others with surplus.

False shepherds yell and puff themselves up.

Real shepherds are firm, but don’t resort to harsh language.

False shepherds align themselves politically.

Real shepherds allow for diversity of opinion.

False shepherds call prophetic voices demonic for calling out sin.

Real shepherds listen to the voices of their people.

False shepherds boast about themselves.

Real shepherds boast about others.

False shepherds are unteachable.

Real shepherds are teachable.

False shepherds are predatory and/or they protect predators

Real shepherds protect the flock.

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Do you have any to add? What has your experience been?