The Seven Traits of Fake Shepherds

One of our pastors shared out of Ezekiel, particularly chapter 34 where the Lord takes aim at really bad shepherds. And as I read through the passage again, I saw so much of what I experienced (and many of my friends experienced) in churches run by CEOs, not shepherds. Perhaps these Seven traits will be helpful to you as you discern whether your shepherd is real or fake.

1. They are lusty in their speech on stage and in public. “Their mouths are full of lustful words.” Ezekiel 33:31

2. They only feed themselves. (Self absorbed) “What sorrow awaits you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn’t shepherds feed their sheep?” Ezekiel 34:2

3. They are greedy and indulgent. “You drink the milk, wear the wool, and butcher the best animals, but you let your flocks starve.” Ezekiel 34:3

4. They overlook the weak. (They only want to be strong & be with the strong). “You have not taken care of the weak. ” Ezekiel 34:4a

5. They ignore the sick, injured, and straying. (Happy to have their parking places, though). “You have not tended the sick or bound up the injured. You have not gone looking for those who have wandered away and are lost. ” Ezekiel 34:4b

6. They have a bully management style. They’re harsh, unforgiving, and use force & control. “ Instead, you have ruled them with harshness and cruelty. ” Ezekiel 34:4c

7. They are unconcerned for those who have left. “ You abandoned my flock and left them to be attacked by every wild animal. And though you were my shepherds, you didn’t search for my sheep when they were lost. ” Ezekiel 34:8

To be more positive, look at the qualifications of elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Here are their necessary qualifications:

Above reproach

Faithful

Self-controlled

Live wisely

Have a good reputation

Hospitable (and not just to big donors)

Able to teach (This includes writing your own sermons, not stealing from others, or having AI write them, then performing them).

Not a heavy drinker

Not violent (including violent rhetoric)

Gentle

Not quarrelsome

Not greedy

Manages family well

Not proud (or a new believer)

Outsiders speak well of them

It seems we are rewarding or admiring the opposite qualities in Christian leaders. We seem to love shocking rhetoric, calling those shepherds bold or brave. We look the other way when a leader has highly sexualized language. We don’t blink at eye at pastor’s mansions. It’s like we’ve forgotten to actually read the Bible, letting our world dictate how leaders should be.

Simply looking at Jesus as our very good Shepherd should be all we need to do. (See John 10 for a detailed description). And a good question to ask is, “Does my pastor remind me of the ways of Jesus?”

I am comforted by how the Lord handles the fake shepherds in Ezekiel 34. Look at this promise—he will chase the broken and expose the fake shepherds:

“I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice!” Ezekiel 34:16

These fake shepherds are being found out and exposed in a dizzying manner. God is cleaning his house. And I’m grateful to say he has done wonders for Patrick and me in our new locale. We have been shepherded, healed, and nurtured. It’s such a surprise. I can’t articulate how joyful I am now that I’m away from an institution with fake shepherds.