My dear brethren,
We are supposed to watch out for one another and to give a loud call if a wolf is trying to sneak into the sheepfold. That is a service we all should take seriously. So what I would like to do is give you some warning signs to look for so that a wolf doesn't come in and destroy your church.
1. If you have already identified a wolf then you are scripturally bound to tell other pastors who they are and what they are capable of. The Bible says: Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
2. When someone comes to you stating they wish to be part of your congregation, don't be afraid to ask questions. If they have a long list of churches they belonged to in the past, something may very well be wrong. Don't be afraid to contact former pastors and ask about their report. This isn't being a nosey pastor. This is making sure that a trouble making rascal doesn't come and cause a ruckus.
Even more, these may have already been removed from a congregation because they have caused trouble: 1st Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
3. If it's not already in your bylaws, ask that a six month or one year watch care be implemented for all new members. A watch care is a period of time before a new member can assume any office in the church. This is just plain prudence.
4. We want so dearly to fellowship with our fellow Christians who come to us from other denominations. This is not a fault. It can be an open door to confusion though. I am an old time Baptist and being such I am addressing my fellow Baptist brethren on this matter. If you allow a preacher, or anyone for that matter to come into your fold of another faith who doesn't hold the ancient teachings of the scripture you hold so dearly, you are inviting trouble. Sure, it could be that this brother has seen the error of their beliefs and want to be part of the old pathway. That has happened as I have seen it.
But there are times that their intentions are to change your church. The scriptures speak plainly about this too. 2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
About the Author
Tim Davis, is the webmaster of PCIM Christian Fellowship Message Board at http://parsonscorner.org/pcimunity/ If you wish to discuss this matter further, please feel free to visit and start a thread.
http://101info.org/pcimarticles/church-life/pastors-beware-wolves-in-sheeps-clothing.html
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