People of God - There are many pastors who pursue ministry because they are truly called, not for money, fame, or recognition. This is what Scripture teaches and what God expects from His shepherds. Sadly, there are also many pastors today who are fooling countless people. (I used to be one.)
When you find yourself following pastors worth millions, pray for discernment. Ask God to give you deeper biblical literacy so you can test everything you hear against His Word.
A big church full of people doesn’t mean it’s a healthy or successful one. By worldly standards, it may look impressive, but by Scripture’s standards, it can be far from the truth.
The devil stands behind pulpits too, every Sunday, disguised as light (2 Corinthians 11:14). That’s why we must learn to recognize him.
Not all famous pastors fall into this category, but many do. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16). Look closely at how they live.
If a pastor is living in a $10 million mansion, bringing attention to himself or his look with fancy watches and chains, flying private, and surrounding themselves with luxury and celebrity status while preaching “humility” from the pulpit, that should caution you.
Scripture calls us to live in humility and stewardship, not extravagance and excess.
Many modern churches have begun softening or removing the central message of the gospel to avoid offense and attract the masses. Some, like Steven Furtick's "Elevation Church" even avoid mentioning the Resurrection during Easter, as if the cross and empty tomb are optional. But the gospel without the Resurrection is no gospel at all.
If the message becomes more about you - your success, your breakthrough, your potential and less about Jesus, realizing God's holiness and what He already accomplished, it’s time to run.
True shepherds will always point you back to Jesus, not to themselves or worldy prosperity. They’ll preach repentance, holiness, and the transforming power of grace, not self promotion or worldly riches. This is new age theology, not sound doctrine, and it has been corrupting the church for a long time.
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” — 2 Timothy 4:3 (NIV)
A biblically faithful pastor is one who leads by serving, not by being served or promoted. They are humble, approachable, and more concerned about the condition of souls than the size of buildings and congregations.
Their heart breaks over sin and the realities of our human condition, not over losing followers. They teach the whole counsel of God, not just the comfortable parts, but even the parts that make people uncomfortable, because they fear the Lord more than man.
Stay grounded in the Word. Test every message. Follow Jesus, not personalities. Because the truth is still the same today. It’s not popular, but it’s powerful.
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