In addition to exercising leadership and teaching, shepherds are called to protect or care for the flock (Tit. 1:5, 9; 2:15; Jn. 21:15-19). Therefore, logic tells us that it is important for them to be aware of their congregation’s attendance and membership. Obviously, there are many practical reasons for this, but one of them is undoubtedly to protect the herd from possible harm that threatens it.
So I ask you, “Who is the most dangerous person in your church?”
Here, I am not referring so much to an individual, but to a type of person. Sure, it’s easy to spot the “non-believer,” unable to speak the language of Zion fluently. We can also identify people who come from a doctrinally anemic background because they persist in cutting themselves with the sharp knives they keep in their theological drawers. And of course, any Calvinist can sniff out an Arminian in less than 20 seconds. But I maintain that these kinds of people are not the most dangerous of those who come to your church. At least, they are not in my experience.
The most dangerous person in your congregation is that man who, although he looks intelligent, is impossible to teach. When I say “impossible to teach,” I mean that he thinks he has all the answers. It is the prototype of those who think: “I am not interested in your information, I know what I believe.” He is the type who appears to have a lot of Biblical knowledge. He is one of those who drops a few sophisticated words and knows how to argue his point of view effectively. He is often quite involved and seems to have everything under control. However, he is dangerous for the reason you probably least expect: he is not tame.
5 characteristics of the most dangerous individual in your church
Let me explain some of the reasons why and how he is dangerous:
1. He obscures the gospel. The Great Commission is embedded with being educated (Mt. 28:18-20). This means that a disciple is someone who will always be learning. Therefore, to insinuate to know everything is to deny what you are. As Christians, we are people who should be constantly learning, and this includes everyone from pastors to children.
two. he is critical. If this individual is not being moved by the ministry of the Word, he is probably looking for bullets to shoot at the leaders. He sits quietly through sermons and teachings only to tear them to pieces on Monday morning. His unrulyness, that is, his resistance to being discipled, is the exact opposite of what James 1 teaches:
“For this, my beloved brethren: every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; because the wrath of man does not work the justice of God. Therefore, casting off filth and abundance of malice, meekly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:19-21).
Please note that this is not a rejection of constructive criticism, which is an urgent need. However, we must remember that there is a difference between constructive and destructive criticism.
3. He causes division. This is dangerous for the church since constant discord invariably causes ruptures (Tit. 3.10). This kind of boiling pot eventually spills over, and when it does, it breaks unity and hurts people.
In my experience, division in the church is often the result of someone not being taught. This sort of thing comes from a long legacy. Consider how Diotrephes liked to put himself first and foment division. As he did? He did not submit to the teaching of the apostles (3 Jn. 9-10). He was not docile.
It is obvious that this is dangerous for his own soul, but it is also dangerous for the church. Just as Diotrephes had influence in his congregation, so also the man who does not allow himself to be taught surely has influence in his local assembly, and this is a vehicle for division.
Four. He’s a joy thief. A church that is docile to learn brings joy to its leaders; the church or the non-church member steals their joy. It is that simple (Heb. 13:7,10). I myself can attest that this is true.
5. He wastes other people’s time. I have to be careful what I say. I am not referring to the work of the ministry as a waste of time. What I mean is that this type of person who does not allow himself to be taught constantly wants to use the time of pastors and church leaders for their discussions, insisting on the same theme over and over again. He always finds the cat’s fifth leg to criticize everything. It is in this sense that he is a waste of time. Or, as Paul would say, that his work is in vain (Philippians 2:16).
5 things you can do for him
So what can we do with it?
1. pray for him. God forbid that the shepherds are not moved because they themselves have grown hard of heart! The desire is for growth in the gospel. Therefore, praying is appropriate (Col. 1:9-14; 2 Pet. 3:18).
two. Minimize your influence. Pastors must always be careful who they establish as leaders. In this case, obviously, it would make sense not to put this man in a leadership position or as a teacher, even if he is an expert in the Bible.
3. Watch over him and the other sheep. If this man is a Christian, then he, too, must be cared for as such. The shepherd must do this while guarding and caring for the flock. This sort of thing is what keeps pastors up at night (see #4).
Four. Seek to teach it lovingly. Persist in it continuously (Titus 2:15).
5. Confront him when necessary. When sin is involved, Jesus is clear about what must occur (Matthew 18:15-18).
This issue is a heavy burden for pastors and church members alike. Therefore, even considering such things should cause us to pause, assess our own hearts, and pray for receptivity to the word of Christ (James 1:20; Col. 3:15).
Originally posted for . Translated by Andreina Lopez.