A wolf can infiltrate a congregation in countless subtle ways. By his mere presence, he builds a following among those who lack discernment and are easily deceived.
I have also experienced the influence of a wolf within our church a number of years ago. The wolf was in the form of a new hire for the church to lead a ministry within the church. The initial influence amongst the church congregation was positive and ministerially beneficial. The subtle way in which this individual built trust and confidence within the church, with the ultimate goal to introduce personal ministry initiatives that would ultimately provide support against the lead pastor and associate pastor of the church was both devious and calculated. Ultimately one of the pastors along with myself as an elder in the church, called the person out directly. This direction challenge to them brought out the true character of the person and their agenda. Their ministry leadership within the church ended abruptly with strict requirements to not be at the church for a period of time to curtail some of their influence and activities. Over time we did discover the depth of the damage that was done to the church’s ministry and to some key members. A lesson was learned regarding the discernment that is required and the diligence that church leaders must take in the introduction of new hires into ministry leadership within the church.
That's sounds difficult, Gary! There are some similarities and differences to my experience.
In my encounter, the wolf had most of the Elders on his side aligned against me. Even when he was discovered to be taking advantage of the younger female congregant, he had so successfully infiltrated the leadership of the church that many continued to stand behind him, accepting his version of the events in which he was the victim.
It was sad and destructive and took many years to recover from.
I have also experienced the influence of a wolf within our church a number of years ago. The wolf was in the form of a new hire for the church to lead a ministry within the church. The initial influence amongst the church congregation was positive and ministerially beneficial. The subtle way in which this individual built trust and confidence within the church, with the ultimate goal to introduce personal ministry initiatives that would ultimately provide support against the lead pastor and associate pastor of the church was both devious and calculated. Ultimately one of the pastors along with myself as an elder in the church, called the person out directly. This direction challenge to them brought out the true character of the person and their agenda. Their ministry leadership within the church ended abruptly with strict requirements to not be at the church for a period of time to curtail some of their influence and activities. Over time we did discover the depth of the damage that was done to the church’s ministry and to some key members. A lesson was learned regarding the discernment that is required and the diligence that church leaders must take in the introduction of new hires into ministry leadership within the church.
That's sounds difficult, Gary! There are some similarities and differences to my experience.
In my encounter, the wolf had most of the Elders on his side aligned against me. Even when he was discovered to be taking advantage of the younger female congregant, he had so successfully infiltrated the leadership of the church that many continued to stand behind him, accepting his version of the events in which he was the victim.
It was sad and destructive and took many years to recover from.
Excellent and timely, I hope you go into the strategies used by the wolves and how Pastors must intervene and protect. Thank you.
Part 2 is posted. I'm working on some more content on this topic as well. Unfortunately, I have extensive expereince...
I am sorry you are familiar with this, but praise God that He has a plan for all this. Thank you for sharing this and your content.