How you can discern good leaders from vicious wolves

The New Testament warns that savage wolves will attempt to deceive us and do damage to the Church. How can we be on guard against such deception? Marcus Honeysett, who has authored a book on “when church leadership goes wrong”, shares his insights

The Bible is replete with examples of good leaders and teachers. I particularly like Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians 2. Timothy, we are told takes a genuine interest in the welfare of others and has consistently proved himself faithful in the work of the gospel. While Epaphroditus is so full of affection for the Christians in Philippi that he was distressed because they were worried that he was ill. We are told to welcome and honour people like him (Philippians 2:29).

But Philippians also mentions people who, though real Christians, are spiteful teachers, preaching Christ out of a spirit of envy or rivalry to make trouble for the Apostle Paul while he is in prison. Yet he doesn’t warn people against them as he does wolves, despite their bad behaviour.

And then there are savage wolves. People who…