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What do you do with wolves in the ministry?

Author: Mary DeMuth
Date: 31.08.2010
Category: Forming Leaders

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One of my most popular (and most commented on) posts at my main website was a long post I wrote about wolves in ministry. I’m curious to hear what you think about it. Click here to read it.

I look foward to your interaction.

Keywords: wolves in ministry

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: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Harley (2)
United States

We all have met some wolves throughout our tenure in ministry. They are very deceptive and controlling. I have come to realize that wolves are intimidated by real sheep. Because they lack the true characteristics. They have to operate out of a spirit of fear. So there bark is very deceptive. They are only trying to control you by seducing you with their religious phrases. The bible tells us that we are to know them by the fruit that they bear. Also we are to know them by their spirit.

11.07.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Maryedemuth (3)
United States
@ Harley:
Really well put, Harley. Thanks.

11.07.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Vijayesh_Lal (0)
India

This is not a secret. Yes there are people whose actions do not match with their words. But isn’t that true of most of us at some point of time or the other? We all are wolves and angels to each other depending on our perceptions which vary from time to time. I am not trying to over simplify the issue here. Yes there are people who purposely live out as wolves but then there are scores of other well meaning people who are considered wolves just because they do not correspond to the others idea of what they should be.

01.09.2010

: Reply Flag 1 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Maryedemuth (3)
United States
@ Vijayesh_Lal:
In terms of leadership, perhaps the solution is a more rigorous training of leaders, and a longer period of time of internship in community. We’ve found that issues come to the surface in community. (You can’t hide forever!)

01.09.2010

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Harley (2)
United States
@ Vijayesh_Lal:
I totally agree with you Vijayesh. When you do not dance to the beat of certain people and willling to express your views others see you as a wolf. There is nothing wrong with sharing your opinion. In the church so often the ones who are willing to speak their mind and are not intimidated by the wolves are not recieved.

11.07.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Harley (2)
United States
@ Maryedemuth:
Maryedemuth training is a much needed tool. We must realize that a leader was once a sheep before he/she became a shepherd. You do not go from being a sheep to shepherd without someone mentoring or training you.

11.07.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down David_Hausmann (0)
Switzerland

Obviously, you are right. I have met wolves in the ministry and will meet some again for sure. Now, I am no longer surprised, but I am sitll sad about that fact too.

We are called to overcome and as in your story to throw these faulse leadership concepts into the sea.

Now, let’s be real, I have come to realise that many wolves are captives and even blind, not facing the Truth.

I have compassion for leaders in the christian world. We need to pray for them and see Jesus releasing them into more freedom in Him.

01.09.2010

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Maryedemuth (3)
United States
@ David_Hausmann:
Yes, I think the key is compassion. We’ve had instances when we’ve had to confront leadership and they responded beautifully. Other times, not. But either way, whether the person is a wolf or a misguided, hurting believer, we are to handle with extreme care.

01.09.2010