The Bible warns Christians about false prophets and false shepherds, but they are not always immediately recognisable. Jesus said:

“¹⁵ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”
— Matthew 7:15–16 (KJV)

Their words may sound compassionate and spiritual, yet their behaviour can reveal pride, dishonesty, greed or a lack of genuine love. Two everyday scenarios can help illustrate what these warning signs might look like.

Public Kindness That Is Merely an Act

Imagine a pastor driving down the road who sees someone from the church but initially pretends not to notice them. The pastor then worries that the person may have realised they were deliberately ignored, so they suddenly smile and wave. Here is an illustration for you to better understand.

The motive behind it is not love. It is a deception and instead of that pastor sitting down and talking with this person over what the problem is, they just bury their head in the sand.

Jesus strongly criticised religious leaders who performed good deeds simply to be noticed by others:

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,”
— Matthew 23:5 (KJV)

A false or spiritually unhealthy leader may be more concerned with appearing caring than actually caring. Their warmth may be switched on when people are watching but disappear when there is no audience.

Scripture teaches that Christian love should be genuine:

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
— Romans 12:9 (KJV)

“Without dissimulation” means without pretence or hypocrisy. Genuine pastoral care should not be a staged performance. A faithful shepherd should value people privately as well as publicly.

It is quite sad when a pastor cannot show basic manners like saying hello, how are you? But instead run away at the sight of a church congregant. Could this be a sign of a false prophet?

One awkward encounter does not automatically make somebody a false prophet. People can be distracted, anxious or unaware. It is repeated behaviour—the person’s continuing “fruit”—that should be considered.

As Christians we are called to have face to face meetings and if someone has sinned that sin should be pointed out to your fellow brother or sister, here is the scripture confirming a face to face meeting should take place.

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
— Matthew 18:15 (NIV)

If they cannot follow scripture one would have to ask why not? It could be they are to timid.

Saying “It Is Not About Numbers” While Privately Counting People and Money

In the second scenario, a pastor tells the congregation from the pulpit that church is not about numbers or impressive attendance figures. Later, in the church office, the same pastor boasts that another member is “in the bag” and that the person’s money will soon be coming into the church. Here is an illustration for you to understand better.

This exposes a disturbing difference between the public message and the private motive. The individual is no longer being regarded as a person who needs love, discipleship and spiritual care. They are being treated as a statistic and a source of income.

The prophet Micah warned about religious leaders who ministered for financial advantage:

“The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us.”
— Micah 3:11 (KJV)

The apostle Peter instructed church leaders to care for people willingly and not because they were seeking dishonest gain:

“ Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
— 1 Peter 5:2–3 (KJV)

A faithful pastor sees people as souls entrusted to their care—not customers, financial opportunities or additions to an attendance report.

Jesus also warned that a person cannot serve both God and money:

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
— Matthew 6:24 (KJV)

Church growth is not wrong, and churches require money to operate and serve their communities. The danger arises when increasing attendance, income, influence or personal status becomes more important than caring for people and faithfully teaching the truth.

Looking at the Fruit

Jesus taught that leaders should ultimately be assessed by their fruit:

“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
— Matthew 7:18, 20 (KJV)

Warning signs may include:

• Kindness that appears only when others are watching.
• A large difference between public preaching and private conversation.
• Treating people as numbers, trophies or sources of money.
• Obsession with attendance, finance, reputation, status or personal influence.
• Manipulating people through fear, guilt or promises of blessing.
• Avoiding accountability and reacting aggressively to honest questions.
• Using Scripture to control others while refusing to live by it personally.
• Neglecting vulnerable people who cannot offer money, status or influence.

By contrast, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is described as:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
— Galatians 5:22–23 (KJV)

These qualities should increasingly be visible in the conduct of every Christian leader.

Discernment Without Rash Judgement

Christians are called to exercise discernment, but this should be done carefully and in some cases over long periods of time. A single mistake, unkind moment or poorly chosen sentence is not enough to declare somebody a false prophet. The Bible encourages believers to test what they hear and observe:

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
— 1 John 4:1 (KJV)

The important questions are whether there is a persistent pattern, whether the leader’s teaching agrees with Scripture, whether their public and private lives are consistent, and whether they respond to correction with humility and repentance.

A true shepherd may make mistakes, but they will seek forgiveness and correction. A false shepherd protects the performance, exploits the flock and places personal gain above truth and love.

Ultimately, spiritual leadership is not proven by a title, a full building, a polished sermon or a public smile. It is demonstrated through truth, humility, integrity and genuine care for people—even when nobody else is watching.

Since the beginning of June 2026 we have been praying for a lady who had a severe case of Septicaemia (blood poisoning). We have been following updates and are pleased to announce this person is on their way to a full recovery. Here is the WhatsApp message that confirms everything sent on the 14th of August 2026.

Here are prayers petitioned.

And of course our thanks to the Lord Jesus.

Prayer does work! Prayer can lead people to healing and to a full recovery in a health crisis. The Lord Jesus does heal today and moves through your prayers.

Over the past 18 months, we have been greatly blessed as a church to see new people join our church community. It has been a joy to watch individuals learn about the love of God and discover how a relationship with Jesus Christ can straighten our paths and lead us through the many difficult situations we face in life.

One of the ways we have sought to serve our congregation is through our blog. We have endeavoured to speak the truth of God’s Word with love and humility. For example, we addressed the claim that prayer does not work.

We explained from Scripture that such a statement is not consistent with the teaching of the Bible. Interestingly, within weeks, the same pastor who had made that statement launched a church-wide prayer initiative that continued for several months.

We cannot know the reasons behind this change. Perhaps the pastor reconsidered their earlier comments, perhaps they came to a different understanding, or perhaps other factors were involved. Whatever the reason, a renewed emphasis on prayer emerged. We thank God for that outcome and rejoice whenever Christians are encouraged to pray.

The more God’s people pray, the more they acknowledge their dependence upon Him. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to pray, we desire to see Christians drawing closer to God in faithful obedience with prayers also leading to positive change in all kinds of situations.

We have also written about the importance of baptism and the danger of measuring success simply by church attendance or baptismal numbers. Baptism is a wonderful step of obedience, but discipleship must continue long afterwards. A person baptised can be later asked to leave the church after raising concerns about certain matters. Rather than walking patiently alongside an individual and working through those differences together, relationships can break down.

We prayed about a similar situation, asking God to bring restoration where possible. We were encouraged to see a person who was asked to leave later welcomed back into the church and, in time, received into membership. We give God the glory for every step towards reconciliation and restoration.

The point we wish to make is that one of the Christian’s spiritual weapons is the truth of God’s Word. Our warfare is not fought with worldly methods but by faithfully proclaiming the truth found in Scripture. Here at Canton Community Church, our desire has simply been to speak God’s truth, bring those matters before Him in prayer, and trust Him to work in the hearts of people. When God chooses to correct situations, restore relationships, and draw people closer to Himself, all the glory belongs to Him.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3–5, the passage reads:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (KJV)

This passage teaches that the Christian’s warfare is not fought with physical weapons or human force. Instead, it is fought with spiritual weapons that God provides. One of the primary ways Christians engage in this warfare is by speaking and proclaiming the truth of God’s Word. Here is a graphic to help you understand further.

Speaking truth tears down strongholds

Paul describes “strongholds” not as physical fortresses but as ways of thinking, false beliefs, arguments, and ideas that oppose the knowledge of God. These are overcome not by intimidation or violence, but by truth.

When Christians speak the truth of the gospel, they expose falsehood and point people to Christ. Jesus Himself said:

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32)

Truth has the power to free people from deception, error, and unbelief. In this sense, speaking biblical truth is a weapon God uses to bring people to repentance and faith.

We overcome lies with God’s Word

Throughout Scripture, Satan is described as a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations in the wilderness not through displays of power, but by repeatedly declaring:

“It is written…” (Matthew 4:1–11)

Christ answered every temptation with Scripture. His example shows that God’s revealed truth is a weapon against deception.

Our warfare is persuasive, not coercive

Paul’s language in 2 Corinthians 10 emphasises that believers destroy arguments and false ideas by presenting God’s truth. The goal is:

• to expose error,
• to proclaim the gospel,
• to encourage obedience to Christ,
• to call people to repentance.

This warfare is conducted through faithful witness, teaching, preaching, correction, and encouragement—not through force or manipulation.

The armour of God reinforces this

Paul expands on this theme in Ephesians 6:

• The belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14) represents being established in God’s truth.
• The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17), is the only offensive weapon listed. Believers use God’s Word to defend the faith, refute error, and proclaim Christ.

The practical application

Christians wage spiritual warfare by:

• Speaking the truth of Scripture faithfully.
• Refusing to spread false teaching.
• Correcting error with gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24–26).
• Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Bringing their own thoughts into submission to Christ before seeking to influence others.

The emphasis of 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 is therefore not on mystical techniques or physical conflict, but on the power of God’s truth to overthrow false ideas and bring hearts and minds into obedience to Christ. The Christian’s weapons are effective because they are God’s means of confronting deception with truth.

Conclusion

So, let’s conclude. Keep reading Gods word, which is truth, keep praying and watch God move through your prayers changing hearts, safeguarding the church and vulnerable people who need Gods truth more than ever to bring about transformation over time. A small church like ours can make the difference.

One of the most troubling inconsistencies within some churches is when a pastor tells a member of the congregation that they should not create a product to glorify God.

Yet later that same pastor writes and publishes their own book claiming it is for God’s glory.

If writing about God’s truth is wrong for one believer, why is it acceptable for another simply because they stand behind a pulpit?

The New Testament teaches that every believer has been given gifts by God to serve the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

It does not teach that only ordained ministers or those with theological qualifications have permission to communicate biblical truth. Throughout Scripture, ordinary believers testified about what God had done in their lives, shared the gospel, and encouraged one another without requiring official recognition from a religious institution.

When a pastor discourages someone else from writing while pursuing their own publishing career, it raises an important question: Is the objection really about protecting biblical truth, or about protecting authority and influence?

A Double Standard

Imagine a congregant says:

“I want to write a book explaining what I have learned from Scripture so that others might know Christ.”

If the response is:

“You shouldn’t do that.”

but the same pastor later announces:

“I’m pleased to release my latest book, available now in Christian bookshops.”

there is an obvious inconsistency.

The principle has changed depending upon who is doing the writing.

This creates a two-tier system within the church:

• The congregation are expected to listen.
• The leadership are expected to publish.

Such an approach can unintentionally communicate that God’s work belongs primarily to recognised leaders rather than to the whole body of Christ.

Does God Only Speak Through Qualified People?

The Bible gives no indication that only professionally trained leaders can communicate biblical truth.

Some of the most influential servants of God were ordinary people whom society overlooked.

The gospel spread across the Roman Empire through countless unnamed believers who shared Christ with neighbours, families and communities.

God has always used ordinary people.

Therefore, if a Christian faithfully teaches Scripture, handles God’s Word carefully and points people to Christ rather than themselves, there is no biblical reason why they could not write a book.

Glorifying God Should Not Be Reserved for Church Leaders

Every Christian is called to glorify God.

Paul writes:

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

That principle surely includes writing.

If writing a book can glorify God when a pastor does it, then writing a book can glorify God when an ordinary Christian does it.

The deciding factor is not the person’s title but whether what they write is faithful to Scripture and whether their motivation is to honour Christ rather than themselves.

The Real Danger

The greater danger is not that ordinary Christians write books.

The greater danger is creating an atmosphere where spiritual authority becomes concentrated in a small group of recognised leaders who believe they are entitled alone to interpret, publish and teach God’s Word publicly because of their stature and qualifications.

When this happens, members can begin to feel that their gifts are less valuable, their insights are less welcome and their service is somehow secondary because they lack a title or qualification.

The New Testament paints a very different picture. The church is described as one body with many members, each gifted differently but all called to contribute to God’s work.

A Call for Consistency

Church leaders should encourage believers to use their gifts responsibly, including writing, teaching and sharing biblical truth where appropriate. Likewise, Christians who write should do so with humility, careful study and a willingness to be corrected by Scripture.

The issue should never be who is writing.

The issue should always be what is being written and whether it faithfully reflects the teaching of God’s Word.

If pastors are free to write books to glorify God, then they should be careful not to deny other believers that same opportunity without clear biblical reasons. Otherwise, they risk creating a standard for others that they are unwilling to apply to themselves—a contradiction that can undermine both their credibility and the principle of fairness within the church.

In many parts of the modern church, ministry has increasingly taken on the shape of a career path. There is often an expectation of formal education, structured progression, public recognition and visible platforms of influence. While training, teaching and leadership are valuable gifts to the church, Christians must carefully examine whether this has unintentionally created a form of career Christianity that differs from the pattern we see in Scripture.

The central question is not whether Christians should be trained or equipped. The question is whether spiritual authority has become tied to human systems of qualification and status, rather than to faithfulness to Christ and the authority of God’s Word.

Scripture consistently reminds believers that God’s ways often differ from human expectations:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8)

The Rise of Career Christianity

In many contexts, ministry is approached as a structured profession:

• Formal theological education is expected.
• Ordination or institutional recognition is required.
• Advancement through leadership roles is common.
• Public speaking and visibility are often seen as marks of success.

None of these things are inherently wrong. Scripture affirms the value of teaching and orderly leadership within the church:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:11)

However, problems arise when these structures begin to define spiritual authority more than obedience to Christ.

The danger is subtle: ministry can shift from being a humble service to God into a system of professional advancement. In such an environment, influence may begin to depend more on position than on faithfulness.

Does Human Qualification Equal Spiritual Authority?

Scripture values wisdom and instruction:

“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.” (Proverbs 18:15)

Yet it also warns against placing ultimate trust in human understanding:

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Formal training can be helpful, but it does not guarantee spiritual truthfulness or maturity. Throughout church history, sincere and educated believers have disagreed on important doctrines. Human qualification cannot remove human limitation.

This is why Scripture commends those who test teaching against God’s Word:

“These were more noble… in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

Even apostolic teaching was measured against Scripture. The authority always remained in God’s Word, not in the status of the speaker.

The Temptation Toward Self-Importance

When ministry becomes professionalised, there is a real temptation toward pride and self-importance.

Scripture repeatedly warns against this:

“Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” (1 Corinthians 8:1)

“Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

A person may possess great learning, theological training and public recognition, yet still lack humility before God. The danger is not knowledge itself, but knowledge that is not governed by love, humility and submission to Christ.

True spiritual maturity is not measured by status, but by Christlike character:

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

Jesus and the Absence of Human Credentials

The life of Jesus Christ stands in direct contrast to human systems of qualification and status.

Jesus did not rely on institutional recognition or academic credentials.

Instead, His authority was rooted in His identity and His obedience to the Father.

When He taught, people recognised something different:

“For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:29)

Yet many also rejected Him because He did not fit their expectations:

“Is not this the carpenter’s son?” (Matthew 13:55)

From a human perspective, Jesus lacked the credentials that religious leaders valued. Yet Scripture declares:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel…” (Luke 4:18)

His authority came from God, not from human systems.

The Apostles and Ordinary People

The pattern continues with the apostles. Many of them were not formally trained in the religious institutions of their day.

When Peter and John spoke boldly, the authorities took note:

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled…” (Acts 4:13)

Yet their effectiveness was not based on education or status, but on their relationship with Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit:

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)

God consistently uses the ordinary to accomplish His purposes:

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise…” (1 Corinthians 1:27)

The True Source of Authority

Scripture is clear that ultimate authority belongs to God’s Word, not human systems:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

This means that no matter a person’s position, education or recognition, their teaching must always be measured against Scripture.

The Berean example remains the standard: believers are called to test everything, not accept teaching simply because of the status of the speaker and their qualifications.

Calling Versus Career

A key distinction must be made between calling and career.

A career is often defined by progression, recognition and achievement.

A calling is defined by obedience to God.

Scripture emphasises that ministry is service, not status:

“Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” (Matthew 20:26)

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5)

When ministry becomes primarily about advancement, recognition or platform, it risks drifting away from the servant-hearted model of Christ.

The Greatest Qualification

Ultimately, Scripture does not present formal qualification as the foundation of ministry. Instead, it emphasises faithfulness:

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)

Faithfulness to Christ, obedience to His Word and dependence on the Holy Spirit are the true marks of spiritual maturity.

Education can assist ministry, but it cannot replace faithfulness. Titles can describe roles, but they cannot produce spiritual authority.

Conclusion

The church benefits greatly from teaching, training and thoughtful leadership. These are gifts from God and should be valued. However, believers must be careful not to elevate human systems of qualification, status or progression above the authority of Scripture and the example of Christ.

Jesus did not call people to follow Him because of institutional recognition, but because of truth, grace and divine authority. The apostles were not chosen for their credentials, but for their willingness to follow.

Therefore, the church today must continually return to this foundation:

“Thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Our confidence must not rest in human systems of advancement, but in Christ alone—whose authority does not come from earthly qualification, but from God Himself.