Protecting the sheep requires discernment. Some people’s faith is thrown in doubt by false teaching, others are in on the verge of losing their faith altogether and need saving, others have gone even further and embraced the sin that inevitably flows from false teaching. Our response to each different group and individual is to be different. And that’s to say nothing of how we deal with the false teachers themselves.

In an elder’s meeting the pastor shares that he is struggling with the doctrine of hell. It’s not that he disbelieves, he knows what the bible says but is finding the idea of annihilationism compelling and is taking some time to read around the subject. How would you as elders react to that and what is a wise way forward?

I wonder what your answer is to that situation? How about another? After the service a concerned church member comes to you to share that a friend is drifting away from their faith. They are really concerned they are in danger of losing their salvation and want you to intervene. When you ask why it’s because of their continuationist position on tongues and prophecy. What would you say to them?

Elders are called to stand and contend for the truth of the gospel and protect the flock from wolves who would devour them. But how do we do that well? Maybe you are aware that you are conflict averse, running a mile from anything that faintly smells of confrontation. Or maybe you’re aware that you love nothing more than a good old stand off at high noon! Elders need to know themselves and their natural reactions and even in the way they contend for the truth exhibit self-control and gentleness.

The letter of Jude is instructive as it’s written to a church that has been infiltrated by “certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago… ungodly people, who pervert the grace of God into a licence for immorality and deny Jesus Christ out only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude writes: “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

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