Shepherd and Fence Analogy

Warnings against shepherds isn’t only based on the content they teach but on their character/fruit/behaviors.

Fences are objective and clear. They can easily direct and guide sheep the right way.

Shepherds are persons. They are not objective. Yet they serve a similar purpose to direct and guide the sheep.

We are sheep submitted to fallible shepherds. The shepherds are submitted to the infallible Word of God.

The Bible is our fence. It’s objective and clear.

However, shepherds are the ones actually tasked to guide us.

We don’t go to a Sunday service to receive guidance from a non-personable fence. If we wanted to optimize Sunday Service for most engaging, objective, and clear sermon, we’d have everyone read a Spurgeon sermon or better resource.

No, we listen to a shepherd.

We can’t judge false shepherds only by the content they preach. We must see through their character.

Fences will remain fences. Anybody, false or true teacher, can agree upon it.

We need to see that false teachers who mishandle money but have never spewed heresy should still be of concern. Look into Jude.

When I watched Todd White’s talks, I’ve never had a concern for his theology. His heart for the lost was admirable and challenging for me in a good way. However, how he handles finances and other character issues should play more of a factor in discerning false shepherds.