THE headline may sound alarmist, but the gravity of this issue compels us to address it with the seriousness it deserves.
Over the years, a subtle yet destructive scourge has infiltrated the church, manifesting in the form of preachers who mislead congregations under the guise of spiritual authority.
While their sermons may appear anointed, their actions and lack of wisdom and maturity often undermine the very foundation of Christian doctrine.
In fact, they have become a cancer in the body of Christ.
This manifests in a variety of ways which I am going to highlight.
Some preachers fail to uphold the confidentiality of their congregants, revealing private matters disclosed during counselling on pulpits.
This betrayal of trust is not only unethical but deeply unbiblical.
Proverbs 11:13 warns: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
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This malpractice has led many Christians to spiritual despair and estrangement from the church.
This new wave of preachers prioritises fame over faith.
Clad in designer suits, they seek validation through titles like “Prophet” or “Father,” often without the spiritual maturity to back it up.
Their ministries resemble talent shows rather than places of worship.
Matthew 23:12 reminds us: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Yet, humility is alien to these preachers, who equate their worth to worldly accolades rather than God’s approval.
In their quest for sensationalism, many preachers abandon the core message of salvation.
Instead of nurturing discipleship, they peddle prophecies and miracles, relegating the Bible to a mere prop.
Hosea 4:6 warns: “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
Charles Spurgeon lamented: “A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats.”
That time, it seems, has sadly arrived.
Some preachers disrupt marriages through prayer groups on WhatsApp or by demanding undue devotion from wives (they believe are easy gateways), turning them into spiritual subordinates.
These intrusions often occur during intimate family moments, such as bedtime, eroding marital unity.
Hebrews 13:4 commands: “Let marriage be held in honour among all.”
Yet, these pastors prioritise their influence over family harmony, dictating when families should sleep or have intimate moments.
They have replaced husbands in many setups, indirectly becoming the heads of households.
Their prosperity gospel has led many astray, promising earthly riches while ignoring Christ’s call to take up the cross.
These preachers promote a distorted faith devoid of sacrifice and sincerity.
Congregants are encouraged to believe that hard work is unnecessary and that wealth will come effortlessly through anointing oils or prophetic declarations.
However, Scripture emphasises effort and perseverance. Philippians 4:13 teaches: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength,” highlighting that triumph comes through God-empowered diligence.
These preachers crave honour, demanding front-row seats, fruit juices, mineral water and lavish treatment at events.
Their pride is palpable, yet Proverbs 16:18 warns: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
True servants of God do not seek personal glory but humbly point to Christ, embodying His example of servanthood.
Some pastors manipulate the Bible to enforce bizarre doctrines, instilling fear rather than faith.
Their prophecies do not edify, comfort or encourage the church.
Their teachings are often above scrutiny, contrary to the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who “examined the Scriptures everyday to see if what Paul said was true”.
These preachers operate as authoritarian figures, rejecting accountability and any form of correction.
Many preachers, particularly unmarried ones, counsel married couples without the lived experience necessary for culturally informed advice.
Their hidden sins and lack of moral integrity disqualify them from ministry.
1 Timothy 3:2 states: “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
By failing to embody these virtues, such preachers bring disrepute to their ministries.
In some ministries, every answered prayer and miracle is attributed to the pastor’s “anointing”.
These preachers become the focal point, overshadowing Christ’s central role in the church. Colossians 1:18 reminds us: “And he is the head of the body, the church.”
Such egotism distorts the essence of ministry, which should always glorify God, not human achievements.
When their prophecies fail, these preachers shift the blame to congregants, accusing them of “lacking faith” or “sinning.”
Deuteronomy 18:22 states: “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken.”
False prophecies damage trust in the church and tarnish the faith of believers.
Through manipulative tactics, these preachers prolong deliverance sessions to ensure dependency.
Some followers have endured months of so-called “deliverance”.
Yet, Jesus’ ministry was marked by instantaneous healings, as seen in Mark 5:34: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
These prolonged sessions often serve the preacher’s interests rather than God’s will.
Younger preachers often dismiss the counsel of elders, valuing applause over accountability.
Proverbs 15:22 advises: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.”
Their arrogance blinds them to the wisdom of those who have walked the path before, leading to reckless ministries devoid of depth.
Some pastors manipulate the Bible to enforce bizarre doctrines, instilling fear rather than faith.
Some have even become gatekeepers of prophecies, dictating what is acceptable not by scripture but by personal whims.
For instance, a preacher’s personal dislike for apples may transform into a bizarre doctrine where congregants are commanded to shun apples entirely, despite having no biblical basis.
This arbitrary imposition of personal preferences as divine law reflects a dangerous misuse of spiritual authority.
The damage caused by these preachers is evident in broken marriages, disillusioned believers and a tarnished image of the church.
History warns us of such dangers and today’s dangerous preachers risk repeating these mistakes on a spiritual scale.
Some of these preachers, having taken many congregants captive, ending up abusing their trust through acts of fornication, adultery and manipulative mind games.
What, then, must we do? The Bible calls us to discernment.
1 John 4:1 urges: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
Congregants must return to the Word, scrutinising every teaching with diligence and wisdom.
Pastors, too, must remember their sacred calling. Ezekiel 34:2 admonishes: “Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?”
As Martin Luther emphasised, sola scriptura — the idea that Scripture alone is sufficient — must be our guiding principle.
The church stands at a crossroads.
Dangerous preachers threaten to derail the faith of many, but hope remains.
By prioritising scripture, embracing humility and holding leaders accountable, the church can reclaim its purpose and power.
Let us heed the words of Jesus in John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
May this be a clarion call for vigilance and action.
The time to safeguard our faith and our flock is now.
Let Christ alone remain the cornerstone of His church.
- Boldwill Hungwe is a freelance journalist, UX and product management specialist, and researcher on the intersection of AI, technology, innovation, and business in VUCA markets. He can be reached at [email protected].
