Under-shepherds must deal with threats to sheep

[rtankersley]

Threats to the congregation do emerge. As bad as not having an under-shepherd may be, in that chaos may appear without under-shepherd leadership, the real threat is that of wolves. It is those who desire to get in close proximity to the congregation in a position of power and do harm to the sheep. It is what Laniak calls a destructive leader. The under-shepherd must protect the sheep, the congregation, from destructive leaders. Destructive leaders are not always easy to detect, because Satan hides as an angel of light. As such, it is vital that through prayer, scripture, spiritual conviction, and empirical observation people are evaluated to serve. A destructive leader's negative influence can be seen in a multitude of ways, such as sowing discord or false teachings, among many other things. Thus, the under-shepherd must remain vigilant to stand at all costs as God leads. Protecting the sheep is what a good under-shepherd does, as they follow the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ.