As we approach the uncertainties of the End Times, many Christians are seeking guidance on whom to follow in their spiritual journey. The Bible warns us that during times of tribulation, false teachers and deceptive leaders will arise, steering people away from the truth. To discern the difference between true and false pastors, we must ground ourselves in Christ’s teachings and avoid the temptation to be led by “ticklish ears,” or messages that simply make us feel good but stray from biblical truth.

In the Christian movie Time Changer, the protagonist warns of the dangers of removing Christ’s teachings from morality. This message is especially relevant in our present times, where many leaders and churches are tempted to dilute the Gospel to fit cultural trends, leaving out the transformative power of Christ. But how do we recognize which pastors are true to the message of Christ and which ones to avoid?

Characteristics of Pastors to Follow

1. Rooted in Christ’s Teachings
   The first and most important quality of a pastor to follow is their unwavering commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ. This includes preaching the full gospel, emphasizing repentance, salvation through Jesus alone, and living according to the teachings found in Scripture. Pastors who consistently point people to Christ, rather than themselves or their own ideas, are the ones who faithfully represent the true Gospel.As Jesus said:“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)A true pastor will always direct people to the person of Christ and never compromise His message for the sake of popularity.
2. Biblical Integrity
   Faithful pastors do not manipulate Scripture to fit personal or cultural agendas. Instead, they rightly divide the Word of God and maintain sound doctrine (2 Timothy 2:15). They teach the Bible in its entirety, even the difficult or uncomfortable parts, recognizing that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)A pastor with biblical integrity will preach about sin, righteousness, and the coming judgment—not just messages that tickle the ears (2 Timothy 4:3). They will avoid focusing on popular trends or merely affirming people’s preferences and instead stay committed to the truth of God’s Word.
3. Prepares the Flock for Persecution
   Jesus and the apostles made it clear that those who follow Christ will face persecution, especially in the End Times (John 16:33, Matthew 24:9). A true pastor prepares their congregation to endure hardship with faith, rather than giving false assurances of peace and prosperity when tribulation is near. They will teach their flock to rely on God’s strength and encourage them to stand firm in their faith, even when it is costly.These pastors echo the faith of the early Christians, reminding believers that the true victory is found not in earthly comforts but in eternal life with Christ.
4. Encourages Repentance and Holiness
   A true pastor calls for repentance and emphasizes holiness, urging believers to live set apart from the world (1 Peter 1:16). They do not shy away from confronting sin within the church but rather lovingly correct their flock so that they may grow in Christ-likeness. As Hebrews 12:14 says, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”

Characteristics of Pastors to Avoid

1. Tickling the Ears
   One of the clearest warnings in Scripture is about pastors who preach only what people want to hear. These pastors, often referred to in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, are described as catering to “itching ears” or delivering messages that suit people’s desires rather than challenging them with the truth.“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3)Pastors who avoid discussing sin, repentance, or the need for transformation often fall into this category. Their sermons might focus entirely on self-help, prosperity, or vague messages of love without grounding these in the biblical definition of love, which includes obedience to God’s commands (John 14:15).
2. Compromising on Core Doctrines
   In the End Times, false teachers will arise who compromise the foundational doctrines of Christianity, such as the deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and the authority of Scripture. These pastors often attempt to blend Christianity with other worldviews, watering down the truth to make it more palatable to modern audiences.“For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” (Jude 1:4)Be wary of pastors who downplay or deny core biblical truths, such as the necessity of repentance, the reality of eternal judgment, or the exclusivity of Jesus as the way to salvation.
3. Focus on Worldly Prosperity and Success
   Prosperity preaching is a major red flag, especially in the context of End Times tribulation. Pastors who prioritize wealth, health, and success over spiritual growth and endurance in the faith can lead believers astray. Jesus warned against storing treasures on earth, and in a time of increasing persecution, a focus on material gain is not only misleading but spiritually dangerous (Matthew 6:19-21).“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7)
4. Promotes Fear, Not Faith
   In times of tribulation, some pastors may prey on fear, stoking anxiety and uncertainty rather than encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith. While it is important to be aware of the signs of the times, a pastor who focuses solely on the chaos of the world without pointing to the hope in Christ can leave their flock disheartened.A true shepherd will prepare believers for the hardships to come, but always with the reminder that Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33). Fear-based leadership is a hallmark of false teaching, as genuine biblical faith fosters trust in God, even in the midst of trials.

Conclusion: Following the Good Shepherd

The true pastors of the End Times will mirror the example of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. They will guide their flocks in truth, even when that truth is difficult to hear. They will call for repentance, holiness, and preparation for persecution, while always pointing to the hope we have in Jesus’ return.

As we navigate these challenging times, it is essential to discern the voices we follow. Avoid those who only preach comfort and worldly success, and instead, follow those who proclaim the full Gospel of Christ—rooted in Scripture, grounded in truth, and preparing believers for the glorious return of our King.