Watchout For WOLVES: Keys To Discerning Authentic Ministries & Evaluating Doctrinal Trends

revolution constructively and critically, accompanied by a parallel reformation of truth and theology, the potential for the gospel would be incalculable” (Guiness, pg. 24). So what are some of the ways to keep balance when introducing the change? Dick Iverson in his book Maintaining Balance when Winds of Doctrine Blow offers several keys (pages 57-88). Among his suggestions are these of which I will highlight only five.

1. Stick to clear scriptures to support your vision (2 Cor. 13:1).

“The first principle to remember is that if a teaching is worth devoting your life to, and especially worth affecting the Christian community at large, then it is going to be stated repeatedly in the Bible!” (Iverson, pg. 59).

2. Major on the majors found in God’s Word.

“A church reduces its chances of going off on a tangent if it majors on what the Bible majors on and it minors on what the Bible minors on. We emphasize what God emphasizes! I am not suggesting that we are to ignore the minors, simply that we should not put a major emphasis on them” (Iverson, pp. 59-60).

3. Confer with other pastors (Pro. 11:14; 12:15; 15:22).

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14

“Pas tors need to relate to other pastors that they know and trust so that they can discuss and exchange ideas and trends that are stirring Christendom. Pursuing these kinds of relationships take time but they will ultimately help to safeguard the local pastor f rom possible imbalance” (Iverson, pg. 69).

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