Does your church have a ‘Woke Pastor’?
The rise of “Woke Pastor” is a recent phenomenon that began in the United States, a year after the atheist group Black Lives Matter gained traction in 2020. The word woke by itself is supposed to carry a positive meaning for social justice. However, it quickly became a false ideology that purports institutional racism against Blacks in America.
Today, “woke” has evolved into a period of “false enlightenment” among liberal Christians, hence the rise of “woke churches” that are endangering the Gospel.
Your pastor may be a deceiving “Judas goat”
The job of a sheepdog is to gather the flock and lead them to a safe and green pasture or back to their pen. They obey the sheepdog because they’re scared of it though it means no harm.
On the other hand, a “Judas goat” is trained to mix with the sheep and pretend to be one of them. When the day of slaughter comes, the “Judas goat” leads the herd to the loading truck and jumps out quickly just before they’re led to the slaughterhouse.
Just like the Judas goat, “woke pastors” associate themselves with Christianity—but rarely quote Bible verses in their proper context.
Blessing is the centerpiece of their Christianity
Oral Roberts is considered the father of charismatic evangelism. His concept of “Seed Faith” (Blessing Pact), which became popular in the 1950s, puts heavy emphasis on “gifts.” In a way, we can say that he is the father of the prosperity gospel.
In other words, God wills his children to prosper in all areas of their lives, which is what superstar pastors often preach today. However, this is not the message of the Gospel.
Today, a new kind of Gospel is purported by “superstar preachers” on social media. Their message center on good health, success, and prosperity. Others are absorbed in politics and racial justice that endangers the Gospel.
Matthew 6:32-33
For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
WORSE THAN PROSPERITY GOSPEL: CHRISTIAN HUMANISM.
How to spot a woke pastor?
- They are usually associated with the charismatic movement or deeply emphasize the worship and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
- Although their sermons often talk about God’s power and desire to shower you with wealth, health, and success.
- They seldom or do not talk at all about sin, repentance, and the exegetic interpretation of scriptures.
- Woke pastors are usually women with pastoral authority who support the LGBTQ lifestyle.
- A trans pastor is a woke pastor.
I get what you are saying about the “me” mentality in our music and churches. I’ve been researching Christian song writing processes for worship teams with a goal of creating authentic, God-honoring messages TO God and FOR God that also speaks to His people with encouragement and love. Many of David’s songs in Psalm are a balance of praise and worship to God while asking for help in his distressing times and challenges he faced during his life. I know somewhere there is a balance in song writing that accomplishes both – trying to find it.