Pastors live in a world overflowing with smart-sounding ideas, leadership hacks, and cultural “truths.” But as a pastor, how do we discern what aligns with Christ—and help the people we lead do the same?

In this episode, we explore Paul’s warning in Colossians 2, the difference between gospel essentials and disputable matters, and how pastors can resist cultural currents that subtly try to reshape our faith and leadership.

The Allure of “Wise” Teachings

• Many voices sound intelligent, persuasive, even spiritual . . . but are subtly out of step with the gospel.
• Not opposed to listening to alternative perspectives . . . The danger comes when we divorce “wisdom” from Christ and His Word.

Scripture as the Non-Negotiable Standard

• Scripture is not one voice among many — it is the plumb line.
• One of the important pastoral roles is teaching people how to measure every idea against Scripture. Acts 17:11.

Disputable Matters & Unity

• Not every issue carries the same weight.
• Some matters are disputable — where Christians can come to different convictions without fracturing fellowship.
• Good pastoring requires modeling when to stand firm (gospel issues) and when to lead charitably (disputable matters).

Cultural Currents Pastors Must Confront

• Consumer mindset.
• Individualism.
• Relativism: “my truth” over God’s truth. I.e. – Sexuality

Questions to Ask

• What cultural assumptions are seeping into my own leadership?
• Where might my teaching unintentionally echo cultural norms more than Scripture?

Faithfully shepherding often means being countercultural.