Why does this teaching matter?
Wilkerson understood the shepherd's sacred responsibility: to protect the flock from wolves. Unlike many modern pastors who stay silent for fear of controversy, Wilkerson publicly named false teachers and warned his congregation directly. He told his people: 'The mind has been so saturated with this unbalanced gospel that you cannot come to many of them. You cannot preach the truth. You cannot show them anything else in the Scripture because they have a shield over their hearts. Hard hearted.' His willingness to stand against popular movements — the prosperity gospel, Toronto Blessing, seeker-sensitive entertainment — cost him friendships and popularity but preserved his integrity as a true shepherd.
What did David Wilkerson teach?
"Folks, I am a Shepherd, I've been called by God. I made this church a promise. As long as we are in this pulpit, if we saw wolves in sheep's clothing coming to rob the flock, we would stand up and cry out against it."
Speaker: David Wilkerson
Source: David Wilkerson, Times Square Church sermon — Times Square Church, New York City
What does Scripture confirm?
Acts 20:28-30
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves."
— NKJV
Paul warned that wolves would come from WITHIN the congregation — not from outside! The most dangerous false teachers are not atheists or religion critics. They are MEN INSIDE THE CHURCH who 'distort the truth to draw disciples after themselves.' Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Todd Bentley, John Arnott — all came from within the Christian movement. Wilkerson understood this and stood as a guard at the door.
Matthew 7:15
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."
— NKJV
Jesus' warning is crystal clear: false prophets DRESS as sheep. They look like Christians, speak like Christians, sing worship songs, preach 'in Jesus' name' — but inside they are ravenous wolves. Wilkerson warned: 'They sound just like preachers of the gospel. They freely use Jesus' name.' Exposing them requires spiritual discernment, not superficial judgment.
Ezekiel 34:1-4
"Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them."
— NKJV
God pronounced WOE on shepherds who 'feed themselves' instead of the flock — who 'eat the fat and clothe themselves with wool.' Prosperity preachers live in mansions, fly private jets, wear expensive clothes — while their 'sheep' give their last money believing they'll become rich. Wilkerson lived simply, founded Teen Challenge for addicts and street people, and died in a simple car accident in 2011. THAT is the difference between a true shepherd and a wolf.