Shepherds vs. Charlatans
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
“A true shepherd eats last.” – Zach Dasher
Zach Dasher is a Christian podcaster, media personality, and nephew of Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” fame. Dasher is best known for his “Not Yet Now” podcast and his work with the Disciple Nations Alliance that emphasizes God’s beauty and the attributes He desires such as love, humility, and forgiveness. Dasher’s personal theology has been heavily influenced by that of C.S. Lewis, among others.
I honestly don’t know enough about Zach Dasher, his beliefs, or the DNA to comment positively or negatively on any of them. However, I will say that the sentiments he expressed in today’s quote are spot-on. More importantly, they are 100% biblical.
As I survey modern-day ministers, they seem to be divided into at least two separate and very distinct camps. The first are the true servants of God who remain true to His word and often labor in obscurity. The second are the self-promoting, self-aggrandizing charlatans who milk the multitudes for money and adulation.
The true servants of God usually live modestly – driving high-mileage cars and living in small towns, cities, or suburbs. Meanwhile, the charlatans drive a high-end Lexus, Mercedes, or BMW… and may even fly from one speaking engagement to another in a private plane. As for their house, let’s just say it has at least five bedrooms, an equal number of bathrooms, and is located behind a security fence or wall in a prestigious gated community.
I invite you this Easter season to read John 10:11-18. It is the parable of the Good Shepherd where Jesus identifies with the shepherd who loves, protects, and ultimately lays down His life for His sheep… only to take it up again. There is something else the Good Shepherd does – He leads His sheep to lie down in green pastures and beside still waters (Psalm 23:2). In other words, He makes sure that His sheep are well fed first. Then, and only then, does He feed Himself.
My friend, I trust that you are following a pastor who is a servant-leader and not one who is prideful, arrogant, and a lover of self rather than a lover of God. How can you tell? Well, ask yourself if he feeds his sheep first… or if he is always the first in line to be fed himself.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15-16a (ESV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
