How To Know If Your Pastor Is A Genuine Man Of God

How To Know If Your Pastor Is A Genuine Man Of God

Let’s be honest… these days to know a genuine Man of God is by a high discernment of spirit, the number of “men of God” everywhere is not small. On every street, you’ll see one banner: “Prophet Fire International Deliverance Ministry” or “Apostle This and That Mountain of Power.” And you start wondering, “God, who really called all these people?”

It’s not new. Even in Bible times, there were false prophets who wore holy faces but had crooked hearts. That’s why you and I need wisdom. So, let’s gist: how do you know if your pastor is a genuine man of God?

1. His Life Matches His Preaching

Anybody can quote scripture on Sunday, but does his life line up with what he says? Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “By their fruits you shall know them.”

For example, if your pastor is preaching humility, but in real life he behaves like small god and nobody can talk to him… abeg, red flag. A true pastor is not perfect (nobody is), but you should see the effort to live what he preaches.

2. He Points You To Jesus, Not Himself

You have to Watch carefully and know if your pastor always make his preaching about him—his power, his anointing, his visions—or does he always lead you back to Jesus? A genuine man of God knows he’s just a messenger, not the message.

One of my friends once said, “If your pastor is the superstar of the church and Jesus is just a backup singer, something is wrong.” I laughed, but it’s true. The spotlight should be on Christ, not the man on the pulpit.

3. He Handles Money With Integrity

Let’s talk money. Yes, pastors need support—Paul in the Bible also received support. But when all you hear is seed, seed, seed… and no accountability? Hmm. A genuine pastor will teach you to give, but he won’t manipulate you with fear.

I once attended a church where the pastor said, “If you don’t drop ₦50,000 seed tonight, forget about entering heaven.” My sister, I jejely picked my bag and left. That’s not Bible, that’s business.

4. He Has Compassion For People

A true shepherd cares about the sheep. He will notice when you’re missing, he will check in, he will pray for you sincerely. If all a pastor does is climb stage, perform miracles, and disappear with his convoy, you should ask yourself: “Is this a shepherd or a celebrity?”

Even Jesus, with all His power, had compassion on people. That’s the heart of a true pastor.

5. His Teachings Agree With Scripture

This one is key. No matter how sweet or deep the sermon of your Pastor sounds, if it’s not inline up with the Word of God, thrash it right away. Acts 17:11 says the Bereans checked the scriptures daily to confirm what Paul taught. If they could double-check Paul, who are we not to double-check our own pastors?

A Small Surprise: Don’t Only Blame Pastors

Now, let’s balance it small. Sometimes, people run to “fake men of God” because they want quick solutions—miracle money, instant husband, sharp-sharp breakthrough. When we chase shortcuts, we attract manipulators. So before you say, “My pastor is fake,” also ask yourself, “What exactly am I looking for?”

Let me round up with this small advice for you… to know if your pastor is a genuine man of God, don’t just look at the pulpit performance, look at the fruits.

And please hear this, make sure you Look at your Pastor’s character, his teaching, his compassion, and the way he points you to Jesus will tell you everything you need to know. And as you pray for discernment, make sure you remember that not every man of God is genuine, but every genuine man of God will always lead you closer to Christ, not away from Him.