Protecting the Flock in a Digital Age: A Pastoral Warning on Online Scams
Protecting the Flock in a Digital Age: A Pastoral Warning on Online Scams
Shalom, beloved brothers and sisters,
In this rapidly changing digital world, where ministries like ours strive to bring light into dark places, we must also be vigilant about the schemes of the enemy. I feel compelled as a shepherd and Follower of The Way to issue a heartfelt warning.
Over the past few days, I’ve been approached, nearly simultaneously, by multiple individuals offering services to "grow my Rumble channel." They all claimed to be from Nigeria. Each used nearly identical language. Each insisted they were different people and knew nothing of the others. Some even offered a free 24-hour "trial" to prove their effectiveness. One shared a suspicious blog to validate his claim.
Beloved, hear me clearly: this is not coincidence. This is coordination.
They have not yet asked for money, but this is a well-worn scam pattern: build rapport, offer a free taste, then exploit access, loyalty, or desperation. Whether they use AI to mimic sincerity or spiritual language to gain trust, it is deception. It is manipulation.
And it is a threat to your calling, your voice, and your digital platform.
“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” — 1 John 4:1
This is not about race. This is not about geography. This is about discernment. There are many devout, God-fearing believers in Nigeria—many are part of the global remnant! But scams are often regionalized, and scammers often follow scripts and tactics proven to work. We must be wise.
How You Can Protect Yourself:
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Never give out your login information—not to YouTube, Rumble, or social media.
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Do not click unfamiliar links without vetting them.
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Do not engage beyond initial contact if it feels scripted, urgent, or too good to be true.
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Watch for generic or copy-paste language, especially when it seems AI-generated or overly flattering.
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Always pray and seek counsel before any collaboration.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” — Matthew 10:16
This warning is not born of paranoia, it’s born of protection. We must guard the sacred fire entrusted to us. As Paul warned the elders in Ephesus:
“Savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.” — Acts 20:29
I share this because I love you. Because I walk with many of you through emails, comments, and prayers. And because I refuse to let the wolves go unchallenged.
May we all walk in courage and clarity. May we test what comes in His Name. May we guard the Gospel and the gates He’s given us to steward.
Standing with you in the Light of Truth,
Dr. Shawn Michael Greener
www.TrueWordFaithforLife.com
Shalom b’Shem Yeshua
Shawn M. Greener, MTh., D.I.S., DPTh.
I am just a beggar who found Bread, helping other hungry beggars to find Him too. My life has certainly been complex and I my halo has many dents. Heschel said; "Something Sacred hangs in the balance of every moment." I live like it. I teach like it.
As a person who survived a fatal 92 mph vs 51 mph head on crash, after dying and re-animating, and surviving several other brushes with death, my perspective is, let's say, unique. I haven't always been a theologian and I'm living REAL life, just like you... I have my hurts, habits and hangups too.
I've learned a few very important things along the way that I'm confident you'll find useful... butter for the Gluten free Bread so to speak.. Oh, you may chuckle or full on snort along the way, but you might also shed a few tears... Faith for LIFE... That's how it happens.
It Was Never About the Water
