Narcissism & False Teachers
- James Collazo
- May 20, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Introduction
We must never use the label "false teacher" carelessly. Calling a church leader false without clear scriptural evidence is slander and false witness, and trying to convince others spreads deception. A false teacher is not someone who makes honest mistakes but one who chooses to mislead others. Such people often exhibit behaviors commonly associated with narcissism, refusing accountability, seeing themselves as superior, using others for personal gain, and twisting the truth to lead people into sin.
Believers must show humility and caution when discerning and understanding the serious responsibility of labeling someone a "false teacher." Some people deliberately manipulate and deceive, but believers must distinguish between honest mistakes, ignorance, and intentional wrongdoing. Any accusation of false teaching must rest on clear scriptural evidence and aim for restoration, not condemnation. While false teachers show traits of narcissism, not everyone who makes errors in teaching or leadership fits that pattern. In all things, believers must act with love, extend grace, and stay devoted to truth, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.
False Teachers: A Warning
Jesus warns, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves" (Matt. 7:15). Because of this, we must carefully tell the difference between the true teachers God appoints for the church and the false ones who try to mislead it. The Bible clearly explains what false teachers are like. In his second letter, the apostle Peter warned believers about them, describing their pride and selfishness, as well as the judgment God will bring on them. Many of the behaviors Peter describes closely resemble traits commonly associated with narcissism:
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed, these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. . . .
This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals, they too will perish.
They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet's madness.
These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error (2 Pet. 2:1–3, 10–18).
Jesus also warns, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matt. 10:16). We are like sheep because Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leads us to green pastures and protects us along the way (John 10:11–18). Many wrongdoers do not appear as atheists or obvious enemies of God; instead, they enter the church to cause conflict and division through their personal agendas. These false teachers exploit believers for money, sex, emotional control, or physical harm. The philosopher Vernon Howard (1918–1992) expressed their mindset well: "A powerful person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep." Their actions are intentional, which is why Jesus calls us to know and live by the truth without using the same deceitful tactics they do.
Narcissism: A Warning
The word narcissism comes from the ancient Greek myth of Narcissus (pictured above), who was often captivated by his own reflection in the water. Interestingly, King Solomon wrote, "As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart" (Prov. 27:19). As Christians, we usually avoid references to pagan myths. Still, this example fits because narcissism reflects darkness, evil, and godlessness. Because narcissism involves deeply ingrained patterns of thinking and behavior, lasting change requires genuine repentance and accountability, not merely external behavior modification.
The narcissist must reach a breaking point and face the results of their wrongdoing before true repentance can begin. They are not paranoid or "out of mind" like those with other mental disorders; instead, they must experience a change of mind—the literal meaning of the Greek word metanoia (G3341), translated as "repentance." Godly sorrow begins when people recognize their need for God, admit their sin, take responsibility, and seek accountability to change. The apostle Paul affirmed this truth: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" (2 Cor. 7:10). Both false teachers and narcissists reject this process entirely.
Like the apostles, who sometimes identified public teachers by name when warning the church (e.g., 1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17–18; 4:14–15), this article examines the publicly available teachings, statements, and conduct of the contemporary ministry known as "Christ's Table," led by Kevin M. Young. The following quotation is taken from publicly available material and is presented solely for theological and pastoral analysis. Any comparisons to narcissistic traits are based on observable statements and patterns of behavior, not a medical or psychological diagnosis. The purpose is to evaluate public teaching and conduct in light of Scripture, not to judge the heart, which belongs to God alone. The following quotation, written by Young about himself, illustrates characteristics commonly associated with false teachers and narcissists.
Not Your Typical Pastor. Pastor Kevin is unique. You'll be hard-pressed to find another minister like him, anywhere. He marches to the beat of his own drum and, above all else, desires to walk in lockstep with Jesus . . . no matter what anyone else thinks. You'll not find a person more committed to integrity or teaching the Bible in ways that compel you to want to be a part. You'll find him to be passionate, creative, insightful, and above all else... quirky. . . . And while his teaching is uber accessible, he is an Early Church and Future Church scholar, hoping to bring the two together for the good of today (Christ's Table website↗).
He then asks for donations ranging from $25 to $25,000, saying the money will support his self-operated online "church," which he promotes widely and claims has more than 500 loyal followers. These public statements and fundraising practices reflect patterns that many counselors and pastors associate with narcissistic leadership, particularly when Scripture and spiritual authority are used to advance personal status or financial gain. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), narcissists often display an exaggerated sense of self-importance and entitlement.
The following characteristics summarize common traits associated with narcissism as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They are intended to promote discernment, not to encourage readers to diagnose others, since only qualified mental health professionals can diagnose Narcissistic Personality Disorder. While these characteristics may help explain patterns often seen in false teachers, Scripture—not psychology—remains the Christian's final authority for evaluating doctrine, character, and spiritual leadership. Common characteristics include the following:
Expect others to act morally but make excuses for their own behavior.
Provoke others to anger on purpose, then accuse them of being abusive.
Constantly look for attention, praise, and admiration.
Want recognition for simple tasks or acts of service.
Exaggerate their skills and achievements.
Focus on dreams of success, power, beauty, or finding the perfect partner.
Believe they are superior and prefer to associate with people they perceive as "elite".
Dominate conversations and insult those they see as inferior.
Expect special treatment and unquestioning compliance with their wishes.
Demand frequent apologies while downplaying others' feelings or intentions.
Use people to get what they want, no matter the cost.
Lack empathy for others' needs and emotions.
Feel jealous of others and assume others envy them.
Act proud, boastful, and pretentious.
Demand the best of everything—homes, cars, clothes, or positions.
Feel deeply hurt by even minor criticism.
Struggle to maintain close relationships, which often causes conflict.
Cut ties or become estranged from family members.
Leave behind many broken friendships and relationships.
Reconnect with people only to regain control or attention.
Respond with anger or impatience when they do not get special treatment.
Have trouble handling stress or adapting to change.
May experience shame, anger, or depressed mood when their self-image is threatened.
Hide deep feelings of shame, insecurity, and vulnerability.
Often value people primarily for what they can provide or accomplish for them.
Bibliography
Journal Articles
Caligor, Eve, Kenneth N. Levy, and Frank E. Yeomans. "Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Diagnostic and Clinical Challenges."↗ American Journal of Psychiatry 172, no. 5 (2015): 415–22.
Kacel, Elizabeth L., Nicole Ennis, and Deidre B. Pereira. "Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Clinical Health Psychology Practice: Case Studies of Comorbid Psychological Distress and Life-Limiting Illness."↗ Behavioral Medicine 43, no. 3 (2017): 156–64.
Reference Works
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed., text rev. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2022.
"Narcissistic Personality Disorder."↗ Mayo Clinic. April 6, 2023.
"Narcissistic Personality Disorder."↗ Psychology Today. Reviewed by Crispin Roven.
Online Resources
Megji, Shaneen. "Can God Speak Through a Narcissist? How to Tell and How to Safeguard Yourself Against Deception."↗ Shaneen Megji (blog). April 13, 2024.
Reece, Kris. "Can a Christian Be a Narcissist?"↗ Kris Reece (blog). March 2, 2023.
Reece, Kris. "The Demonic Spirits Driving Narcissists."↗ Kris Reece (blog). March 23, 2023.
Reece, Kris. "Does God Expect Christians to Stay with Narcissists?"↗ Kris Reece (blog). April 12, 2022.
Stauffer, Claude. "Nasty Narcissism in the Last Days—What Does the Bible Say About Narcissism?"↗ Shepherd of Hope (blog). January 4, 2024.
