As a Reformed believer in Japan, I see a pattern that troubles the heart: some churches here embrace teachings from figures like Rick Warren, Max Lucado, Mother Teresa, and the Pope, drawn to their calls for “love” and “unity.” Japan’s culture of harmony (wa) makes these messages appealing, yet Scripture urges us to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). Likewise, the 2026 Shepherds’ Conference, shaped by John MacArthur’s legacy, raises parallel concerns with its speaker lineup. Both cases—Western voices and this conference—demand discernment to guard the gospel from subtle errors that cloud its clarity (Gal. 1:8–9).
A Shared Challenge: Discernment in Japan and Beyond
The Shepherds’ Conference, hosted by Grace Community Church, equips pastors to wield “the sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17). Its 2026 speakers mirror a trend in Japan: popular figures like Warren, Lucado, Mother Teresa, and the Pope are often cited without scrutiny, risking humanism, works-righteousness, or ecumenism. Just as we reject Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness teachings for denying Christ’s sufficiency, we must test these voices to keep the gospel pure for Japan’s churches.
What Is the Shepherds’ Conference?
Since 1986, John MacArthur led the Shepherds’ Conference to train pastors in expository preaching and Reformed truths—total depravity, grace alone, faith alone (2 Tim. 3:16–17). It calls leaders to emulate the Good Shepherd (John 10:11–18) and guard against error (2 Cor. 6:14–17). MacArthur’s unwavering commitment to sola Scriptura made it a global beacon for biblical fidelity, equipping thousands to build churches on God’s Word.
The 2026 Challenge: A Test of Biblical Fidelity
MacArthur’s passing leaves the 2026 conference to honor his legacy, but its speakers—R. Albert Mohler, Ligon Duncan, Mark Dever, John Piper—raise questions. After 2019 tensions over social justice, their return prompts reflection. MacArthur invited them, not from naivety, but from cautious magnanimity, valuing friendship amid disagreement (Prov. 17:17). Yet, without his voice:
- Mohler’s secular engagements risk blurring Scripture’s sole authority (2 Tim. 3:16).
- Duncan and Dever’s cultural initiatives may blend worldly ideas with truth.
- Piper’s ties to Warren’s Purpose Driven Life lean toward humanistic emphases.
This shift parallels Japan’s challenge: embracing popular voices without testing their fruit.
A Call to Japan: Guarding the Gospel
In Japan, where Shinto and Buddhism promote salvation through rituals, we rightly reject cults for their works-based errors. Yet, some churches cite Western figures whose teachings, though subtler, threaten the gospel:
- Rick Warren: His Purpose Driven Life elevates self-purpose over God’s sovereignty, risking humanism (Eph. 2:8–9).
- Max Lucado: His emotional stories often downplay sin’s gravity, weakening repentance (Rom. 3:23).
- Mother Teresa: Her focus on suffering for salvation echoes works-righteousness, not faith alone (Rom. 5:1).
- The Pope: His ecumenism undermines Christ’s exclusive way (John 14:6).
Scripture warns, “If anyone preaches another gospel, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8–9). Japan’s harmony culture tempts us to accept “love” without scrutiny, but true love exposes error (Eph. 5:11). The Shepherds’ Conference shows even trusted platforms can waver without vigilance.
The Urgent Call to Biblical Discernment
We are called to “test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21). Faithful shepherds protect the flock (John 10:12–13). Ask:
- Does this teaching exalt Christ alone, or elevate human effort? (John 14:6)
- Does it align with Scripture, or chase popularity? (Matt. 7:15–20)
- In Japan’s harmony culture, will we defend the faith? (Jude 1:3)
Leaders must uphold sola Scriptura, ensuring the gospel shines clearly for new believers (2 Tim. 1:13).
Conclusion: Anchoring Japan’s Churches
The Shepherds’ Conference and Japan’s churches face one threat: subtle errors from trusted voices. Warren, Lucado, Mother Teresa, and the Pope may inspire, but their teachings can obscure grace alone. MacArthur’s legacy calls us to stand firm, testing all by Scripture (Heb. 13:8). Will Japan’s churches spark a quiet reformation, or let distortions confuse the flock? By God’s grace, let us guard the gospel for His glory. Semper reformanda!
