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Wolves Among Lambs: My Story of Sexual Abuse & Cover-ups In The Church
At the age of seventeen, Stacey Shiflett was sexually assaulted in his sleep by a Bible College student. His abuser pled guilty and served time in prison. A few years later he was groomed and propositioned by his pastor. His experiences as both a victim and a pastor have uniquely prepared him to address this topic. In May of 2018, the church where he pastors was affected by a sexual abuse scandal. The story made national headlines. Wolves Among Lambs deals with both the terrible crime of sexual abuse within the church and the covering up of those crimes. The author has harsh criticism for those that protect the abuser and make attempts to silence the abused. Section Two is entitled “Restoring Our Credibility” and deals with ways that churches can prevent sexual abuse from happening. It also explains the importance of reporting allegations and how to communicate correctly with the church when it occurs. Wolves Among Lambs emphasizes the church’s priority to protect the people within the church and to expose and prosecute the sex offenders. The author uses the Scripture to lay out a set of policies and procedures for how to operate when allegations of sexual abuse surface. The book concludes with words of healing and hope for victims of sexual abuse. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse or you know someone that is a survivor, this book will minister to them in a great way. Wolves Among Lambs is also a great resource for those pastors and church leaders looking for ways to prevent abuse in the church, deal with offenders and restore the victims.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2019
22 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 1, 2022
A passionate plea from a pastor’s heart
This book is a challenge to all churches to wake up to the serious reality of sexual abuse that, unfortunately, does occur within the ministry of the local church. It is written in a clear, straightforward manner and was eye opening and, at times, repulsive, but I believe it is a needed wake up call that needs to be listened to.
This is not a “how to” book about caring for the survivors of abuse (there are other books that deal with that aspect very well), but rather it is simply a pastor passionately sharing his personal story of abuse and his church’s dealing with abuse from a previous pastor. It is a long book and much time is spent discussing how the author and his church dealt with the abuse that was exposed from a former member. At times it was almost like reading a rant about those who don’t listen to or believe the survivor, but I took it for what it was – a pastor who was determined to do everything in his power to make sure that the survivor was cared for and not swept under the rug.
It is not a book that tells you how to fix the problem, although it does offer some suggestions and practical steps to take within the church; but as a warning, the book accomplishes its purpose well. If others decide to read it, I would recommend the printed edition, not the Kindle version. The Kindle book is very poorly formatted.
This book is a challenge to all churches to wake up to the serious reality of sexual abuse that, unfortunately, does occur within the ministry of the local church. It is written in a clear, straightforward manner and was eye opening and, at times, repulsive, but I believe it is a needed wake up call that needs to be listened to.
This is not a “how to” book about caring for the survivors of abuse (there are other books that deal with that aspect very well), but rather it is simply a pastor passionately sharing his personal story of abuse and his church’s dealing with abuse from a previous pastor. It is a long book and much time is spent discussing how the author and his church dealt with the abuse that was exposed from a former member. At times it was almost like reading a rant about those who don’t listen to or believe the survivor, but I took it for what it was – a pastor who was determined to do everything in his power to make sure that the survivor was cared for and not swept under the rug.
It is not a book that tells you how to fix the problem, although it does offer some suggestions and practical steps to take within the church; but as a warning, the book accomplishes its purpose well. If others decide to read it, I would recommend the printed edition, not the Kindle version. The Kindle book is very poorly formatted.
August 21, 2019
It is a sad state of affairs today that this is a story that needs to be told and read. It is eye opening and sickening! The book has an important section on safeguards and also how to deal with allegations.
April 16, 2021
I was watching the docuseries on Netflix, The Keepers, when I came across this book. It is well written. Shiflett passionately tells his story of abuse and how he lead a church when one of his close friends and former staff member was accused of sexual abuse. Worth picking up.
June 3, 2023
All I can say is, it’s about time. This book has been a long time coming. It’s way past time for the IFB to do some house cleaning, and that requires naming names. Standing O bro. Shiflett.
November 26, 2022
I got this book as a gift. I wasn't really expecting to receive such a book nor was this topic high on my priority list. What can I say? The book is about some preacher who is taking a hard stance against pedophiles and predators in the church ministry, having some personal experience to compliment his fervor against this horrendous culture creeping into some places.
The book quality itself was actually pretty nice. The title is cool, the cover looks cool, the feel of the book is respectable. I didn't come across tons of grammar or spelling errors. And especially towards the end, a couple things were noteworthy of thinking about when it comes to safety in general.
But at the end of the day, a lot of this stuff was common sense to me. Some concepts felt a little redundant. The information was good. But it was more of a book that helped remind people to be more alert of their surroundings and to wake up out of their daydreams in order to spot the groomer hugging little kids and giving them candy all the time.
Pastor Shiflett is pretty zealous on this topic. But I thought it was kind of weird how he mentions at one point in the book how his church has an area where he and others sell their books, and then later Shiflett even quotes the bible verses that mention Jesus chasing the people out the church who are selling things and changing money. I get that the book is about one thing and not the other. But for someone who takes such a strong stance for all things bible, I'm kind of confused how he overlooked that basic principle. Even novice laymen in church can spot the issue there. Just seemed like that oversight hampered the full effect of his biblical safety nets he highly recommended at the end there.
Overall, it was average. Not a book I would want to pick up again and read for the pleasure, unless I suppose I was a pastor of a church who was worried about this scenario. But even then, most of it is really common sense brought to light.
The book quality itself was actually pretty nice. The title is cool, the cover looks cool, the feel of the book is respectable. I didn't come across tons of grammar or spelling errors. And especially towards the end, a couple things were noteworthy of thinking about when it comes to safety in general.
But at the end of the day, a lot of this stuff was common sense to me. Some concepts felt a little redundant. The information was good. But it was more of a book that helped remind people to be more alert of their surroundings and to wake up out of their daydreams in order to spot the groomer hugging little kids and giving them candy all the time.
Pastor Shiflett is pretty zealous on this topic. But I thought it was kind of weird how he mentions at one point in the book how his church has an area where he and others sell their books, and then later Shiflett even quotes the bible verses that mention Jesus chasing the people out the church who are selling things and changing money. I get that the book is about one thing and not the other. But for someone who takes such a strong stance for all things bible, I'm kind of confused how he overlooked that basic principle. Even novice laymen in church can spot the issue there. Just seemed like that oversight hampered the full effect of his biblical safety nets he highly recommended at the end there.
Overall, it was average. Not a book I would want to pick up again and read for the pleasure, unless I suppose I was a pastor of a church who was worried about this scenario. But even then, most of it is really common sense brought to light.
August 23, 2019
Principles versus Philosophies
Every pastor, missionary, Christian School worker and Full-time Christian worker needs to read this book!
As Pastor Shiflett shared his own experiences, insights and the opposition he has faced, I could not help but think that much of the issues surrounding these situations are the result of a basic utilitarian, pragmatic ethic that is based upon human reasoning. Instead of walking by faith and trusting God to take care of His church, people try to manage outcomes.
In many areas of ministry we are more interested in the restoration or preservation of a preacher’s name than we are in the spiritual wellbeing and restoration of the victim. That is not the essence of a shepherd and I am grateful to see Pastor Shiflett drive that point home in this book.
We need to quit using the tired philosophies of “touch not God’s anointed,” and, “Publish it not” to cover the sins among some preachers. You cannot have restoration if there is not an honest confrontation of the sin first. And this applies to many levels of sin in the church, not just sexual abuse.
Every pastor, missionary, Christian School worker and Full-time Christian worker needs to read this book!
As Pastor Shiflett shared his own experiences, insights and the opposition he has faced, I could not help but think that much of the issues surrounding these situations are the result of a basic utilitarian, pragmatic ethic that is based upon human reasoning. Instead of walking by faith and trusting God to take care of His church, people try to manage outcomes.
In many areas of ministry we are more interested in the restoration or preservation of a preacher’s name than we are in the spiritual wellbeing and restoration of the victim. That is not the essence of a shepherd and I am grateful to see Pastor Shiflett drive that point home in this book.
We need to quit using the tired philosophies of “touch not God’s anointed,” and, “Publish it not” to cover the sins among some preachers. You cannot have restoration if there is not an honest confrontation of the sin first. And this applies to many levels of sin in the church, not just sexual abuse.
March 19, 2026
Wolves Among Lambs by Stacey Shiflett is a direct, unflinching account of abuse within the church and the systems that allow it to persist.
What makes this book stand out is the dual perspective both as a survivor and a pastor. That combination gives the narrative weight, not just emotionally, but structurally, especially when addressing accountability and reform within religious institutions.
The shift into practical guidance in the second section adds real value, turning the book from testimony into a resource. It’s not just about exposing harm it’s about preventing it and creating safer environments moving forward. A difficult but necessary read, particularly for church leaders and communities.
What makes this book stand out is the dual perspective both as a survivor and a pastor. That combination gives the narrative weight, not just emotionally, but structurally, especially when addressing accountability and reform within religious institutions.
The shift into practical guidance in the second section adds real value, turning the book from testimony into a resource. It’s not just about exposing harm it’s about preventing it and creating safer environments moving forward. A difficult but necessary read, particularly for church leaders and communities.
March 5, 2025
A must-read book not only by those in any type of church work (from Sunday school to ushers to pastors) but anyone in laity as well. For me anyway, one takeaway from this book (among several issues) is the issue of sexual abuse in churches, seminaries etc is far more prevalent than I imagined and that many churches hide it or call the victim a liar rather than come out and deal with it the right way. Lord knows how many people have walked away from churches and the Lord because it is handled so badly if at all (which is more common than one would imagine).
November 25, 2020
This book is a must read for every Pastor, youth leader, deacon, evangelist, Missionary and elder. Pastor Shiflett is very transparent and honest with his personal experiences of abuse and attempted abuse. He also deals with issues that he had to deal with as a result of former Pastor at the Church he currently Pastors. I recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2019
Very much needed!!
Finally a man of God who will stand up and do the right thing. Your story was very heartfelt and brave to share with the world. I pray many will take head to your advise and stop this horrible tragedy happening in Churches today. God bless you Pastor!!
Finally a man of God who will stand up and do the right thing. Your story was very heartfelt and brave to share with the world. I pray many will take head to your advise and stop this horrible tragedy happening in Churches today. God bless you Pastor!!
May 3, 2025
A hard read!
Hard because of the truths contained, there are wolves among the lambs! The last 2 chapters are so helpful, actually the last few chapters are helpfully!
I highly recommend this book, especially if you’ve been abused or you know someone who has been abused.
Hard because of the truths contained, there are wolves among the lambs! The last 2 chapters are so helpful, actually the last few chapters are helpfully!
I highly recommend this book, especially if you’ve been abused or you know someone who has been abused.
March 16, 2019
Awesome read!
Every church-going parent should read this book. Too often parents assume churches are “safe places” and this book is very enlightening.
Every church-going parent should read this book. Too often parents assume churches are “safe places” and this book is very enlightening.
December 4, 2020
This is an outstanding book and a must read for every pastor and church worker, as well as those contemplating the gospel ministry.
May 27, 2022
Very good read. Would give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ but I disagree with a couple theological points in the book
July 13, 2024
This book was heavy due to the subject matter (as I expected). However, I am very glad I read it. As parents we desperately need to be aware of what can (and does) happen to so many children - even in churches. We need to be aware and take precautions to protect our children and ourselves from sexual predators.
The book was well written, especially the beginning. However, as the book went on it got a lot more wordy and detailed. I think some things could have been left out and the book would have been just as effective (if not, more so).
The last couple sections of the book were very helpful. I appreciated the biblical response to sexual abuse as well as the precautionary measures that were recommended. Yes, some of it may seem old fashioned, but boundaries are important especially when it comes to purity and the safety of our children.
The book was well written, especially the beginning. However, as the book went on it got a lot more wordy and detailed. I think some things could have been left out and the book would have been just as effective (if not, more so).
The last couple sections of the book were very helpful. I appreciated the biblical response to sexual abuse as well as the precautionary measures that were recommended. Yes, some of it may seem old fashioned, but boundaries are important especially when it comes to purity and the safety of our children.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews