“Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:20; see vss. 15-20)
“I grieve to think how that holy name by which we are called must be blasphemed among the heathen, while they see discontented Christians, passionate Christians, resentful Christians, earthly-minded Christians. Yea, to come to what we are apt to count small things, while they see Christians judging one another, ridiculing one another, speaking evil of one another, increasing instead of bearing one another’s burdens.” Charles Wesley
Authentic leaders in our churches and ministries are from Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). However, false pastors, teachers, and leaders have slipped into our sleepy congregations. It should not be a surprise since the Word tells us the devil is prowling about seeking whom he can destroy (1 Peter 5:8). This prowling devil manifests not only from culture, the antichrist spirit, and irresponsible shepherds (see my last post), but also from irresponsible church members! Some members/followers are innocently irresponsible because our teaching has not been the best, or because they have not heard the Word clearly. Others are intentionally irresponsible as they choose not to listen, meditate on the Word, pray, or abide by the truth of God’s Word.
Then we have the third group. This group is neither untaught nor undertaught. This group can be well-schooled in the Word and, therefore, believe they are very spiritual. However, their approach is one of religious isolationism or elitism. Rather than finding the fruit in others, this group will attack a pastor, teacher, or denomination based on personal preference or unresearched information—elitism. In their mind, this puts them ahead of anyone who does not follow their belief pattern. The group may be led by a pastor, teacher, YouTube influencer, or denominational belief. Rather than following the Word, they often follow man or a man-made construct of religion.
How can the church/ministry leader reach these groups? The answer is the same for all: show them Christ’s love. Lead them through God’s Word and confirm where they are in agreement and humbly, gently correct where they are not (2 Timothy 2:22-26). We have the best-selling book in history in our hands. As leaders, we must read from it, teach from it, and encourage followers to read and meditate on it. Let’s not start another program, but rather a Bible study and discipling class/ministry. A recent Barna study[i] indicated that today’s youth do not want programs, smoke machines, rock concerts, or venues with big screens. They want genuine truth and earnest, integrity-minded leaders who teach and stand on what they believe. This youth cohort trusts the Bible the most when researching their faith and Jesus. Sadly, the clergy and our churches are low on their list of most trusted resources. What can we learn?
- The Western Empirical church is a mess right now and is not meeting the needs of this cohort.
- Diving into God’s Word and building relationships are how we show His love to those searching.
- God does not need us to accomplish His plan, but wants us to join Him, walk with Him, and teach others.
- Before we attack another brother or sister, we need to look for fruit in their ministry rather than busting the chops of our fellow believers because we don’t like/agree with their theology.
I added point four based on my primary research. Gen Z and Gen Alpha youth want honesty and integrity. When they see other “Christian” leaders or influencers attacking a particular denomination or person because of a difference in belief systems, they move away from the church. The words of John Wesley quoted above speak to them. How can they trust an organization or person who elevates their truth or does not show Christ’s love when the truth of the Bible stares them in the eye? Rather than pointing to the Bible, we have created a Church Industrial Complex (CIC) based on mega churches, celebrity pastors, influencers, and $4.6 billion in annual[ii] books and media merchandise sales. Those not well-positioned in the complex often let jealousy or under-informed positions dictate their responses. Neither the CIC nor the response is correct.
We are told in Scripture to test everything and ensure it is from God. When there is an authentic, God-fearing, righteous leader, we are to honor them (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). We are to separate from those who do not teach God’s Word or teach it in error (1 Timothy 6:3-5). But how can we tell the difference? The Bible is the only source of absolute truth. Instead, see if the ministry teaches that the Word of God is inerrant, that Christ is Lord, and to love your neighbor as yourself. If the answer is yes, then there is likely some fruit. As Christ told His disciples, don’t attack or try to shut down the ministry that is for Christ (Mark 9-38-42; Luke 9:49-50). Perhaps approach your brother or sister, present your counterfactual position, and listen to their response.
Don’t misinterpret what I am saying. When a church or denominational dogma is clearly anti-God and anti-scripture, we need to point it out. As evidenced by my posts, I have done that many times without pointing fingers at a person. I do point fingers at churches and denominational dogmas that are clearly antithetical to the Word. In doing so, I must be prepared to be judged by the same measure and change my position when proven wrong.
The latest sport of ministry-bashing needs to stop. This oppositional sport comes from within the church as much as from outside. I have found that much of it is based on denominational differences, jealousy, perceived Bible misinterpretation/application, and the worship of false gods. There are, admittedly, ministries, churches, and pastors that should be challenged and questioned. The problem is that those choosing to cast stones at the glasshouse of others often do not first check for fruit. Some of these disparaged leaders are for Him and not against Him. They freely confess Christ is Lord, have led many to Christ, and have used their resources for further good. If we disagree with a position of another’s ministry, do we cast him/her off as a heretic and hypocrite? We don’t have to embrace all their teachings.
Many of the attacks seem to target ministries with significant assets. I understand the targeting. If, as in Ezekiel 34, the shepherd is getting fat and not distributing the resources, that is a problem. Therein lies the verse that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). But, for some critics, there is a “seed and fruit block,” as Ed Rush terms it.[iii] Seeds have to be planted before fruit comes. In other words, dollars must be sown into a ministry before the results can manifest. Please understand me, I am not a “health/wealth gospel” or “name it/claim it” believer. I do not find evidence to support that position in scripture. We should never give to get, but should get to give. The funds and resources are not ours, anyway. I choose to look for the fruit and let God judge if the pastor/leader is doing the right thing. If I prayerfully believe there is some evil or misunderstanding afoot, I can refuse to support at any time and confront the brother/sister.
Paul called for unity in the body (Ephesians 4:1-6). It is our duty to call out false prophets and teachers while not destroying the ecclesia’s unity. Even Christ did not chastise or stop the works if fruit was produced. Let’s support our brothers and let Christ be the Judge of motives. He is in the process of clearing out many false/misleading ministries. We will see more coming, so I advise we not pile on. Instead, be ready to pick up the pieces and rebuild the walls around the temple like Nehemiah.
[i] Over Half of Gen Z Teens Feel Motivated to Learn More About Jesus. (2-1-2023) barna.com/research/teens-and-jesus/. Accessed 5-26-2025.
[ii] https://Djchuang.medium.com/How Can The CIC Be Redeemed. 5-25-2021. Accessed 5-16-2025
[iii] Rush. E. (2023) God Talks. Niche Pressworks.