Ask This When Naming Names

Viral media has not only provided a megaphone for proclaiming truth, but it has also enabled the spread of false teaching in exponential ways. One inevitable result of media-driven ministry is the constant impulse to call out dangers because of the endless flow of bad theology.

For the Gospel is not afraid to call out false teachers. No pastor, church, or Christian resource ministry should be — especially in today’s world. But is there a metric for ministries or pastors to use when determining how often — or whether to, at all — name names?

The Bible does command that false teachers be marked (Romans 16:17-18), and that evil deeds be exposed (Ephesians 5:11), but who should do that? How often should you do it? When a mass amount of ministries and pastors have already blasted something or someone, how do you determine your own course of action? Should what others do factor into what you do?

Many questions arise, but these 5 from John Piper can be especially helpful when determining if you should name someone’s name publicly or not:

1. The seriousness and deceitfulness of the error.

You may not want to go after everyone who teaches different eschatology than you or hammer on someone who holds to a secondary doctrinal view that is not related to salvation. At the same time, you would be wise to deal strongly with those maligning Christ, the gospel, Scripture, the character of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and other essentials to the Christian faith.

2. The size of the audience. Is it growing?

When someone like Steven Furtick says suspect things repeatedly and has a massive audience, it behooves the Christian to make mention of his troubling theology. When Hillsong uses and abuses people for decades, but swoons the crowds through popular music, it should merit attention. When Bethel holds immense weight with the next generation but scandalized the doctrine of Christ, we must say something.

3. The duration of their ministry. Did they make one blunder or are they constantly doing it?

Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland are great examples here. They have been deceiving people for over 40 years, yet repeatedly making excuses, “repenting,” and reappearing in the news for ridiculous antics. As other prominent next-generation ministries take their place in the mainstream, they ought to be named and dealt with for the dangers they possess.

4. The vulnerability of the people for whom you are responsible.

If you’re an elder or church leader, the sentiment of “I just stay in my lane” is unacceptable and disobedient. When mainstream false teachers pound podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media, and you say nothing of what they are vulnerable to, you have failed your task. Yet, you can decide to take up the task today! You are a protector, shepherd, caregiver, watchman, and herald. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4, 1 Timothy, and 2 Timothy, then consider your calling. You are one who proclaims truth and refutes error.  

5. The role you have in influencing shepherds who really need to be discerning for who the false teachers are.

Are you a leader of leaders? Do you train church planters, pastors, small group leaders, or seminarians? Do you have a large online platform or a greater reach than others? If so, you ought to think deeply about speaking up and naming dangers. Your platform, like your body and your life, is not yours. It belongs to God (Luke 14:25-35; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

When you do name a false teacher, try to do more than name-drop. Explain the error, give reasons for rejecting it, communicate complexities to the best of your ability, and set a tone that longs for truth and love — not just slinging mud.

As you endeavor in life and ministry, let your teaching and example be so powerful in clarifying the greatness and the beauty of God’s truth that people you influence will smell error before it infects their lives. The characters propagating error are always changing, and there will be times when you need to highlight a false teacher, but you’ll never be able to preach enough negative sermons and name enough names to stay ahead of it — and you don’t have to. The best protection against the darkness of error is the light of truth, so name names in obedience to God, but major on edifying truth so that people learn about their God.

Additional Resources 

Watch “Should We Preach Repentance” by Costi Hinn

Watch “What’s Up When False Teachers Repent?” by Costi Hinn

Read “Should We Call Out False Teachers or Ignore Them” by John Piper