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TikTok Prophets and YouTube Preachers: Who Can You Trust?

 

Have you ever watched a video where someone was calling out a pastor or teacher for false teaching? How did it make you feel? Did it change your view of that person or topic?

As Christians, we’re constantly surrounded by voices online, from TikTok to YouTube, all trying to tell us what’s true and what’s false in the church. With so many teachings flooding the internet, it can be hard to tell what’s biblical and what’s not.  Even in the Bible, Jude saw the need to call out false teachings in the church, saying, "I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith..." (Jude 1:4). So yes, we need people who help us discern truth, but we also need wisdom to know who to listen to.  So how do we know which ones we can trust?  Not everyone who claims to be "protecting the faith" is actually doing it the right way. When someone tells you that a certain ministry or church is a false teacher, how can you trust thier assement? Do you take them at their word?

Just because someone is passionate about calling out false teaching doesn’t automatically make them right.  Some heresy hunters can actually be just as harmful as the false teachers they’re exposing. The Bible warns us about people who are constantly stirring up arguments and controversies (1 Timothy 6:3-5). A lot of times, they can exaggerate or misrepresent what someone else said, causing even more confusion.  This is a question that I've been personally wrestling with over the course of the last year - and I would love your feedback!  How do you tell the difference between a good or bad heresy hunter?

Discussion Question:

  • Have you ever seen someone’s message get misrepresented online? How did it impact your trust in what was being said?
  • Have you ever come across something online that felt "off" or made you question its truthfulness? What did you do about it?

How to Discern Who to Trust

So, how do we figure out which heresy hunters are worth listening to and which ones aren’t?  By nature of being a pastor, I get flooded with teaching all the time, and I also get flooded with voices telling me teachers are false. I've come up with a grid for myself to filter out who to listen to and who not to. I would love to hear how you filter it. Here's my list, let me know what you think:

  1. Gospel-Focused: Are they more interested in sharing the truth of the gospel than in tearing others down? If their focus is more on controversy than on Jesus, be cautious.

  2. Honest: Do they fairly represent the people they’re critiquing, or do they twist words to make their case? Exaggeration is a sign of trouble.

  3. Trusting: Do they give people the benefit of the doubt, or are they quick to label someone a false teacher over one mistake? Look for those who evaluate an entire body of work, not just one message. The pastor may have had on off day.  I know I have said the wrong thing before.

  4. Unifying: Are they more interested in reconciling or dividing? If they’re quick to call out others publicly without following the biblical steps for resolution (Matthew 18:15-17), that’s a red flag. There is a time to publically call out false teachers by name, but it should always be considered a last resort, not the first action to take. 

  5. Humble: Do they admit their own mistakes? If they’re constantly pointing out the flaws of others but never acknowledge their own, that’s pride, not humility.

Discussion Question:

  • Out of these qualities, which do you think is the most important when deciding who to listen to? Why?

Wrapping Up: Be Careful Who You Listen To

In the end, discernment isn’t just about calling out false teachings; it’s about knowing who we can trust to guide us. It’s important to evaluate the people we listen to online carefully, keeping an eye on their intentions and methods. Remember, not everyone who claims to be protecting the faith is actually doing so in a biblical way.

Final Thought:

  • This week, pay attention to the voices you’re hearing—whether it’s on social media, in church, or from friends. Ask yourself: Are they pointing me toward Jesus, or are they more focused on tearing someone else down?

Prayer:
Ask God for wisdom and discernment as you navigate all the voices trying to influence your faith. Pray that He will help you stay focused on what is true, good, and gospel-centered.