OPINION:
In a world already watching the church with critical eyes, it’s deeply concerning when Christians themselves become the loudest critics — especially when the target is a ministry that bears fruit. We all hold different theological perspectives, but is it beneficial, or even godly, to attack ministries that are leading people to Christ just because their methods and interpretations don’t perfectly align with ours?
It’s not only unproductive but also harmful to the body of Christ to publicly denounce fruit-bearing ministries, worship teams, and pastors whose hearts and work reflect Jesus — even if their approach, style, or emphasis differs from our own. Unfortunately, this trend of “Christian witch-hunting” is on the rise, with some even using it as a way to build their YouTube or social media platforms, and it’s causing significant damage.
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Bad look for the church
What message are we sending to the world when Christians attack each other? To a world in desperate need of hope and unity, we look divided, hypocritical, and, frankly, just as broken as those we’re called to reach. The Bible calls us to be known by our love (John 13:35), not by our ability to tear down others within the fold.
Attacking ministries like Bethel, Elevation Worship, or even pastors like Joel Osteen — ministries that lead people to Jesus — only causes unnecessary division. Yes, we should test everything against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21), but when ministries or Christian media (like the TV series “The Chosen”) share the same common denominator of Jesus Christ and His message of salvation, shouldn’t that be enough for us to extend grace, love, and unity?
Problem with a critical lens
There’s an important distinction between healthy discernment and a critical spirit. Discernment allows us to sift through teachings, checking them against the Word of God (Acts 17:11). A critical spirit, however, seeks flaws, magnifies differences, and disregards fruit in favor of theological nitpicking.
For example, I have pastored the same church for 26 years, and not once have I seen someone walk away from Jesus after singing a song from Bethel or Elevation. I haven’t seen one person’s faith waver because they watched “The Chosen.” Quite the opposite, I’ve witnessed people encounter Jesus in profound ways through these ministries. I’ve seen lives changed, hearts softened, and faith deepened.
Yet, some voices in the Christian world are quick to dismiss these ministries, not because they lead people away from Christ, but because they don’t check every theological box or operate within the same denominational framework.
Misusing the terms “heretic” and “wolf in sheep’s clothing”
There’s a growing tendency in Christian circles to loosely throw around terms like “heretic” or “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” But let’s pause and reflect: do these terms really apply just because someone’s preaching style, theological viewpoint, or ministry focus doesn’t resonate with you?
The phrase “wolf in sheep’s clothing” carries a heavy accusation, implying intentional deception with the goal of leading people astray. It’s a serious charge that should be reserved for actual false teachers who distort the gospel, not someone who simply emphasizes healing, prosperity, or a different aspect of Christian living than you’re used to.
Similarly, calling someone a “heretic” has weighty implications. Historically, heretics were those who denied core doctrines of the Christian faith, such as the deity of Christ or salvation by grace through faith. Using this word flippantly to describe someone who simply holds a different theological emphasis or focus is not only incorrect but also damaging to the body of Christ.
Be selective, yes — but with grace
We all have preferences when it comes to worship artists, pastors, authors, or ministries. It’s good to be selective and discerning. But if your strategy is to dismiss every single person or ministry that doesn’t align perfectly with your beliefs, you’re going to end up with a very short list of who you can listen to.
For example, many dismiss worship songs from Bethel or Elevation without considering the countless testimonies of people encountering Jesus through those songs. If a song aligns with Scripture and glorifies God, does it matter which ministry wrote it? Are we really protecting the church, or are we allowing our personal preferences to block what God might want to use?
It’s wise to evaluate teachings and ministries, but it’s equally important to extend grace. Ministry leaders are humans who may make mistakes, just as we do. We should approach these differences with humility, not hostility.
This call for grace also applies to those new to the faith, like actor Russell Brand. Recently, Mr. Russell has spoken about his newfound faith in Jesus with excitement and authenticity. As a baby Christian, he’s learning and growing — and while he may not have everything figured out yet, we should be cheering him on, not tearing him down. Let’s pray for him, celebrate his excitement, and extend the same grace God extends to each of us as we grow in our walk with Him. Showing grace to new believers like Russell Brand sets the tone for a church that nurtures and supports, rather than one that criticizes and stifles.
The true dangers: Progressive Christianity and cults
While some Christians focus their energy on tearing down ministries that bear fruit, real threats to the faith often go unaddressed. Movements like progressive Christianity or cults pose genuine dangers. These groups distort the gospel, downplay the authority of Scripture, and lead people away from the truth of Jesus Christ.
It’s vital to engage with these issues while sharing the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We must address false teachings with clarity and compassion, always pointing people back to the hope of the gospel.
The cost of public criticism
Publicly dismissing or slandering ministries ultimately hurts the body of Christ more than it helps. These ministries are on the front lines, pointing people to Jesus. Sure, you may not agree with their every teaching or method. But if they’re bearing fruit, shouldn’t we celebrate that?
To be clear, this is not about excusing or covering up serious misconduct, such as sexual abuse or other criminal acts. Ministers who have committed such crimes should be held accountable and expelled from their positions. Sexual abuse and misconduct have no place in the church and must never be tolerated. However, this article doesn’t address those situations. It’s about the harmful habit of tearing down fruit-bearing ministries and leaders over theological differences or stylistic preferences, which weakens the church and divides the body of Christ.
Paul addresses this in Philippians 1:18 (NLT) when he says, “But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.”
If Paul, who encountered false teachers firsthand, could rejoice when Christ was preached, how much more should we?
If a ministry isn’t leading people away from the faith, then perhaps we need to pause before dismissing it entirely.
Let’s refocus
Here’s the bottom line: if a ministry is preaching Christ, leading people to Him, and bearing fruit, it’s worth celebrating, not criticizing.
Instead of wasting time witch-hunting fellow believers, why not focus on the real spiritual battles we face? Why not dedicate our energy to reaching the lost, spreading the gospel, and standing against true heresy when necessary?
Yes, we should be discerning and selective, but let’s do so with love and humility. Let’s lift up Jesus, not tear down His church.
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Chuck E. Tate is an award-winning author, pastor, and podcaster.
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