I. Introduction
Purpose: to warn, expose, and encourage discernment
Emphasis on testing teachings and avoiding deception
II. Part 1: Top 25 (1–25)
A. Doctrinal / Teaching Concerns
Steven Furtick – accused of twisting Scripture, self-centered teaching
Kenneth Copeland – prosperity gospel, extreme claims (healing, control)
Joel Osteen – motivational focus, lack of sin/repentance emphasis
Joyce Meyer – controversial teachings on sin and Jesus’ suffering
T.D. Jakes – Trinity concerns, prosperity emphasis
Bill Johnson – signs/wonders focus, controversial supernatural claims
Benny Hinn – miracle claims, prosperity teaching
Jesse Duplantis – visions/stories, prosperity emphasis
Creflo Dollar – wealth-focused teaching, “little gods” doctrine
Paula White – prosperity teaching, prophetic claims
B. Leadership / Practice Criticisms
Robert Morris – tithing pressure, financial teaching
Kris Vallotton – failed prophecies, controversial claims
Andy Stanley – views on Old Testament, cultural adaptation
Michael Todd – entertainment-style preaching
John Hagee – controversial theological positions
Rodney Howard-Browne – emotional/spiritual manifestations
Todd White – associations and doctrinal concerns
Raphael Warnock – political + theological tension
Cindy Jacobs – prophetic claims, fundraising appeals
Mike Murdock – prosperity and money emphasis
C. Additional Concerns (21–25)
Juanita Bynum – paid teachings, prosperity focus
Heidi Baker – manifestations, associations
Carl Lentz – moral failure, doctrinal compromise
Kat Kerr – visions of heaven, unusual claims
Sid Roth – platforming controversial teachers
III. Part 2: 26–50
A. Doctrinal / Prophetic Claims
Beth Moore – teaching roles, contemplative practices, visions
Rod Parsley – prosperity teaching, financial appeals
Jonathan Cahn – prophetic predictions, hidden “mysteries”
Chuck Pierce – frequent prophetic claims
David Diga Hernandez – miracle focus, emphasis on Holy Spirit
Brian Houston – prosperity teaching, doctrinal compromise
Lance Wallnau – political prophecy, modern revelation claims
Andrew Wommack – “speak things into existence” teaching
Joseph Prince – hyper-grace theology
B. Moral / Leadership Issues
John Gray – infidelity, prosperity focus
Jim Bakker – financial scandals, fundraising tactics
Greg Locke – personal controversies, strong rhetoric
Katherine Crick – leadership control, deliverance practices
Shawn Bolz – prophetic methods questioned
John & Lisa Bevere – associations with controversial leaders
Craig Groeschel – platforming various teachings
Greg Laurie – sinner’s prayer emphasis
C. Deliverance / Spiritual Warfare Emphasis
Vlad Savchuk – deliverance theology
Mike Signorelli – emotional/hype-driven preaching
Isaiah Saldivar – demonology focus
D. Doctrinal / Theological Concerns
Marm Mari Emmanuel – visions, Marian emphasis
Marcus Rogers – Trinity concerns, tongues requirement
Dr. Michael Brown – associations within charismatic movement
Jamal Bryant – controversial ideas and messaging
Gino Jennings – works-based salvation emphasis
IV. Key Patterns Identified
Emphasis on:
Prosperity teaching
Extra-biblical revelation
Emotional or experience-driven ministry
Financial focus
Interconnected relationships among leaders
V. Conclusion
Encouragement to:
Test all teachings carefully
Study Scripture personally
Exercise discernment in following leaders
Truth, Discernment, and Loving Correction
In a time of many voices, Scripture calls us to stand firm in truth, discernment, and love. We are told in 1 John 4:1 to “test the spirits”, meaning we should carefully examine teachings against God’s Word. This protects us from deception and helps us grow in maturity.
At the same time, the Bible is clear that false teaching must not be ignored. In Titus 1:9–11, leaders are instructed to refute those who oppose sound doctrine, and in Ephesians 5:11, believers are told to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” This shows that addressing false teaching is not optional—it is part of protecting the church.
However, how we do this matters deeply. 2 Timothy 2:24–25 reminds us to correct others with gentleness and patience, hoping that they may come to repentance. Rebuke is not about pride or winning arguments, but about restoring truth and helping others.
We are also warned to stay grounded in Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 teaches that God’s Word equips us fully, so we don’t need to rely on human ideas or extra revelations. And ultimately, our focus remains on Christ, as Hebrews 12:2 says, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
In summary: We are called to discern carefully, stand for truth, lovingly correct error, and remain rooted in Scripture—all while keeping our hearts humble and centered on Christ.
See a more detailed content for this from the Real Talk by Jordan Riley:
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