The Bible offers guidance for Christians on evaluating and discerning the teachings of leaders within the church. Here is an overview of key biblical principles on this topic:
1. Test teachings against Scripture
The Bible encourages Christians to test all teachings against Scripture to see if they align with God’s truth. 1 John 4:1 says “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining the apostles’ teachings against the Scriptures daily. Christians have a responsibility to carefully compare what leaders teach to the Bible.
2. Watch out for false teachers
The New Testament warns of false teachers who will come into the church, teaching destructive heresies. Matthew 7:15 says “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” 1 Timothy 4:1 states “The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” Christians must be on guard against false teaching that contradicts biblical truth.
3. Leaders are fallible people too
Christians should remember that leaders are imperfect people who can make mistakes. Paul corrected Peter’s actions in Galatians 2. Apollos needed further teaching from Priscilla and Aquila in Acts 18. No leader other than Jesus will have perfect theology or conduct. Christians should follow leaders as they follow Christ (1 Cor 11:1), not uncritically accept all they say.
4. Confront serious doctrinal error
When leaders veer into serious doctrinal error, Christians have a responsibility to confront and correct them. Paul publicly opposed Peter “to his face” and called out false teachers by name (2 Tim 2:17; 1 Tim 1:20). Yet this must be done with humility, gentleness and love (Gal 6:1; 2 Tim 2:25). The goal should be restoration, not condemnation.
5. Focus on the gospel
When evaluating teachings, Christians must focus on defending the core truths of the gospel message for salvation. Paul said if anyone preaches a different gospel, they are to be condemned (Gal 1:8). Essentials like the deity of Christ, the Cross and the Resurrection must be guarded against distortion or denial.
6. Avoid quarrels over minor issues
The Bible warns against divisiveness over secondary issues not central to the gospel message. Romans 14 addresses disputable matters like diet or holy days where Christians can have differing convictions. While false teaching must be opposed, humility and love should characterize how Christians respond to minor differences on non-essentials.
7. Consider issues carefully
Rather than reacting quickly, Christians should carefully consider biblical teaching on any issue raised about a leader’s doctrine. They should examine their leader’s viewpoint, pray for wisdom, study Scripture, and consult mature believers before passing judgment on teachings. Proverbs 18:13 warns against hastily answering a matter.
8. Do not slander leaders
Christians must avoid slander, gossip or libel when questioning a leader’s teaching, even if it is unbiblical. 1 Timothy 5:19 says an accusation against a church elder must be supported by two or three witnesses. Christians should take great care to address issues in an evidentiary, ethical and legal manner to avoid sinning themselves.
9. Be aware of pride and arrogance
Christians evaluating a leader must examine their own hearts for pride or arrogance. Paul warns not to think too highly of oneself when correcting a brother (Gal 6:1). Christians should offer critique with humility, acknowledging they too are imperfect and open to correction. The goal should be to build up, not tear down Christ’s Church.
10. Follow the Bible over leaders
When teachings contradict Scripture, Peter said “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). While submitting to governing authorities (1 Pet 2:13-17), Christians’ highest allegiance is to God’s infallible Word. If leaders veer from biblical truth, Christians must continue following what the Bible teaches.
In summary, Christians have a duty to carefully examine the doctrines and teachings of leaders against the measuring rod of God’s Word. This must be done with humility, wisdom, ethics and a focus on preserving the fundamental truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Submission to leaders must never become unquestioning obedience if it means compromising biblical fidelity. When handled rightly, evaluating teachings can strengthen leaders, congregations and the integrity of Church witness.
11. Be discerning but not judgmental
Christians are called to be discerning in analyzing teachings, but not judgmental towards leaders themselves. Jesus said “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matt 7:1). While we must judge speech against Scripture, only God can judge hearts and motives. Christians should avoid a hyper-critical spirit when evaluating leaders, recognizing their own imperfections.
12. Bring concerns to leaders first
Often the most constructive approach is for Christians to raise doctrinal concerns personally and privately with a leader before making a public accusation. Jesus said if a brother sins against you, first speak to them privately (Matt 18:15). Sharing disagreements directly can lead to growth, unity and better understanding on both sides more than public criticism.
13. Separate minor cultural ways from actual false teaching
Christians must be careful not to elevate a leader’s individual cultural styles or mannerisms to the level of incorrect doctrine. Many disputes over leaders originate in differences in generational, ethnic, denominational or regional cultures rather than actual unbiblical teaching. Christians should focus on the substance of a leader’s doctrine, not critiquing minor cultural expressions.
14. Receive correction graciously when wrong
Even the most discerning Christian may discover they were actually mistaken in their evaluation of a leader’s teaching. If so, they should receive correction with humility and repent of inaccurate criticism. James 3:17 says “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason.” Christians should be open to changing their opinions based on biblical truth, not clinging to false judgments.
15. Disagree without dividing
When confronting unbiblical teachings, Christians must still strive to preserve unity in love and truth. Division in Christ’s body should only occur as a last resort in cases of serious heresy. Even when contending for the faith, Christians must “speak the truth in love” (Eph 4:15) and remind each other “there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other” (1 Cor 12:25).
In all things, Christians are called to handle disagreements with leaders through prayer, biblical fidelity, humility, ethics, wise judgment and an unwavering focus on the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Done rightly and with the Spirit’s help, Christians can both guard against harmful false teachings while also nurturing a spirit of love and unity within the diverse Church family.