How does false teaching make its way into today’s church? Here are a few ways it happens:
- Failing to preach the Word of God. Not everyone who claims to teach the Word of God truly does. All of us need other elders, staff members, or lay leaders who have our permission to help keep us true to the Word.
- Congregational assumptions that the preacher is always right. Some churches would likely not confront their pastor if they questioned his teachings.
- Pastoral assertions that no one has a right to question the shepherd of God’s church. In some cases (only a few, I trust), pastors view any questioners as their opposition.
- Poor discipleship in the church. When we don’t teach believers the Word and challenge them to obey what Jesus commanded, we give them few tools to evaluate any teaching they hear.
- Biblical illiteracy among the congregation. This issue, of course, is related to #4 above.
- Too little attention to addressing false teachings that permeate society. If, for example, the church never clearly teaches that a personal relationship with Jesus is necessary for salvation, they shouldn’t be surprised when church members believe something different.
- Weak accountability for small groups and their leaders. It’s easy for small groups to strike out on their own, with little oversight and accountability for the teachings in the group–including wrong teachings.
- “Lone Ranger” leadership in the church. Anyone who leads in any area of the church without genuine life-on-life interaction with other believers can be susceptible to going in the wrong direction theologically.
- Shallow or nonexistent review of curriculum or resources. Popularity of books, podcasts, websites, small group studies, etc., is not a guarantee of doctrinal fidelity.
- No prayer to guard against the enemy’s attacks. The enemy aims his arrows at our churches as well. At a minimum, it is wise for us to pray, “Father, deliver us from the evil one’s devices. Help us to stand continually on Your Word.”