It’s no secret that false teachers exist, and Scripture is clear that they must be confronted (2 Peter 2:1; Jude 3-4). In fact, calling out false doctrine is one of the responsibilities of those who contend for the faith. But as this important task becomes increasingly handled on social media platforms by individual influencers, we must pause and ask: Are we doing this biblically?
I recently watched two popular videos exposing Todd White, a well-known charismatic leader and founder of Lifestyle Christianity. The evidence presented was troubling: accusations of deception, financial misconduct, manipulation, and theological error—much of it anonymous and brought forward through third-party influencers. I want to be clear: I believe Todd White is a false teacher and likely disqualified from biblical ministry. But even in exposing errors, the method matters.
1. Scripture Commands Us to Use the Right Process
In 1 Timothy 5:19-20 (NASB), Paul writes, “Do not accept an accusation against an elder except based on two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful.” The pattern is clear:
- Credible witnesses must be involved.
- The accused must be given the opportunity for accountability.
- The church—not YouTube—is the proper place for public rebuke.
Likewise, Jesus commands in Matthew 18:15-17 that personal confrontation comes first, then witnesses, and only then should it be brought to the church. Nowhere do we find a model for unilateral online exposure, especially without transparency or ecclesial authority.
2. Anonymous Accusations Must Be Handled with Extreme Care
In both recent videos, the accusers remain unnamed. While fear of retaliation may be understandable, anonymity prevents the kind of examination and validation that Scripture requires (Prov. 18:17). Without names, churches cannot confirm claims. Without a process, there’s no path to repentance—or justice.
Public allegations should be made when private steps have failed and when public sin must be addressed to protect the church (see Titus 1:10-11). But that cannot be built on unverifiable claims. If we bypass biblical standards for exposure, we risk becoming false witnesses ourselves.
3. We Cannot Replace Church Discipline with Online Influencers
One of the most troubling trends today is how YouTube creators function as spiritual courts, judging doctrine, motives, and ministries, often without accountability. These exposés may be well-researched and sincere, but biblical discipline was given to the church (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5), not individual personalities.
If Todd White is truly disqualified, that judgment should come from faithful church leaders, not content creators. The body of Christ has elders, pastors, and local assemblies.
4. Calling Out Error Is Biblical, But So Is Order
Yes, we are called to rebuke false teachers (Titus 1:9). Yes, we must protect the flock from wolves (Acts 20:28-30). But the standard is not “whatever it takes.” It’s truth and love (Ephesians 4:15). It’s courage and reverence (Galatians 6:1).
Social media makes it easy to amplify scandal. But the church must be careful not to adopt the tactics of the world. Instead, let us:
- Expose error with evidence, not speculation.
- Involve church authority, not solo platforms.
- Pursue restoration where possible, not cancellation.
- Call for repentance, not just reputation damage.
5. What Should We Do When a Leader Falls?
We should:
- Warn others biblically and clearly (Rom. 16:17).
- Protect the vulnerable (Jer. 23:1-2).
- Pray for the person’s repentance (Gal. 6:1).
- Reject false teaching, even when it once helped us (Phil. 3:7-8).
We must also examine our own hearts. The greatest safeguard against deception is not just calling out others but submitting ourselves daily to the Word of God, to the local church, and to Spirit-led accountability.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question that the error should be exposed. But we cannot afford to trade truth for sensationalism—or justice for influence. As Paul told Timothy:
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB)
May we do just that, even in the uncomfortable work of addressing false teaching. Let us be fearless and faithful, but never careless.