The quickest way for Satan to take down a Christian is through the pulpit. Sadly, evil has worked its way into churches for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Christians must be aware of ministers who may not have their best interests at heart.

Types of false prophets

Here are the types of “false prophets” you should watch out for.

Prosperity preachers

These are preachers that selfishly adhere to the prosperity gospel, the belief that God has awarded them with massive financial gains for their success. Preachers such as this may own several multi-million-dollar mansions, drive Rolls Royce automobiles, and own private jets yet do little to help or contribute to the betterment of others. In many cases, they refuse to disclose their salaries to the public and tend to promote “prosperity gospel” only after becoming rich.

Heretical ministers

These are ministers that make up God’s message or alter it as they go. They may promote lessons that contradict basic Christian tenets and use false doctrine to confuse members or for their own personal gain.

The deceived

These ministers may teach or behave in appropriately because they have deceived themselves into believing their message is true. They are often the hardest to recognize as a false prophet.

Verses about false prophets

“Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.”

– Jeremiah 23:16

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

– Matthew 24:24

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”

– Acts 20:28

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

– Matthew 7:15

The list

Below a list of Christian leaders that I feel Christians should research thoroughly before participating in their ministries. I won’t be so brazen as to accuse any of them of wrongdoing because I fully attest that much of what constitutes questionable behavior behind the pulpit is subjective. It’s up to the reader to do their homework. If you find their teachings, conduct, and lifestyle are acceptable to you, follow their ministries. You may also leave comments below with arguments either way.

Research these ministers first before following their ministries

1. Robert Tilton
2. Creflo Dollar
3. Jesse Duplantis
4. Kenneth Copeland
5. Ernest Angley
6. Jim Baker
7. Paula White
8. Bill Hybels
9. Sid Roth
10. Benny Hinn
11. Todd White
12. David Yonggi Cho
13. Pat Robertson
14. John Hagee
15. Paul Crouch

The following ministers have had their ministries questioned and may require further research

1. Joel Osteen
2. Joyce Meyer

Last updated: March 19, 2019