149 thoughts on “A Few Good Men: 10 Doctrinally Sound Male Teachers”
Awesome list. There are many others that could be on this list, but the 10 you’ve chosen are among my go to gang of Godly teachers. I was amused you included Todd Friel, and impressed you had Voddie Baucham on the list. I was blessed by Voddie when he spoke at a men’s conference at my church and have not stopped learning from him ever since. As for Todd, no one says as much biblically sound and honest things while making you laugh at the same time.
Yes, it was hard to limit the list to 10! One of the things I appreciate about Todd is the gentleness and grace with which he approaches the people he talks about. And, you’re right, he’s funny! :0) Voddie’s a good one, too. I know the seminary needs him, but I’m hoping to see more of him once he gets everything settled down there.
As far as I know, Charles Stanley is OK doctrinally and doesn’t hang around with known false teachers. He’s a nice guy, but he’s not very in depth when it comes to teaching the Scriptures.
Jack Graham, on the other hand, I would not recommend. In a five minute Google search, I found friendships and/or partnerships between him and several well known false teachers including: Perry Noble, Steven Furtick, Stovall Weems,Brian Houston, Beth Moore, Christine Caine , and T.D. Jakes. As I explain in this article, I don’t recommend teachers who live in ongoing, unrepentant sin by associating and partnering with false teachers.
I’d encourage you to give any of the gents on this list a try. I think you’ll find them pastoral, yet challenging, and all of them trustworthy in both their doctrine and their associations and ministry partnerships.
Charles Stanley waivers on doctrine. He looks at creation as you can interpret it how ever you wish. You don’t have to take the accounts of the old testament literally.
I have read and listened to all on your list and consider them to be sound teachers as well. Just wondering, and realizing you limited your list to 10, would you consider Albert Mohler sound as well? I respect his teaching as much as the others listed.
For the most part, yes. He has said and done a handful of things over the past five years or so that caused me to raise an eyebrow, but, of the sermons/lectures of his that I have had the occasion to listen to, I’ve not heard anything unbiblical.
For me, nobody beats the precision, clarity (to a nonseminary female like me), and reliability of John MacArthur.
I also really enjoy David Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He brings a stately passion to his messages that our generation sorely lacks!
Chris in NC
Thank you for the list, Michelle! I have listened to all but two of these men. I have my favorites on the list that I listen to almost every week. I am going to check out the ones I have not heard of. Thanks again! God Bless!
Michelle, sorry if this is a bit off topic, but what is your opinion of men teaching devotions and such written by women? I’d this the same add being taught by a woman? Love this list. Yes, you definitely need to add another 10! I’m much older so I loved seeing some of the older teachers in there. I cut my teeth on Chuck Swindol and Charles Stanley. Thanks for ask you do!
Technically and theoretically, I would generally say it’s OK (see this article) but when the rubber meets the road, it kind of depends on the situation. A few thoughts:
1. I’m not a big fan of classes doing book/DVD studies. Not that all book/DVD studies are bad, just that we desperately need people to be trained in God’s word and how to study it, and that can be better accomplished by simply teaching through Scripture. In that case, there would be absolutely no problem with a male teacher of male/co-ed groups using materials written by women as prep materials.
2. If a man were teaching a women’s class (it does happen :0) and he wanted to use a book study written by a woman, that would not be a problem, assuming he can find one that’s doctrinally sound. (Trust me, they are rare as hens’ teeth.)
3. Most book studies written by women are also written FOR women, which I do not think would be appropriate to teach to a co-ed or men’s class (why would men want to do a study aimed at women, and vice versa?)
4. If you can find a book study that’s doctrinally sound and isn’t aimed at women, it would be OK (the male teacher is still the one teaching the class and in authority over it), but I would encourage the teacher that it might be better to find a good, doctrinally sound study written by a man (there are plenty of those out there) just to avoid any stumbling blocks for anybody.
So to sum up:
Doctrinally sound book for a general audience, written by a woman- good
Doctrinally sound book for a general audience, written by a man- better
The issue is actually a young male Christian who is using Jesus Calling as his daily devotion. I already know that book is trash, but it got me to thinking. Since men have a higher level in the spiritual hierarchy, doesn’t using a woman’s teaching open him up to more possible deception? Thanks for ask you do. So glad to have found you! Stay strong in the fight!
The primary problem with Jesus Calling for men or women is that, as you said, it is false doctrine. And that’s ample reason why no one should be reading the books in that series. As a far more secondary issue, I’d be a little concerned for any man who is reading that book for his own study. It is extremely feminine. Men need strong, godly, male influences to teach and set the example of biblical manhood.
“Since men have a higher level in the spiritual hierarchy, doesn’t using a woman’s teaching open him up to more possible deception?”
No. I could be wrong, but I don’t recall a passage of Scripture that says men are more likely to be deceived by using a woman’s teaching. However, I will say this- ANYONE who seeks out a female teacher these days, at the Christian book store or even at the local church level (Sunday School teachers, Bible study leaders, etc.), is statistically more likely to receive false teaching than anyone who seeks out a male teacher. Why? Because nearly all of the best known female Bible teachers/authors/speakers on the store shelves are false teachers. Then when you walk into your church, you’re likely to find that most of the female teachers are fans of, and emulate, those false teachers you found at the book store. (You’re more likely to find a doctrinally sound male teacher because there are far more male teachers, period, and because there are many of them who hold to sound, biblical doctrine.)
He is a new believer, so I’m concerned that he focus on the right things to start off. He’s also sharing this daily with other men, so my husband brought it to my attention.
I love all these brothers teachings on the Word. Also Justin Peters. I really appreciate your blog and am grateful to sister Kim for pointing me to you!
I met and spoke to Justin peters at a conference one time. He said the man he listens to on a regular basis that nobody knows of is Dr. Bryan Hughes gbcmt.org he is on the board of directors at the Masters university and Seminary. I listen to this man almost daily as I live only 30 miles from him. Great expositor.
A wonderful list, Michelle, and it’s deeply comforting to know these great teachers are out there to guide us in these troubled times. Your opening point is very valid: so many of us seem to be “The Bible and…” Christians instead of just opening the Book and reading it.
Great list! I also find some lesser-known men when I listen to the stream/recordings of the Shepherd’s Conference that takes place every year at Grace Church.
I agree! I was just remarking to someone yesterday that I probably need to do a list of “unknown” guys (I know a bunch personally who are awesome) and a list of the “old dead guys.” Praise God there are so many godly men out there to learn from!
Great list. May i also suggest Dr. Paul Elliott of Teaching the Word. He is a wonderful bible expositor. He encourages daily bible reading and study, his website has a grat data base for questions you might have, and he sends out a daily email if you sign up for it. http://www.teaghingtheword.org
I am interested to know if you’ve ever listened to BBNradio.org? They have many teachers, especially on their Conference Pulpit as well as the regularly featured speakers throughout the day.
I am familiar with the Kendrick brothers and their movies, and was surprised when I started hearing controversy about their newest movie War Room. I have not seen it since becoming aware of that. I was already aware of Beth Moore and Joyce Meyer and the Osteens. What prompted my finding your site and researching it was a photo of Michelle Duggar with Patricia Shirer. I didn’t know who she, Patricia, was and I wanted to find out her theology and associates. I have heard of Dr Tony Evans. My, oh my, how convoluted things can become!
I hàve been confused about Kay Arthur and her appearing with people in line with Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore. Your article helped in clearing some confusion I have had regarding her.
Hi Ingrid- Glad to be of help. I am not familiar with BBN Radio. I glanced over it a bit, and while I’m not familiar with most of the names on the Conference Pulpit, I saw a few that I know to be doctrinally solid, and none that jumped out as definite false teachers. I would encourage readers, as with any other site, to explore discerningly and compare everything to Scripture. :0)
BBN is very armenian ..Love John MacArthur..R C is ok except he sees Israel and the Church as the same..U need to keep them separate..two different peoples..cant think of the word right now..also cannot go wrong with Calvin..became a calvinist 3 yrs ago reading a sermon by JM..
I have recently been listening to sermons by Jerry Wragg, senior pastor of Grace Immanuel Bible Church in Jupiter, FL. Pastor Jerry does not hold any punches and I love that. I was most moved recently by his series on Luke 9:23 (http://www.gibcjupiter.org/pages/sermons/detail/sermon/2540).
Here’s a blurb from his bio on the GIBC website: Prior to his ministry in Florida, Jerry served for many years as Sr. Associate Pastor and Personal Assistant to Dr. John MacArthur at Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, CA. He serves as Board Chairman and a faculty member of The Expositors Seminary in Jupiter and is a graduate of The Master’s Seminary. In addition to various articles and essays, Jerry has published a book for churchmen entitled Exemplary Spiritual Leadership.
All the guys at grace Immanuel are excellent! If you can, join us for their ekklesia conference they hold every year. So blessed to have their ministry right down the road. Daron roberts just finished a great teaching time on hermeneutics. I would encourage anyone to listen. By the way love your list, never heard of your website but i will be referring friends to read your articles, thank you!
Thank you Michelle, the list is great. I would add Justin Peters (so humble and kind and right on theologically), Brannon Howse and Mike Abendroth. You are so right about few and far between when it comes to women teacher’s but I have found one and her name is Susan Heck. Her husband is a Pastor in Oklahoma, and she is sound in her doctrine. My husband and I came out of the Assemblies of God and started listening to John MacArthur first, and it was amazing, then we also started to listen to Brannon Howse and I bought “Twisted Scriptures, Twisted Theology”. It is amazing and taught us how we had been taught wrong for so many years. I am so thankful I found your site and want to thank you for being so diligent in what you do and speaking truth. As a pastor’s wife, you have helped me so much, thank you.
There are a lot of links out there and there seem to be a number of them with the same reference to where he preached about how a man will want to leave their wife for a younger woman and the daughter comment. I have not researched the validity of, or worldview of the bloggers. Attaching one. Another is from a more liberal source, however he does seem to have documented his accusations against The Gospel Coalition in endorsing some questionable men. I can email that to you if you want it.
Hi Robin- I’m familiar with that site. In order not to draw out an avalanche of attack comments from enthusiastic supporters of that genre of blog, let me just briefly say, I do not consider it, nor those of its ilk, a reliable source. They have axes to grind and frequently take things out of context to support their agenda. It might be best to simply e-mail Voddie and ask him where he stands.
I agree with you, Michelle. In my opinion, I find it often is hard to have to the time to research the reliability of online blogs and reviews. It was actually another lady, who commented on the “daughters” comment by Voddie. I just got in on the discussion, so perhaps she would be the one who could provide a reputable link or follow up with an email to him.
Great list! I listen to quite a few of the men you have listed; I have added Jim Osman to my podcast list. He is the pastor of Justin Peters’ church, Kootenai Community Church. Also author of ‘truth or territory’ re spiritual battles.
Thank you for your insight and thank you for the list of sound women also. Again a few of my favourites, but it’s great to have more names to check out.
I just commented and realised an error. I don’t think Jim Osman is JP’s pastor, but he IS a pastor. Justin wrote ‘my friend and pastor’.. Two seperate things 🙂
Actually, Jim Osman is Pastor/teacher at Kootenai Community Church, which is where brother Justin attends when he is in town. So you were right LizFromOz.
Yes that’s true. Thanks for checking (duh like you wouldn’t )
I’m currently listening to Jims podcasts through John; he brings the words to new lights; particularly those round the crucifixion.
Oh I could go on 😉
We were at a church for over six years and I felt stagnant in my learning of scripture. I started listening to men like Paul Washer & Voddie Bachum & started to learn so much. Where I had thought I had no more to learn I realized I knew nothing at all. My husband & I are huge fans of most of the teachers you posted, I think there’s two I didn’t know of yet. I’ll bring them to my husband’s attention to see what he thinks of them. Thank you.
On a funny note my husband had been told at a former church that the pastor would never have a person like Paul Washer teach at his pulpit because he was “arrogant”. My husband said “I’m sorry to say this to you, but you wouldn’t have him teach at your pulpit because you wouldn’t risk loosing 90% of the goats you have & many on staff”. By this pastor’s own acknowledgement most of the people in his 4,000 person church were unsaved & many had attended for over 10years or so. There were so many “carnal Christians”, a term I loath, it’s saying you can be Unrejuvenated & show no spiritual fruits of salvation & still think you’ll be in heaven. It was a biblically sound church but there was no emphasis on calling out the false doctrine in another brother within the church. I mean sure people like Ostean & Meyer could be called heretical but not the person sitting in the pew next to you who was an elder or teacher claiming that “God won’t give you nothing you can’t handle!”
We currently attend a church out of state but to be honest, we are sort of “done” with church as a whole. We’ve seen so much go on amongst leadership & have had so much spiritual abuse we are burned out. Looking for a scripturely sound, non legalistic church seems nearly impossible at least up here in New Jersey.
Hi Leslie- Yes, and it is a good one! I usually recommend Paul Washer’s (HeartCry Missions) church finder because it includes not only TMS, but some other great church finders as well :0)
Oh please, do not give up on finding a biblically sound church . As a brand new babe in Christ, I walked 2 bloicks to a church in my neighborhood. It was teeny tiny (I made an even dozen). I sat in this church for 18 months, as I studied God’s word and hermeneutics on my own. I ask questions about the doctrines of grace…for which they did not believe. Oh they would say they did, if ask that way. But if you ask…did Christ die for everyone, why yes He did, can I lose my salvation, yes you can….well what about that verse that says NO ONE can snatch you out of the Fathers hand? Oh that’s right, no one can, but YOU can jump out! (Complete with hand signs to denote one jumping out of the Fathers hand). Oh it did go on to the point that one of the elders screamed at me in Sunday School. Even though I was an elderly lady at that time, I was a young whipper snapper and new in my walk, and my zeal would die down they said.. I even started a hermeneutics study (Mark Keilar’s Word Pictures…Becoming a Workman series) and invited the whole church. Only 2 came and it wasn’t to learn. When I finally walked out of the church due to a young pastor coming in and telling us he was the only one who could build our church, even those 2 who had been supposedly studying with me quit and told me they were only coming for me so I would not be there alone. I have news for them. I am never alone with Christ, but have never felt more isolated while surrounded by people. Does that make sense? My brother tried to start a reformed church, but that was a 2 hour drive from me and alas my age and my health along with finances for gas etc. prevented me from going after a year. For the next 2 years, I looked online for churches. Some were quite easy to cross off ( women pastors, or elders…and things.) One little church, I literally had to run out of on my second visit. They refused to let me partake in the LORD’s supper ( they evidently examined my heart for me) and then all 35-40 people broke out in what I am sure they thought were tongues. I ran and thanked God for the early warning even as I ran. Sooooo, to make a long story short..and I know it seems too late for that , but I promise you this is a very edited version, I prayed and prayed, and pleaded with the Lord to guide me to a sound church. I spent my Sundays listening to sermons online while cruising the internet everyday. I found a church 7 miles from my house. A small biblically sound church who worships God, who believes in the inerrancy of the Bible, who disciples all who come and who practices church discipline. One can NOT become a member unless they have made a profession of Christ and have been baptized as a believer at some time. I waited 9 months , then became a member. So please, do not give up. Never give up. I will pray for you as I pray all His children to find a place to go and to praise , pray and fellowship with each other.
As the article mentions, this is by no means an exhaustive list. I’m planning to do at least one more list similar to this one at some point in the future.
However, John Piper, as nice of a guy as he is and as helpful as some of his materials are, will probably not be on those lists. While I consider him to be generally doctrinally sound and agree with him in many aspects of theology, he is not someone I proactively recommend for a few reasons:
1. He’s a continuationist. I usually limit my endorsements to cessationists.
2. I’m concerned about his associations and partnerships with false teachers (which violates 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Romans 16:17-18, and 2 John 9-11). First he appeared to embrace Rick Warren when he interviewed him and invited him to speak at the Desiring God conference a few years ago. More recently, he has been a featured speaker at events like the Passion conference where he has shared the stage with Christine Caine, Beth Moore, and Judah Smith.
3. His complementarianism seems muddled at best. On the one hand he will go so far as to say that Christian women cannot be police officers (the Bible mentions nothing of the sort), yet on the other hand he joins in ministry with Caine and Moore who – in addition the the false doctrine they preach – both actively and unrepentantly violate clear Scripture by preaching to men.
I’m not going to warn people away from John Piper as a false teacher, but I can’t in good conscience recommend him either.
I would definitely recommend Michael Horton of the White Horse Inn and Modern Reformation. Also, what about R.C. Sproul (Sr. not Jr.!)? And the late Jerry Bridges work and books are wonderful. Totally agree with Begg and have heard him preach personally. I’ve also heard Tim Keller. His preaching was great.
R.C. Sproul, Sr. is #7 in this very article :0) Bridges and Horton are wonderful teachers, indeed. I don’t tend to recommend Tim Keller as he is a continuationist and also subscribes to theistic evolution, although, otherwise, his doctrine is generally sound.
Saw Sproul on the list after I had commented. Do you have links to the information on continuationist and theistic evolution for Keller? Not questioning your opinion I would like to read it.
Keller’s being a continuationist is usually just mentioned in passing in articles about other topics, but if you Google his name with “continuationism” or “continuationist” you’ll get a lot of hits.
Interestingly I followed your link to read about Keller and saw Michael Horton listed there as well. Will read more in depth shortly; it’s a fascinating read!
Wasn’t Voddie Bacham affiliated with Doug Phillips and Vision Forum? I do not know anything about him and his doctrinal beliefs, however, remember seeing his name in that respect.
Hi – Great list. I would like to recommend my pastor, Mike Abendroth, of No Compromise Radio and pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church. Wonderful teaching and speaking. Check him out! Friend of Phil Johnson, John MacArthur. Both have been to our church as well as Todd Friel, Steve Lawson. Mike’is latest book is “Evangelical White Lies”.
Mr. Swaggart has had encounters with prostitutes and has alternately confessed and denied the facts. He cannot be considered a solid, biblical preacher.
I have a very hard time getting past John MacArthur’s, and other’s on your list, Lordship Salvation-Works stance. To me, it taints his body of work. He definitely is not on my list. I avoid those with Calvinistic leanings.
Lordship-Salvation works is not a Calvinistic belief. I’m Reformed and not a MacArthur follower. I believe, unless I’m mistaken, that MacArthur has said at one time that he is not a Calvinist. He is Dispensationalist as far as I know.
Regarding the lordship-salvation by works issue with MacArthur, I would respectfully ask “Have you actually read The Gospel According to Jesus?” He does not teach any kind of salvation by works, far from it, only that Jesus is, as the Bible teaches, our LORD and SAVIOUR, and we are called to repent and believe on Him., recognizing His Lordship, rather than believing, going on our merry way, and perhaps, making a later decision to “make Him Lord of our lives” As for him being a dispensationalist!!! (I am never sure what is the big “horror” of it anyway) he has said, when asked, that he is a “leaky dispensationalist” meaning that he sees the ways God worked with man in different eras of history, but he is not hung up on it; it is not the basis of his theology.
Just discovering your site…I would highly recommend Dr. Carl Broggi of Community Bible Church of Beaufort, SC and online at http://www.searchthescriptures.org.
Thanks, Bonnie. I’m not familiar with this site or Dr. Broggi, but at a quick glance it seems to have a biblical statement of faith and nothing I saw raised a red flag right off the bat. As with any pastor or ministry, I encourage ladies to read and listen discerningly and compare all teachings with Scripture.
I don’t think it’s anything to be alarmed about. Sproul is doctrinally sound, and, to my knowledge has never partnered with a false teacher in ministry.
The NRB convention is a business convention, not a theological/ministry/church conference. I would not construe Sproul’s (or any other doctrinally sound and discerning pastor/teacher) participation as partnering with false teachers, but rather demonstrating, via his high profile, that NRB does carry some doctrinally sound teachers and encouraging people to partake of NRB’s programs that feature doctrinally sound teachers.
Thank you so much for your lists. I’ve learned over the past few years that TBN is dangerous to the Christian soul and now I’m on a journey to find good solid Biblical teaching while still avoiding all false teachers so these lists are more valuable than you know for a newer believer like myself. I already listen to Paul Washer, R.C. Sproul and I used to listen to John MacArthur, but I would really like to know your feelings on him advising people that they can take the mark of the beast and possibly make it to heaven. Please let me know what you think about this!
I’ve never heard him say this, so can you please provide an article or video where he specifically says this? I’d like to hear/read his remarks in context. Thanks.
I’m surprised that I cannot find Erwin Lutzer in either of your lists or their comments. After reading your false teachers section, I feel like maybe I was naively listening to the wrong man? Although I regularly listen to him, Alistair Begg and John MacArthur and feel no real difference.
As I’ve mentioned, these are not exhaustive lists. There are many more than these 10 godly men out there, both well-known and obscure, that rightly preach and handle God’s word. I’ll be putting out more lists in the future.
I’m not familiar with Erwin Lutzer, so I couldn’t say at this point whether or not I recommend him. I don’t really know anything about him.
Hi Mel- I would steer clear of all three. John Hagee teaches demonstrably false doctrine. Ed Young (I’m assuming you mean junior, not senior) twists Scripture and acts about as undignified as I’ve ever seen a grown man of his age act. David Jeremiah’s doctrine is OK from what I understand, but he isn’t very discerning- showing a willingness to team up with people like Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen. You can hear some teaching about the problems with Hagee and Young here (just put each of their names in the search bar). There are so many fantastic teachers out there, it would be easy to leave these three guys behind and never miss them :0)
Thanks for the list.. I like Pastor Charles Lawson, and John Courson Bible teaching..
I have listened to some of the preachers on your list, I was a little confused about Voddie, I liked his preaching, but then read he is a Calvinist.. don’t they believe that certain people are chosen to follow God.. and the others are not chosen so they will never believe? Charles Spurgeon is great reading.. I really enjoy his writings..
Thanks for asking! Actually, all of the men on this list are Calvinists/Reformed – including Spurgeon – with the exception of Chris Rosebrough, who is Lutheran (but believes many of the same things Calvinists believe.) I also consider myself mostly Reformed (you can read more about my beliefs under the “statement of faith” tab at the top of this page).
Here are a couple of articles that will help you understand Calvinism and predestination a little bit better:
I would also highly recommend the Theology Gals Facebook group (which mostly centers around Calvinist/Reformed theology, and where you can ask any questions you might have) and podcast.
Awesome list of men that I love listening to(there was only one whose ministry I’m not familiar with). I am in the habit of listening to each of these men often. Thank-you for your ministry, Michelle!
I have been listening to A.W. Criswell a former pastor of Dallas Baptist Church. He is old school, but very powerful. Right know I listening to his sermons on the Book of Isaiah. Thanks for your ministry Michelle.
Many names I don’t know yet! Thank you! I love listening to Stephen Armstrong from Verse by Verse Ministries International. All his teachings are available for free and in podcasts format or straight from their website with downloadable notes. https://www.versebyverseministry.org
Also Tom Larmore of Christ’s Bible Fellowship Guam. https://cbfguam.org. I attended his church when we were stationed in Guam with the military. Another Verse by Verse expository teacher!! He has a YouTube channel and now does podcasts as well!
Hi Michelle. I love your website and appreciate you so much. Do you have any thoughts on Todd Friel’s latest comment that Rick Warren is not a heretic? Thank, Kelli
Yes, I heard that episode. He was using the classic, correct theological definition of heresy, which a lot of people are unaware of these days because the term is tossed about so haphazardly. Real heresy is narrowly focused. It has only to do with the doctrines of salvation. In other words, the things you have to believe to be a Christian, and the things you can’t believe to be a Christian.
For example, T.D. Jakes is a heretic for two reasons: a) he is a modalist, a classic heresy which denies the biblical nature of the Trinity, and b) he preaches Word of Faith heresy – “another gospel” as described in Galatians 1:6-9.
Rick Warren, on the other hand, would fall into the category of “false teacher”. He says and does a lot of unbiblical things which he needs to stop and repent of, and nobody should be following him, but he does not preach or claim to believe anything (to my knowledge anyway) that goes against the basic doctrines of salvation. If you sat him down and talked to him, he would affirm the biblical doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, that Christ is the only way of salvation, etc. (As I recall, Todd mentioned something to that effect on that episode.)
I think the confusion is that the correct definition of heresy differentiates between true heretics and false teachers, but many Christians don’t seem to understand that because the terms “heretic” and “false teacher” are often used interchangeably. The fault here is not with Todd. What he said was correct. The fault lies with people who don’t understand the difference between true heresy and false teaching.
You’re more than welcome. I feel like that’s probably how Todd would explain what he said, but I hate to speak for him. You may want to shoot him a quick e-mail (he’s very good about responding) if you have more questions, or just to confirm that’s what he meant.
I did enjoy the Gospel Message you have at the top of this page. Thank you for that. Hope you don’t mind, but I downloaded it onto my computer and want to share it sometime with others.
I have listened to several of Voddie’s sermons.. but then read he is a Calvinist..
I have trouble with some of their beliefs.. but agree with their desire to live for God..
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Dave- Although I recognize the names, I’m not really familiar with either of them. If you’d like to research them, this article may be of some help.
Hi J- Thanks so much for your comments and your desire to protect his reputation. I’ve edited out your comments as you’ve requested. Blessings to you! :0)
Hi Anthony- As it clearly says in the introductory paragraph of the “Recommended Bible Teachers” tab where you probably found this article, “These lists are not comprehensive.”. They are lists of men I have listened to or read and am familiar enough with to feel comfortable recommending.
The main reason Chuck Missler is not on this list is that I’ve never heard of him. However, after a brief Google search on him, due to his theology (“Cosmic Codes”, end times prophecy, UFOs, etc.) he’s not someone I would recommend even if I had heard of him. If he’s one of your favorite authors, I would strongly encourage you to look into some of the pastors/authors I’ve listed here.
Hi Michelle,
My wife and I are immature believers. We are recent, we have been duped by apostasy and false teachers before. My wife was a Jehovahs Witness for a time and it caused me to doubt who Jesus was. I am very happy to say that we know Jesus is as much man as He is God now. We are doing our best to learn and study but it is like we live in a sea of false teachers. We love Alistair Begg, R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur. However, we also love David Jeremiah. We didnt realize he supported people who are known false teachers. We are reading his books Agents of the Apocalypse and Agents of Babylon and a few others but now we dont really know how to feel about them- whether it is okay to read them or to totally ditch them. We are also struggling a bit with predestination. I seem to lean in this direction because God is all knowing and perfectly sovereign and He must know who will be saved and who wont. There are loads of places that say He knew us or called us from the beginning. I dont believe God has made Himself blind as to who might believe one day and leave it to the choice of man who has no good or inclination to seek God in and of himself. However, I still find myself struggling with it in some way and I’m not sure I could exactly point out what my struggle is with. We currently attend a church in Maine that has a freewill doctrine. We love the people, we think they seek God to the best of their ability and they seem to have teaching that is far above any of the other churches in the area. I’m not exactly sure what to do. Could we get you and your church to pray for us? We earnestly desire to seek God and do His will but it seems like we have so much to learn and are struggling with who we should even listen to. Thank you very much!
I am certainly glad to take a moment to pray for you and your wife. It sounds like you are on the right track. If the David Jeremiah books bother your conscience, then put them aside and maybe revisit them in a few years when you are more spiritually mature, and see what you think then. I know this is a challenging time, and you feel like you want to hurry and make up for the lost time you spent in false doctrine, but you have to remember that spiritual growth is a process. It takes time. There is no way to fast track it.
If you feel that God is leading you to possibly move your family to a more Calvinistic church, spend some time in prayer about that. Explore the “Searching for a new church?” tab in the blue menu bar at the top of this page. There are resources there that will help you understand what to look for in a good church, or what your current church should be teaching.
Stay in the Word, stay in prayer, relax, and trust God day by day. He knows exactly where you’ve been, exactly where you are right now, and exactly what you need to get you to where He wants you to go. He’s got you. He’ll provide what you need. :0)
Thank you very much! We just got the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible (we have been loving reading his sermons). I know it’s not part of the Bible or anything, but I thought it would be enormously helpful in guiding and broadening our view of Scripture. We appreciate your prayer very much!
Hi Sarah- I’m Michelle. I completely agree! Is this the kind of thing you had in mind? Also, my articles on false teachers at the Popular False Teachers & Unbiblical Trends tab (in the blue menu bar at the top of this page) serve as an example/template for researching teachers. I try to stress to my readers that they should never just take my, or anyone else’s, word for it that someone is a false or trustworthy teacher, but that they need to compare everything to Scripture. Hope this helps! :0)
Hi Mark- I think you might be mistaken. According to the 2021 NRB schedule of events, Tony Evans spoke at a worship service at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, but I don’t see Voddie’s or Priscilla’s name listed any where on the schedule. Where are you getting your information?
But even if all three of them were speaking at NRB, I’m afraid you’re misunderstanding what’s taking place there. NRB is a trade show with various ancillary events, not a conference. Read this article (2nd section) for further explanation.
Voddie’s Instagram page. He has a picture with Tony Evans and the caption “Great time at #NRB2021 this week. Did a ton of interviews for #FaultLinesBook caught up with some old friends and made some new ones.” Priscilla Shirer commented on the post “We love you and your family Voddie! So glad to see you healthy and well! Praise the Lord. @voddieb”
Voddie should have more discernment to not be associated and calling false teachers his “friends.”
I’m sorry, I misread your original comment to mean that he was “speaking with” (i.e. sharing a stage with / partnering in ministry with) them. I found the Instagram post (I did not scroll through all 400+ comments to find Priscilla’s comment, so I’ll take your word for it on that).
If I knew Voddie personally and he asked my advice, I would tell him I didn’t think it was wise to post a picture of himself with Tony Evans (which was one among several pictures of him with many other people) with the word “friend” attached to it. But however unwise I think this is, it does not rise to the level of yoking with a false teacher in ministry (2 Corinthians 6:14ff) and it does not warrant removing Voddie from this list, warning against him, or calling him a false teacher, as some might be tempted to do.
Neither you nor I know the exact nature or depth of Voddie’s and Tony’s relationship. Some people call acquaintances with whom they have a cordial “Hi, how are you?” relationship “friends.” Or it’s possible that Voddie is maintaining a friendly relationship with Tony in order to disciple him and correct his errant theology. I know several doctrinally sound pastors and teachers who have relationships like that. I don’t personally understand it because I could not be close with someone I disagree with so passionately, but that’s the way God wired me, and He didn’t create everybody else just like me.
I was very comforted by the numerous comments I saw bringing Tony’s false teaching to light, though.
Rest assured, if Voddie starts yoking with false teachers, I will, sadly, remove him. But this isn’t that.
Thank you this. This is the exact list of pastors that have helped me turn away from the “spirit-filled”movement, which was how I turned from new age. I heard if you through Doreen Virtues YouTube. Curious what you think of Dr. John Barnett of Calvary In Michigan?
Hi , I’m new to Christianity, can the Bible Recap podcast be trusted? Also, can you make a list of Christian podcasts that are good? Thank you so much in advance sister.
Hi Tricia- No, I would not recommend the Bible Recap. You can find my article about it under the “Popular False Teachers & Unbiblical Trends” tab in the blue menu bar at the top of this page, or just type “Bible Recap” into the search bar. As for Christian podcasts, I highly recommend mine :0) (Click on the “podcast” tab in the blue menu bar). You can also find good podcasts to listen to in two other ways:
1. Go to the “Recommended Bible Teachers” tab in the blue menu bar. Many of those teachers have podcasts.
2. If you’re on a computer, go to the right sidebar and scroll down until you get to “Blogs and Podcasts I Follow”. (If you’re on a phone or a tablet, you’ll have to scroll waaaaaaaay down almost to the bottom of the page, and you’ll find “Blogs and Podcasts I Follow” between the category cloud and the “Links I love” sections.
Michelle Lesley 
Awesome list. There are many others that could be on this list, but the 10 you’ve chosen are among my go to gang of Godly teachers. I was amused you included Todd Friel, and impressed you had Voddie Baucham on the list. I was blessed by Voddie when he spoke at a men’s conference at my church and have not stopped learning from him ever since. As for Todd, no one says as much biblically sound and honest things while making you laugh at the same time.
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Yes, it was hard to limit the list to 10! One of the things I appreciate about Todd is the gentleness and grace with which he approaches the people he talks about. And, you’re right, he’s funny! :0) Voddie’s a good one, too. I know the seminary needs him, but I’m hoping to see more of him once he gets everything settled down there.
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Charles Stanley and Jack Graham are to me the best of the best. I thought they would definitely be on the list!!!
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As far as I know, Charles Stanley is OK doctrinally and doesn’t hang around with known false teachers. He’s a nice guy, but he’s not very in depth when it comes to teaching the Scriptures.
Jack Graham, on the other hand, I would not recommend. In a five minute Google search, I found friendships and/or partnerships between him and several well known false teachers including: Perry Noble, Steven Furtick, Stovall Weems, Brian Houston, Beth Moore, Christine Caine , and T.D. Jakes. As I explain in this article, I don’t recommend teachers who live in ongoing, unrepentant sin by associating and partnering with false teachers.
I’d encourage you to give any of the gents on this list a try. I think you’ll find them pastoral, yet challenging, and all of them trustworthy in both their doctrine and their associations and ministry partnerships.
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Charles Stanley waivers on doctrine. He looks at creation as you can interpret it how ever you wish. You don’t have to take the accounts of the old testament literally.
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I have read and listened to all on your list and consider them to be sound teachers as well. Just wondering, and realizing you limited your list to 10, would you consider Albert Mohler sound as well? I respect his teaching as much as the others listed.
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For the most part, yes. He has said and done a handful of things over the past five years or so that caused me to raise an eyebrow, but, of the sermons/lectures of his that I have had the occasion to listen to, I’ve not heard anything unbiblical.
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Reblogged this on Shepherd/Guardian.
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Excellent article and list, Michelle!
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Thanks, Amy! :0)
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For me, nobody beats the precision, clarity (to a nonseminary female like me), and reliability of John MacArthur.
I also really enjoy David Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He brings a stately passion to his messages that our generation sorely lacks!
Chris in NC
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MLJ is definitely a good one. I love to listen to the old recordings of his sermons :0)
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Thank you for the list, Michelle! I have listened to all but two of these men. I have my favorites on the list that I listen to almost every week. I am going to check out the ones I have not heard of. Thanks again! God Bless!
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Thanks, Lisa! :0)
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Michelle, sorry if this is a bit off topic, but what is your opinion of men teaching devotions and such written by women? I’d this the same add being taught by a woman? Love this list. Yes, you definitely need to add another 10! I’m much older so I loved seeing some of the older teachers in there. I cut my teeth on Chuck Swindol and Charles Stanley. Thanks for ask you do!
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Technically and theoretically, I would generally say it’s OK (see this article) but when the rubber meets the road, it kind of depends on the situation. A few thoughts:
1. I’m not a big fan of classes doing book/DVD studies. Not that all book/DVD studies are bad, just that we desperately need people to be trained in God’s word and how to study it, and that can be better accomplished by simply teaching through Scripture. In that case, there would be absolutely no problem with a male teacher of male/co-ed groups using materials written by women as prep materials.
2. If a man were teaching a women’s class (it does happen :0) and he wanted to use a book study written by a woman, that would not be a problem, assuming he can find one that’s doctrinally sound. (Trust me, they are rare as hens’ teeth.)
3. Most book studies written by women are also written FOR women, which I do not think would be appropriate to teach to a co-ed or men’s class (why would men want to do a study aimed at women, and vice versa?)
4. If you can find a book study that’s doctrinally sound and isn’t aimed at women, it would be OK (the male teacher is still the one teaching the class and in authority over it), but I would encourage the teacher that it might be better to find a good, doctrinally sound study written by a man (there are plenty of those out there) just to avoid any stumbling blocks for anybody.
So to sum up:
Doctrinally sound book for a general audience, written by a woman- good
Doctrinally sound book for a general audience, written by a man- better
Expository Bible teaching- best
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The issue is actually a young male Christian who is using Jesus Calling as his daily devotion. I already know that book is trash, but it got me to thinking. Since men have a higher level in the spiritual hierarchy, doesn’t using a woman’s teaching open him up to more possible deception? Thanks for ask you do. So glad to have found you! Stay strong in the fight!
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The primary problem with Jesus Calling for men or women is that, as you said, it is false doctrine. And that’s ample reason why no one should be reading the books in that series. As a far more secondary issue, I’d be a little concerned for any man who is reading that book for his own study. It is extremely feminine. Men need strong, godly, male influences to teach and set the example of biblical manhood.
“Since men have a higher level in the spiritual hierarchy, doesn’t using a woman’s teaching open him up to more possible deception?”
No. I could be wrong, but I don’t recall a passage of Scripture that says men are more likely to be deceived by using a woman’s teaching. However, I will say this- ANYONE who seeks out a female teacher these days, at the Christian book store or even at the local church level (Sunday School teachers, Bible study leaders, etc.), is statistically more likely to receive false teaching than anyone who seeks out a male teacher. Why? Because nearly all of the best known female Bible teachers/authors/speakers on the store shelves are false teachers. Then when you walk into your church, you’re likely to find that most of the female teachers are fans of, and emulate, those false teachers you found at the book store. (You’re more likely to find a doctrinally sound male teacher because there are far more male teachers, period, and because there are many of them who hold to sound, biblical doctrine.)
This article may be of interest.
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Thanks so much!
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My pleasure :0)
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He is a new believer, so I’m concerned that he focus on the right things to start off. He’s also sharing this daily with other men, so my husband brought it to my attention.
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Just for clarity, I would not be bringing this to his attention. But my husband would.
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I have appreciated the ministry of these men. Thankful to the Lord for His gift of sound preachers.
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Great list! I would add Dan Phillips and Mike Abendroth.
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Yes, they’re both great. Thanks, Cindy! :0)
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I love all these brothers teachings on the Word. Also Justin Peters. I really appreciate your blog and am grateful to sister Kim for pointing me to you!
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Thanks, Berna. Justin Peters is one of my favorites, too! :0)
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I met and spoke to Justin peters at a conference one time. He said the man he listens to on a regular basis that nobody knows of is Dr. Bryan Hughes gbcmt.org he is on the board of directors at the Masters university and Seminary. I listen to this man almost daily as I live only 30 miles from him. Great expositor.
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Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll have to check him out! :0)
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A wonderful list, Michelle, and it’s deeply comforting to know these great teachers are out there to guide us in these troubled times. Your opening point is very valid: so many of us seem to be “The Bible and…” Christians instead of just opening the Book and reading it.
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Thanks, John! :0)
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…. hmmmm …. all calvinists …
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Great list! I also find some lesser-known men when I listen to the stream/recordings of the Shepherd’s Conference that takes place every year at Grace Church.
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I agree! I was just remarking to someone yesterday that I probably need to do a list of “unknown” guys (I know a bunch personally who are awesome) and a list of the “old dead guys.” Praise God there are so many godly men out there to learn from!
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Great list. May i also suggest Dr. Paul Elliott of Teaching the Word. He is a wonderful bible expositor. He encourages daily bible reading and study, his website has a grat data base for questions you might have, and he sends out a daily email if you sign up for it. http://www.teaghingtheword.org
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Thanks for the suggestion, Jan. At first glance, it looks like a good resource! :0)
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Dear Michelle,
I am interested to know if you’ve ever listened to BBNradio.org? They have many teachers, especially on their Conference Pulpit as well as the regularly featured speakers throughout the day.
I am familiar with the Kendrick brothers and their movies, and was surprised when I started hearing controversy about their newest movie War Room. I have not seen it since becoming aware of that. I was already aware of Beth Moore and Joyce Meyer and the Osteens. What prompted my finding your site and researching it was a photo of Michelle Duggar with Patricia Shirer. I didn’t know who she, Patricia, was and I wanted to find out her theology and associates. I have heard of Dr Tony Evans. My, oh my, how convoluted things can become!
I hàve been confused about Kay Arthur and her appearing with people in line with Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore. Your article helped in clearing some confusion I have had regarding her.
Thank you,
Ingrid McConnell
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Hi Ingrid- Glad to be of help. I am not familiar with BBN Radio. I glanced over it a bit, and while I’m not familiar with most of the names on the Conference Pulpit, I saw a few that I know to be doctrinally solid, and none that jumped out as definite false teachers. I would encourage readers, as with any other site, to explore discerningly and compare everything to Scripture. :0)
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BBN is very armenian ..Love John MacArthur..R C is ok except he sees Israel and the Church as the same..U need to keep them separate..two different peoples..cant think of the word right now..also cannot go wrong with Calvin..became a calvinist 3 yrs ago reading a sermon by JM..
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I have recently been listening to sermons by Jerry Wragg, senior pastor of Grace Immanuel Bible Church in Jupiter, FL. Pastor Jerry does not hold any punches and I love that. I was most moved recently by his series on Luke 9:23 (http://www.gibcjupiter.org/pages/sermons/detail/sermon/2540).
Here’s a blurb from his bio on the GIBC website: Prior to his ministry in Florida, Jerry served for many years as Sr. Associate Pastor and Personal Assistant to Dr. John MacArthur at Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, CA. He serves as Board Chairman and a faculty member of The Expositors Seminary in Jupiter and is a graduate of The Master’s Seminary. In addition to various articles and essays, Jerry has published a book for churchmen entitled Exemplary Spiritual Leadership.
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Sounds like a great guy! Thanks for sharing, Liz :0)
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will try to listen. I love being introduced to bionically sound preachers/teacher. Bless the Lord O my soul!
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spell check? bionically meaning biblical!
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No worries, happens to me all the time :0)
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All the guys at grace Immanuel are excellent! If you can, join us for their ekklesia conference they hold every year. So blessed to have their ministry right down the road. Daron roberts just finished a great teaching time on hermeneutics. I would encourage anyone to listen. By the way love your list, never heard of your website but i will be referring friends to read your articles, thank you!
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Thanks, Joshua! :0)
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Thank you Michelle, the list is great. I would add Justin Peters (so humble and kind and right on theologically), Brannon Howse and Mike Abendroth. You are so right about few and far between when it comes to women teacher’s but I have found one and her name is Susan Heck. Her husband is a Pastor in Oklahoma, and she is sound in her doctrine. My husband and I came out of the Assemblies of God and started listening to John MacArthur first, and it was amazing, then we also started to listen to Brannon Howse and I bought “Twisted Scriptures, Twisted Theology”. It is amazing and taught us how we had been taught wrong for so many years. I am so thankful I found your site and want to thank you for being so diligent in what you do and speaking truth. As a pastor’s wife, you have helped me so much, thank you.
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Aw, thanks so much Susan! Glad I could be of help :0)
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I really have to object to Voddie Bauchaum. His comments about daughters being junior wives is really sick and unscriptural.
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Could you please provide me with a link to an article or video where he says that so I can check it out?
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There are a lot of links out there and there seem to be a number of them with the same reference to where he preached about how a man will want to leave their wife for a younger woman and the daughter comment. I have not researched the validity of, or worldview of the bloggers. Attaching one. Another is from a more liberal source, however he does seem to have documented his accusations against The Gospel Coalition in endorsing some questionable men. I can email that to you if you want it.
https://homeschoolersanonymous.org/2014/12/01/6-things-you-should-know-about-voddie-baucham/
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Hi Robin- I’m familiar with that site. In order not to draw out an avalanche of attack comments from enthusiastic supporters of that genre of blog, let me just briefly say, I do not consider it, nor those of its ilk, a reliable source. They have axes to grind and frequently take things out of context to support their agenda. It might be best to simply e-mail Voddie and ask him where he stands.
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I agree with you, Michelle. In my opinion, I find it often is hard to have to the time to research the reliability of online blogs and reviews. It was actually another lady, who commented on the “daughters” comment by Voddie. I just got in on the discussion, so perhaps she would be the one who could provide a reputable link or follow up with an email to him.
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I have yellow flags with Voddie Baucham as well. . .
My experience when listening to him is hearing him preach things that are of a “third order” of doctrine as “first order” of doctrine.
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Gary Gilley is a good sound bible teacher.
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Great list! I listen to quite a few of the men you have listed; I have added Jim Osman to my podcast list. He is the pastor of Justin Peters’ church, Kootenai Community Church. Also author of ‘truth or territory’ re spiritual battles.
Thank you for your insight and thank you for the list of sound women also. Again a few of my favourites, but it’s great to have more names to check out.
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I just commented and realised an error. I don’t think Jim Osman is JP’s pastor, but he IS a pastor. Justin wrote ‘my friend and pastor’.. Two seperate things 🙂
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I’m sure if he’s “Peters Approved” he’s a fine pastor and exegete :0) Glad you found the articles helpful.
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Actually, Jim Osman is Pastor/teacher at Kootenai Community Church, which is where brother Justin attends when he is in town. So you were right LizFromOz.
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Yes that’s true. Thanks for checking (duh like you wouldn’t )
I’m currently listening to Jims podcasts through John; he brings the words to new lights; particularly those round the crucifixion.
Oh I could go on 😉
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We were at a church for over six years and I felt stagnant in my learning of scripture. I started listening to men like Paul Washer & Voddie Bachum & started to learn so much. Where I had thought I had no more to learn I realized I knew nothing at all. My husband & I are huge fans of most of the teachers you posted, I think there’s two I didn’t know of yet. I’ll bring them to my husband’s attention to see what he thinks of them. Thank you.
On a funny note my husband had been told at a former church that the pastor would never have a person like Paul Washer teach at his pulpit because he was “arrogant”. My husband said “I’m sorry to say this to you, but you wouldn’t have him teach at your pulpit because you wouldn’t risk loosing 90% of the goats you have & many on staff”. By this pastor’s own acknowledgement most of the people in his 4,000 person church were unsaved & many had attended for over 10years or so. There were so many “carnal Christians”, a term I loath, it’s saying you can be Unrejuvenated & show no spiritual fruits of salvation & still think you’ll be in heaven. It was a biblically sound church but there was no emphasis on calling out the false doctrine in another brother within the church. I mean sure people like Ostean & Meyer could be called heretical but not the person sitting in the pew next to you who was an elder or teacher claiming that “God won’t give you nothing you can’t handle!”
We currently attend a church out of state but to be honest, we are sort of “done” with church as a whole. We’ve seen so much go on amongst leadership & have had so much spiritual abuse we are burned out. Looking for a scripturely sound, non legalistic church seems nearly impossible at least up here in New Jersey.
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Wow- your husband is really bold! Sounds like something that pastor needed to hear!
I totally understand about feeling “done” with church, but I would encourage you not to forsake the assembly.
Here are a couple of places you can search to see if there’s a doctrinally sound church in your area:
HeartCry Missionary Society’s (Paul Washer :0) Church Finder
The Gospel Coalition’s Church Directory
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Did you know that Masters Seminary also has a church finder? 🙂
http://www.tms.edu/find-a-church/
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Hi Leslie- Yes, and it is a good one! I usually recommend Paul Washer’s (HeartCry Missions) church finder because it includes not only TMS, but some other great church finders as well :0)
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Oh please, do not give up on finding a biblically sound church . As a brand new babe in Christ, I walked 2 bloicks to a church in my neighborhood. It was teeny tiny (I made an even dozen). I sat in this church for 18 months, as I studied God’s word and hermeneutics on my own. I ask questions about the doctrines of grace…for which they did not believe. Oh they would say they did, if ask that way. But if you ask…did Christ die for everyone, why yes He did, can I lose my salvation, yes you can….well what about that verse that says NO ONE can snatch you out of the Fathers hand? Oh that’s right, no one can, but YOU can jump out! (Complete with hand signs to denote one jumping out of the Fathers hand). Oh it did go on to the point that one of the elders screamed at me in Sunday School. Even though I was an elderly lady at that time, I was a young whipper snapper and new in my walk, and my zeal would die down they said.. I even started a hermeneutics study (Mark Keilar’s Word Pictures…Becoming a Workman series) and invited the whole church. Only 2 came and it wasn’t to learn. When I finally walked out of the church due to a young pastor coming in and telling us he was the only one who could build our church, even those 2 who had been supposedly studying with me quit and told me they were only coming for me so I would not be there alone. I have news for them. I am never alone with Christ, but have never felt more isolated while surrounded by people. Does that make sense? My brother tried to start a reformed church, but that was a 2 hour drive from me and alas my age and my health along with finances for gas etc. prevented me from going after a year. For the next 2 years, I looked online for churches. Some were quite easy to cross off ( women pastors, or elders…and things.) One little church, I literally had to run out of on my second visit. They refused to let me partake in the LORD’s supper ( they evidently examined my heart for me) and then all 35-40 people broke out in what I am sure they thought were tongues. I ran and thanked God for the early warning even as I ran. Sooooo, to make a long story short..and I know it seems too late for that , but I promise you this is a very edited version, I prayed and prayed, and pleaded with the Lord to guide me to a sound church. I spent my Sundays listening to sermons online while cruising the internet everyday. I found a church 7 miles from my house. A small biblically sound church who worships God, who believes in the inerrancy of the Bible, who disciples all who come and who practices church discipline. One can NOT become a member unless they have made a profession of Christ and have been baptized as a believer at some time. I waited 9 months , then became a member. So please, do not give up. Never give up. I will pray for you as I pray all His children to find a place to go and to praise , pray and fellowship with each other.
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Mrs. Berna Deene Saylor, that was beautiful, thank you so much. We need the prayers but the love is what touched my heart. Thank you.
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I fully agree with you on these 10 men – BUT, is there no place for John Piper?
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Hi Kobus-
As the article mentions, this is by no means an exhaustive list. I’m planning to do at least one more list similar to this one at some point in the future.
However, John Piper, as nice of a guy as he is and as helpful as some of his materials are, will probably not be on those lists. While I consider him to be generally doctrinally sound and agree with him in many aspects of theology, he is not someone I proactively recommend for a few reasons:
1. He’s a continuationist. I usually limit my endorsements to cessationists.
2. I’m concerned about his associations and partnerships with false teachers (which violates 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Romans 16:17-18, and 2 John 9-11). First he appeared to embrace Rick Warren when he interviewed him and invited him to speak at the Desiring God conference a few years ago. More recently, he has been a featured speaker at events like the Passion conference where he has shared the stage with Christine Caine, Beth Moore, and Judah Smith.
3. His complementarianism seems muddled at best. On the one hand he will go so far as to say that Christian women cannot be police officers (the Bible mentions nothing of the sort), yet on the other hand he joins in ministry with Caine and Moore who – in addition the the false doctrine they preach – both actively and unrepentantly violate clear Scripture by preaching to men.
I’m not going to warn people away from John Piper as a false teacher, but I can’t in good conscience recommend him either.
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Brian Borgman. (Reformed Baptist) http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=11113103031
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I would definitely recommend Michael Horton of the White Horse Inn and Modern Reformation. Also, what about R.C. Sproul (Sr. not Jr.!)? And the late Jerry Bridges work and books are wonderful. Totally agree with Begg and have heard him preach personally. I’ve also heard Tim Keller. His preaching was great.
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R.C. Sproul, Sr. is #7 in this very article :0) Bridges and Horton are wonderful teachers, indeed. I don’t tend to recommend Tim Keller as he is a continuationist and also subscribes to theistic evolution, although, otherwise, his doctrine is generally sound.
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Saw Sproul on the list after I had commented. Do you have links to the information on continuationist and theistic evolution for Keller? Not questioning your opinion I would like to read it.
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No problem. Here’s one about the theistic evolution:
https://answersingenesis.org/creationism/old-earth/influential-pastors-and-theologians-on-the-days-of-creation-and-the-age-of-the-earth/
Keller’s being a continuationist is usually just mentioned in passing in articles about other topics, but if you Google his name with “continuationism” or “continuationist” you’ll get a lot of hits.
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Interestingly I followed your link to read about Keller and saw Michael Horton listed there as well. Will read more in depth shortly; it’s a fascinating read!
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Wasn’t Voddie Bacham affiliated with Doug Phillips and Vision Forum? I do not know anything about him and his doctrinal beliefs, however, remember seeing his name in that respect.
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I’m not aware of any ongoing relationship there since the Doug Phillips scandal a few years ago.
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Reblogged this on The Cross Is All We Need.
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Thank you! I, too, have grown tremendously from the men on this list 🙂
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Have you any issues with Jimmy Swaggart’ s ministry in Baton Rouge?
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Hi Darlene-
Yes, a number of issues. JSM (Jimmy Swaggart Ministries) teaches several false doctrines, among them:
Genuniely regenerated Christians can lose their salvation.
Speaking in tongues (gibberish/glossolalia)
A “baptism of the Holy Spirit” separate from savlation that a Christian has to ask for and that is evidenced by speaking in tongues.
(These can all be found at JSM.org > About > What we Believe and FAQs)
He is not someone I’d recommend as a teacher of sound doctrine.
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Hi – Great list. I would like to recommend my pastor, Mike Abendroth, of No Compromise Radio and pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church. Wonderful teaching and speaking. Check him out! Friend of Phil Johnson, John MacArthur. Both have been to our church as well as Todd Friel, Steve Lawson. Mike’is latest book is “Evangelical White Lies”.
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I’m familiar with Mike. He’s great! :0)
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Mr. Swaggart has had encounters with prostitutes and has alternately confessed and denied the facts. He cannot be considered a solid, biblical preacher.
http://www.spiritwatch.org/fireswag1.htm
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I have a very hard time getting past John MacArthur’s, and other’s on your list, Lordship Salvation-Works stance. To me, it taints his body of work. He definitely is not on my list. I avoid those with Calvinistic leanings.
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Well, then you’re probably not going to like my blog very much, but you’re more than welcome to stick around and hang out with us if you’d like :0)
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Lordship-Salvation works is not a Calvinistic belief. I’m Reformed and not a MacArthur follower. I believe, unless I’m mistaken, that MacArthur has said at one time that he is not a Calvinist. He is Dispensationalist as far as I know.
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Regarding the lordship-salvation by works issue with MacArthur, I would respectfully ask “Have you actually read The Gospel According to Jesus?” He does not teach any kind of salvation by works, far from it, only that Jesus is, as the Bible teaches, our LORD and SAVIOUR, and we are called to repent and believe on Him., recognizing His Lordship, rather than believing, going on our merry way, and perhaps, making a later decision to “make Him Lord of our lives” As for him being a dispensationalist!!! (I am never sure what is the big “horror” of it anyway) he has said, when asked, that he is a “leaky dispensationalist” meaning that he sees the ways God worked with man in different eras of history, but he is not hung up on it; it is not the basis of his theology.
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Voddie Baucham?
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Hi Elizabeth, yes, please see my comments to “WriterHelenDavis” (early April) and Robin McLain above (mid August), who had the same questions.
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Just discovering your site…I would highly recommend Dr. Carl Broggi of Community Bible Church of Beaufort, SC and online at http://www.searchthescriptures.org.
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Thanks, Bonnie. I’m not familiar with this site or Dr. Broggi, but at a quick glance it seems to have a biblical statement of faith and nothing I saw raised a red flag right off the bat. As with any pastor or ministry, I encourage ladies to read and listen discerningly and compare all teachings with Scripture.
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Any thoughts on RC Sproul being a part of this NRB International Christian Media Convention in 2017? http://nrbconvention.org/
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I don’t think it’s anything to be alarmed about. Sproul is doctrinally sound, and, to my knowledge has never partnered with a false teacher in ministry.
The NRB convention is a business convention, not a theological/ministry/church conference. I would not construe Sproul’s (or any other doctrinally sound and discerning pastor/teacher) participation as partnering with false teachers, but rather demonstrating, via his high profile, that NRB does carry some doctrinally sound teachers and encouraging people to partake of NRB’s programs that feature doctrinally sound teachers.
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Thanks for your thoughts! 🙂
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Thank you so much for your lists. I’ve learned over the past few years that TBN is dangerous to the Christian soul and now I’m on a journey to find good solid Biblical teaching while still avoiding all false teachers so these lists are more valuable than you know for a newer believer like myself. I already listen to Paul Washer, R.C. Sproul and I used to listen to John MacArthur, but I would really like to know your feelings on him advising people that they can take the mark of the beast and possibly make it to heaven. Please let me know what you think about this!
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I’ve never heard him say this, so can you please provide an article or video where he specifically says this? I’d like to hear/read his remarks in context. Thanks.
Glad the lists were helpful :0)
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A friend posted that same quote on their Facebook wall.
This may help http://www.gty.org/Resources/Print/Blog/B131030
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Thanks, Liz. I think that pretty much covers it :0)
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I’m surprised that I cannot find Erwin Lutzer in either of your lists or their comments. After reading your false teachers section, I feel like maybe I was naively listening to the wrong man? Although I regularly listen to him, Alistair Begg and John MacArthur and feel no real difference.
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Hi Shawna-
As I’ve mentioned, these are not exhaustive lists. There are many more than these 10 godly men out there, both well-known and obscure, that rightly preach and handle God’s word. I’ll be putting out more lists in the future.
I’m not familiar with Erwin Lutzer, so I couldn’t say at this point whether or not I recommend him. I don’t really know anything about him.
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Hi! Thank you for sharing this! What are your thoughts on John Hagee and David Jeremiah, and Ed Young? Thank you in advance. Be blessed!!
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Hi Mel- I would steer clear of all three. John Hagee teaches demonstrably false doctrine. Ed Young (I’m assuming you mean junior, not senior) twists Scripture and acts about as undignified as I’ve ever seen a grown man of his age act. David Jeremiah’s doctrine is OK from what I understand, but he isn’t very discerning- showing a willingness to team up with people like Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen. You can hear some teaching about the problems with Hagee and Young here (just put each of their names in the search bar). There are so many fantastic teachers out there, it would be easy to leave these three guys behind and never miss them :0)
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Reblogged this on Unified in Truth.
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How do you feel about Charles R. Swindoll (Chuck Swindoll) and James Dobson?
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Thanks for the list.. I like Pastor Charles Lawson, and John Courson Bible teaching..
I have listened to some of the preachers on your list, I was a little confused about Voddie, I liked his preaching, but then read he is a Calvinist.. don’t they believe that certain people are chosen to follow God.. and the others are not chosen so they will never believe? Charles Spurgeon is great reading.. I really enjoy his writings..
God Bless
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Hi Mary Ann-
Thanks for asking! Actually, all of the men on this list are Calvinists/Reformed – including Spurgeon – with the exception of Chris Rosebrough, who is Lutheran (but believes many of the same things Calvinists believe.) I also consider myself mostly Reformed (you can read more about my beliefs under the “statement of faith” tab at the top of this page).
Here are a couple of articles that will help you understand Calvinism and predestination a little bit better:
http://www.ligonier.org/blog/predestination-what-does-mean-non-elect/
https://www.monergism.com/calvinism-fact-sheet
I would also highly recommend the Theology Gals Facebook group (which mostly centers around Calvinist/Reformed theology, and where you can ask any questions you might have) and podcast.
Hope this helps! :0)
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Awesome list of men that I love listening to(there was only one whose ministry I’m not familiar with). I am in the habit of listening to each of these men often. Thank-you for your ministry, Michelle!
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I noticed a mention of Greg Laurie in another post, but no detail as to why you listed him among false teachers. Can you advise?
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Hi Camille- Berean Research, Fighting for the Faith, and Apprising have some good info.
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Thank you for your prompt response. I am disheartened by what I found, but I am eternally grateful for your blog.
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You’re welcome. It is my pleasure to serve you in Christ, but I’m sorry I had to be the bearer of bad news.
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I have been listening to A.W. Criswell a former pastor of Dallas Baptist Church. He is old school, but very powerful. Right know I listening to his sermons on the Book of Isaiah. Thanks for your ministry Michelle.
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It’s my pleasure to serve you in Christ :0)
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Many names I don’t know yet! Thank you! I love listening to Stephen Armstrong from Verse by Verse Ministries International. All his teachings are available for free and in podcasts format or straight from their website with downloadable notes.
https://www.versebyverseministry.org
Also Tom Larmore of Christ’s Bible Fellowship Guam. https://cbfguam.org. I attended his church when we were stationed in Guam with the military. Another Verse by Verse expository teacher!! He has a YouTube channel and now does podcasts as well!
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Includes some men with Calvinist leanings…
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Lol,is this a warning (you might want to check out my Statement of Faith tab at the top of this page) or a recommendation? :0)
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Hi Michelle. I love your website and appreciate you so much. Do you have any thoughts on Todd Friel’s latest comment that Rick Warren is not a heretic? Thank, Kelli
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Hi Kelli-
Yes, I heard that episode. He was using the classic, correct theological definition of heresy, which a lot of people are unaware of these days because the term is tossed about so haphazardly. Real heresy is narrowly focused. It has only to do with the doctrines of salvation. In other words, the things you have to believe to be a Christian, and the things you can’t believe to be a Christian.
For example, T.D. Jakes is a heretic for two reasons: a) he is a modalist, a classic heresy which denies the biblical nature of the Trinity, and b) he preaches Word of Faith heresy – “another gospel” as described in Galatians 1:6-9.
Rick Warren, on the other hand, would fall into the category of “false teacher”. He says and does a lot of unbiblical things which he needs to stop and repent of, and nobody should be following him, but he does not preach or claim to believe anything (to my knowledge anyway) that goes against the basic doctrines of salvation. If you sat him down and talked to him, he would affirm the biblical doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, that Christ is the only way of salvation, etc. (As I recall, Todd mentioned something to that effect on that episode.)
I think the confusion is that the correct definition of heresy differentiates between true heretics and false teachers, but many Christians don’t seem to understand that because the terms “heretic” and “false teacher” are often used interchangeably. The fault here is not with Todd. What he said was correct. The fault lies with people who don’t understand the difference between true heresy and false teaching.
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Thank you for clearing that up. That makes total sense. I appreciate you taking the time to expound on those two terms.
Blessings to you.
Kelli
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You’re more than welcome. I feel like that’s probably how Todd would explain what he said, but I hate to speak for him. You may want to shoot him a quick e-mail (he’s very good about responding) if you have more questions, or just to confirm that’s what he meant.
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I did enjoy the Gospel Message you have at the top of this page. Thank you for that. Hope you don’t mind, but I downloaded it onto my computer and want to share it sometime with others.
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Yes, you’re more than welcome to share it around. I didn’t make it and don’t own it. :0)
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Reblogged this on Truth2Freedom's Blog.
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I have listened to several of Voddie’s sermons.. but then read he is a Calvinist..
I have trouble with some of their beliefs.. but agree with their desire to live for God..
Thank you for sharing.
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Hi Mary Ann- You might be interested to read my “Statement of Faith” tab at the top of this page. :0)
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Thank you, I will read it .
God Bless
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hi michelle, would like your thoughts on Jon Courson and Erwin Lutzer.
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Hi Dave- Although I recognize the names, I’m not really familiar with either of them. If you’d like to research them, this article may be of some help.
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I have been informed…
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Hi J- Thanks so much for your comments and your desire to protect his reputation. I’ve edited out your comments as you’ve requested. Blessings to you! :0)
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Hi! How about Chester A. McCalley of
http://www.wordoftruthkc.org. I listen to his sound a Bible studies all the time.
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Hi Michelle,
In my opinion any list that does not include Chuck Missler is incomplete. what are your reasons for not including him.
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Hi Anthony- As it clearly says in the introductory paragraph of the “Recommended Bible Teachers” tab where you probably found this article, “These lists are not comprehensive.”. They are lists of men I have listened to or read and am familiar enough with to feel comfortable recommending.
The main reason Chuck Missler is not on this list is that I’ve never heard of him. However, after a brief Google search on him, due to his theology (“Cosmic Codes”, end times prophecy, UFOs, etc.) he’s not someone I would recommend even if I had heard of him. If he’s one of your favorite authors, I would strongly encourage you to look into some of the pastors/authors I’ve listed here.
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Great list 100% agree !
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Hi Michelle,
My wife and I are immature believers. We are recent, we have been duped by apostasy and false teachers before. My wife was a Jehovahs Witness for a time and it caused me to doubt who Jesus was. I am very happy to say that we know Jesus is as much man as He is God now. We are doing our best to learn and study but it is like we live in a sea of false teachers. We love Alistair Begg, R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur. However, we also love David Jeremiah. We didnt realize he supported people who are known false teachers. We are reading his books Agents of the Apocalypse and Agents of Babylon and a few others but now we dont really know how to feel about them- whether it is okay to read them or to totally ditch them. We are also struggling a bit with predestination. I seem to lean in this direction because God is all knowing and perfectly sovereign and He must know who will be saved and who wont. There are loads of places that say He knew us or called us from the beginning. I dont believe God has made Himself blind as to who might believe one day and leave it to the choice of man who has no good or inclination to seek God in and of himself. However, I still find myself struggling with it in some way and I’m not sure I could exactly point out what my struggle is with. We currently attend a church in Maine that has a freewill doctrine. We love the people, we think they seek God to the best of their ability and they seem to have teaching that is far above any of the other churches in the area. I’m not exactly sure what to do. Could we get you and your church to pray for us? We earnestly desire to seek God and do His will but it seems like we have so much to learn and are struggling with who we should even listen to. Thank you very much!
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Hi Jed-
I am certainly glad to take a moment to pray for you and your wife. It sounds like you are on the right track. If the David Jeremiah books bother your conscience, then put them aside and maybe revisit them in a few years when you are more spiritually mature, and see what you think then. I know this is a challenging time, and you feel like you want to hurry and make up for the lost time you spent in false doctrine, but you have to remember that spiritual growth is a process. It takes time. There is no way to fast track it.
If you feel that God is leading you to possibly move your family to a more Calvinistic church, spend some time in prayer about that. Explore the “Searching for a new church?” tab in the blue menu bar at the top of this page. There are resources there that will help you understand what to look for in a good church, or what your current church should be teaching.
Stay in the Word, stay in prayer, relax, and trust God day by day. He knows exactly where you’ve been, exactly where you are right now, and exactly what you need to get you to where He wants you to go. He’s got you. He’ll provide what you need. :0)
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Thank you very much! We just got the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible (we have been loving reading his sermons). I know it’s not part of the Bible or anything, but I thought it would be enormously helpful in guiding and broadening our view of Scripture. We appreciate your prayer very much!
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Dear Lesley
Have you thought of a blog post featuring tools for discernment?
I am saying this because no teacher is infallible and we are ALL in danger of deception.
I pray that we all listen to preachers with an open Bible, a Bible that is falling apart (cf Spurgeon).
Best wishes
Sarah
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Hi Sarah- I’m Michelle. I completely agree! Is this the kind of thing you had in mind? Also, my articles on false teachers at the Popular False Teachers & Unbiblical Trends tab (in the blue menu bar at the top of this page) serve as an example/template for researching teachers. I try to stress to my readers that they should never just take my, or anyone else’s, word for it that someone is a false or trustworthy teacher, but that they need to compare everything to Scripture. Hope this helps! :0)
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Voddie Baucham was at NRB 2021 with false teacher Priscilla Shirer and her dad Tony Evans! He should be removed from the recommended list!
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Hi Mark- I think you might be mistaken. According to the 2021 NRB schedule of events, Tony Evans spoke at a worship service at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, but I don’t see Voddie’s or Priscilla’s name listed any where on the schedule. Where are you getting your information?
But even if all three of them were speaking at NRB, I’m afraid you’re misunderstanding what’s taking place there. NRB is a trade show with various ancillary events, not a conference. Read this article (2nd section) for further explanation.
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Voddie’s Instagram page. He has a picture with Tony Evans and the caption “Great time at #NRB2021 this week. Did a ton of interviews for #FaultLinesBook caught up with some old friends and made some new ones.” Priscilla Shirer commented on the post “We love you and your family Voddie! So glad to see you healthy and well! Praise the Lord. @voddieb”
Voddie should have more discernment to not be associated and calling false teachers his “friends.”
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I’m sorry, I misread your original comment to mean that he was “speaking with” (i.e. sharing a stage with / partnering in ministry with) them. I found the Instagram post (I did not scroll through all 400+ comments to find Priscilla’s comment, so I’ll take your word for it on that).
If I knew Voddie personally and he asked my advice, I would tell him I didn’t think it was wise to post a picture of himself with Tony Evans (which was one among several pictures of him with many other people) with the word “friend” attached to it. But however unwise I think this is, it does not rise to the level of yoking with a false teacher in ministry (2 Corinthians 6:14ff) and it does not warrant removing Voddie from this list, warning against him, or calling him a false teacher, as some might be tempted to do.
Neither you nor I know the exact nature or depth of Voddie’s and Tony’s relationship. Some people call acquaintances with whom they have a cordial “Hi, how are you?” relationship “friends.” Or it’s possible that Voddie is maintaining a friendly relationship with Tony in order to disciple him and correct his errant theology. I know several doctrinally sound pastors and teachers who have relationships like that. I don’t personally understand it because I could not be close with someone I disagree with so passionately, but that’s the way God wired me, and He didn’t create everybody else just like me.
I was very comforted by the numerous comments I saw bringing Tony’s false teaching to light, though.
Rest assured, if Voddie starts yoking with false teachers, I will, sadly, remove him. But this isn’t that.
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What about Chip Ingram? Do you recommend him?
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I’ve heard the name, but I don’t know enough about him to recommend or warn against him. This resource may be helpful as you research him.
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Thank you this. This is the exact list of pastors that have helped me turn away from the “spirit-filled”movement, which was how I turned from new age. I heard if you through Doreen Virtues YouTube. Curious what you think of Dr. John Barnett of Calvary In Michigan?
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Hi Veronica- Welcome, and you’re welcome. :0) I’m afraid I’ve never heard of him, but this article may help as you’re researching him.
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Hi , I’m new to Christianity, can the Bible Recap podcast be trusted? Also, can you make a list of Christian podcasts that are good? Thank you so much in advance sister.
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Hi Tricia- No, I would not recommend the Bible Recap. You can find my article about it under the “Popular False Teachers & Unbiblical Trends” tab in the blue menu bar at the top of this page, or just type “Bible Recap” into the search bar. As for Christian podcasts, I highly recommend mine :0) (Click on the “podcast” tab in the blue menu bar). You can also find good podcasts to listen to in two other ways:
1. Go to the “Recommended Bible Teachers” tab in the blue menu bar. Many of those teachers have podcasts.
2. If you’re on a computer, go to the right sidebar and scroll down until you get to “Blogs and Podcasts I Follow”. (If you’re on a phone or a tablet, you’ll have to scroll waaaaaaaay down almost to the bottom of the page, and you’ll find “Blogs and Podcasts I Follow” between the category cloud and the “Links I love” sections.
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