Think back to your childhood. Remember the story, The Emperor’s New Clothes?
Once upon a time, there lived an emperor. One day two swindlers came to his palace and told him they could weave cloth for his royal robes that was magical: to those who were foolish or unfit for their jobs, it would appear invisible. Only the wise and worthy would be able to see this fine fabric. The emperor hastily agreed to pay the “weavers” an exorbitant amount of money to make him such an amazing garment, thinking he would use it to weed out anyone unfit for royal service.
The weavers set about pretending to weave. From time to time, the emperor sent various folk to check on the progress the weavers were making, and – though in reality, none of them could see the non-existent fabric – all reported back that the garments were coming along nicely and the cloth was beautiful. But strangely enough, when the emperor himself looked in on the weavers, they held up the magnificent fabric, and he could not see it. Not wanting word to leak out that he was unfit to serve as emperor, he pretended to examine the cloth and complimented the weavers lavishly on their fine work.
Finally, the weavers informed the emperor that the garments were finished. They had the emperor strip down to his skivvies and pretended to help him on with his fine new “garments”. Word had spread among the emperor’s subjects about the magical properties of the fabric, and as the royal procession made its way through town, all shouted out praise for the emperor’s fine new clothes.
All. Except for one little boy.
“But he hasn’t got anything on!” the boy shouted.
It took the innocent honesty of a simple child to shock the emperor’s subjects back to their senses. The truth spread like wildfire, and the crowd began to cry out: “The emperor is naked!” “The emperor has no clothes on!” “He’s not wearing anything!”
But did the emperor admit to his foolishness, return to the palace, and get dressed? No. Sadly the story ends this way:
“The Emperor shivered, for he suspected they were right. But he thought, ‘This procession has got to go on.’ So he walked more proudly than ever, as his noblemen held high the train that wasn’t there at all.”¹
And so the “emperor” of leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention and those who carry its train march proudly on, despite the cries of simple peasants and innocent little children crying at the top of our lungs, “The emperor is naked!” “There are issues that need to be addressed, here!” “Listen to us!”
You’ll note that the story doesn’t say that the emperor was a cruel man, that he overtaxed the people, oppressed them into slavery, was a warmonger, or was in any other way an evil leader. In fact, one could argue that he had good intentions of making sure the people who served at various posts in his empire were of the finest caliber.
And while there are many issues that need to be addressed in my denomination, I think this could generally be said of the leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention as well. Call me a Pollyanna, but I have no reason to believe our denominational leadership – as a whole – is evil or has anything less than the best of intentions for the SBC.
There are many good and praiseworthy things going on in SBC life. We have hundreds of doctrinally sound pastors faithfully preaching the gospel week in and week out. Discernment and biblical literacy among Southern Baptist church members is slowly but steadily growing. The SBC takes a public, biblical stand on abortion and homosexuality while many other denominations do not. Our organizational structure for funding and sending out missionaries, while sometimes flawed in its execution, is without peer. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is one of the finest relief organizations in the world. And there’s so much more. Find a godly Kingdom effort going on somewhere, and you’ll probably find a Southern Baptist involved in it. By the grace of God, while we’re far from perfect, we’re getting a lot of things right.
But even benevolent emperors get things wrong sometimes, and, Southern Baptist leadership, your drawers are flapping in the breeze on this one²:
Sin. The public sin our leaders commit that we excuse and the public sin our leaders commit that we discipline, and the fact that there’s a discrepancy between the two.
Recently, Frank Page, president and chief executive officer of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention (one of the top positions of SBC leadership at the national level) resigned his position due to “a morally inappropriate relationship in the recent past,” which, we are left with little choice but to assume means “adultery”. (As an aside, Christians, when confessing sin, let’s knock off the the terminological hem-hawing and call a spade a spade. “I had a six month extra-marital romantic and sexual relationship with a married woman in my church,” or whatever. You don’t have to give all the gory details or name names, but, for crying out loud, if you’re going to confess, confess- don’t finesse.)
It was right and biblical for Dr. Page to publicly confess and express sorrow over his sin as well as to resign (it would also have been right and biblical for the SBC to remove him had he refused to resign, which, undoubtedly would have happened). He sinned against God, his family, the woman and her family, his church, his co-workers, and the entire denomination. He publicly embarrassed the Southern Baptist Convention and gave unbelievers fodder for scoffing when the report of his sin made the national news. This was a case of a well known Southern Baptist leader whose public, observable sin was handled biblically by SBC leadership. I am thankful for this witness to Christians and to the world that sin is not to be swept under the rug, but that sinners are to repent, be disciplined, and then be restored to fellowship (although, in cases like this, not leadership).
But we don’t handle all cases of public sin that way. Some public sin we reward by making the sinner into a wealthy, lauded celebrity.
“Impossible!” you say?
Check the shelves at LifeWay. Select twenty average SBC churches with women’s ministries and see whose books, DVDs, and simulcasts are being used again and again. Peruse the speakers at popular SBC conferences.
You’ll find names like Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Lysa TerKeurst, Christine Caine, Ann Voskamp, Sarah Young, Andy Stanley, Steven Furtick, Rick Warren, and T.D. Jakes, just to name a few.
Have they committed adultery? Voiced approval of of homosexuality? Committed theft, abused their spouses, or promoted pornography? No. But those aren’t the only types of sins the Bible prohibits.
Every single one of them teaches false doctrine, from Sarah Young’s blasphemous “channeling” of Jesus, to T.D. Jakes’ denial of the Trinity, to Christine Caine’s Word of Faith heresy, to Lysa TerKeurst’s teaching of contemplative prayer.
All of these women who do speaking engagements unashamedly and unrepentantly preach to co-ed audiences. All of these men allow women to preach to co-ed audiences from their pulpits.
All of them who join in ministry with others have yoked or affiliated themselves with false teachers. Beth Moore and Joyce Meyer. Priscilla Shirer and T.D. Jakes. Steven Furtick and Joyce Meyer and T.D. Jakes. Rick Warren and the Pope.
Scripture plainly prohibits the teaching of false doctrine. It’s a major theme of the New Testament, for goodness sake. The Bible tells us that women are not to preach to men or exercise authority over them in the gathered body of Believers. And God’s Word makes very clear that we are to have nothing to do with false teachers, especially not partnering with them in “ministry”.
In the wake of Frank Page’s resignation, I asked this poll question on Twitter…
followed by this one…
Why are Southern Baptists leaders so quick to – rightly and biblically – oust Frank Page for, as far as we know, one isolated sin which he publicly confessed to and repented of, and yet overlook three major – and much more publicly observable and harmful to Southern Baptists – ongoing sins from pastors and teachers who have been rebuked and refuse to repent? Why, instead of disciplining them for their sin, do those in leadership give them fat book deals, invite them to speak at all the cool conferences, fawn over them on social media, and make them into celebrities?
How many sins will it take to disqualify and discipline these people? Four? Eleven? Ninety-six? Is there any amount of sin these pastors and teachers, and those like them, can commit that will cause those in SBC leadership to pull their materials off the shelves of LifeWay, deny them a seat at the table, and urge them to repent and step down from their positions?
I’ve been a Southern Baptist from the day I was born. I’ve been taught since the cradle roll that if God’s Word says not to do something and you do it anyway, that’s a sin. If God’s Word says to do something and you don’t do it, that’s a sin. And that sin is sin in the eyes of God.
Well is it, or isn’t it, Emperor?
If sin is sin in God’s eyes, why aren’t you treating Beth Moore’s sin like Frank Page’s sin? Why are you rewarding her for her sin and disciplining him for his?
The Bible says in James 3:1:
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
Those who teach and lead bear more responsibility to teach sound doctrine and walk worthy because they are teaching and leading us by example.
Why are all the aforementioned pastors and teachers better examples to us in their rebellion and unrepentant sin than Frank Page was in his repentance of sin?
Why?
Southern Baptist peasants and little children see right through your foolishness on parade on this issue and we want answers. Biblical answers.
Don’t just stand there shivering, suspecting we are right, but thinking, “This procession has got to go on,” and walking more proudly than ever. Go back to the palace. Repent. Clothe yourselves with humility and obedience to Scripture, and come back and lead us rightly. Biblically.
Because the Emperor of Southern Baptist leadership has been naked for far too long.
Michelle Lesley 
Oh my word, Michelle. This world, and our current Christian culture, needs more voices like yours. Thank you.
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Reblogged this on DiscernIt.
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King David sinned in this manner. Repented. And the Lord restored him as king over Israel. Public sin? What about hidden sin? Are you sinless? Are you going to say, “Well, No! But I would never sin the sin of adultery!” If the man repented in public what business it is of yours to write about it and roast him and other SBC teachers? Call a spade a spade. Are you looking for a pat on the back for your Finger-pointing? We all need to repent of our sins daily. Some of us are predisposed to sin in one way while others are more inclined to sin in a different way. Forgive the man and move on. If his teaching is spot on then God would have us to forgive. If you have issue with him then ask the Lord to help you get over it. Angry? Offended? Repent, be forgiven and move on. Like the woman caught in adultery. The Lord forgave her. And she didn’t even ask for it. He will forgive the SBC Pastor as well.
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I just don’t even know how to respond to this. Did you actually read the article? I don’t see how anyone could have read this article and come away from it thinking I’m castigating Frank Page or the way his situation was handled. I am utterly astounded by this comment. Perhaps if you could show me from rightly handled Scripture what you’re talking about?
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I think you have good intentions. It’s because the overall tone is harsh since it lacks a significant amount of grace and humility on your own part. You come across high and mighty and righteous to be able to come down harshly. It’s easy to point the finger from the bottom. Acting as police is divisive and not unifying. It would be more constructive and productive to be teaching people how to think Biblically and discern for themselves.
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“It would be more constructive and productive to be teaching people how to think Biblically and discern for themselves.”
Let me guess- you haven’t read any of my other articles or Bible studies, have you? By the way, how do you think you’re coming across in this comment?
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Anonymous, how exactly are we to name sin unless we call it sin?? At (formerly) my Southern Baptist church, I spoke repeatedly with love and grace about the sins in the SBC and the fact that those errant, apostate false teachers (some are even false prophets) named above were not only allowed in my church’s Bible studies and even quoted from the pulpit, but they are promoted! I just permanently withdrew my membership from my church this week, so the wounds are still fresh. I loved my church, and it breaks my heart that I had to go. But at some point you do have to call a spade a spade. Do your own research on those false teachers and then come back and comment. I personally have researched them and many others for the last 3+ years so I know what I’m talking about.
Michelle IS actually “teaching people how to think Biblically and discern for themselves”. Read her other posts. While you are teaching Biblical principles and fostering discernment, of necessity you must point out those who are wrong, and why, Scripturally. And unfortunately, sometimes you just have to raise your voice and tell people to WAKE UP. Michelle is not acting as police, she is being a watchman on the wall.
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Sierra, apparently you skimmed this article and chose to comment based on your reading of a few words. “This was a case of a well known Southern Baptist leader whose public, observable sin was handled biblically by SBC leadership.” And that is just one example.
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That was excellent! And seeing from a Barna survey that more than 1/2 of Christians surveyed had no clue what the great commission is, it’s no surprise that the leadership and laity of the SBC fawn after the likes of these false teachers you refer to in your article.
Blessings:-}
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Thank you for this informative article! Your gift of discernment and in depth (and time consuming I’m know!) research is such a blessing for those of us trying to understand such troubling, evil times.
While reading your article , the teaching of Wheat & Tares continued to cross my mind. It saddens me to see these people in our midst who are possible Tares…and I pray for all believers to have our Lord’s protection from their false teachings and conduct. You are part of that protection, I believe. And I thank you again!
Have a blessed weekend, Michelle. 🙂
Sarah
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Thank you, Sarah :0)
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Reblogged this on Truth2Freedom's Blog.
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Another excellent article Michelle. Thank you for your research and excellent articles.
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Thank you, Kirsten :0)
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Excellent article Mrs. Lesley. This is serious and something I have been vocal about. It breaks my heart when a solid bible teacher like John Piper lends credibility at the Passion Conference by sharing the stage with the likes of Beth Moore, Christine Caine and Patricia Shirer, proof that no one is exempt.
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Thank you, Steve. I agree.
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Maybe Piper is not so solid a Bible teacher after all.
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There are definitely some issues with Piper. I wouldn’t call him a false teacher, but I don’t recommend him either.
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Hi, I’m a new reader to your blog. I found you because of Lisa Harper stating she was sad because someone spoke negatively about her ministry. I googled and voila! I have purchased books by some of the people you have mentioned in your blog post. Should I throw them away or pass along to charity? The thought of throwing away books makes my flesh crawl, but passing along false doctrine is detrimental to someone’s life. I guess I just answered my question. Also, I was born and raised in the Pentecostal Church (grandfather was a pastor). Thanks to your blog and the Wretched videos on YouTube, as of last week, I am in the process of deprogramming myself from the WOF, tongue speaking, slain in the Spirit, contemplative prayer and etc teachings. It’s a process and I sometimes fall back to the old teaching, but I do quickly catch myself. I have many years of that teaching to overcome. I desire God’s truth over man’s false teachings. Thank you for what you do.
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Hi Deborah- I’m so glad to hear about the work God is doing in your life! What a blessing! I don’t know if you have found a solid, biblical church yet, but if you need some pointers, you might find the “Searching for a new church?” tab at the top of this page helpful.
Regarding disposal of heretical books, you’re absolutely right- don’t donate them or give them away. This article might be helpful.
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This is an extremely important topic. This is the first I’ve read any of your articles, etc. Are there links to learn more about these teachers? I’m aware of some of the issues, but not all. Again, thank you very much!
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You’re welcome :0) If you’re talking about Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, etc., you’ll see that their names are hyperlinked in the article. Click on the hyperlinks and they will take you to additional information about each person.
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I have had my own issues with the SBC over the years, but the one you mention (associating with false teachers) has been the over riding concern I have. I see SBC pastors like Steven Furtick and his partnering with false teachers in violation of 2 Corinthians 6:14; David Jeremiah and him doing the same thing; RIck Warren and his partnering with the world; Jeff Hood, and more. I could name names till the cows come home and no one seems to care one bit. They can partner with false teachers, they can teach blatantly unbiblical doctrines, and no one seems to care in the least. I actually wrote to the Convention and asked them about this issue. Their response was they were tolerated and accepted because doing so demonstrated the diversity within the SBC. I have other reasons for not having anything to do with the SBC, but this issue is both the icing and the cherry on top of that cake.
Thanks for a great blog and please keep up the fight!
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Thanks, Robert! :0)
Someone asked me recently if I had sent this article to anyone in SBC leadership. I thought about it, but then I thought, “Who could I send it to that would actually listen?” About a year ago, I politely pointed out to SBC President Steve Gaines on Twitter that the women’s conference he was holding at his church that weekend was being headlined by false teachers (Lysa TerKeurst and Lisa Harper if I’m remembering correctly), and his response was to block me. I was at the Southern Baptist Convention in 2012 when someone asked Thom Rainer (head of LifeWay) from the floor about the false doctrine he allows to be sold and his response was, “Trust the trustees.” (the people who had put the false doctrine on the shelves in the first place).
I’m convinced that the problems in the SBC can only be changed by a “bottom up” approach, because we’ve been trying “top down” for years and things have only gotten worse. Maybe a groundswell of pressure from us pew-sitters will make an impact on our leadership.
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Great article but maybe not as great as some of the comments.
Don’t get depressed because as I read the replies I see the current unbiblical Christian thought process of “you can’t talk about sins because we are all sinners”.
Ms. M. your article is right on and in line with 2 Cor 5:10-11
I think it is because of the “terror” you write and that is proper, but the SBC is all about $$$$ these days and it is so sad
Remember Ms. M, “to whom much is given. . . ” the leaders you mention have forgotten this
Write on!
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Thanks so much for the encouragement :0)
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“These are truths that natural man cannot stand. They often call forth all his enmity against God and fill him with wrath. Nothing, in short, will make him submit to them but the humbling teaching of the Holy Ghost.” J.C. Ryle
Yes, we/you have to keep sounding the alarm, but we must pray that God will open the eyes and unstop tickled ears.
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Thank you so much for saying what I’m thinking….thanks for the time you spend researching and then printing what you discover.
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