We live in a day of "celebrity preachers". Men who have often risen to the top of their field among a select segment of Christianity. Every segment of Christianity has their superstars. Some of these men may be true men of God. But the Scripture warns that others are in it for their own desires. Oftentimes they start out sincere, but as success increases, so do their desire for greater and greater recognition.

There is a great danger whenever men in leadership do not have any real accountability. Often in churches, leaders will surround themselves with men who follow their direction, whether it is right or wrong. After all, who wants to go against the "top man"?

As a result, people can be easily led astray by these men. How can you know if these men are leading others astray? There are some very basic ways to determine if leaders are wanting blind obedience or if they truly are wanting others to follow the Word of God.

First, are the leaders encouraging openness among their followers? Do they encourage questions about what they are teaching? Most pastors never encourage people to come to them if they have legitimate questions or concerns about what they are hearing. Such encouragements are simply missing from their words. Often they do not want to be challenged Biblically or questioned about the teachings or their handling of different matters.

Second, are the leaders encouraging people to study the Word for themselves and come to conclusions that are grounded in a deep relationship with God? Pastors who desire this will encourage personal study, along with group studies. By helping people to think about the Scriptures, they are more likely to have discernment about topics that arise in their day to day lives. Teachers who are never questioned can easily begin to think they have all the answers.

Third, are leaders encouraging the members to hear both sides of a matter or simply accept their conclusions? When those under authority are told to just follow our lead without allowing individuals to research for themselves a matter, there is a great likelihood of blindly following. The Scripture is clear in Proverbs 18:13, If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. A wise man desires to hear both sides of a matter before making a decision. Fools are willing to accept another mans judgment when both sides are available to be heard. Be wary of any leader who does not want you to hear both sides of a matter.

Fourth, a leaders teaching and example and  should always lead you to Biblical love. Since Jesus made it plain that the mark of a believer is love, if following a teacher leads you away from loving others, beware. In the case of church discipline, if you are encouraged to shun others rather than show love, you are being led astray. Certainly, if a person has been legitimately disciplined by a church after following the Biblical pattern, that person should be treated as though they are an unbeliever. But nowhere are Christians taught to speak evil of unbelievers, shun unbelievers, avoid them at all costs, and unfriend them.

Grace Community Church of California, pastored by Dr. John MacArthur, describes the process of church discipline and how to treat someone who has been warned by the church according to Matthew 18. "It has been the custom at Grace Community Church, upon enacting this third step, to clearly indicate to the congregation that they are to pursue the person aggressively and plead with him to repent before the fourth step becomes necessary. That crucial and potent procedure often draws the sinner to repentance and obedience. Then, if the final step of discipline is needed and carried out, this following instruction is given. "The command not to have fellowship or even social contact with the unrepentant brother does not exclude all contact. When there is an opportunity to admonish him and try to call him back, the opportunity should be taken. In fact, such opportunities should be sought."