Lately, I’ve been reflecting on Romans 16:17–18, and wow, it hits different when you think about the rise of internet pastors. You know the ones: popping up on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube with a Bible in one hand and a ring light in the other. They speak with confidence, quote a few verses, and package their message like a spiritual TED Talk—but when you really listen, you realise some of them are twisting Scripture beyond recognition. It’s frustrating and heart-breaking, especially because so many new Christians are falling for it.
Let’s talk about these internet pastors—TikTok preachers, Instagram prophets, YouTube evangelists. Some are genuine. Others? Wolves in WiFi.
The Rise of Internet Pastors
There’s a new wave of “spiritual influencers” and ‘internet pastors’ online, and many of them look the part: Bible in hand, lighting on point, camera quality high-definition—but the teachings? Questionable at best, dangerous at worst.
New believers are especially vulnerable. When you’re just starting your walk with Christ, you’re hungry. You want to learn. So it’s natural to click on a video from someone who confidently says, “God told me…” But here’s the issue: many of these teachers are not rightly dividing the Word of truth.
They’ll cherry-pick verses, yank them out of context, and repackage them into something that’s more motivational than biblical. And while it might sound good to the ears, it’s poison to the soul.
False Teachers Serve Themselves, Not Christ
Paul didn’t mince his words in Romans. He called these kinds of people out. They’re not serving Christ—they’re serving themselves. Their god is the algorithm. Their goal is likes, followers, fame, and cash, not souls.
Some deny entire parts of the Bible. I’ve seen posts boldly declaring things like, “There are no more prophets or apostles.” Seriously? What Bible are they reading?
This kind of teaching doesn’t just cause confusion—it causes division. It stunts spiritual growth. And for some, it completely derails their faith.
The Danger of Prideful Preachers
Try correcting one of these creators, and boom—defensiveness galore. Pride takes the wheel. There’s no humility, no willingness to be sharpened, no Berean spirit.
Instead of humbly checking Scripture or engaging in healthy discussion, they double down on error. Pride fuels deception, and deception spreads fast when it’s wrapped in charisma.
But here’s the kicker: The Bible warned us this would happen. False teachers existed in the early church, and they’re not going anywhere now. In fact, they’re multiplying—because platforms reward popularity, not truth.
How to Guard Your Faith in a Digital Age
So what do we do in a world full of spiritual misinformation?
🙏🏾 1. Pray First, Always
Pray for discernment. Pray for new believers who are getting exposed to false doctrine. Pray for the deceivers, too—that they would repent and come into true relationship with Christ.
📖 2. Know the Word
You can’t spot a counterfeit if you don’t know the original. Get rooted in Scripture. Read your Bible daily. Study it. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. That way, when a dodgy doctrine slides across your feed, you’ll catch it immediately.
🧠 3. Don’t Be Lazy With Your Learning
If you wouldn’t trust a random stranger to do surgery on you just because they sound confident, don’t trust every loud voice online with your soul. Vet every message through Scripture. Test every spirit. Ask: “Is this teaching glorifying God—or glorifying the preacher?”
💬 4. Lovingly Guide Others
If you’ve been walking with Christ for a while, help those who are still learning. Don’t just criticise—disciple. Be a safe space for questions. Help people grow in truth, not just in emotion.
Final Thoughts: Solid Ground in a Shaky World
The internet can be a spiritual minefield, but the Word of God is solid ground. Stay watchful. Stay prayerful. And above all, stay grounded in Christ—not content creators.
Just because someone goes viral doesn’t mean they’re preaching the truth. And just because it sounds deep doesn’t mean it’s biblical.
Let’s stay rooted. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. And let’s never trade the gospel for clout.