Navigating Faith When Influencers Falter

I stood, emotionless and scrutinizing, as I watched everyone around me worship freely, unaware of the liars and deceivers who had written these songs they sang.

Suddenly, it hit me...

 My eyes watered and my heart broke into a million pieces as I finally succumbed to this awful realization in the MIDDLE OF WORSHIP at my church back in 2023. COVID not only affected me because I was on lockdown with the rest of the world, but during that season, my mind was blown by the many deep dives I was plunging into, none more devastating than the one about my faith and the musicians I trusted to lead me "into the presence of God" through their powerful words. I will never forget the moment I realized that "wolves in sheep's clothing" and "testing the spirits" were reality.

This realization sucked the spiritual life out of me for several years. I was left to drown in my confusion alone.

In this episode of Honest Christian Conversations, we explore how to navigate our faith when those we look up to falter and how to maintain trust in God despite the failures of influencers.

The Christian community is sinking into the abyss of darkness. Pastors are being scrutinized due to public scandals and eroded trust. Many believers (including you and me) are left with NO CHOICE but to deconstruct our faith. Sometimes, people leave the faith altogether, while others seek to rebuild their faith on a firmer foundation.

But how?

I'm glad you asked. The journey of faith deconstruction is like being stranded at sea in a tiny boat; we can't survive alone adrift in the vast ocean of opinions and denominations. We need a strong ship to pull us back to safety in the truth so that our faith can heal correctly.

In this conversation, I became your ship. I lovingly lead you toward anchoring faith not in social media influencers but in the unchanging truth of the gospel. Are you ready to be transformed? It won't be pretty.

What is discussed in the episode?

• I share that some Christian artists, such as Derek Webb from Caedmon's Call and Kevin Max from DCTalk, have deconstructed in a harmful way, reflecting on the realization that some of these artists may not align with traditional Christian beliefs. The conversation also explores the impact of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) on worship music.
• I also reflect on my deep dive into this subject during the 2020 lockdown, and how I began to feel that Christian music was NO LONGER SAFE to listen to. Do you relate?
•  I explain how this epiphany sank my ship of faith in these so-called "Christian artists" and led me to believe that the lyrics and the people singing them were fake. The heartbreak and anger were not just about music, though. It was about discovering that something I held dear could betray me in such a vile way, and if it was deceiving me, who else was it leading astray? 

That thought haunted me for a LONG time...

•  I raise awareness about Christian artists and worship leaders who have publicly distanced themselves from the Christian faith, including Audrey Assad, Jonathan Steingard from Hawk Nelson, Marty Sampson from Hillsong, and the Gungors. Their betrayal of their "faith" has challenged and confused many of their followers, and this part of the discussion underscores the importance of seeking a genuine theological understanding and ensuring one's faith is rooted in the true gospel.
• My pondering on these artists' journeys serves as a reminder that faith should not be anchored solely in influential figures but in the unchanging truth of the gospel. The flipside of that is also discussed in this episode.

Sometimes, Christian artists are worth listening to and following because they strive to be like Christ. Take the band Skillet, for example.

• I share the irony that my parents initially disapproved of Skillet's music because they felt it was "not godly". However, the lead singer, John Cooper, is now a "ship" to help guide you to the Truth. This reminiscing adds another layer to the discussion, highlighting the complexity of navigating faith through music and the importance of discerning theological soundness in what we listen to.

Do you know of a strong Christian artist who holds to true faith?

• At the episode's end, I led a heartfelt prayer, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share meaningful insights and asking for blessings over my listeners' week. I emphasize the importance of trusting in God and staying open to His guidance, even when faced with the disillusionment of seeing cherished influencers stray.

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Takeaways

• Seek absolute truth, not human perfection.
• Anchor your faith in Christ alone — not in personalities.
• Allow space for questions.
• Practice discernment (in what you consume/follow/believe).
• Extend grace — both to flawed influencers and to yourself.

Final Thoughts

What influencer or story has shaken your faith? How might God be inviting you into a deeper, freer relationship with Him beyond what any person can give?

I’d love for you to share your thoughts, so send me a message 👉🏼Contact Me