The following post below by Amy Spreeman from Stand Up For The Truth, drew my attention to some names mentioned, popular well known men who are part of The New Calvinists/Reformed Charismatics/YRR movement, all well known in the Reformed Circles, some of them visited South Africa recently see here : Why We Cannot Endorse Rezolution 2013 and also Here : More on the New Calvinist /YRR Mystic Tim Keller and Rezolution Conference 2013 and also see Charismaticism: fraud, lies, arrogance and deception and The New Calvinists.
It is very concerning that the names (marked in Red) below are blended in with some real heretics on this list of Rick Warren. We ask what is the connection ? What has light to do with darkness ? You decide what this means. Compromise ? Tolerance ? Apostasy ? Who is next to fall to the Purpose Driven Emerging Ecumenism in the New Calvinists , Reformed Charismatic camp Circles ?
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
(1 John 4:1 KJV)
A strong recommendation DO NOT FOLLOW this list of teachers lest you be led astray on the Wide road.
RICK WARREN’S TOP 100 PASTORS TO FOLLOW
A strange (but very telling) recommendation from Rick Warren:
Joel Osteen? T.D. Jakes??? This is quite a Facebook Post from Pastor Rick Warren. Here he tells his fans which senior pastors — the top 100 in fact – that he recommends his fans follow on Twitter.
Status Update
By Pastor Rick Warren
I encourage you to follow these senior pastors on Twitter
TOP 100 SENIOR PASTORS ON TWITTER
This list is ONLY active, Senior Pastors of local churches.
Over 1,000,000
1. Joel Osteen @JoelOsteen 1,708,237 Lakewood
2. Rick Warren @RickWarren 1,045,879 Saddleback
3. T.D. Jakes @BishopJakes 1,032,990 Potter’s House
Over 600,000
4. Marcos Witt @MarcosWitt 602,194 Lakewood Hispanic
Over 300,000
5. Mark Driscoll @PastorMark 381,326 Mars Hill
6. Louie Giglio @LouieGiglio 363,979 Passion City
7. Cash Luna @PastorCashLuna 350,674 Casa De Dios
Over 200,000
8. Andy Stanley @AndyStanley 291,437 Northpoint
9. Brian Houston @BrianCHouston 267,970 Hillsong
10.Judah Smith @JudahSmith 233,400 City
11.Matt Chandler @MattChandler74 215,357 Village
12. Matthew Barnett @MatthewBarnett 202,436 Dream Center
Over 100,000
13. David Platt @PlattDavid 195,246 Brook Hills
14. Steven Furtick @StevenFurtick 160,477 Elevation
15. Craig Groeschel @CraigGroeschel 155,636 LifeChurch
16. Ed Young @EdYoung 154,001 Fellowship
17. Joseph Prince @JosephPrince 151,898 New Creation
18. Bill Hybels @BillHybels 147,181 Willow Creek
19. David Evans @DavidGEvans1 135,520 Bethany
20. Noel Jones @BishopNoelJones 129,663 City of Refuge
21. Troy Gramling @Troy Gramling 125,245 Potential
22. Philip Mantofa @philipmantofa 124,354 Mawar Sharon
23. Timothy Dolan @CardinalDolan 122,326 St. Patrick’s
24. Pete Wilson @pwilson 120,295 Crosspoint
25. Jentezen Franklin @JentezenFranklin 120,286 Free Chapel
26. Ron Edmondson @RonEdmondson 105,720 Immanuel
Over 50,000
27. Perry Noble @PerryNoble 91,403 New Spring
28. Charles Stanley @InTouchMin 91,177 First Baptist
29. Bill Johnson @BillJohnsonBJM 89,752 Bethel
30. James MacDonald @JamesMacdonald 76,500 Harvest Bible
31. Charles Blake @BishopCEBlake 73,195 West Angeles
32. Joshua Harris @HarrisJosh 72,453 Covenant Life
33. Nicky Gumbel @NickyGumbel 70,110 Holy Trinity Brompton
34. Mark Batterson @MarkBatterson 68,660 National Community
35. Tony Evans @DrTonyEvans 64,494 Oak Cliff Bible
36. Tullian Tchividjian @PastorTullian 62,724 Coral Ridge
37. Greg Laurie @GregLaurie 61,924 Harvest
38. David Crank @DavidCrank 57,534 Faith
39. Chuck Swindoll @ChuckSwindoll 55,147 Stonebriar
40. Erwin McManus @ErwinMcmanus 52,784 Mosaic
Over 10,000
41. Chris Hill @PastorChrisHill 46,949 Potter’s House
42. Robert Morris @PsRobertMorris 45,608 Gateway
43. Charles Jenkins @CharlesJenkins 42,823 Fellowship Missionary
44. David Jeremiah @DavidJeremiah 42,392 Shadow Mountain
45. Albert Cutie @PadreAlberto 42,208 Ch. Of Resurrection
46. Chris Hodges @Chris_Hodges 38,810 Ch of the Highlands
47. Casey Treat @CaseyTreat 37,174 Christian Faith Center
48. Tim Keller @TimKellernyc 36,914 Redeemer
49. Mark Dever @MarkDever 36,294 Capitol Hill
50. Bobby Minor @BobbyMinor 34,464 Courageous Church
51. Darrin Patrick @DarrinPatrick 32,716 The Journey
52. Miles McPherson @MilesMcpherson 32,691 Rock
53. David Anderson @AndersonSpeaks 32,643 Bridgeway
54. J.D. Greear @JDGreear 32,219 Summit
55. Jeffrey Rachmat @JeffreyRachmat 31,805 Jakarta Praise
56. Matt Carter @_Matt_Carter 28,896 Austin Stone
57. David Nasser @DavidNasser 28,676 Christ City
58. Jud Wilhite @JudWihite 28,296 Central Christian
59. Kevin DeYoung @RevKevDeYoung 27,493 University Reformed
60. Johnny Hunt @JohnnymHunt 25,565 First Baptist
61. Tommy Barnett @Tommy Barnett 25,449 First Assembly
62. Stovall Weems @StovallWeems 24,531 Celebration
63. Sergio De La Mora @PastorSergio 24,114 Cornerstone
64. Greg Surratt @GregSurratt 23,813 Seacoast
65. Joel A’Bell @Joelsbell 23,432 Hillsong
66. Ron Carpenter @RonCarpenter 23,151 Redemption Outreach
67. Jonathan Falwell @JonathanFalwell 22,853 Thomas Road
68. Willie George @Willie_George 21,240 Church on the Move
69. Kerry Shook @KerryShook 20,940 Woodlands
70. Jack Graham @JacknGraham 20,293 Prestonwood
71. Derek Dunn @CyberDerek 20,156 City Harvest, Irvine
72. Ligon Duncan @LigonDuncan 19,949 First Presbyterian
73. Rudolph McKissick Jr @BishopMckJr 19,441 Bethel Baptist
74. Rich Wilkerson @RichWilkerson 19,131 Trinity
75. Dan Kimball @DanKimball 18,816 Vintage Faith Church
76. Phil Munsey @PhilMunsey 18,587 Life Church
77. Jared Wilson @JaredcWilson 18,518 Middletown Springs
78. Eric Mason @PastorEMase 18,185 Epiphany Fellowship
79. Brandon Hatmaker @BrandonHatmaker 17,836 Austin New
80. Matthew Ashimolowo @KICCLondon 17,756 Kingsway
81. Gary Clark @GaryJamesClarke 16,772 Hillsong, London
82. Burk Parsons @BurkParsons 16,707 St. Andrew’s
83. Rick Bezet @Rick_Bezet 16,422 New Life
84. Britt Merrick @BrittMerrick 15,912 Reality
85. Douglas Wilson @DouglasWils 14,126 Christ Church
86. Matt Fry @MattFry 13,182 C3 Church
87. Ray Ortlund @rayortlund 12,780 Immanuel
88. Jonathan Stockstill @Jon_Stockstill 12,266 Bethany World
89. Brady Boyd @PastorBrady 12,187 New Life
90. John Francis @BishopJFrancis 12,174 Ruach City
91. Bruce Frank @BruceFrank1 11,913 Biltmore
92. Joe Champion @JoeChampion 11,509 Celebration
93. Joey Bonifacio @JoeyBonifacio 11,414 Victory Fort
94. Thabiti Anyabwile @ThabitiAnyabwil 11,022 First Baptist
95. Bob Roberts Jr. @BobRobertsjr 10,890 NorthWood
96. Andreas Nielsen @AndresNielsen 10,745 Hillsong Stockholm
97. Ronnie Floyd @RonnieFloyd 10,722 Cross Church
98. Greg Locke @PastorLocke 10,450 Global Vision Bible
99. Ray McCauley @PsRayMcCauley 10,327 Rhema Bible
100. Dave Stone @DaveStone920 9,462 Southeast Christian
Update: The post on Rick Warren’s page has now been removed.
HL : http://standupforthetruth.com/2013/05/rick-warrens-top-100-pastors-to-follow/
For the Love of His Truth 
thank you thank you for the list that we should not follow.
NICO
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Nico, we have noticed the post on Rick Warren’s page has now been removed. It kinda leaves one with many questions. Or not ?
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I’m unclear about the names in red…these pastors are worse or better than the others? I’m also wondering…did all those pastors even know they were going to be put on that recommended list. Wondering what the criteria was. I have dear loved ones that attend Matt Carter’s church (Austin Stone). I thought that church was quite sound.
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Susan
The names in red are those who like to refer to themselves as being of the Reformed faith, when in reality they are far from it and rather they are New Calvinist or Reformed Charismatics. Best to avoid these so-called Young and Restless modernists, there are other sound teachers whom one can follow greater confidence, and who preach according to Biblical truth. I really don’t know enough about Matt Carter and his church to give you an informed opinion. Maybe someone else here would be able to give Susan more info?
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Susan,
In order for you to understand , who and what the New Calvinist or Reformed Charismatics/YRR are, read the links in the first paragraph.
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A lot of these names I have not heard of, but I have heard/read from Chuck Swindoll and David Platt, and I for one don’t seem to have a problem with them. Please, can anyone comment as to why I should be concerned with these 2 names?
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Wlehman,
I suggest you read here : Chuck Swindoll A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
http://www.dividingword.net/Wolves%20Exposed/Charles%20Swindoll.html
And here : http://apprising.org/2012/05/30/chuck-swindoll-points-us-to-roman-catholic-mystic-henri-nouwen-again/
Here is more http://youtu.be/TMrPPPeOvPE
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I believe that rick warren compiled this list based upon how many hits that they received on twitter? It really doesn’t have as much to do with who is sound as it does that criteria? Just because someone is popular online does not necessarily mean that they are unsound theologically. Having said that, it is true that there are quite a number of pastors listed here that are unsound (i.e. Keller and Swindoll) and some are heretics ( TD Jakes, Osteen) On the other hand I would not consider Mark Dever or Ligon Duncan as unsound or characterize them as New Calvinists. Both men have large churches in metro areas, and both speak with the Ligonier Conferences which could account for their popularity, but they are sound theologically.
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Julie,
Does it matter how the list of Warren was compiled from twitter followers or church membership ? We should go look what the Bible says about popularity of men and following them. We must rather then take note of what the Apostle Paul said, in 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, to the church in Corinth. We find some things to consider as the commentary of 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 as Henry Mahan explains to us in his Bible commentaries.
God gave the increase
1Co_3:1-9
In chapter 3 Paul returns to the subject of divisions and problems in the church, which was the occasion for this epistle.
1Co_3:1. Quite frankly, Paul is saying to the Corinthian brethren (he softens the harshness of his rebuke by calling them ‘brethren’), ‘I have not been able to talk to you as I would talk to mature, spiritual men and women because you are indicating by your attitude and behavior that you are mere infants in the faith. More than that, you are acting like natural, worldly people. You behave as non-spiritual men of flesh in whom the carnal nature predominates.’ Sometimes the term ‘babes in Christ’ is taken in a good sense (1Pe_2:2; Luk_18:17). Here it is not good, for it refers to the understanding and the attitude (1Co_14:20).
1Co_3:2. Paul refers more to the manner and form of his teaching than to the substance of the doctrine, for Christ is both milk to babes and strong meat to those of full age. But there is a growth in grace and in the knowledge of Christ which was hindered by their attitude and carnality. The wise teacher begins with the first principles of Christ and moves higher in the mysteries and wisdom of Christ as the hearer is able to follow (Mar_4:33; Joh_16:12). The gospel of Christ contains everything necessary to be known. Spiritual growth enables a person to drink deeper, comprehend more of the riches of Christ and mature in faith and conduct. We don’t have one message for young believers and another for elders. The elders are able to see and understand more of the riches in Christ because of their maturity. This was the Corinthian problem – growth impeded by carnality and childishness.
1Co_3:3. To prove that the carnal nature prevailed in them and that they were not spiritually mature believers, Paul calls attention to their ‘envy, strife and divisions.’ These are fruits of the flesh and, where they prevail, it is evident that the partakers are not spiritual but carnal! (Gal_5:22.) ‘You are behaving like unregenerate men.’ From envy comes strife, and strife leads to open divisions and factions.
1Co_3:4. Paul specifies the particular form of division. One group was a fan club for Paul and set him up as their master above all others. Others said, ‘We prefer Apollos; we don’t care for Paul.’ Some preferred Peter (1Co_1:12), while others rejected all ministers and claimed only to be followers of Christ. ‘Is not this a demonstration of carnality and flesh?’
1Co_3:5. ‘Who is Paul? Who is Apollos? What are they? They are only ministering servants of the Lord Jesus through whom you heard the gospel.’ They are not masters, nor party heads, nor lords. They are only instruments in the hands of the Master to feed his flock (Mat_23:8-12). The pastors are to be respected, heeded and followed as they follow Christ, but they are not to be sources of contention, nor are they to lord it over God’s heritage (Heb_13:17; 1Pe_5:1-5).
1Co_3:6. If the earth is to bring forth fruit, there is need of ploughing, planting and watering. But after all this is done, our labour would be in vain unless the Lord from heaven gives the increase by giving life through the sun and by his secret influence. In like manner, the word of God is the seed. His faithful servants plough, plant and water, but life is the miracle of divine grace! He who has received the seed has need of watering until full maturity is reached. Apollos, then, who succeeded Paul in the ministry of Corinth, is said to have watered what Paul had sown.
1Co_3:7. ‘So neither is he who plants anything special, nor he who waters, but only God, who makes it live, grow and become greater.’ Ministers of the word are laborers together with God, ministers of Christ and stewards of the grace of God, and are to be loved, respected and heard. But they are nothing in themselves! They have nothing except what they have received. All their gifts are from God. Nothing is to be ascribed to them directly, but all glory is to our Lord (1Co_1:31).
1Co_3:8. The planter and the waterer are one. They preach one gospel. Their views, aims and end (which are the glory of God and the good of the church) are one! They have the same love and affections for one another, so there is no reason for the church to be divided over them. ‘Every man will receive his own reward according to his labour.’ While the servants’ labors are different, their goal is the same – not to catch the applause and approval of the world, but to please and glorify the Lord. This is not a reward of debt (for our labors are by no means meritorious) but to hear him say, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’
1Co_3:9. This sums up what has gone before and is the best argument of all, ‘We are all fellow-laborers, fellow-workmen and joint-promoters with and for God. It is the Lord’s work in which we are employed, and it is to him we devote ourselves and our service. You are God’s garden, field and vineyard under cultivation; you are God’s building. We ministers are but his laborers’ (Isa_60:21).
As for Mark Dever or Ligon Duncan , I am not so sure they are sound, AS they are part of the New Calvinist/Reformed Charismatic/YRR movement and the Gospel Coalition. There seems to be a great agreement in Ecumenism among them all.
Characteristics of New Calvinism
New Calvinism is a broad church, with a wide range of beliefs, doctrines and practices. The Gospel Coalition (TGC), which started in 2007 with a conference headlined by Don Carson, Tim Keller and John Piper, was a significant event, for the Coalition has become a national network for the New Calvinist movement. Theologian Don Carson wrote the original draft of the confessional statement, while Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church,New York, wrote the theological call to ministry. The Gospel Coalition Council boasts familiar names like Tim Keller, John Piper, Matt Chandler, Mark Driscoll, Mark Dever, Al Mohler and Joshua Harris. Coalition leaders explain that they are not a ‘boundary set’, for that would mean nailing down the outer limits of who is ‘in’ and who is ‘out’, and that they do not want. As a consequence just about everyone is welcome to join the TGC Network, whatever their doctrinal beliefs.
While there are certain characteristics around which New Calvinists are united, it is a broad movement, and not all practice their faith in the same way. While most claim to be faithful to Scripture, and to follow the essential tenets of Calvin’s theology, many are marked by a love for the ways and things of the world, which manifests itself in unbecoming conduct that is far removed from the ways and beliefs of traditional Calvinists and Puritans. Here are some of the key characteristics of New Calvinism:
1. Doctrinal errors
New Calvinism has a reputation for teaching the biblical doctrines of Calvin (TULIP). Charles Haddon Spurgeon and Jonathan Edwards are held up as heroes of the movement. But the reality is that while paying lip service to Calvin, Spurgeon and Edwards, New Calvinism, in fact, is weak in matters of doctrine. READ MORE HERE – http://www.newcalvinist.com/characteristics-of-new-calvinism/
Further as far as I know Ligon Duncan signed the Manhattan Declaration , that is pure ECUMENISM !! So did a lot of so called sound Pastor/Leaders.
You can also read the following articles on our blog concerning the New Calvinists/Reformed Charismatics from the Gospel Coalition.
Why We Cannot Endorse Rezolution 2013 and also Here : More on the New Calvinist /YRR Mystic Tim Keller and Rezolution Conference 2013 and also see Charismaticism: fraud, lies, arrogance and deception and The New Calvinists.
So in the end we must take great care and note of the Apostle Paul’s Words, “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.”
(1 Corinthians 3:2-23 KJV)
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Julie, it would also be a good idea if you read here an extensive compilation of who the New Calvinist/Reformed Charismatics of the Gospel Coalition are and what they stand for and what are the serious doctrinal errors of the Movment. http://www.newcalvinist.com/
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Hi Elmarie, you are lumping alot of people into one group. I went to Mark Dever’s church in DC for a number of months and heard him preach. He is not a charismatic. This is confusing, I know because CJ mahaney is charismatic and they are both in the gospel coalition. I agree with you that there are a number of folks in that group whose doctrine and practice is questionable and maybe even extremely problematic. Just not sure Dever fits into that? though you may be right. I moved away from the DC area in 2006 and things could have changed since then.
Also, I agree with you that we are not to hold people up to some sort of cult status. Quite right. But at the same time there are large churches out there that are still solid. I think of John MacArthur’s church in California. Spurgeon whom you quote had thousands at his services as well. That is what I thought was the criteria for Warren’s list.
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Julie,
No I am not understanding what you mean ? This list cam from Rick Warren.
No, it is not if one understands what the New Calvinist Movement is about. You will find other articles on this blog discussing the movement. I fully understand the movement and their dangers, hence me making others aware of it. I quote “New Calvinism is a broad church, with a wide range of beliefs, doctrines and practices. The Gospel Coalition (TGC), which started in 2007 with a conference headlined by Don Carson, Tim Keller and John Piper, was a significant event, for the Coalition has become a national network for the New Calvinist movement. Theologian Don Carson wrote the original draft of the confessional statement, while Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church,New York, wrote the theological call to ministry. The Gospel Coalition Council boasts familiar names like Tim Keller, John Piper, Matt Chandler, Mark Driscoll, Mark Dever, Al Mohler and Joshua Harris. Coalition leaders explain that they are not a ‘boundary set’, for that would mean nailing down the outer limits of who is ‘in’ and who is ‘out’, and that they do not want. As a consequence just about everyone is welcome to join the TGC Network, whatever their doctrinal beliefs.
While there are certain characteristics around which New Calvinists are united, it is a broad movement, and not all practice their faith in the same way. While most claim to be faithful to Scripture, and to follow the essential tenets of Calvin’s theology, many are marked by a love for the ways and things of the world, which manifests itself in unbecoming conduct that is far removed from the ways and beliefs of traditional Calvinists and Puritans. Here are some of the key characteristics of New Calvinism: ” see more here importand reading to understand fully the impact this movement is having on the Reformed church http://www.newcalvinist.com/characteristics-of-new-calvinism/
This movement is all about “Will Worship” and should be rejected. Most of the leaders signed the Manhattan Declaration which is totaly Ecumenical and not Biblical. “But the most abominable form of idolatry in the world is that which Paul calls “will worship”, the worship of yourself (Col. 2:23). Those who attribute salvation in whole or in part to the will, work, or worth of man are the most abominably evil idolaters in the world, for they worship themselves. Freewillism is the worship of self. Legalism is the worship self. Free-will works religion makes man his own Savior, for it makes the will, work, or worth of man the determining factor in salvation.
Now hear me well – If your salvation in whole or in part is looked upon by you as something that is dependent upon or determined by your will or your works, you are a lost, Christless soul, and idolater. You may talk about God and grace, Christ and redemption, the Holy Spirit and regeneration; but you really worship yourself. You trust in your own decision. Your confidence is in your personal goodness. Your peace is derived not from what Christ has done, but from what you have done. In your opinion the thing that separates you from the damned is not the will of God, the work of Christ, and the call of the Spirit, but your own will, your own work, and your own worth.”
Secondly, ARMINIAN, FREEWILL, WORKS RELIGION IS NOT CHRISTIAN, BUT ANTICHRIST RELIGION. This is not my opinion, but that which the Holy Spirit has clearly revealed in Holy Scripture (Gal. 1:6-9; 5:2, 4; Col. 2:23). Those who deny the accomplishment of redemption and the certain salvation of the redeemed deny that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. “This is a deceiver or and an antichrist” (II John 7). If Arminianism is embraced as Christianity, then Mormonism, Campbellism, Russellism, and Romanism must also be embraced. In that case, the reformation was a horrendous mistake, our forefathers died for nothing, and the sooner we all unite with Rome the better! See article here : https://fortheloveofhistruth.com/2013/05/29/grace-or-works/
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