Season: 13 Episode: 186
Summary:
George Janko, Russell Brand—what do we do with popular influencers who are on a public faith journey? In this episode, I share my honest thoughts on the rise of online Christian voices, the risks of platforming spiritual newbies, and why discernment is so critical for believers—especially those still learning biblical truth. I’m not here to cancel anyone, but I am here to help you think critically about who you’re letting disciple you.
I bring on my friend, Vanessa Hunt, to discuss the problems with John Mark Comer. We unpack the red flags in his theology and sources, and explore why his books have become the top picks for Christian discipleship. This episode runs longer than usual—but it’s a must-listen.
Find Vanessa At The Picket Fence
About Vanessa
Vanessa Hunt is a Willamette Valley, Oregon based author and speaker who is passionate about helping women develop a solid Biblical worldview through which they will be better equipped to navigate the culture, workplace, marriage and parenting. She offers encouragement and inspiration on her website At the Picket Fence and in her book, ‘Life in Season: Celebrating the Moments that Fill Your Heart and Home’. Her greatest joys are her husband Robb and their two mostly-grown children. Vanessa and Robb are Outpost Directors for their local Stand to Reason apologetics class. She is a regular contributor to Clear Truth Media, Servants of Grace and Club31 Women.
Welcome
Welcome back to another episode of the Her Faith Inspires podcast, where we take cultural issues and examine them through the lens of biblical truth. Today, we’re diving into the topic of online influencers and the growing number of public voices who claim the Christian label. I’ve wanted to tackle this for a while now because many of the people I’ll mention in this episode have come across my radar in recent months, either through reels I’ve reacted to or posts I’ve shared.
Later in the show, I’ll be joined by Vanessa Hunt from @thepicketfence to talk about John Mark Comer. She’s done more in-depth research than I have and reached out after I posted one of his books to my IG stories. Dozens of you responded with warnings or support for him, and we’re going to unpack that.
Though this is technically a solo episode, it also includes a guest interview. So I’ll still do my Behind the Lines segment, but I’ll keep it short since Vanessa and I talked longer than expected. Honestly, I could’ve kept going—she’s that insightful. It’s such a blessing to see how God uses social media to connect His people. That said, while we need discernment about who we let influence us, the tools themselves—like social media or even AI—aren’t inherently bad. Like anything else, they can be used for good or harm depending on how we engage with them.
Between the Lines
First, thank you for all the messages about my son Weston’s engagement. You all know I’ve been navigating the emotions of launching a child, but I won’t dwell on that today. I did want to share that some older women reached out with encouragement. They said life changes when your kids move out and get married—but it’s also fun.
This got me thinking: younger women, sometimes older women don’t speak up because they don’t want to overstep. They might not realize you’re looking for guidance unless you say something. So if you’re younger, don’t be afraid to seek out a godly mentor. And if you’re older, don’t be afraid to step up when you see a need.
That’s what Titus 2 is all about.
Now, someone asked how I feel about my nineteen-year-old getting engaged. Honestly? I love it. If you go back to my episode about “Project or Partner” from nearly two years ago, you’ll hear me say I want my boys to marry young. My husband was 19 when he proposed to me—and he didn’t even have a job. What were our parents thinking?!
But here’s the thing: marrying young, especially as Christian kids, can help avoid temptation. You grow together, struggle together, and build dreams together. I’ve lived that reality. And yes, I’m almost six years older than my husband, so I’ve seen it from both sides. If my sons find godly women and are ready? I say go for it. Their wedding is in November, so it’s coming quickly!
My pastor recently shared stats: decades ago, the average age of marriage was 21 for men and 19 for women. Today, it’s 31 and 29. That’s a big shift. With the sexual revolution and no-fault divorce, marriage has been delayed or avoided, weakening family foundations. I don’t think society is better for it.
One last update—our bees are coming this week! I’m nervous about getting stung, but I’m excited to harvest our own honey. We’ve painted the boxes, set up everything, and just need to add fencing. My oldest son and I are tackling this together, and I’ll keep you posted on IG and Facebook.
Online Influencers
Let’s talk about influencers like George Janko and Russell Brand. In recent years, they’ve become more visible in Christian spaces online. I don’t know everything about George, but my brother listens to him and respects him. I’ve watched George change his mind about cussing mid-interview with Girls Gone Bible. That shows coachability.
However, I’ve also seen him wrestle with key doctrines—like eternal judgment. In one interview with Ben Carson, he questioned why God allows eternal suffering in Hell. When I shared that reel, a follower said George would probably listen if I explained it to him biblically.
That’s the tension: these men are on public faith journeys. But should they be teaching others while still figuring it out themselves? If you’re a baby Christian or unfamiliar with Scripture, it’s hard to know what’s sound doctrine and what’s confusion. That’s my concern—not that they’re on a journey, but that they’re leading while still learning.
The same goes for Russell Brand. He’s clearly maturing, but he’s also fresh out of the New Age, and remnants of that worldview have surfaced in his content. He’s growing—but I wouldn’t point someone to him for theological grounding. These platforms are powerful, and without biblical depth, they can mislead well-meaning followers.
Endorsements, Responsibility, and Discernment
A few weeks ago, I posted a quote from Lisa Bevere on gossip. Biblically accurate. But I got pushback—some said I shouldn’t share her content because it might lead people to follow her.
Two things:
- You are responsible for what you consume. I will make it clear when I endorse something. But if I post a quote and don’t say, “Read this book” or “Follow this person,” it’s not an endorsement.
Scripture is clear: we are to take every thought captive (2 Cor. 10:5), guard our hearts (Prov. 4:23), and avoid deception (Col. 2:8). You are responsible for what you allow into your mind.
- Truth stands, no matter who says it. That doesn’t mean sources don’t matter—they do. But cancel culture can go too far. We must discern. Just because someone says one true thing doesn’t mean we should follow them blindly. Conversely, just because someone has made mistakes doesn’t mean they can’t ever say something true.
Bottom line: exercise discernment. You are responsible for your own discipleship. God commands us to guard our minds and hearts, and that means choosing our influences wisely.
3 Guidelines for Choosing Christian Influencers
1. Biblical Fidelity Over Popularity
Seek influencers who handle Scripture with care, reverence, and accuracy. They should prioritize the authority of God’s Word over trends or personal experience. Popularity isn’t a measure of truth. Just because someone goes viral doesn’t mean they’re biblically solid.
Think of Wes Huff. He was relatively unknown until his appearance on Joe Rogan. Now everyone wants to hear from him. But his message hasn’t changed. He was faithful before the spotlight.
2. Theological Clarity and Conviction
Sound teachers communicate the essentials of Christianity clearly: the deity of Christ, salvation by grace, the authority of Scripture, and the need for repentance. They don’t dilute truth for relevance. Their goal is to elevate Christ—not themselves.
As J.P. Moreland says, “The Christian is here primarily to serve a Name, not to make a name.” That’s the heartbeat of a solid influencer.
3. Integrity in Life and Teaching
Look for fruit. A good teacher lives what they preach. They’re connected to a local church and have spiritual accountability. They don’t operate as lone voices. Their lives should show humility, growth, and obedience.
Jesus told the Pharisees that their actions revealed their spiritual allegiance. John echoed this in 1 John, saying those who practice unrighteousness walk in darkness. Public platforms don’t tell the whole story—watch how they live.
Now let’s talk to Vanessa Hunt.
Question One
What do you know about John Mark Comer and when did you first learn of him?
Question Two
Why do you think people are drawn to his message?
Question Three
What do you find is dangerous about JMC?
Question Four
What do you say to Christians who believe it’s OK to listen to read his books even if you don’t agree with everything he says?
This is the link to the Exorcist Files podcast that Tammy Comer was on when she talked about being the victim of a generational curse:
And then these are the videos where Chris Rosebrough critiques Comer’s sermons on Creational Monotheism:
Biblical Influence Checklist: How to Spot Trustworthy Christian Voices Online
1. Do they teach the Bible in context?
- Are they committed to Scripture as the final authority?
- Do they avoid using verses as soundbites?
- Do they point you back to God’s Word more than their platform?
2. Are they theologically grounded?
- Do they clearly communicate core doctrines?
- Do they call out error with grace and clarity?
- Are they consistent, even when the truth is unpopular?
3. Do their lives reflect what they teach?
- Are they submitted to a local church or accountability?
- Do they show humility and pursue discipleship?
- Is there good fruit in their life and ministry?
Resources
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