Ryan and I have been on the road in the semi-truck for several weeks now for my training. The training is six weeks before returning to Jackson for my upgrade test to become an official employee.

I have been to more US states in the last few weeks than my entire life. There is so much material for blogs that I cannot write at all. We have been so busy that I have not had time to gather my thoughts because all I care about now is not crashing the truck.

However, one topic did stop me in my tracks enough to make time for a blog: Andy Stanley. This post is not about Charles Stanley. This is about Charles Stanley’s son, Andy. I’ve listened to a few things Andy Stanley has said over the years, which was enough to say he was a false teacher. The thoughts must have been dormant when suddenly awakened by a metaphorical emergency submarine alarm: “DANGER! DANGER!” via a text from Ryan’s dad innocently stating he was listening to something by the (false) preacher.

Ryan immediately pleaded with his dad to be careful when listening to him. While we both were hesitant, I told Ryan we should listen to what his dad recommended so we could be open-minded and also give an honest response on why Andy Stanley is so dangerous to the church and Christians.

We did. We listened to a video. Neither of us interrupted but continued to listen, even though we both were mutually quietly dying on the inside. Ryan finally paused it and asked what I had learned so far.

I said, “Nothing.” Not once in the 28 minutes we had listened had Andy Stanley mentioned God, and neither quoted scripture or said anything of substance. If we are going to be fair at all, at the beginning of the video, he does state he wanted to talk about the foundation of the book and explain how he started the church and wrote his book, “Irresistable”. Not once, though, did he mention God’s work. He mentioned his success. It was all gobble-goo-wooing the audience to buy his book. We were listening to a pyramid scheme, waiting for the catch. Andy Stanley mentioned that he was not seeking to sell his book but also added he would have to put a mortgage on his house if he gave every mega-church member a copy.

After some searching, Ryan found that Andy Stanley could afford to give everyone a copy as some sources reported his net worth is $50 million. There is nothing wrong with having money, but there is something wrong when it is taken from the “widow’s mite” or under the teachings of a prosperity gospel as if Jesus were a genie. I don’t know this as a fact, so adding that detail is gossip. Another source says $3 million. This is not the point, as nothing was redeeming about this. At least they did not find money in the walls… yet. (Name that fiasco…)

We are moving on. We decided to give the benefit of the doubt and try another sermon.

It never got better. We kept listening to the words coming out of Andy Stanley’s mouth, including they do not teach the Bible at his church. At least he’s not hiding it, I guess. He stated that he does not like using the words “the Bible says” but instead says “James the brother of Jesus says” or “Paul says”. He states that it’s unfortunate most Christians use the Bible as the foundation of their faith. In another, he disregards the Old Testament and the law of Moses.

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
– Matthew 5:17-20

He wants his church to be where the “unchurched” feel comfortable. He wants to make a place where people not inclined to go to church feel welcomed and are more likely to attend more often.

In summary, we found that Andy Stanley was more interested in church growth than the church’s health. He is a motivational speaker using the word church to make his business successful, which sounds like piggybacking off the Stanley name.

In recent news, his church is hosting an LGBTQ event/conference, and he stated that he wishes more straight people had the faith of gays. The gay people serve the church more and are more involved than straight people. He knows what Romans 1, Leviticus, and Corinthians say but sweeps that under the rug because gays are more faithful than straight people.

This states that the “gays” are under a work-based faith and serving the church as a good work. They can honestly say they served at church and felt good doing so. I’m also sure they DO have more faith, but more faith in what?

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8

Jesus answered, “The will of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” – John 6:29

There is nothing wrong with gay people attending church or serving. The problem is the entire point that Jesus is not enough for Andy Stanley and that a sinful lifestyle is not only allowed but encouraged by a man who is the leader of a church. However, Andy Stanley does not teach the Bible at his church (his own words), so who would know the difference? Jesus ate with the sinners, but he did not encourage their lifestyle. He called them to repent. He called them to leave it behind and follow Him, stating that “those who lose their life for His sake will find it.”

He is tickling ears, and the true sheep are starving for truth. On the other hand, as a Christian, I could not imagine being able to stay at Northpoint. I’ve been listening to video after video trying to find something solid, especially when I thought to write a blog about it. There is no doubt that he says some good things, but what he says is like a business meeting and has nothing to do with Christ at all. He says everything he, Andy Stanley, has done and mentions God so little. He has spent years growing his church but now claims to have a church that doesn’t preach the gospel. What he has now is an Amway meeting.

It’s no wonder the world is where it is. These so-called teachers are not preaching God’s word; if they were, their churches would not be filled with carnal people looking to attend as God’s word is offensive to the world, and darkness runs from the light. Instead, Andy Stanley draws the world to his church and tickles their ears. He is preaching to ignore the Old Testament, that the Bible does not mention Jesus’s resurrection, and that the Bible should not be the foundation for the Christian faith.

This isn’t just about Andy Stanley, but you can replace the name with any mega-church pastor and write the same things. God doesn’t need a musical performance or a coffee bar to draw people to church. Jesus says his sheep hear His voice and follow Him. God’s people will not need a live band and laser show to hear His message.

If Andy Stanley is not preaching the word of God, then who is his congregation following if they are not hearing the voice of the One true Shepherd? Andy Stanley does not believe the Bible is God’s spoken word. The Bible cannot be the final authority because Andy Stanley is.

As Christians, we are to correct each other. We are to exhort and rebuke errors. Being corrected can hurt sometimes, but it is the conviction of the Holy Spirit that changes us and corrects us. God has used my husband to humble me several times (insert cringe face here) and calls me out when I stray.

“A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” – Titus 3:10-11

Ezekiel 33-34 speaks about the false teachers and calling them out. John 10 speaks about Jesus being the true shepherd and that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. A voice of a stranger they will not follow.

Let those who have ears to hear, let them hear.

I recommend doing your own research. With discernment, it will not take long to point out flaws. All we can do is pray that his eyes are opened and he repents.

Shortly after our Andy Stanley discussion, we listened to this podcast by Good Fight Ministries mentioning Andy Stanley:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L19SHFABOQM