Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What should Christians do when a viral accusation against a pastor suddenly takes over the internet? Believe it? Share it? Defend the pastor? Or stay out of it entirely?
In this bonus episode of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul unpack the viral criticism surrounding Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell and use it to address a much bigger issue: how Christians should respond to accusations, online mobs, and criticism of spiritual leaders. The conversation explores the biblical tension between holding pastors accountable and refusing to participate in gossip, slander, or unverified accusations.
This isn't an argument that pastors are above accountability. Scripture takes the character of spiritual leaders seriously—but it also takes false accusations seriously. Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul examine biblical examples from Jesus, Paul, Stephen, Nehemiah, and the early church to help Christians discern what they're seeing online before joining the mob.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How Christians should respond to viral accusations against pastors
• Why Scripture requires evidence before entertaining an accusation against an elder
• The difference between biblical accountability and online slander
• How criticism can become a distraction from God's calling
• Why Christians must be careful about what they believe, repeat, and share
• How to support and pray for pastors facing public criticism
Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.
💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment HAT
🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop
📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download
00:00:00 - Coming Up...
00:00:16 - Join Us for Church Online!
00:01:04 - The Phillip Anthony Mitchell Controversy Explained
00:06:41 - How Should Christians Respond to Viral Pastor Accusations?
00:09:09 - Vision Requires Provision: Judas Said the Same Thing
00:15:19 - Reacting to Phillip Anthony Mitchell's Response
00:17:44 - Why All of Hell Targets Prophetic Pastors
00:19:06 - You Always Kill the Prophets: Stephen, Moses & the Pattern
00:23:42 - Advice for Pastors: Live Thrown Down, Not Mobbed Up
00:27:55 - 1 Timothy 5:19 & How to Evaluate Accusations Biblically
00:31:45 - The Enemy's Tactic: Discredit the Teacher, Not the Teaching
00:34:06 - D.L. Moody on Evangelism & Praying for Your Pastor
00:36:48 - Closing Word & Prayer for Phillip Anthony Mitchell
#livefreepodcast #lakepointechurch #joshhowerton #podcast #christian #bible
What should Christians do when a viral accusation against a pastor suddenly takes over the internet? Believe it? Share it? Defend the pastor? Or stay out of it entirely?
In this bonus episode of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul unpack the viral criticism surrounding Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell and use it to address a much bigger issue: how Christians should respond to accusations, online mobs, and criticism of spiritual leaders. The conversation explores the biblical tension between holding pastors accountable and refusing to participate in gossip, slander, or unverified accusations.
This isn't an argument that pastors are above accountability. Scripture takes the character of spiritual leaders seriously—but it also takes false accusations seriously. Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul examine biblical examples from Jesus, Paul, Stephen, Nehemiah, and the early church to help Christians discern what they're seeing online before joining the mob.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How Christians should respond to viral accusations against pastors
• Why Scripture requires evidence before entertaining an accusation against an elder
• The difference between biblical accountability and online slander
• How criticism can become a distraction from God's calling
• Why Christians must be careful about what they believe, repeat, and share
• How to support and pray for pastors facing public criticism
Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.
💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment HAT
🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop
📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download
00:00:00 - Coming Up...
00:00:16 - Join Us for Church Online!
00:01:04 - The Phillip Anthony Mitchell Controversy Explained
00:06:41 - How Should Christians Respond to Viral Pastor Accusations?
00:09:09 - Vision Requires Provision: Judas Said the Same Thing
00:15:19 - Reacting to Phillip Anthony Mitchell's Response
00:17:44 - Why All of Hell Targets Prophetic Pastors
00:19:06 - You Always Kill the Prophets: Stephen, Moses & the Pattern
00:23:42 - Advice for Pastors: Live Thrown Down, Not Mobbed Up
00:27:55 - 1 Timothy 5:19 & How to Evaluate Accusations Biblically
00:31:45 - The Enemy's Tactic: Discredit the Teacher, Not the Teaching
00:34:06 - D.L. Moody on Evangelism & Praying for Your Pastor
00:36:48 - Closing Word & Prayer for Phillip Anthony Mitchell
#livefreepodcast #lakepointechurch #joshhowerton #podcast #christian #bible
