I am not a follower of Mike Winger’s posts; however, I have heard Mike Winger described by some as a “self-appointed church policeman.” That phrase is clearly meant to be dismissive, implying that he lacks ecclesial authorization and was never formally sent by any recognized church body to do the work he is now doing online.

With full disclosure, I have not had the time—or frankly the desire—to watch his five-hour exposé on Bethel’s handling of Shawn Boltz. Nevertheless, the moment we are in raises important theological and pastoral questions that go far beyond one video, one teacher, or one scandal. These questions concern the legitimacy, dangers, and potential usefulness of ministries built around public exposure of sin and unethical leadership within the church.

 In light of recent events, I propose the following principles to help discern whether ministries of this kind have a legitimate place within the body of Christ.

1. Self-appointed is not always bad

 The term “self-appointed” is often used as a theological insult, but it is not always accurate or fair. History shows that established ecclesial bodies sometimes turn a blind eye when one of their own leaders abuses others or persists in unrepentant sin. In such cases, silence from official structures can create the very vacuum that “self-appointed” voices step into.
Consequently, the internet has made the world “flat”.  It has given us countless unqualified teachers who make a living spreading falsehoods, abusing the prophetic, perverting Scripture, and promoting conspiracy theories. At the same time, it has allowed information to surface that mainstream media—and sometimes church institutions themselves—would never address. In the case of Shawn Boltz, a public voice was needed on behalf of victims precisely because no recognized ecclesiastical authority took decisive, public action. Bethel’s eventual response, in many ways, vindicated the core accusations that Mike Winger brought forward.

2. Self-appointed is not always unbiblical

Romans 10:15 reminds us that preaching ordinarily flows from being sent. Yet the same apostle Paul also insisted that his calling did not originate through human agency but through direct revelation from Jesus Christ (Galatians 1). Moses (Exodus 3) and the prophet Jeremiah were similarly called and commissioned by God before any human endorsement (Jeremiah 1).

Scripture, therefore, allows for moments when individuals are compelled by God to speak, write, or warn—even in the absence of formal ecclesial commissioning.

 3. The apostle Paul communicated directly to congregations

Scripture reveals that, many times (1, 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, 1, 2nd Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians), Paul addressed letters to congregations. Thus, he expected everyone to have discernment.

4. The test of calling is biblical fidelity

Any claimed calling must be measured against Scripture and biblical ethics. No amount of exposure, documentation, or popularity can substitute for faithfulness to the whole counsel of God, including commands regarding truthfulness, public rebuke, fairness, restraint, and love.

5. It should resonate with legitimate gospel leaders

While no minister needs universal approval, there should be some recognition from credible, mature leaders within the broader body of Christ. Total isolation is rarely a sign of God’s calling. (Mike Winger’s expose seems to have resonated broadly in the church, even validated by Bethel’s public response Sunday.)

6. All accusations should be verified by the testimony of at least 2-3 credible independent witnesses (1 Tim. 5:19) 

Posting Accusations without any credible witnesses is irresponsible. 

7. It must bear good fruit

Jesus taught that we know a tree by its fruit. In the case of Shawn Boltz, one measure of good fruit is his stepping away from public ministry and the possibility—prayerfully hoped for—of genuine repentance and restoration. Exposure that leads to humility, repentance, and protection of the vulnerable can serve redemptive ends.

8. It should ultimately glorify Christ

The final aim must never be the exaltation of the exposer. If an investigation results in Christ being honored, the church being purified, and victims being heard, then—even if imperfectly—it may serve a God-honoring purpose. In this sense, Mike Winger’s work could contribute to a necessary reckoning in how certain ecclesial movements promote, platform, and police ministries.

9. It should be balanced

Some reports suggest that Mike Winger’s intent was not to dismantle charismatic theology wholesale. By most accounts, he himself affirms the continuation of spiritual gifts. If so, that matters. Critiques that seek reform rather than destruction are far more valuable than critiques driven by ideological warfare.

10. It should serve as a warning to others

This situation highlights the sobering power of social media. Public figures in prophetic or teaching ministries must recognize that platforms amplify both gifting and accountability. Ideally, this exposé will cause others with questionable practices to walk more carefully in the fear of the Lord and to repent where necessary.

11. It must avoid becoming a ministry of perpetual suspicion

Here is where I believe the greatest danger lies. Even when exposure is warranted, a steady diet of scandal trains believers to view the church primarily through the lens of suspicion.

In the case of Shawn Boltz, we should avoid incriminating leaders who shared a platform with Shawn in the past, since we cannot assume they were aware of his abusive practices 

12. It should move from exposure to restoration and reform

The ultimate goal of confronting sin is not public humiliation but redemption, protection of the vulnerable, and structural reform. The church does not merely need correction; it needs reformation shaped by the cross.

In conclusion, the rise of so-called “self-appointed church police” reflects both the failures of institutional accountability and the potential dangers of unregulated online authority. Ministries like Mike Winger’s should neither be canonized nor dismissed outright. They must be weighed carefully, biblically, and pastorally. The church must learn to confront sin without becoming accusatory in nature, to pursue truth without forfeiting love, and to protect the flock without surrendering to either silence or sensationalism.