I don’t get this trend where people who criticize a pastor with damaging views and/or actions get asked whether said pastor is a true Christian.

Why does it matter to the question? Can’t a very misguided brother do enough harm? Wouldn’t you call for repentance either way?

Being defrocked and being excommunicated are different processes. Many offenses may, of course, lead to both. But a church can find that a man must not be a pastor, who may still be called a brother. Likewise, an individual can argue the one question without opining on the other.

To put it another way, when the sheep are attacked, you protect them. You worry about whether it is a wolf, or just a seriously addled sheepdog, after the sheep are safe. If it really isn’t a wolf, you rejoice in that; and he will eventually be glad you stopped him killing sheep.

But when someone seriously believes the sheep are under attack (even if he’s wrong, but especially if he’s right), and you stop him to ask whether it’s really a wolf or just a rogue sheepdog, you shouldn’t act all huffy if he pushes you aside and runs to help the sheep.

In conclusion, I really don’t understand why the question even gets asked... unless it’s basically an attempt to trap the person and score points. That’s uncharitable to assume, so if there’s another reason people stress this question, I’d sincerely be glad to know what it is.