What do Pentecostals/Charismatics Think of Benny Hinn?

[Koey]

That's what bothers me. You guys are right! TV is where the gospel message is played out today and is the only place MANY people will see it. The problem with that is the particular gospel being preached is not always a TRUE gospel, but Jesus as ENABLER instead of as SAVIOR, the gospel of health and wealth instead of the gospel of salvation from our sins, easy-believism instead of repentance and faith.

 

[JimB]

Are you familiar that BH is seen around the world and goes into many countries where no other form of gospel is preached . This no doubt is costly and yes maybe a lot of the cost falls upon followers in USA but believe me every one of those $ US equates to many 3rd world souls whom God loves as much as a US soul. And do I believe that reward is shared with every person who was part of bringing a blessing to another - YES I do

Are you aware that missionaries overseas (my brother serves in Malawi, East Africa) have the same problem as I do in presenting a genuine form Christianity to nonbelievers because of Americanized televangelism TV?
Talk to a frontline missionary about it.
\o/

 

[Koey]

Are you aware that missionaries overseas (my brother serves in Malawi, East Africa) have the same problem as I do in presenting a genuine form Christianity to nonbelievers because of Americanized televangelism TV?
Talk to a frontline missionary about it.
\o/

That is SO true. I imagine it must be sooooooooo very hard for your brother. I thought we only had that problem in the west. Even long time Christians are suckered into the bad theology and often heretical teachings of televangelists. To inoculate people against wacky TV cartoon versions of Christianity is a constant struggle.

 

[TasManOfGod]

I have heard many stories of missionaries being in countries for years and not one soul gets saved . An evangelist filled with the Holy Spirit however goes int the same country and people get healed in the name of Jesus, trow down crutches and millions including muslims get saved. Is it any wonder that you hear negative comments from "missionaries" I wonder why?

 

[Suffolk Sean]

I have heard many stories of missionaries being in countries for years and not one soul gets saved . An evangelist filled with the Holy Spirit however goes int the same country and people get healed in the name of Jesus, trow down crutches and millions including muslims get saved. Is it any wonder that you hear negative comments from "missionaries" I wonder why?

Man I think that is stepping over the line. First, you are generalizing. Second, not every evangelist has these great meetings. Third, I have heard stories firsthand about the "wake of destruction" left behind after some of these meetings. I know there are some great guys out there doing the Lord's work with pure heart. But don't be so quick to think all of them are the "bee's knees" in bringing the gospel to the world.

 

[JimB]

I have heard many stories of missionaries being in countries for years and not one soul gets saved . An evangelist filled with the Holy Spirit however goes int the same country and people get healed in the name of Jesus, trow down crutches and millions including muslims get saved. Is it any wonder that you hear negative comments from "missionaries" I wonder why?

Man. Tas, where do you get your information? From TBN press releases? You need to turn your TV off and talk to some real missionaries.

I agree with Sean, you have edged over the line a bit.

\o/

 

[TasManOfGod]

Man. Tas, where do you get your information? From TBN press releases? You need to turn your TV off and talk to some real missionaries.

I agree with Sean, you have edged over the line a bit.

\o/

I think I would "edge over the line" if I was to name the missionaries involved, however before my God I would not do such a thing. God loves them for the work they have done and their heart that was in it. By the same token as you are judging the works of others and its effectiveness perhaps you will allow me to do likewise.

 

[JimB]

I think I would "edge over the line" if I was to name the missionaries involved, however before my God I would not do such a thing. God loves them for the work they have done and their heart that was in it. By the same token as you are judging the works of others and its effectiveness perhaps you will allow me to do likewise.

Sure, if your information is first-hand.

My brother, a missionary in Africa, dreads when big-time hyped ministries come to his country. They hype the crusade, set up their TV cameras, don’t come in themselves until the day of the crusade, stay in the most luxurious hotel available, refuse to personally meet with field missionaries or pastors, do not have contact with any indigenous people, and fly out the day the crusade is over without setting up follow-up networks to disciple the converts. Crowds in his country are easy to get. Put up a tent and they will come by the thousands. In the culture he works, politeness is a virtue (unlike in the U.S.) and when a preacher invites people to come forward, they do so out of courtesy, also by the thousands, especially if a free gift (book, Bible, etc.) sweetens the deal, not necessarily because they are drawn by the Spirit. All of this is, of course, captured on videotape to be shown on TV back in the States to show how great the ministry you are supporting really is. Mostly, it’s just smoke and mirrors.

In the wake of these “missionary” televangelism crusades, clean-up only takes more time away from the work of real missions and churches do not grow in size nor are converts discipled. It turns out to be just one big photo-op for the “ministry” and sure looks good on TV back in the states.

The real work is done in church plants by indigenous pastors. Only the TV evangelist get the credit (and the financial reward).

Are there exceptions to this. Of course. It’s just that my brother has never seen an exception to it.

\o/

 

[TasManOfGod]

What is your brothers name Jim Perhaps we could run a check on him too eh?

 

[Suffolk Sean]

What is your brothers name Jim Perhaps we could run a check on him too eh?

Tas, I think you are missing the point.

 

[Shannonkish]

Maybe if there were no Benny Hinns of this world there would be fewer converts and pastors like yourself might find life even more difficult

And how do you know that these "converts" are genuine Christians? I went to the altar 15 times before I realized what I was actually doing. Just because they go down during an altar call and prayer a prayer does NOT signify that they are born again Christians whose inheritance is Heaven.

As Christians we need to get out of this mindset that Christianity is just about praying a one time prayer and that's it... it is a life... you have to walk it daily to reap the rewards.

 

[Shannonkish]

Tas, I think you are missing the point.

Tas, missing the point? NEVER... :sarcasm:

 

[JimB]

What is your brothers name Jim Perhaps we could run a check on him too eh?

Wow, Tas, you are crossing the line again. If you were within reach, you might regret having talked about my brother like that. Just kidding, of course, but talking about flesh and blood is fighting words.

If you really want to know my brother’s name, just PM me and I’ll give you his name, address, email, denomination, webpage, etc. I just hope you will send him an offering along with the ones you send to televangelists.

He really deserves it.

\o/

 

[Andry]

And how do you know that these "converts" are genuine Christians? I went to the altar 15 times before I realized what I was actually doing. Just because they go down during an altar call and prayer a prayer does NOT signify that they are born again Christians whose inheritance is Heaven.

As Christians we need to get out of this mindset that Christianity is just about praying a one time prayer and that's it... it is a life... you have to walk it daily to reap the rewards.

I'm so glad you went to the altar 15 times...where would you be today if you only went to the altar 14 times?

It only took the disciples 3 1/2 years before they figured out that what Jesus had been saying all along was all true, and salvation finally visits the house.

 

[A4C]

In considering this matter I am reminded of this verse:

3 John 1:2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

I seems that John was an early day version of Benny Hinn as he also preached prosperity, health and evangelism.
Is it any wonder that Jesus wanted his own mother to be looked after by one who was concerned with having food on her table, having a life free from sickness and be continually surrounded by believers.
It seems though that many would wince to suggest that Jesus would ever ask our Benny to do the same thing for His mother.
Ossie

 

[soldout]

In considering this matter I am reminded of this verse:
I seems that John was an early day version of Benny Hinn as he also preached prosperity, health and evangelism.
Is it any wonder that Jesus wanted his own mother to be looked after by one who was concerned with having food on her table, having a life free from sickness and be continually surrounded by believers.
It seems though that many would wince to suggest that Jesus would ever ask our Benny to do the same thing for His mother.
Ossie

I'm confused. Are you calling John the beloved a glory hound, or Benny Hinn Benny the beloved?

Just a joke, don't everybody get all fired up.

 

[A4C]

I'm confused. Are you calling John the beloved a glory hound, or Benny Hinn Benny the beloved?

Just a joke, don't everybody get all fired up.

Pardon me but your wince is showing

 

[Koey]

I am a pastor of a relatively small church who is trying my best to teach what I understand is biblical Christianity - authenticity, humility, integrity, modesty, generosity, kindness, love, a desire to have Christ (and not self) exemplified in their lives, etc. Celebrity Christianity, IMO, hacks at the root of every one of these virtues and makes my job difficult when I cannot keep my members away from celebrity Christian TV.

IMO, television “ministry” generally distorts rather than defines legitimate Christianity...

When I see people getting Oscars for encouraging adultery in the movies, or millions for encouraging fornication in songs, or hero status for chasing a silly ball around a sports arena I think of people like you.

You are one of the REAL HEROS in our world! It is you who ought to get the awards, the money and the status. And you are right. Probably 80% of TV evangelists are poorly educated in Bible, and preach empty-headed hype for a dollar, rather than the true, undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is the thousands of faithful pastors of small (or large), healthy churches like yours and who preach the truth, whether or not they are paid well, who are the real celebrities in heaven.

May God reward you abundantly in this life and even more in the life to come!

 

[LynneClomina]

There was a guest speaker who came to my church at a point who ministered under Benny Hinn. He told us he truly is a man of God who listens to the voice of Him he claims to serve and follows that voice.

Let me tell you, this guess speaker was amazing. John Bevere, if anyone has heard of him. I'd think that this man of God, if he sensed anything wrong with Benny Hinn, would've stepped down from that position, but rather he stayed there with an open heart and learned more than we could imagine. Just an example...

John Bevere ROCKS!!!!!

 

[Blade]

Jim I think God might be calling you to be a televangelist. Jk brother..