More than 50 years into ministry, evangelist Benny Hinn says one of the greatest threats facing believers isn’t outright persecution—it’s spiritual control masquerading as biblical leadership.
In a recent teaching, Hinn urged Christians to guard the freedom Christ purchased for them, warning that legalism and manipulation continue to surface within churches and ministries. Quoting Galatians 5:1, he reminded viewers, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,” arguing that the gospel calls believers into freedom rather than religious bondage.
Reflecting on his early years as a believer, Hinn recounted his time at Toronto’s Catacombs ministry during the 1970s. While he described the revival there as a remarkable move of God, he said the atmosphere changed after teachings on submission gradually evolved into unhealthy spiritual control.
“I saw a lot of my dear friends…damaged by it,” Hinn recalled, explaining that some ultimately walked away from the faith because of manipulative leadership.
One of the defining moments of his own spiritual journey came when a pastor’s wife criticized him for attending meetings led by evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman.
According to Hinn, she insisted their local church already possessed everything he needed spiritually.
Instead of following her advice, Hinn attended Kuhlman’s services in Pittsburgh, where he says he experienced a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit—an experience that would later inspire his bestselling book, Good Morning, Holy Spirit.
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Looking back, Hinn questioned where his ministry might be today had he submitted to that controlling counsel.
Throughout the message, Hinn repeatedly distinguished biblical leadership from manipulation. While Scripture encourages believers to honor godly spiritual authority, he argued that leaders cross a dangerous line when they attempt to dictate where Christians may worship, whom they may hear or what ministries they are permitted to follow.
He also cautioned against ministries built on criticizing other ministers, suggesting that some public attacks are fueled more by personal influence and financial gain than genuine concern for biblical truth.
Drawing from passages including Matthew 16, James 4, Romans 10 and Colossians 2, Hinn argued that pride often disguises itself as religious zeal. He contrasted the Pharisees’ harshness with Christ’s mercy toward Peter after his denial and Saul of Tarsus before his conversion, pointing to Jesus’ consistent pattern of restoring rather than crushing broken people.
As part of the teaching, Hinn presented what he described as warning signs of a controlling religious spirit, including:
- Fault-finding
- Refusing correction
- Seeking recognition
- Rejecting new moves of God
- Isolating believers from healthy fellowship with the broader body of Christ.
Rather than allowing division to define the church, Hinn encouraged believers to pursue unity without compromising biblical truth. He pointed to positive relationships he has shared over the years with Southern Baptist pastors and Catholic leaders, saying that genuine fellowship is built by focusing on Christ rather than magnifying every theological disagreement.
As pressure continues to mount both inside and outside the church, Hinn’s message serves as a reminder that spiritual authority should always reflect the character of Jesus—marked by humility, grace and freedom rather than fear, coercion or control.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
