BibleThinker Podcast Summary

Episode: "He almost got away with it: Chris Reed, the fake prophet"

Host: Mike Winger
Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

In this special investigative episode, Mike Winger exposes Chris Reed—an influential leader in the Charismatic church movement—as a "fake prophet." The discussion centers on Reed's manipulation, fabrications, alleged sexual misconduct, drug abuse, and the broader problem of systemic cover-up within high-profile charismatic organizations (notably Bethel, IHOP, and Morningstar). Mike supports his claims with evidence, testimonies, and a detailed breakdown of Reed's methods, as well as the enabling culture among top charismatic leaders. The episode seeks to provide biblical accountability, warn the church, and encourage discernment among believers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why This Investigation Matters

• Chris Reed's Influence: Reed led what he claims is the third-largest Charismatic ministry in the US; he is intertwined with Bethel, IHOP, Morningstar, and other leading prophetic ministries ([00:37]–[01:53]).
• Cover-Up Culture: Leaders like Bill Johnson (Bethel) have protected Reed and others despite knowing about their fraudulent activity ([01:54]–[19:35]).
• Personal Stakes: Mike recounts a private meeting where Reed threatened him "with prophecy" and lied under oath, calling down curses if he was lying ([00:37], [75:33], [114:24]).

2. Evidence Chris Reed Faked Prophecy

• The Facebook 'Prophecies': In 2020, Reed was caught "ministering" online, giving prophetic words to people based on information he took from their (sometimes faked) Facebook accounts ([05:54]–[08:27]).
• Exposure by Bethel-Connected Leaders: Ben Fitzgerald and Todd Dawkins coordinated a controlled test, altering Facebook data to prove Reed's prophecies were lifted directly from the internet ([08:27]–[19:35]).
  • Quote:
    “They get a few friends of theirs to alter their Facebook pages slightly... then they watch to see if Chris Reed gives the wrong information, proving that he is just getting it off the Internet.” —Mike Winger ([08:27])

3. Institutional Complicity and Endorsement

• Bethel & Bill Johnson: Despite being made aware of Reed's deception, Johnson wrote the foreword for Reed's book Developing Your Prophetic Filter ([19:35]–[23:30]).
  • Quote:
    “Bill Johnson writes the foreword to the book... This is after Bill Johnson has knowledge that Chris is in fact guilty of faking prophecy.” —Mike Winger ([01:54])
• Comparison to Sean Bowles: The same cover-up pattern previously played out with Sean Bowles, another high-profile prophetic leader ([23:30]).

4. Fraudulent Ministry Patterns

• Sid Roth Show & Platform Building: Reed appears on Sid Roth’s popular supernatural show even after being exposed—endorsed and promoted as a gifted prophet ([26:31]–[29:25]).
  • Quote:
    “When you get on the Sid Roth Show... you’re into the next level of stratosphere... you are something higher up.” —Mike Winger ([12:47])
• Francis Chan & Mike Bickle: Chan publicly praises Reed’s supposed prophetic gifting, shaming those who criticize these leaders, while Reed seeks ever-larger platforms—even positioning himself to take over for disgraced leaders ([29:04]–[33:37]).
• Gatekeeping at IHOP: Reed physically prevents Sam Storms and Francis Chan from confronting Mike Bickle, showing his deep connection and protector role within this movement ([33:36]).

5. Allegations of Sexual Misconduct & Drug Abuse

• Grooming and Assault: Reed used his position to pursue sexual relationships with students under his pastoral/prophetic care; text messages show he initiated inappropriate contact despite blaming the woman ([33:36]–[49:53]).
• Cover-Up by Rick Joyner: Rather than disciplining Reed, Joyner fast-tracks him into the position of acting president at Morningstar; accountability is performative or non-existent ([44:10]–[49:53]).
  • Quote:
    “He was a mega celebrity at Morningstar... What married man says to a single woman, ‘I feel like I am for you?’” —Mike Winger ([37:40])
• Restoration Philosophy: Rick Joyner espouses a theology of restoring anyone caught in "any trespass," including sexual predators—interpreting Galatians 6:1 as grounds to put disqualified leaders back in authority ([44:10], [45:37]).
• Drug Use while Ministering: Multiple witnesses confirm Reed's ongoing drug abuse, including appearing visibly intoxicated while preaching & prophesying ([56:30]–[72:31]).
  • Quote:
    “[Chris] appears very much high... This is not unheard of, even to the people in his own congregation.” —Mike Winger ([72:05])

6. The iPhone Prophetic Trick Revealed

• Reed's Main Prophetic Shtick: Reed frequently "proves" his accuracy by showing time-stamped iPhone notes with prophecies he claims were made before public events ([71:02]–[82:03]).
• Easy to Fake: Mike demonstrates how easily anyone can manipulate iPhone timestamps by changing the phone’s date settings ([82:03]).
  • Quote:
    “All you do is change the phone’s date and time, then write whatever you want... This is not a prophecy, this is a parlor trick.” —Mike Winger ([82:03])
• Threatening with 'Prophecy': Reed attempts to intimidate dissenters (including Mike) with prophecies warning of divine wrath or consequences ([75:33]–[82:45]).
  • Quote:
    “The Lord is very, very angry with him and his endless campaigns against many ministries.” —Chris Reed ([80:32])

7. Damage Done to Individuals & Accountability Failure

• Testimony: Pastor Alan Hawkins ([122:20]–[143:35]):
  • Summarizes how Reed infiltrated his church at a vulnerable time, wowed leaders with mentalist-style "prophecy," but was ultimately exposed via outside vetting and personal observation.
  • Hawkins recounts the lasting emotional devastation and shame for having brought Reed in, further describing how a vulnerable church member clung to Reed's false cancer prophecy—dying after refusing treatment in hope.
    • Quote:
      "I watched him waste away and die, holding on to that prophetic word. These people kill people." —Pastor Alan Hawkins ([143:35])
  • Hawkins faced years of stonewalling when trying to raise his concerns amid "cover-up culture" and eventually received only superficial apologies from Reed after public pressure mounted.
    • Quote:
      "That man broke me. I did forgive him, but I want him to face the consequences... He broke me." —Pastor Alan Hawkins ([143:35])

8. Reed’s Manipulative Techniques & Continuing Ministry

• Manipulation and Threats: Reed openly calls critics "bloodthirsty religious devils," compares them to the apostle Paul’s tormentors, and deflects all criticism as “cancel culture” ([95:51]–[116:46]).
  • Quote:
    "I stirred up a religious devil today that I don't think I have ever seen more of." —Chris Reed ([114:24])
• Maintains Ministry Despite Scandal: Reed launches a new church (“Friends of the Bridegroom”) and continues recruiting followers—even at the time of this episode, after the exposure ([149:03]).
  • Quote:
    “We have people... who are putting their house up for sale and are moving here because they want to be a part of what God is doing.” —Chris Reed ([149:03])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "This is what's called DARVO—deny, accuse, and reverse victim and offender."
  —Mike Winger ([07:38])
• "Even secular people know this... When you put someone in charge of children, they better be safe for children to be around."
  —Mike Winger ([48:20])
• "I think that Bill Johnson... is a devious and twisted man."
  —Mike Winger ([23:30])
• "If I'm lying, may God strike my wife and children dead."
  —Chris Reed (as recounted by Pastor Alan Hawkins) ([142:14])
  • Hawkins immediately rebukes such an oath as "the most evil thing I've ever heard."
• "You are evil, you are wicked, you are a blight upon the name of Christ."
  —Mike Winger, directly addressing Chris Reed ([145:51])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00]–[01:53] — Setting the stage: Who is Chris Reed and why this matters
• [05:54]–[08:27] — Catching Reed faking prophecies via Facebook/YouTube
• [19:35]–[23:30] — Bill Johnson's endorsement & pattern with Sean Bowles
• [26:31]–[33:36] — Sid Roth Show, platform-building, and endorsements
• [33:36]–[49:53] — Sexual grooming, cover-up at Morningstar, restoration philosophy
• [56:30]–[72:31] — Evidence of drug abuse during ministry/time-stamped note trick
• [75:33]–[82:45] — Chris Reed's public threats of divine revenge/anger
• [122:20]–[143:35] — Pastor Alan Hawkins' testimony, including victim who died
• [149:03] — Reed continues recruiting to new church after scandal

Conclusion & Takeaways

Mike Winger’s detailed exposé highlights the grave dangers of unchecked spiritual authority and systemic cover-up in high-profile charismatic ministries. Through documentation, personal testimony, and technical exposé, the episode shows:

• How a single manipulator can cause spiritual, emotional, and physical harm.
• How institutional leaders repeatedly choose protectionism over transparency, often at severe cost.
• The urgent need for biblical discernment, grassroots accountability, and for churchgoers to resist cult-like manipulation in the name of “prophecy.”

Mike’s final appeal is for charismatic leaders—particularly those with insider knowledge—to break ranks, confess what they know, and put a stop to the cycle of abuse and cover-up.

For full context, reference to specific clips, and further resources, listeners are encouraged to watch the original episode and check Mike Winger's channel for referenced links, including to supporting testimonies and technical demonstrations.