BibleThinker with Mike Winger
Episode: “These accusations are too big to ignore”
Date: May 1, 2026
Overview
In this heavy and urgent episode, Mike Winger addresses serious public accusations made by Pastor Greg Locke against influential pastors Kenneth Copeland and Joel Osteen. Locke publicly accused both men of heinous crimes, including pedophilia and sex trafficking, claiming to have evidence, but never providing proof or reporting to authorities. Winger expresses concern about the gravity of such claims, the lack of accountability, and the need for transparency in the church, especially within charismatic circles. He urges the biblical imperative to protect the vulnerable and hold leaders accountable, whether the allegations are true or fabricated.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Allegations and Their Context
- Mike Winger opens by emphasizing the seriousness of the accusations, referencing claims Greg Locke made about Copeland and Osteen being pedophiles and sex traffickers.
- Locke maintained he had evidence for these claims, yet nothing substantive was ever produced or forwarded to law enforcement.
- Winger connects this issue to wider patterns of cover-up and a lack of healthy confrontation in certain segments of the charismatic church.
2. Scriptural Mandate and Accountability
- Winger bases his approach on biblical principles of defending the oppressed, especially children, and the need to confront sin openly (00:00).
- He stresses that leaders making such public accusations owe the truth to both the alleged victims and the accused.
3. Reviewing Greg Locke’s Statements
- Winger plays archival clips of Locke making the accusations:
- Against Kenneth Copeland: Accuses him of being "full blown demon possessed" and "sex trafficking rapist" (01:29-02:17); claims possession of photographic evidence he’d present if sued (02:17-02:27).
- Against Joel Osteen: Accuses him of being a "pedophile" and “that way with boys” (04:40), hurling further threats of exposure should anything happen to himself.
- Locke expands the accusations to other public figures like Tom Hanks and Oprah (05:39-05:55).
4. Questions About Authenticity and Motives
- Winger notes the bombastic, aggressive style of Locke and the lack of follow-through, expressing skepticism but also insistence on taking every possible claim seriously for the sake of potential victims (05:55-06:53).
- He asks why, after making such inflammatory statements, Locke later deleted or removed much of the content and largely went silent on these accusations.
5. Lack of Evidence and Direct Communication
- Despite Locke's repeated insistence that he is in possession of damning evidence, he never produced anything and avoids engaging with those who press for proof—including Winger himself.
- Winger reached out multiple times and was met with evasive or dismissive responses (11:17).
- Locke’s response: "Mike, I owe you zero information about anything. You're so hungry for more stories, you'll just keep on going no matter what. Even enjoy your life. Ride the fame. The rock will roll back upon you eventually." (11:17)
- Winger responds that while Locke doesn't owe him personally, he does owe it to the alleged victims and those he accused to either present the evidence or publicly repent.
6. Call for Resolution
- Winger strongly asserts that a public accusation of criminal, predatory behavior demands public accountability:
- Either Locke presents credible evidence, or he should publicly repent for what would be "the most wild, insane lies" Winger has ever heard (00:00-00:32).
- Winger offers to support Locke if he has real evidence, temporarily putting aside disputes for the sake of justice and the vulnerable (09:37-10:01).
- He concludes that the burden is on Locke to act—the ball is in his court (11:17–end).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On the biblical purpose for confronting sin:
"Scripture tells us to raise our voice for the oppressed and for the afflicted and to defend people, especially children who are in need."
— Mike Winger (00:00)
Greg Locke's most inflammatory accusation:
"Full blown demon possessed Satan worshippers like Kenneth Copeland, the most powerful pastor in America. He's a demon and he's going to hell."
— Greg Locke (01:29)
"That blow down, sorry, sex trafficking rapist."
— Greg Locke (02:07)
"I'm sick of these demon worshiping pastors like Joel Osteen...Joel Osteen's that way with boys."
— Greg Locke (03:18; 04:40)
On accountability:
"The only way what he said there makes any sense is if he has evidence to prove the accusations he just made..."
— Mike Winger (05:03)
On leadership responsibility:
"As a leader and protector, you owe it to the victims to come forward with evidence if you have it, or you owe it to those men to apologize if you were lying."
— Mike Winger (11:17)
On offering Locke support if claims are real:
"If you want to go forward and you feel like you need someone in your corner and you have real evidence, I will absolutely support you in that."
— Mike Winger (09:37)
Important Timestamps
- 00:00-01:29: Introduction, framing the accusations and gravity
- 01:29-02:27: Greg Locke’s initial accusations and claim to have evidence
- 02:27-05:03: Analysis of Locke’s statements, Winger’s call for accountability
- 05:39-06:53: Expansion of accusations to other public figures, congregation reaction
- 07:00-09:11: More clips of Locke, Winger’s further analysis of character and change in posture
- 09:37-10:01: Winger’s offer to support Locke if he has evidence
- 11:14-11:17: Locke’s claim: “that dirty crook will not sue me; because he knows I’m telling the truth.”
- 11:17-end: Locke’s dismissive response to Winger’s request for evidence, Winger’s public challenge: produce evidence or repent
Tone and Language
The episode is deeply serious and carries an urgent, moral weight. Winger refrains from sensationalism, staying biblically grounded, deliberate, and compassionate towards potential victims, while still being direct in calling for the truth and accountability from high-profile leaders.
This summary provides a full picture for listeners who didn’t catch the episode: the nature of the accusations, the importance of handling them biblically, and Winger’s persistent, principled call for truth and justice—no matter where the evidence leads.