Podcast Summary: Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey (Ep 1157)
Title: 'We Got Death Threats': Leaving Benny Hinn's Word of Faith Movement
Host: Allie Beth Stuckey
Guest: Costi Hinn
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Network: Blaze Podcast Network
Introduction
In Episode 1157 of Relatable, host Allie Beth Stuckey welcomes pastor Costi Hinn to discuss his departure from the Word of Faith movement led by his uncle, Benny Hinn. Costi delves into his personal journey, the challenges he faced within the ministry, and his insights on discerning God's will for one's life. The conversation aims to provide listeners with biblical guidance on making confident, faith-based decisions.
Costi Hinn's Background and Testimony
Costi Hinn shares his upbringing within the Prosperity Gospel and the Word of Faith movement, deeply influenced by his uncle, Benny Hinn. Growing up in an environment centered around faith healing and prosperity teachings, Costi worked closely with his uncle before beginning to question the authenticity of these practices.
Notable Quote:
“I believed it, bought the thing, took it hook, line, and sinker. But over time I would ask questions just in my inner mind...”
— Costi Hinn [03:12]
Leaving the Word of Faith Movement
Costi recounts the difficult decision to leave his family's ministry. This decision was met with severe backlash, including death threats and familial estrangement. Despite the pressure to remain loyal, Costi felt compelled to seek a more biblically grounded ministry approach.
Notable Quote:
“Leaving [the ministry] we were cut off. No money, no safety. We got death threats and all sorts of things...”
— Costi Hinn [10:52]
The Repentance of Benny Hinn
The discussion shifts to Benny Hinn's occasional public repentance for past false teachings. Costi provides a critical perspective, suggesting that Benny’s apologies were often strategic, aimed at regaining donors and maintaining his ministry's momentum rather than genuine repentance.
Notable Quote:
“He repents, they get a flood of donors, a lot of momentum back. Everyone's like, he's repented. It's all good. I'm like, okay, let's watch and see...”
— Costi Hinn [12:42]
Demystifying God's Will in Decision-Making
Costi introduces the core theme of his new book, Walking in God's Will, which focuses on understanding and applying God's plan in everyday decisions. He emphasizes that discerning God's will should be rooted in biblical teachings rather than personal feelings or mystical experiences.
Notable Quote:
“It all starts with the word of God. If you saturate the word of God dwell within you richly, everything that comes out of that is going to be informed and directed by God's Word.”
— Costi Hinn [18:02]
Objective vs. Subjective Peace
A significant portion of the conversation centers on distinguishing between objective peace—rooted in biblical truth—and subjective peace, which may stem from emotional states or manipulation. Costi explains how following a structured, biblical process in decision-making leads to a deeper, unshakeable peace that transcends circumstances.
Notable Quote:
“We tend to mystify it because we're trying to prop ourselves up, we have insecurity, and there's manipulation. But objective peace comes when you walk through a biblical process...”
— Costi Hinn [21:39]
The Seven P's for No-Regret Decisions
Costi outlines a seven-step process—referred to as the Seven P's—for making decisions that align with God's will:
- Process: Establish a clear, structured approach to decision-making.
- Prayer: Seek God's wisdom earnestly, devoid of doubt.
- Priestly Counsel (Wise Counsel): Consult with spiritually mature advisors.
- Priorities: Align decisions with spiritual, financial, relational, and eternal priorities.
- Permission: Understand that God grants permission for our decisions.
- Perspective: Consider the long-term, eternal implications of choices.
- Peace: Achieve both subjective and objective peace through the process.
Notable Quote:
“If you walk through that road or take the directions and it's a biblical direction, then you're going to be able to even course correct by going back to God's word.”
— Costi Hinn [30:47]
Personal Stories and Experiences
Costi shares personal anecdotes, including the challenges faced during the church plant in Phoenix, Arizona, and his son's rare cancer diagnosis. These stories illustrate the practical application of his decision-making framework and the unwavering trust in God's sovereignty.
Notable Quote:
“Romans 8:28 applies. God will cause all things to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.”
— Costi Hinn [42:57]
Overcoming Anxiety in Decision-Making
Allie Beth and Costi discuss common anxieties related to making significant life decisions, such as relocating, career changes, or personal relationships. They emphasize that a deep-rooted understanding of God's sovereignty provides believers with confidence and reduces anxiety, enabling them to make decisions without second-guessing.
Notable Quote:
“If you walk through a process, you don't have to be crippled by fear, paralysis, by analysis, shame, perfectionism.”
— Costi Hinn [41:15]
Conclusion and Insights
The episode concludes with affirmations of God's control and the importance of aligning one's heart with His will. Costi encourages listeners to prioritize their relationship with God, seek His guidance through scripture, and trust in His plans, even amidst trials and uncertainties.
Notable Quote:
“God is not a God of confusion. He's a God of peace. And He is so graciously revealed himself to us.”
— Costi Hinn [59:53]
Key Takeaways
- Biblical Foundation: Making decisions based on Scripture ensures alignment with God's will.
- Structured Decision-Making: The Seven P's provide a clear framework for discerning God's direction.
- Sovereignty of God: Trusting in God's control alleviates anxiety and fosters peace.
- Authentic Repentance: Genuine repentance involves deep regret and a commitment to change, unlike superficial apologies.
- Objective Peace: True peace comes from following a biblical process, not merely from emotional reassurance.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- “I believed it, bought the thing, took it hook, line, and sinker...” — Costi Hinn [03:12]
- “Leaving [the ministry] we were cut off. No money, no safety..." — Costi Hinn [10:52]
- “He repents, they get a flood of donors, a lot of momentum back...” — Costi Hinn [12:42]
- “It all starts with the word of God...” — Costi Hinn [18:02]
- “We tend to mystify it because we're trying to prop ourselves up...” — Costi Hinn [21:39]
- “Romans 8:28 applies...” — Costi Hinn [42:57]
- “If you walk through that road or take the directions..." — Costi Hinn [30:47]
- “God is not a God of confusion...” — Costi Hinn [59:53]
Final Thoughts
Episode 1157 of Relatable offers a profound exploration of leaving a high-profile ministry to pursue a faith grounded in Scripture. Costi Hinn's honest recounting of his struggles and triumphs provides valuable lessons for listeners seeking clarity and confidence in their spiritual and personal decisions. By emphasizing the importance of God's word and a structured decision-making process, the episode serves as a guiding beacon for Christians navigating the complexities of modern life.