For decades, Hinn has come into homes around the world, showcasing "miracle healing" services, very specific prophecies about world events, and a promise that God will make people rich if they just give to God – a task he could conveniently help you accomplish. But the well-known televangelist has admitted publicly he has two regrets about his ministry to this point: unwise proclamations of prophecy – and an emphasis on the "prosperity gospel."
On a recent broadcast of the Strang Report (see image above), Hinn shared he's had a change of heart:
Hinn: "The two things I regret most in ministry: I was not too wise a number of times with prophecy, and then the other one is prosperity. And for that, really, I am sorry – and I ask the dear people watching us to really forgive me for that."
Dr. Ray Pritchard of Keep Believing Ministries says the 71-year-old televangelist is a gifted communicator. "I never doubted his sincerity," he tells AFN, "but I never felt that this was the best use of his enormous gifts for the Kingdom of God."
And Pritchard commends Hinn for his honesty. "I am very glad for this recent interview where he stated again his desire to – he used the word 'repent' and to change."
As Pritchard points out, God is full of mercy and loves to give second chances. "Though I don't know him personally, I would say, 'Benny, take this new opportunity and use the years that are left to preach the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.' Who knows? Perhaps the greatest, most fruitful years of his ministry are yet in front of him."
Hinn shared with host Steve Strang that he plans to dedicate the rest of his life to sharing the message of the cross – and not to being known as the prosperity teacher:
Hinn: "Prosperity is one thing in the Bible. There's a whole lot more in the Word of God than prosperity, but it's become a major issue now because of the gimmickry involved in it. That needs to stop."
