Summary
Benny Hinn Ministries ("BHM") was created by and as a platform for Benny Hinn which carries out two primary activities: (1) Miracle Crusades and (2) a daily television program.
The official name of the organization is the "World Healing Center Church, Inc.", formerly known as "World Outreach Church, Inc.", but its dba (doing business as) name is Benny Hinn Ministries. This ministry also has subsidiaries, but it is unknown of the scope of those as BHM is not open to disclose the details. In addition, there are other separate corporations and sets of accounting books from the above, including:
- Benny Hinn Ministries Asia, Inc.
- Benny Hinn Ministries Australia,
- Benny Hinn Ministries Africa
- Benny Hinn Ministries, Ltd.
- Benny Hinn Ministries India
- Benny Hinn Ministries Canada
Benny Hinn Ministries has chosen not to be open and transparent with MinistryWatch.com. As a result it is difficult to understand all aspects of its ministry.
Contact Information: [ Back to top ]
| Mailing Address: | PO Box 162000
Irving, TX
75016-2000 |
| Website: | www.bennyhinn.org/ |
| Phone: | (817) 722-2000 |
| Email: | You need to enable javascript to see the email |
Organization Details [ Back to top ]
EIN: 591245704
| CEO/President: |
Mr. Benny Hinn |
Tax Deductible: |
Yes |
| Chairman: |
Mr. Benny Hinn |
Fiscal Year End: |
|
| Board Size: |
|
Financial info from: |
|
| Founder: |
Mr. Benny Hinn |
Member of ECFA: |
No |
| Year Founded: |
1984 |
Member of ECFA since: |
|
Benny Hinn Ministries ("BHM") was created by and as a platform for Benny Hinn which carries out two primary activities: (1) Miracle Crusades and (2) a daily television program.
"This Is Your Day!", the daily half-hour television program of Benny Hinn Ministries, can be seen each week in more than 100 countries, in addition to the United States and Canada. Each week people can hear Benny Hinn and see the miracle crusade services.
The official name of the organization is the "World Healing Center Church, Inc.", formerly known as "World Outreach Church, Inc.", but its dba (doing business as) name is Benny Hinn Ministries. This ministry also has subsidiaries, but it is unknown of the scope of those as BHM is not open to disclose the details. In addition, there are other separate corporations and sets of accounting books from the above, including:
- Benny Hinn Ministries Asia, Inc.
- Benny Hinn Ministries Australia,
- Benny Hinn Ministries Africa
- Benny Hinn Ministries, Ltd.
- Benny Hinn Ministries India
- Benny Hinn Ministries Canada
Benny Hinn Ministries has chosen not to be open and transparent with MinistryWatch.com. As a result it is difficult to understand all aspects of its ministry.
Prudent donors want to understand what it is they are going to support. Some ministries claim they have no legal obligation to share financial or other information — but they do have a moral obligation to do so. Without access to comprehensive ministry information it is not possible for donors to make optimal giving decisions. Ministries that seek to obscure critical information from scrutiny undermine the faith and trust of donors and damage attitudes that have a long term negative impact. For those few ministries that state it has no legal obligation, it should be noted that donors are even less so obligated with any legalist obligation to give, but they do have a moral obligation to give in a prudent and wise fashion. Transparency is a consensus of practical sound wisdom. Many Christians are willing to live ethically without a governmental entity mandating that they do so. Transparency is the key component to a growing and prosperous donor — ministry relationship and fundamental to long-term ministry success. Information, however, must be timely, relevant, accurate and complete for it to be used effectively.
Christians should have nothing to fear by being open. All will be judged at a future date, and with this thought in mind, how are we to conduct ourselves before God today? Organizations described as “Christian Ministries” are at least giving people an image of God. Is God characterized as closed, impartial and hidden; or, open, personable and knowable? Scripture enjoins Christians to conduct themselves honestly (1 Thes. 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:2), with due candor (Jms. 5:12) and grace (Col. 4:6), without deliberate offense to Jew, Gentile or the Church of God (1 Cor. 10:32), with decency and orderliness (1 Cor. 14:40), blameless, giving no occasion for rebuke (Phil. 2:15), and offering no opportunity for false accusation (1 Pet. 3:16). Responsibility for the resources God has placed in the trust of His saints is called “stewardship” in the Bible (1 Pet. 4:10), the person responsible for the resources is called the “steward” (Lk. 12:42; 16:1-8). Most Christians would not argue with the principle that the chief aim of man is to ...”to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” However, how can a “Christian Ministry” “glorify God” if they are not open? Are not organizations that hide things characterized as cults? Should not Christian ministries lead by example? Besides being characterized as a steward, Christians can be characterized as ambassadors and as light because God is light. Just these few summary ideas indicate that Christian ministries should be open and transparent. In addition, responsibility to God is linked to responsibility to government and mankind.
MinistryWatch.com's hope is that Christian ministries are indeed an example to follow and not otherwise. It is one of our premises that Christians should be light in a world of darkness and as such, Christians should be setting the standard by their conduct.
It is not enough for ministries to live up to the minimum of any written law, or to give all men their due. Ministries ought to give them more than their due. Ministries should be concentrating on the good of others, seeking reward in self-denial and sacrifice, and not of personal advantage. Therefore ministries should treat others as they would want to be treated by them, regardless of unworthiness and ingratitude.
Donors should be seeking information before they give as well as after. Before in order to have an idea where the money is intended, as well as if it corresponds to the donors values. And then after to see if it really happened. Trust but verify, so that they know if they would desire to continue to give.
Need Mission Statement
Program Accomplishments [ Back to top ]
Benny Hinn has written such books as, "God's Promises of Provision" and "The Anointing".
Statement of Faith [ Back to top ]
Benny Hinn Ministries communicates its Statement of Faith as follows:
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to mankind, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason (2 Timothy 3:15-16; 1 Peter 2:2).
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealed "I AM" and has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association, i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; Isaiah 43:10, 11; Matthew 28:19).
That man was created good and upright, for God said "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." But man, by voluntary transgression, fell, and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ the Son of God (Genesis 1:26-31: 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21).
The grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, and, being justified by grace through faith, he becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 2:11; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 23:47; Titus 3:5-7). The "inward" evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The "outward" evidence of his salvation to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness.
The ordinance of baptism by a burial with Christ should be observed as commanded in the Scriptures, by all who have repented and in their hearts have truly believed in Christ as Savior and Lord. In so doing, they have the body washed in pure water as an outward symbol of cleansing, while their heart has already been sprinkled with the blood of Christ as an inner cleansing. Thus, they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 10:22).
The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and the fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4), a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26). It is enjoined on all believers "until He comes."
That all believers are entitled to, and should ardently expect, and earnestly seek, the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:29; Acts 1:4; 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). This wonderful experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9).
In the baptism of believers as a unique work of the Holy Ghost—an evidence of which is the speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4). The manifestation of speaking in other tongues, in this instance, is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 28) but different in purpose and use.
The Scriptures teach a life of holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command, "Be ye holy, for I am holy." Entire sanctification is the will of God for all believers, and should be earnestly pursued by walking in obedience to God's Word (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 John 2:6).
The church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit with divine appointments for the fulfillment of the great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:33).
A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for a twofold purpose: The evangelization of the world, and the edifying of the Body of Christ (Mark 16:15-20; Ephesians 4:11-13).
Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17).
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation, together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, is the imminent and blessed hope of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:12; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Romans 8:23).
The revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, the salvation of national Israel, and the Millennial reign of Christ on earth is the Scriptural promise and the world's hope (2 Thessalonians 1:17; Revelation 19:11-14; Romans 11:26-27; Revelation 20:1-7).
The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10-15).
"According to His promise, look for new heavens, and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:21).
1953, Benny Hinn was born in Israel to a Greek father and an Armenian mother. He was raised in the Greek Orthodox religion and he went to Catholic school.
1964, Hinn claims to have had two visions and an appearance of Jesus at age 11 before he was converted. This appearing he says continues to occur regularly since he became a Christian.
1968, At the age of 14 Benny Hinn moved with his family to Toronto, Canada.
1973, Hinn attended a Kathryn Kuhlman service that he has said was a turning point in his life. Benny dedicated himself to knowing Jesus and as an outflow, Benny has said that miracles became a part of his ministry.
1975, Benny founded Benny Hinn Ministries in Canada.
1978, Benny began hosting his television program.
1979, Benny relocated his ministry in the United States to Winter Park, Florida. Benny received a certificate to work in Gospel Ministry from The Gospel Crusade, Incorporated in Bradenton, Florida.
1983, Hinn founded the Orlando Christian Center.
1999, Benny moved to Dallas. The Organization changed its name to World Outreach Church, but it goes by the dba (doing business as) Benny Hinn Ministries.
This organization has not offered MinistryWatch.com with specific needs to be posted on the profile. At such a time that MinistryWatch.com receives a response from the ministry, it will be posted immediately.
Research Analysis
Transparency Grade [ Back to top ]
| Transparency Grade of : F |
| Criteria category | Grade | Other Comments |
| Timeliness: | 0 | |
| Financial Information: | 0 | |
| Foundational Clarity: | 0 | |
| Level of Cooperation: | 0 | |
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MinistryWatch.com 5 Star Financial Efficiency Ratings [ Back to top ]
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MinistryWatch.com's 2009 list of 30 Donor Alert MinistriesNon-Transparent Ministries: Are they Faithful in the Small Things?MinistryWatch Recommends Donors withhold Giving to Benny Hinn Ministries
MinistryWatch.com’s Take
May 2005
By Rodney Pitzer and Michael Barrick
Controversial Televangelist
Benny Hinn (founder, chairman, president and CEO of Benny Hinn Ministries/World Outreach Church [BHM]), is one of the most popular – and controversial – televangelists of his generation. Hinn has remained a lightning rod of controversy, precipitated by his own unverified claims of healings and numerous news reports of the lavish lifestyle that he and selected family members and friends enjoy, reportedly through the donations of supporters, much of which comes through manipulation and fraud, according to critics. Additionally, Hinn has repeatedly refused to release financial information to MinistryWatch.com that would provide insight into information of interest to donors. These facts, coupled with Hinn’s enthusiastic embracing of the unorthodox prosperity theology – otherwise known as “Word-of-Faith” or “Name-it, Claim-it” teachings – have led MinistryWatch.com to conclude that the popularity of Hinn’s programs and teachings are cause for alarm for those concerned that the authentic Gospel of Jesus Christ be told over the airwaves.
Stage Craft of a Man
The early 20th Century theologian, Oswald Chambers, writing in his most famous book, “My Utmost for His Highest,” noted, “Our motive for surrender (to Jesus) should not be for any personal gain at all.” Chambers’ reflections are based on Peter’s remarks to Jesus that, “We have left everything to follow you!” (Mark 10: 28). It is the apparent rejection of this fundamental biblical precept that has called into question Hinn’s ministry. Indeed, based upon his unverified claims of healing (fundamental because Hinn raises considerable revenues based on those claims) and the extravagant lifestyle that he enjoys, it could be argued that BHM was created by and for Hinn. Rather than focusing his teaching upon the salvation available only through Christ, Hinn seemingly uses his talents primarily in performing dramatic healing concerts and television shows through the ministry’s “This is Your Day!” broadcast – which “coincidentally,” often has Hinn appearing on stage as “How Great Thou Art” booms throughout the venue – and also through prominent appearances on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). He also writes books and sells audio and videotapes, the royalties of which remain undisclosed and provide Hinn with potentially millions of dollars in unreported revenues.
Transparency is Foundational to Donor Confidence
MinistryWatch.com’s analysis has pinpointed some troubling information. Ongoing study by MinistryWatch.com reveals that BHM take in millions of dollars every year without ever giving a proper account of how that money is spent. Transparency is at the heart of long-term trust in any relationship. Donors want to make wise giving decisions. Without access to comprehensive ministry information it is not possible for donors or donor advocates like MinistryWatch.com to make optimal giving decisions. Charitable organizations such as Hinn’s that seek to obscure critical information from scrutiny undermine the faith and trust of the donor and damage donor attitudes that have an impact well beyond their own operations. BHM has demonstrated substandard openness and transparency through a lack of responsiveness, an absence of sending information and a lack of information available in public arenas, such as their website. BHM repeatedly denies requests from MinistryWatch.com for information, and has chosen instead to respond by having their attorneys write a response letter denying the request.
Classified as a “Church”
BHM does not have a legal obligation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to supply financial information to anyone because the IRS has recognized the organization as a “church.” Benny Hinn first sought IRS church status in Florida under the name of Orlando Christian Center, Inc. The original application (IRS form 1023) lays out what appears to be a congregational church. Since that time, Hinn has moved to Texas and the remaining congregational members merged with another congregation in Florida. Hinn kept the legal status, changed the legal name to World Outreach Church, Inc., but instead of using the “legal” name, he markets the dba (doing business as) name “Benny Hinn Ministries.” Any congregational aspect has been lost, for the primary activities are that of a television show and healing crusade movement.
BHM has office locations in at least California, Texas, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand. Some of the overseas locations may indicate separately organized entities that deserve further research given Hinn’s nontransparent nature.
Scrutiny
Hinn has been the subject of a number of investigative news reports by both secular and Christian media, most recently the NBC news magazine, “Dateline.” In that report, aired on March 6, 2005, NBC reported that BHM has not provided any medical records to verify claims by the ministry that purported healings at Hinn crusades have actually ever occurred. The report also revealed that Hinn lives in a parsonage valued at $10 million, and as spent as much as $10,000 a night for hotel rooms on “layovers” between crusades, registering in assumed names.
His TV program, “This is Your Day,” helps his self-styled church take in millions of dollars. These, coupled with the reports accusing Hinn of misleading donors about how funds will be spent and of leading a luxurious lifestyle at the expense of donors, raise serious questions as whether BHM provides substantial benefit to Hinn, rather than to designated charitable purposes as required by law.
Churches have less restrictive financial and management reporting requirements than do ministries, but all IRC Section 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches and religious organizations, must abide by certain rules. For instance, their net earnings may not inure to any private shareholder or individual; and, they must not provide a substantial benefit to private interests.
When considering these provisions, there appears to be a clear need for the IRS to examine BHM to determine if it actually qualifies for the church exemption. Government has a duty to examine an organization’s claim to the tax-exempt benefits it bestows on nonprofits. Given the millions of dollars likely donated to such an organization, the IRS should make this investigation a priority. The IRS can always re-examine and make another determination and decide it has not been a church for many years. The IRS has plenty of justification to do so, because the organization has substantially changed. IRS can re-examine based on no more than fundamental changes have taken place.
Hinn Maintains Total Control, Avoids Independent Oversight
Hinn is in a position to exercise not just substantial influence over the affairs of the organization, but total control. Copies of the original application, Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were obtained from the IRS. A few items of interest in them include:
- Pastor and Founder, Benedictus “Benny” Hinn, shall be President and Chairman of the Board of Directors...for the duration of his life.
- The Vice-President is appointed by the Pastor and Founder and is a member of the Board.
- The Board was picked by Hinn.
- The Pastor and President of the Corporation shall have the authority to suspend any member of the Board of Directors.
When one individual or family is dominant in an organization, there exists the opportunity for abuse that would preclude a full and candid disclosure of all the facts surrounding questions of impropriety.
Fundraising and “Healing Lottery Tickets”
Fundraising material is one item that BHM is quick to produce and send in mass. It produces lengthy fundraising appeals that are generally emotionally charged.
Fundraising speeches are also prominent in the healing crusades. For many people, the healing crusade becomes an all day event, with the televised portion lasting up to three hours. Because of the lengthy performance, multiple offerings are easily taken for the same event. Cash offerings are sometimes followed-up with credit card offering envelopes. While the offering baskets are going around, emotionally led music is performed, with Hinn sometimes admonishing his audience to repeat phrases like, “This is my day to be healed,” and then talking of sowing and reaping in financial and health areas. Sometimes the offerings have a flare and feel of a healing lottery ticket. Here are a few quotes:
- “As you sow your seed, miracles will happen as you do it!”
(Benny Hinn, TBN, Praise-A-Thon, April 1, 2004)
- “The Lord is speaking to eight men to sow a $1,000,000 each. If you will obey, one of you who lost millions, if you sow that seed God will restore everything that you lost...Obey God and win! I am speaking under the anointing. What God is asking for is a little to what he is going to give you.”
(Benny Hinn, TBN, Praise-A-Thon, April 1, 2004)
- “The more you give the more protection you will have for tomorrow...God will spare you if you sow today.”
(Benny Hinn, TBN, Praise-A-Thon, April 1, 2004)
- “Cause it doesn’t take brains to figure the thing out, you give to get!”
(Benny Hinn, This Is Your Day, October 28, 1999)
- “A man said to me, ‘How much do I sow?’ My reply was, ‘What kind of harvest do you want? If you have big debt, sow a big seed.’ That’s just the way it is!”
(Benny Hinn, This Is Your Day, August 14, 1996)
- “God multiplies the seed you sow, the supernatural power of God hits after you sow, not before, after.”
(Benny Hinn, This Is Your Day, August 19, 1996)
In addition, there is much talk about sacrifice at times of giving. However, such an appeal overlooks a balanced biblical perspective, as evidenced with the biblical admonition “To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord rather than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3).
Many of the collections of money also seem to create hasty decisions by donors, again seeming to contradict scriptural precepts. From Proverbs we read, “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way” (Proverbs 19:2). And, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit, so surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5).
Word of Faith Theology
Hinn claims an extra-biblical “anointing” from God. Typical Word of Faith ministry topics include such areas as prosperity and abundant living, as well as doctrinal treatises on salvation, prophecy, marriage and family living, and sickness and healing. Heavy emphasis is placed on “anointing” as the requisite, supernaturally enabling resource for service, with frequent references to Christ as “The Anointed One.” (To read an in-depth analysis of the Word of Faith movement, read the MinistryWatch.com Reflections article, “A Critical Look at the ‘Word of Faith’ Ministries: http://www.ministrywatch.com/mw2.1/pdf/Reflections_WordFaith.pdf).
MinistryWatch.com continues its research on the Word of Faith movement and will be publishing an updated Reflections article on it soon.