Additional Coverage:
- A televangelist’s nephew reveals what he saw and why he left the flock (businessinsider.com)
Costi Hinn, nephew of famed televangelist Benny Hinn, has publicly distanced himself from the lavish lifestyle and ministry practices he grew up with, now openly criticizing the prosperity gospel his family promoted.
Raised amid extravagance-“Beamers, Benz’s, and Bentleys,” as he describes it-Costi’s childhood was marked by a nearly 10,000-square-foot home equipped with luxury amenities like an indoor hot tub, pool, steam room, and sports court. Family vacations took them to upscale resorts in Hawaii and Europe. By high school, Costi was driving a Mercedes; by age 20, he owned a custom-rimmed H2 Hummer and a $10,000 Breitling watch.
For years, Costi believed this wealth was a sign of God’s favor, reflecting the prosperity gospel preached by his uncle, Benny Hinn-a charismatic faith healer known for his white suits and large healing crusades. “If you have enough faith, if you believe like us, if you do what we do, God will make you rich,” Costi recalled thinking. Those who struggled with illness or hardship were often seen as lacking faith.
After high school, Costi worked closely with Benny Hinn as his personal assistant, traveling on private planes and staying in luxury hotels. He also served as a “catcher” during healing crusades, helping carry individuals who collapsed after prayer.
However, this behind-the-scenes experience planted seeds of doubt. “I started questioning why certain things didn’t happen as they were said to have happened,” he said.
“What really got me was working for him and realizing nobody’s really getting healed.”
Benny Hinn Ministries, which once reported annual revenues over $90 million, has faced scrutiny from multiple investigations, including by HBO, CBC, the IRS, and the Senate Finance Committee, focusing on healing claims and financial transparency. While no criminal charges have been filed, and the ministry has reportedly made reforms, skepticism remains.
Leaving the family ministry in 2004 was a challenging decision for Costi, who grappled with loyalty and identity tied to his upbringing. It took over a decade before he publicly shared his story, choosing first to pursue education and personal reflection. Today, Costi is a pastor himself and leads For the Gospel, an online Christian resource ministry that emphasizes transparency and challenges the prosperity gospel.
“I left it all when I found out it was a total scam,” Costi stated bluntly. He has authored books and given interviews exposing what he views as manipulation within certain televangelist circles. Unlike many large ministries, For the Gospel operates with an annual budget under $1 million and files the IRS Form 990, demonstrating a commitment to openness.
Benny Hinn Ministries disputes Costi’s portrayal, calling it inaccurate and questioning his motives, suggesting he has profited from his association with the ministry through books and speaking engagements. Costi responds that his primary focus remains pastoral work and Bible teaching, not personal gain.
Meanwhile, Benny Hinn continues to preach and hold healing services worldwide, maintaining a significant following after more than five decades in ministry.
Costi Hinn’s journey highlights a profound reckoning with faith, family, and the ethics of religious leadership, offering a critical perspective from within one of televangelism’s most prominent dynasties.
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- A televangelist’s nephew reveals what he saw and why he left the flock (businessinsider.com)