Better Call Pearry: The Cult Kingpin Who Slapped His Way Into Power - Revival History - Episode 339

John and Charles discuss the rise and influence of Pearry Green—one of the most controversial figures in the post-Branham “message” sect. Despite entering the movement just two years before William Branham’s death, Green rapidly rose to power by stepping over more established leaders, manipulating church structures, and allegedly exploiting congregants for financial and spiritual control.

Charles shares insider details on how Green’s abrupt intrusion into leadership caused early rifts, including conflicts with ministers that Branham himself had appointed. They explore how Green’s founding of the Tucson Tabernacle—under disputed circumstances—fueled division, and how his strategic alliance with Billy Paul Branham helped them seize control of key message institutions.

The conversation traces Green’s network of businesses, his alleged financial kickbacks, and the disturbing ways message leaders combined religious control with economic coercion. From violent incidents to legal battles and immigrant exploitation, this episode uncovers the cultic structure and criminal influence that allowed Pearry Green’s empire to grow after Branham’s death.

⸻

📘 Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Pearry Green’s Rise After Branham’s Death
04:00 Origins of the Copyright Schism
05:56 How Green Entered the Movement in 1964
07:20 Tensions with Early Jeffersonville Leaders
09:17 The Myth of Perfection in Leadership
10:26 Green’s Claimed Wealth and Personality
12:07 Green’s Reputation Among Message Preachers
13:30 Conflict Over the Tucson Church
16:51 Fallout from Branham’s Death and Green’s Power Grab
19:03 Slapping Incident at the Hospital
23:01 Comparing Green’s Behavior to Papal Politics
25:06 The Power Struggle with Other Leaders
27:06 The Green–Billy Paul Alliance
31:04 Expanding the Message into Latin America
33:21 Financial Kickbacks and Message Empires
36:16 Green’s Business Network and Control of Members
40:18 Religious Coercion in Business Settings
43:13 Exploiting Immigrants and Message Followers
47:16 Transitioning to Literature and Legal Battles
49:45 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

⸻

🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Available on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts:
https://william-branham.org/podcast

📘 Books Mentioned
– Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR
 Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962
 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K
– Come Out of Her My People, Vol. II
 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNFN2XYR

⸻

🙏 Support & Follow the Channel
– Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/branham
– Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSpezVG15TVG-lOYMRXuyQ
– Website: https://william-branham.org
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamBranhamOrg
– TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@william.m.branham
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/wmbhr
– Bookstore: https://william-branham.org/site/books