How to Choose a Pastor - and Avoid Spiritual Abuse | Chino Ross | Episode 463

John and Chino discuss what makes a true pastor versus a false one, tracing how cult movements like Hobart Freeman’s Faith Assembly distorted the gospel into a “health and wealth” message. They examine how trauma from authoritarian churches shapes what people look for when finding a new congregation—and why “signs of a healthy church” lists can be dangerous when written by unhealthy leaders. Through personal stories and biblical insight, they break down why empathy, sound teaching, and genuine care matter more than charisma, claimed miracles, or titles like “apostle” and “prophet.”
______________________
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Hero Worship and the Misplaced Reverence of Leaders
03:11 What to Look for in a Minister
06:27 The Question of a “Call” to Ministry
07:15 The Case of Hobart Freeman’s Ministers
12:45 The Problem with “Audible Voice” Claims
14:02 Choosing a Church That Meets Real Needs
17:48 Knowing and Teaching God’s Word
19:26 Cherry-Picking Scripture and Prosperity Preaching
22:13 Hobart Freeman’s “Abundant Life” Doctrine
27:29 When Ministers Replace Scripture with Storytelling
28:06 Healing from Cult Trauma and Church Selection
31:02 Finding a Church Culture That Fits You
32:12 The Prosperity Gospel’s Real Roots
40:14 A “Different Gospel” and Why It’s Dangerous
42:17 Three Qualities of a Good Minister
43:36 Does He Care About You? The True Test of a Shepherd
46:09 False Shepherds and Self-Worship
48:11 Why Dual-Vocation Ministers Are More Grounded
54:05 Old Covenant Tithing and Modern Exploitation
55:00 John 10 and the Meaning of the Good Shepherd
58:10 How False Shepherds Harm the Flock
1:03:02 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts
______________________
Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K
______________________
– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham
– Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSpezVG15TVG-lOYMRXuyQ
– Visit the website: https://william-branham.org
– Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamBranhamOrg
– Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@william.m.branham
– Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wmbhr
– Buy the books: https://william-branham.org/site/books