Kathryn Krick, leader of Los Angeles's Five-Fold Church, denied that her ministry is a cult after videos from a Texas event showing worshippers shaking and collapsing went viral. She told The California Post her focus is on pointing people to Jesus and invited respectful dialogue. Critics including Mike Winger and Chris Rosebrough have raised concerns, while supporters share testimony of healing and transformation. The conversation continues to divide opinion across social media and within the Christian community.
Los Angeles Pastor Defends Ministry After Viral Clips of Worshippers Shaking — 'It's Not a Cult,' She Says
Los Angeles pastor Kathryn Krick has pushed back against accusations that her ministry resembles a cult after clips of her services showing worshippers trembling and collapsing went viral. Krick, who leads Five-Fold Church (also called 5F Church), issued a statement to The California Post defending her ministry and inviting respectful dialogue about its practices.
Videos from a recent Texas book signing showed attendees shaking, collapsing and appearing overwhelmed with emotion as Kathryn Krick prayed over them. Tiktok/@APOSTLEKATHRYNK
Viral Footage Ignites Debate
Footage from a recent Texas book-signing and prayer event circulated widely on social platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, showing attendees shaking, falling to the floor, and appearing deeply emotional while Krick prayed over them. Supporters called the moments evidence of God's power, while critics questioned why participants exhibited such dramatic physical reactions and whether the gatherings encourage unhealthy devotion to a leader.
Los Angeles-based pastor Kathryn Krick is pushing back against accusations that her ministry operates like a cult. Instagram/@apostlekathrynkrick
Krick's Response
Krick, 35, and author of Ignite Revival, rejected the "cult" label and said her work has always been focused on pointing people to Jesus rather than building a platform around herself. In her statement to The California Post she said,
The pastor has built a large online following through videos showcasing faith healings, deliverance ministry and worship services. Tiktok/@APOSTLEKATHRYNK
"My heart has always been to point people to Jesus. I have never desired to build a platform around myself, but to see people encounter the love, freedom, healing, and power of God."
She added that labeling the church a cult because its practices look different from what some expect is unfair to the thousands who voluntarily attend and serve.
Supporters have continued to defend the ministry, sharing personal testimonies they say demonstrate spiritual healing. Tiktok/@APOSTLEKATHRYNK
Supporters, Critics, And Context
Krick has cultivated a large online presence through videos that highlight faith healings, deliverance ministry, and charismatic worship. Her social accounts have attracted hundreds of thousands of followers and many clips have drawn millions of views.
At the same time, several prominent Christian commentators have publicly criticized her ministry. Bible teacher Mike Winger has called Krick a "cult leader" and challenged aspects of her teaching, while pastor Chris Rosebrough has argued that some followers may be giving Krick an amount of reverence that should be reserved for Jesus. Supporters, meanwhile, continue to post personal testimonies describing spiritual healing, freedom from addiction, emotional restoration, and renewed faith.
Where Things Stand
Krick said the ongoing criticism reflects broader historical patterns in which powerful spiritual movements are sometimes misunderstood. "I welcome honest questions and respectful conversations," she said. "My prayer is that people would look beyond headlines and see the countless lives that are being changed by Jesus. All glory belongs to Him."
The debate over Krick and Five-Fold Church remains active on social media and within parts of the Christian community, with supporters describing the services as genuine spiritual encounters and critics urging closer scrutiny of the ministry's practices.
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