Add The California Post on Google A Los Angeles-based pastor whose dramatic prayer services regularly go viral is once again at the center of controversy.
After videos from a recent Texas book signing showed followers collapsing, shaking and convulsing as Kathryn Krick prayed over them, there’s been renewed accusations from some Christian leaders that her ministry resembles a cult.
Krick leads Five-Fold Church, also known as 5F Church, in Los Angeles, according to Church Leaders.
The self-described apostle has amassed a massive online following, with more than half a million Instagram followers and a growing presence on TikTok, where supporters celebrate what they describe as miraculous healings and spiritual deliverance.
But the 35-year-old’s explosive popularity has been matched by equally intense criticism.
The latest debate erupted after Krick visited Houston to promote her new book, “Ignite Revival.” Video shared from the event shows attendees falling to the floor, trembling and appearing to convulse as Krick prayed for them and signed books.
Posting footage from the gathering, Krick wrote, “How God moved in that bookstore among the people amazed us!” Supporters claimed people experienced healing from illnesses, emotional trauma and spiritual oppression during the event.
One attendee enthusiastically shared their experience online, writing, “This was one of the best days of my life! I will never forget how powerfully I was touched by the anointing at this book signing. I couldn’t stay on my feet as I stepped forward to have my book signed! So many were beautifully touched.”
One skeptical social media user questioned the unusual physical reactions, writing, “Whoa. A lot happening here.
“I’m just wondering, as a Christian who has received and seen a ton of healing, why with @apostlekathrynkrick do these people tremble and shake and seize? What’s so different about this specific healing vs others?”
Krick’s ministry began roughly nine years ago as a small worship gathering after she relocated to Los Angeles to pursue careers in acting and music, per Church Leaders.
She has openly discussed struggling with insecurity while preaching, saying she felt called by God despite doubting her abilities.
Since then, her ministry has grown rapidly, fueled largely by social media, where short videos of dramatic healing services routinely attract millions of views.
Krick also credits her spiritual mentor, Tanzanian minister Prophet GeorDavie, for helping shape her ministry. She has said his guidance played a role in her ability to perform faith healings and cast out demons.
However, those claims have become a lightning rod among other Christian leaders.
Bible teacher Mike Winger has repeatedly criticized Krick’s ministry on Facebook, calling her a “cult leader” who promotes “false teachings” and questionable spiritual practices. He has also questioned why prominent Christian figures have publicly supported her ministry.
Pastor Chris Rosebrough has similarly accused Krick on YouTube of accepting an unhealthy level of admiration from followers that should be reserved for Jesus alone.
Despite the criticism, Krick wrote on Instagram that opposition to her ministry stems from jealousy and misunderstanding, while her supporters continue to defend what they believe are genuine encounters with God.
As videos of worshippers collapsing and shaking continue to spread online, the debate surrounding the Los Angeles minister shows no signs of slowing down, with supporters calling the scenes miraculous and critics warning that vulnerable believers could be placing their faith in the wrong person.
