Bill Winston
Word of Faith pastor teaching believers are divine duplicates of God
Biography
Bill Winston is the founder and pastor of Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, Illinois, and president of Bill Winston Ministries.
He is a prominent figure in the Word of Faith movement, teaching that 'Adam is the exact duplicate of God' and that believers share divine nature. His ministry sells materials on 'Understanding Our Divinity' and teaches that prosperity and royalty are the birthright of every Christian. He represents the dangerous teaching that elevates humans to godhood while reducing God's sovereignty.
Biblical Assessment
Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how Bill Winston measures up:
Title & Authority
Self-appointed pastor and teacher within the Word of Faith network. Promotes heretical teachings about human divinity without accountability to orthodox Christianity.
Scripture:
2 Peter 2:1, Galatians 1:8, Titus 1:9
Gospel Message
Teaches the 'little gods' doctrine β that believers are divine duplicates of God. This blasphemously elevates humans and diminishes the Creator-creature distinction. Also teaches prosperity as a covenant right.
Scripture:
Isaiah 43:10, Isaiah 45:5, Ezekiel 28:2
Fruit & Lifestyle
His teaching produces followers who believe they are gods entitled to wealth. This creates pride rather than humility and covetousness rather than contentment.
Scripture:
Matthew 7:16-20, 1 Timothy 6:6-8, James 4:6
Revelation vs. Scripture
Teaches that believers can speak things into existence like God. This 'positive confession' doctrine claims creative power for human words that belongs to God alone.
Scripture:
Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 115:3, Romans 9:20
Finances & Transparency
Teaches that 'without wealth, your royalty is in question' and 'you've never seen a poor king.' Uses prosperity promises to extract giving from followers.
Scripture:
1 Timothy 6:9-10, Luke 6:20, 2 Peter 2:3
Key Quotes
These statements from Bill Winston reveal doctrinal error.
"Adam is the exact duplicate of God, made in His image."β Bill Winston
"Without the wealth, your royalty is in question. You've never seen a poor king; it doesn't exist. God never intended for His people to be poor."β Bill Winston
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Sources & References
All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:
- β’Believer's Voice of Victory magazine (September 2008)
- β’Living Word Christian Center teachings
- β’Understanding Our Divinity DVD series
- β’Kenneth Copeland network broadcasts
See an error? We strive for complete accuracy. If you believe we've misrepresented Bill Winston's teaching, contact us with evidence and we'll review.
Assessment Summary
Bill Winston teaches doctrine or practices that deviate from Scripture. Exercise caution and discernment.
Affiliated Doctrines
Bill Winston teaches or promotes these doctrines:
Listen Instead To:
These teachers demonstrate biblical faithfulness:
- Paul WasherBold preacher of repentance and holiness
- John MacArthurExpositor and defender of biblical inerrancy
- RC SproulReformed theologian who taught the holiness of God to millions (1939-2017)
Our Method
Every assessment uses our 5-point biblical framework. Learn how to test any teacher against Scripture.
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