The UNSEEN TRUTH of Being a Mega Church Pastor...

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Bio: Ruslan KD is a Christian KZbinr of Armenian descent who was a refugee from Baku, Azerbaijan, before moving to the United States as a child. He started his KZbin channel in the mid-2010s, which has since grown into a popular platform for discussing faith, lifestyle, and music. Known for his insightful commentary on Christian living, culture, and personal development, Ruslan has built a community of followers who value his thoughtful approach to contemporary issues. In addition to his KZbin presence, Ruslan is a speaker, author, and advocate for godly ambition, often addressing topics related to leadership, mental health, and the integration of faith in everyday life.
Our mission is to encourage, empower, and inspire people to live a life that Blesses God, in accordance with His word. As the Psalmist proclaims, "Bless God in the great congregation, the Lord, O you who are of Israel's fountain" (Psalm 68:26 ESV), and "Every day will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy name forever and ever" (Psalm 145:2 KJV). Just as Simeon, after encountering Jesus, "took him up in his arms and blessed God" (Luke 2:28 ESV), we seek to lead others in a life of stewardship, relevant engagement, and practical living that honors and blesses the Lord.

[@RuslanKD]

For more on Russell B Johnson’s instagram.com/russellbjohnson?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== church: www.thepursuitnw.com

[@mr.smithofficial]

Why does this video has no timestamps it’s so sad 😞

[@bobjoe1849]

No problem with large churches but the question is whether or not it becomes a less humble commercialized business or a music arena of just performance like some of them seem to be doing. 🤔

[@RuslanKD]

There doesn’t need to be a false binary. Tons of big churches that never become “less humble commercialized business” I’d say the vast majority of them.

[@cloplaysgames]

The problem is large cities are going to have larger churches though. Mega churches are hard because it’s harder to create closer interpersonal relationships but it’s a great way to gather other believers and bring back prodigals who have probably been away from God. Many go off to other churches or whatever God has called them to. I got saved in a very small Black style church with 10 people but I’ve been to all types of Protestant churches the last 10 years or so with my walk with God.

[@cloplaysgames]

This church is based in Seattle area and started in Snowhomish and they just took over Churchome’s old Kirkland location. The Seattle area has roughly 3.5 million inhabitants and is the 15th largest metro area. It’s also an extremely agnostic, atheistic and intellectualism bubble. In my opinion, The reason some churches turn into large mega churches is there’s also not enough anointed men and women of God in this area planting churches and it’s very hard to plant a church in this region in general so I think Mega Churches are a way to deal with places that are so populated and people are already struggling to build community and connects in general. I did a Bible College internship in California and it was so much easier feeling a part of the church like a family then but it’s just hard in certain regions in general. There’s pros and cons to large churches and I think it’s a good way to gather together new believers who sometimes have little to no understanding of church culture and Christianity.

[@Daizey57]

AGREED, & a money machine.

[@mattturner5750]

Plenty of intimate small churches with hollow faith.

[@Ruby-wise]

TY R…I was trackin so well..with this pastor…..till I hit the B Hinn wall! I DID watch the entire Mike Winger docu. Mike is a brilliant…a wise and gracious man. It’s unfortunate that there’s so much commentary when the entire Winger vids were not watched.

[@Team_Blackledge]

Yeah it’s more than just “getting it wrong”. You can’t unsee the Mike Winger piece.

[@EricSchumann007]

I visited B hinn church in the mid 1980’s I went to the large Assemblies of God I never felt convertible at B hind church even back the. If you have bad gut feelings in a church ministry there is a reason may take months years be for it comes to lite

[@deeayeveeeyees]

this guy had to do some serious spiritual gymnastics to defend Benny Hinn. wish Ruslan had pressed him harder. you can see that Ruslan doesn't agree and tries to push back without pushing his buttons.

[@carlostorres271]

Mike Winger does a good job and even Justin Peters sometimes. With these guys not only do you have to contend with them but also those bookshelves full of books in the background.

[@AlA-h4b]

When he was answering ruslan he didnt make much eye contact

[@thewestwoodhome]

Used to lead worship at Russel's church when if first started YEARS ago. Crazy to see him on here.

[@lesyaklein9788]

interesting, are you from the Northwest- Seattle area? I would love to hear if you have any advice for Biblically sound churches? specifically Kent area

[@justinecrosby2324]

@@lesyaklein9788 citadel church in Renton!!

[@wheeler116]

@@lesyaklein9788I have a lot of friends that go to the Newlife campus in Renton. That might be a good one to check out.

[@coptimal]

Ok, just to ensure this is legit - What were your top three worship songs you played the most often?

[@thewestwoodhome]

@@coptimal Ahahah I mean back then? King of my heart was solid, but we also wrote most of our own stuff when we lead

[@williamnarcisse6917]

Been with the same 10 faithful people for like 10 years... Preciate ur testimony brother

[@michaelfeher8602]

Good interview. Thanks for the content. I will say he looked a bit uncomfortable discussing the Benny Hinn stuff.

[@deeayeveeeyees]

because it's uncomfortable addressing something while actively turning a blind eye to it.

[@chasityrandolph9698]

Where can i find your website your an awesome mega pastor you talk very smart with Papa God leading you

[@M.A.Leal8]

Russel, your wrong on Hinn🚩, your wrong on Osteen🚩, your wrong on “born again catholics”🚩

[@VisualAnthony]

make room for each other's faults and shortcomings. the Good Book does teach us these things. ;)

[@georgebametejnr6722]

I think he just tried to win the lost at all cost and the church grew as more people came know to Christ.. church just grows if you outreach and preach the great commission like Jesus our Lord has commanded.

[@uber_stuber]

i honestly question the purpose of this youtube page: is it to spread God's love? or simply to expose more drama about various people and organizations?

[@lindaodell7264]

Pastor Russell is a powerful communicator.

[@PhilipZghaib-hw5so]

Return to orthodoxy😭

[@waynehulen7416]

And loaded

[@Cmac0099]

I've been to his church!

[@namiebimba8542]

How was it?

[@tonyfauci9963]

I how much money he makes now

[@newchapter6064]

I would like to know this pastors name

[@lesyaklein9788]

Russel Johnson Pursuit church Seattle area

[@RuslanKD]

I say it in the opening and it’s pinned

[@richardparker2539]

After watching him sidestep the whole Benny Hinn / Mike Winger stuff, I had a feeling he had a background in politics

[@mattturner5750]

Didn't feel like sidestepping to me. He said the guy didn't lie. And then wouldn't go along with a hypothetical.

[@ElijahRock92]

Naw chief, he's gotta go watch the Mike Winger video. You can't make a judgment just off your personal experience when evidence is available and accessible. As a pastor, he needs to do his diligence when it comes to popular public figures, especially in the Church.

[@dirtypatwalsh]

Mike Winger is no sidewalk critic…like I saw in another comment…you can’t un see his documentary.

[@user-ll6qw3it6g]

What happened in his documentary? Is it on KZbin?

[@1satisfiedmind]

In my nearly 50 years in the faith, I've been in a mid sized church that went Mega, on the inside of a start-up church that became Mega, an outside observer of 2 Megas friends attended, and I've watch a humble pastor become a pride filled, image-centric, self centered, tyrant, who abused $, and destroyer of godly men's reputations, have had a pastor try to cover up an affair w the church secretary, had a Pastor publically exposed in a homosexual affair and drug use, knew a Mega Pastor who was exposed for multiple affairs, a porn addiction, and now under the shadow of accusations of touching minors, watched from afar a hostile take over of a church a friend pastored, and have a friend who is still recovering from her time serving in a Mega Para Church ministry. I'm fortunate, my faith was built on a strong foundation, my faith in Jesus is unshaken, but my trust in pastors and leadership is another thing.

[@TheDukeofhazzard86]

My church also opened in a lockdown, my pastor was criminally charged multiple times. Someone came in the middle of the night and threw roofing nails in our parking lot. We were constantly bludgeoned by the media and local government. However, our church became a beacon for all sorts of hurting people who needed Christ. Most were there because they wanted to be rebellious and wanted to defy the government but many heard the gospel, were saved, baptized and our now serving in the local church. My Pastor said once thank the Lord for COVID, that it has brought people to Christ to now live a life in dedication and faith to him.

[@CHRISTBRO]

I love Russell, he’s the lead pastor at my church but man… either he’s willfully ignoring or just hasn’t been made aware of what benny hinn has done. It isn’t just “sidewalk criticism”, its far more serious

[@deeayeveeeyees]

appreciate Ruslan pushing back on him with the Benny Hinn discussion. you can see he's not buying this guys mental gymnastics but also trying to keep it civil.

[@leenyloves]

I'm sorry, maybe I'm ignorant, but I was always under the impression that when someone shared a prophecy, it came directly from God, and God is not wrong. If you're prophesying and it's incorrect.. multiple times. Where are your "prophecies" coming from? 👀

[@turkeybobjr]

Ezekiel 13:2-3 (ESV) 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel, who are prophesying, and say to those who prophesy from their own hearts: ‘Hear the word of the Lord!’ 3 Thus says the Lord God, Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!" They are prophesying from their own wicked, deceitful hearts. Because they are false Prophets. In Biblical times, the punishment for this blasphemy was death.

[@ChristAlone3]

Ruslan, I love how you are patient during your interviews yet clear when a question isn't answered therefore will ask it again. Great interview as always ❤

[@EricSchumann007]

Do not understand why they can not appoint a separate paster for each location seems like a cult of personality

[@deeayeveeeyees]

maybe it's a control thing? like why have multiple pastors on staff for each location but they can't preach in their own churches. instead one guy has to drive to each location or live stream ?? seems pointless.

[@The_CapmLew_Podcast]

It’s because of “…incarnational… …caught not taught…” I have so many questions about that.

[@JoeyHuden]

He draws the line when Benny stops drawing crowds.

[@deeayeveeeyees]

the irony is when Ruslan asked him where he would draw the line, literally everything he said was his criteria, is stuff that Benny has done and continues to do. if only there was a 4 hour video documenting all this in one place for him to see.. sigh! if only..

[@mele1617]

The health of the church is more important than the size...I believe you have to be Lead by the Word of God and the HolySpirit...The HolySpirit will never ever go against the Word of God ....when you obey the Lord this is what happens....People are hungry for the Lord Jesus...

[@quincykennedy4386]

This ☝🏿

[@ProbablySaved]

This guy is a trip - on the prophecy discussion he sounds like a manager at a 1-900-psychic hotline, coaching a newbie on the best way to keep the caller on the line.

[@kimberlyfiles5059]

I believe in the gifts & give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but if a pastor lives like a king off the backs of his followers I'm out. If Hinn truly is repentant then he will give half of his & his "ministry's" money to the poor & reimburse all the poor followers what he has stolen times 4. Luke 19:8 You can't listen to Costi & see BHinn as a Holy Spirit filled man. His fruit is rotten.

[@ulloa2512]

I thought the same thing

[@krishneepillay9473]

This pastor is a bit confusing

[@namiebimba8542]

How so? Was there a certain part that confused you?

[@beyesalty3864]

Dang! I used to love Russell but I’m having a hard time with him here. I cannot believe the deflection & topic switch up! Word salad like a mug.

[@cleongionetactor]

Look.. if you’re not spreading the good news and making disciples. What is it good for? That’s the commission given from Christ-that’s it.

[@pauloofernando]

Small and medium size churched > mega churches

[@nathanieldabney225]

He looks at the ground the whole time he’s speaking about Hin. He’s filibustering and he’s wrong.

[@SSLFamilyMom]

Thoroughly enjoying this conversation between you both….very thoughtful and so much wisdom evident in the both of you. Thank you for your transparency!

[@nckbty]

He’s repeating all of the IDF talking points verbatim lol

[@MannyZamora-c1f]

If you get it wrong like Benny hinn countless times there is no do over on prophecy what does the bible say about false prophets to stone them. God is love n also holy righteous n he is the judge ya know.

[@turkeybobjr]

Defending verifiably false prophets is wild...

[@jerryself7577]

So strange that everything shut down with Covid ha In Texas it was normal everyday life for us. Also love this channel and big fan of Ruslan.

[@ichoozjc]

"For we prophecy in part..." Is not a license to get a prophecy wrong. Its not even talking about missing a prophecy, its speaking about our full knowledge of Gods will. We dont see the big picture, even prophetically.

[@bitterclinger8964]

I like what Russell Johnson has to say. But I just need to know what responsibility Israel has considering this: "Anyone who wants to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state has to support bolstering Hamas and transferring money to Hamas. This is part of our strategy - to isolate the Palestinians in Gaza from the Palestinians in the West Bank." PM Netanyahu told a meeting of his Likud party’s Knesset members in March 2019.

[@January14q]

Any Pastor or Mega Church Pastor needs to take the time to investigate any allegations of spiritual abuse, physical abuse or taking advantage of people through a platform. Love his heart for the gospel.

[@michellele6937]

I think it’s interesting that there are so many people talking down a mega church. What a lot of people don’t realize it takes a lot to start a new church. I believe a lot of Christian’s get comfortable at a church and don’t want to start a church.

[@AudreyGodwin]

Having moved away from the Seattle area I truly appreciated having him on your pod. Great conversation. One of many Mic drop moments for me was at the end: In a democracy you get the leaders you deserve. That's an indictment for sure.

[@SophiaTrinity333]

In respect - what’s with ALL the constant NUMBER COUNTING of ministries? What happened? To BEING magnetic vrs “in sales?” ✝️🕊️🙏

[@Brityf]

Love the opening of Israel/Palestine. "How controversial of you." I feel that as long as their are hostages any talks about Israel being in the wrong are moot. Love his message about spiritual warfare in the war.

[@JamesJones-d5s]

I'm tired of hearing things I want to hear and people telling me things in which either provocate me or promote me in some way 6:15 I want someone that I can trust and value as a human being in which I admire then get dropped off with on Mount Everest and no I better have oxygen 6:22 without a Sherpa !!!!!

[@JessicaWood-qq8jv]

This guy went to my former church and I asked him his view on John Lindell lying about the toes and using a service to read Mark Driscolls messages. He was a jerk and called me a "Karen"... He claims he is too busy watch Mike Winger but he wrote lengthy messages and was out of line with me, a "Karen" because I asked the question and then he shared my comment to his Instagram story but not his juvenile response. He also never gave McArthur credit in this for leading opening the church but called him out about speaking out on tongues. 🚩🚩🚩🚩

[@JessicaWood-qq8jv]

He was a cocky jerk to me personally; does not present as a teacher, pastor, leader

[@hiddenanddeletedvideos6971]

I dont respect this cuz of the benny hinn and joel olsteen thing

[@frankcoble4052]

Good rebuttal that just because someone is friendly towards you doesnt give them license to do shenanigans. Dick Iverson in his book Balance called it "spiritual frustration" when pastors try and make a move of God happen. Like pushing people down like slain in the Spirit.

[@Susan-zk7ne]

Dick Iverson? Are you familiar with Charlote Baker? King's Temple? I've been feeling like I am the only one left from that era. Sometimes I feel homesick for that time.

[@blaiseforet4198]

1:15:40 “God bless ya that sounds great.” That’s not at all what he does on stage.

[@JamesJones-d5s]

Don't be out of your mind with your opinions because hey you might get prosecuted or maliciously have motivated people coming after you 5:53

[@AK-pz7om]

Megachurches shouldn’t be a thing. They should keep splitting off into other church plants not affiliated with the mother church once they get too big. Hard to disciple people when the pastor doesn’t even know your name. And no, small groups aren’t a replacement for this, I view those more as supplements to discipleship than the main vehicle

[@deeayeveeeyees]

true. and pastors can get so isolated. I once ran into someone I knew from church having coffee with the lead pastor. he introduced me to the pastor as a member of the church. the pastor just shook my hand and then continued talking to the people beside him. didn't seem to want to know anything about this church member he was just introduced to. it's was a strange experience to say the least and I lost all respect for him after that.

[@AK-pz7om]

@@deeayeveeeyees totally get what you mean. Doesn’t mean being in a small church means your pastor cares for you either, however it’s certainly much harder in the megachurch model. You even have some megachurches that have satellite campuses where people drive to the campus just to watch the live-streamed service lol. Coming from a small church it’s weird to attend bigger churches and not know the majority of people

[@JamesJones-d5s]

Translate what has science provided that proves our faith is linked to fate and what has science provided that makes our faith irrelevant that's not talking about bipartisanship in the merican 8:52 government

[@maryjacksongobin6524]

Watching from Tulalip, WA

[@mattybabs7]

You get the leaders you deserve. Pretty insightful comment.

[@perpetualtimpieces]

2 tone Skydweller on jubilee. Nice choice pastor

[@aprilLiz2023]

Hey enjoyed your video. My only comment… is about the question raised of “why did they not put someone better than Biden forward”….. I don’t want to open up a can of worms here… but if you look at the “way” that party operates. The front person is very publicly and obviously a puppet. We see this often in the media…. Biden once let it slip that Obama was the leader of his country. That statement alone… had most people who are awake thinking “okay, this isn’t normal what is going on?!!”. You didn’t seem to touch on that at all. This isn’t a conspiracy thing… it’s just now a public knowledge thing. Trump…. Well when he was in power…. We need to look at evidence of what was officially done. If you look at the records you will see he did more good in his short term then should have been humanly possible. In saying that…. I don’t like him! But there is plenty of men in the Bible that God choose… who I would not have liked either! I think they are dodgy people…. But they are the one for the job.

[@rachelrachel86]

Great conversation!

[@sethwilkinson55]

When you say “scripture doesn’t say that AT ALL”, how do you reconcile with…… Deuteronomy 18:22 : "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."

[@XRP2Arkansas]

Impressed Praise God

[@jamesphilips194]

They closed churches during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. Churches that remained open had much higher death rates. So the lockdowns for COVID weren't new.

[@123youknowmeyo]

I beleive the Lord's hand is upon Trump, whether he's a Christian or not (hopefully one day).

[@MichaelFowler-sx3ns]

You reopened during Covid and lost half of the church and then you started to double every 6 months? Guess that is what happens when you lose the chaff.

[@jonytwobyfour4]

Anyone defending false prophets loses my trust. How can we trust someone defending a liar and enabling him to gain false credibility to continue lying and deceiving the people. Keeping this man in my prayers

[@JamesJones-d5s]

I said it's all good I'll stick with a vow to poverty and tell you to take it easy 9:46

[@RuslanKD]

Vows of poverty have a deep rich history in the church but they aren’t mandatory. I’d highly recommend you really sit with 1 Cor 9 if you think they are. Really read that chapter in a translation you can understand before you comment back

[@blaiseforet4198]

1:16:40 Imagine Jesus telling people they can’t come on stage for prayer unless they can say they are already healed.

[@nathanielchapman1829]

Can't say I'm the biggest fan of Johnson, but he did wed my sister and her husband.

[@robprice6]

Why does Russell hardly ever make eye contact with his host for 2 hours? Weird…

[@coptimal]

Thank you for this ruslan: I had no idea "deuces" was a word. 29:50:00 Thank you to you and your guest for keeping me current. - Is this where I say: Deuces - to mean peace? Instead of Peeeacce are you going to transition to "deuces? DEEEEUUUUUUCEEES -

[@douglaspayne4751]

Great to see pastor Russell choppin it up with Ruslan. My world’s colliding.

[@danielkroll843]

Karl Barth was the theologian that said we should have a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other. I appreciate the encouragement I was unfamiliar with the quote so I looked it up.

[@ashantapovey4590]

What a blessing to listening to two intelligent Christian men who can have an authentic conversation

[@MyCupOfTea101]

I appreciate the interview. I live on the other side of the state in WA. Thank you for the questions regarding Charasmactic Questions. I've seen some pros & cons having been in a charasmatic upbring and reformed schooling. Definitely had some good take aways from this.

[@WiltSmo-em1ho]

How do some mega church pastors get so rich?

[@Uniqdna]

A lot of them don’t take salaries from their church and they make money from recognition and influence. They can charge more for speaking engagements because they’re in demand, they can sell books, commentaries, Bible study courses, merch, etc… many of them have side businesses as well.

[@EnduranceinChristJesus]

Feigned tongues they make merchandise of people

[@RuslanKD]

Books and conference speaking fees

[@namiebimba8542]

@@RuslanKDYes! …and businesses and investments. I think it’s fair how they make their money, especially for those who DO NOT take a salary from the Church. It’s so crazy to me how people freak out over rich pastors! I’m like I’m sorry they’re smart enough to have multiple streams of income! lol 😂 It’s ridiculous in my opinion!

[@willwise2168]

Him trying to defend Benny hinn was comical 😂

[@boxingrican]

My guess is 5percent of mega church going to heaven

[@praysCHRIST-jp3eh]

WHERE IS "CHURCH-PLANTING" IN THE BIBLE? spoiler alert: it's not

[@lindaodell7264]

All over the new Testament lol Paul planted churches so did most of the apostles

[@bronzemuseum504]

that was an excellent interview, God bless

[@cloplaysgames]

Hey!!! It’s my pastor!!! Lol

[@boxingrican]

He’s to tolerant

[@BarsAndBeatsEntertainment]

SPITTINNN

[@nazarpekhotin]

That’s my pastor 🙌🏼. Truly has a fear of God, a love for scripture and walks in anointing

[@caramia4483]

Fascinating interview 🙏🏽

[@dawsonjarrell]

I don’t know this guy but I like him.. Honest.. and all about Scripture.. and so little ego - it is happy to see..

[@graemejorgensen]

Super interesting.

[@gordendove123]

This was filled with value! The political take was🔥🔥the Lord has given Pastor Russell a unique call to radically influence Government! He got the juice!

[@graemejorgensen]

Nice!😀

[@JamesJones-d5s]

What is small 7:07

[@waynehulen7416]

Dancing jeep

[@lindaodell7264]

Love Pastor Russell

[@Davidfishchuk]

Hey that’s my pastor!!!! 🙌🏼

[@hectorgatica6494]

Leggo

[@psosa26]

I live in Puyallup, Wa.. ima go check yall out.

[@JoeyHuden]

He’s next gen Kenneth Copeland. Politician or Preacher he’s gunna get that jet.

[@disaj7460]

This was a fascinating convo. I'm glad to learn that he didn't experience/witness any of the questionable practices of Benny Hinn that so many others have! Maybe there's great hope for him & his ministry after all (Benny Hinn, that is). Cuz i was getting pretty tired of hearing the same tune from so many different ppl from all walks of life.

[@deeayeveeeyees]

his response to BH's abuse is "well he didn't do that to me so I don't care"

[@lindaodell7264]

Pastor Russell is more graceful and merciful towards people. He doesn’t compromise Bible Truth. But he doesn’t trash people publicly he has more humility than most