A Los Angeles-based pastor is pushing back against accusations that her ministry operates like a cult after viral videos of her prayer services reignited criticism from some Christian leaders and social media users.

Kathryn Krick, who leads Five-Fold Church (5F Church) in Los Angeles, issued a statement to The California Post defending her ministry after an earlier story examined the ongoing debate surrounding her dramatic healing services.

The controversy intensified after videos from a recent Texas book signing showed attendees shaking, collapsing and appearing overwhelmed with emotion as Krick prayed over them.

The clips quickly spread across social media, with supporters describing the moments as evidence of God’s power, while critics questioned the physical reactions and accused the ministry of promoting unhealthy devotion to its leader.

In her response, Krick rejected the “cult” label and said the ministry has always been centered on Christianity rather than on herself.

“My heart has always been to point people to Jesus,” Krick explained. “I have never desired to build a platform around myself, but to see people encounter the love, freedom, healing, and power of God.”

The “Ignite Revival” author said the accusation was made without fully understanding the church or the people who attend it.

“Calling something a ‘cult’ because it looks different from what someone has personally experienced is not a fair representation of the thousands of people who freely choose to attend, serve, and pursue God,” she asserted.

The 35-year-old minister has built a large online following through videos showcasing faith healings, deliverance ministry and worship services. Her social media accounts have attracted hundreds of thousands of followers, while clips of worshippers falling to the ground or trembling during prayer have routinely drawn millions of views.

At the same time, several prominent Christian commentators have publicly criticized her ministry. Among them are Bible teacher Mike Winger, who has described Krick as a “cult leader” and challenged her teachings, and pastor Chris Rosebrough, who has argued that some followers appear to give Krick a level of admiration that should be directed toward Jesus.

Supporters, however, have continued to defend the ministry, sharing personal testimonies they say demonstrate spiritual healing, freedom from addiction, emotional restoration and renewed faith.

Krick said those life changes are what she believes should define the ministry.

“The fruit of this ministry is people being set free from oppression, receiving healing, being transformed by the power of God, growing closer to Jesus, and walking in the abundant life He has promised,” she said.

Krick also argued that God’s work has often been misunderstood throughout history.

“I welcome honest questions and respectful conversations,”she stated. “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 surrounding Krick and 5F Church continues to divide both social media users and members of the Christian community, with supporters viewing the services as genuine spiritual encounters and critics remaining unconvinced by the ministry’s practices.