Greg Locke is once again making headlines-but this time it's not for his fiery sermons or viral social media clips. The controversial Tennessee pastor is asking supporters to dig deep after revealing that attendance at his once-packed Global Vision Bible Church has collapsed by roughly 90%, leaving the congregation a fraction of its former size.
During a recent Sunday service, Locke urged both in-person worshippers and online viewers to continue giving financially, stressing that the church needs ongoing support as it prepares for another move into a new building. While celebrating that the ministry has regained access to its bank accounts following recent financial disruptions, Locke admitted the church's finances remain under pressure.
The numbers paint a dramatic picture. Global Vision Bible Church, which once attracted crowds of around 3,000 during the height of Locke's pandemic-era popularity, now reportedly draws only about 300 regular attendees-with Locke himself estimating "maybe four hundred on a strong Sunday." Despite the decline, the outspoken pastor insists neither his calling nor his message has changed, declaring that he feels "more free" than ever.
Locke built a national following through controversial sermons on spiritual warfare, COVID-19 restrictions, politics, and high-profile exorcism services. His bold style attracted millions of social media followers and helped transform his church into one of the country's most talked-about independent congregations.
However, former members have increasingly spoken out about their experiences, alleging authoritarian leadership, financial concerns, and hostility toward anyone who questioned church leadership. Several former supporters who once relocated to Tennessee specifically to join the ministry say they eventually left after becoming disillusioned behind the scenes.
The ministry's challenges have intensified in recent months following reports of a federal investigation. Earlier this month, Locke told his congregation that authorities had searched his home and media offices, saying investigators were responding to numerous allegations. He has strongly denied wrongdoing and maintains he will ultimately be cleared.
Despite the setbacks, Locke remains optimistic. He told supporters the church is preparing to relocate to a new facility that still requires extensive renovations and promised additional "faith-raising" fundraising efforts in the weeks ahead. Ending on a defiant note, the pastor declared that critics would eventually be proven wrong and that Global Vision Bible Church would continue to thrive.
