MINOT – A high profile conservative spoke at Sleep Inn Tuesday night, leaving some Minot area residents concerned and some joyful.
Greg Locke, founding and lead pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, spoke on several hot topics, giving a firm conservative stance on most of the issues.
With around 150 people showing up from across the state to hear Locke speak, many came forward at the end of the night to have him pray that demons be cast out of them and their infirmities be healed.
Locke has received pushback for believing, according to some reports, that autism may be demon attacks. He has also received opposition for his views on LGBT issues and the COVID-19 vaccine.
The night began with an offering plate and many giving to Global Vision Bible Church’s adoption program.
“Today, just within the last few months, since Roe v. Wade has been overturned, right now we have 33 families in line. We've already paid for 15 adoptions,” said Locke. “The media likes to paint me one way but they never talk about those things. They always like to talk about the red hot fiery political redneck renegade in Tennessee that refused to close his church during the pandemic and all that nonsense.”
Mitchel Warnke, Minot, expressed concern over Locke speaking in Minot.
“I don’t think it’s right for Minot to host a man who stands against LGBT rights, attended an insurrection, burns children’s books, and preaches that autism is a sign of demon possession,” said Warnke. “Regardless of political affiliation, that’s not what North Dakota stands for.”
There were also several conservatives who did not agree with Locke’s views on demon oppression.
“There’s a lot of mad people up in Minot,” said Locke. “Why not come to Minot, you need a Bible too. And if your church is thin cold as the atmosphere you definitely need the Bible, no doubt about it.”
Patty Gottus, co-host of the event from Northland Harvest Church, explained why she and her friend Virginia brought Locke to Minot.
“He’s a Godly man,” said Gottus. “He’s preaching the word, the truth, the Bible.”
“He preaches the word of God, believes in deliverance, and the town of Minot needs deliverance,” said Virginia.
Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center and Water Park said it did not host the event but rented out the space as it would for any other event.
