Let’s talk about Pastor Greg Locke, the self-appointed king of controversy and the living embodiment of what happens when a pulpit meets a YouTube algorithm. For years, Locke has been shouting his way into headlines, pissing off just about everyone, and turning his Global Vision Bible Church in Tennessee into a circus of conspiracies, political rants, and outright bullshit. But Locke isn’t just your garden-variety loudmouth pastor—he’s a guy who has built his brand on rage, division, and drama.

From his aggressive stance on politics to his love of conspiracy theories, and the endless list of controversies he’s racked up, Locke’s behavior has left even his fellow Christians asking, “What the hell is this guy’s deal?” Add in the juicy opinions others have about him, and we’ve got ourselves a 3500-word exploration of why Greg Locke is one of the most controversial pastors in America.

Greg Locke is the pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. He’s best known for his fiery sermons, which often feel more like political rallies than actual church services. Locke gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for railing against masks, vaccines, and shutdowns, turning his church into a breeding ground for anti-science rhetoric. He also became a full-blown conspiracy theorist, aligning himself with QAnon-level nonsense and tying everything to some deep-state plot against Christianity.

But here’s the thing: Locke’s antics aren’t just about preaching the gospel. They’re about building his personal brand as the pastor who “tells it like it is”—even when what he’s saying is complete and utter horseshit.

Locke isn’t controversial because he’s bold or revolutionary. He’s controversial because he’s reckless, loud, and, let’s face it, often wrong. Let’s break down some of the greatest hits from his ever-growing list of controversies.

During the pandemic, Locke went full anti-mask, anti-vaccine, and anti-shutdown, turning his church into a hotspot for misinformation. He called masks “demonic” and claimed that COVID was a hoax designed to control people. He also told his congregation that anyone who showed up wearing a mask would be thrown out. Yeah, nothing screams “Christian love” like kicking out people trying to protect themselves.

What Others Have Said:Medical professionals and even fellow pastors condemned Locke’s stance, calling it irresponsible and dangerous. One Tennessee doctor labeled Locke a “public health hazard” for spreading lies that endangered lives. Even some evangelical leaders distanced themselves, saying his rhetoric was harmful and un-Christian.

Locke has flirted with QAnon conspiracy theories, weaving them into his sermons like they’re divine truth. He’s talked about the deep state, claimed the election was stolen, and even suggested that the government is run by pedophiles. Oh, and let’s not forget when he declared that witches had infiltrated his church. Yes, witches.

Why This Matters:When a pastor starts peddling conspiracies, it blurs the line between faith and fantasy. Locke’s QAnon rhetoric has been widely criticized for feeding paranoia and turning religion into a breeding ground for extremist beliefs.

In 2018, Locke divorced his wife Melissa, who had been with him for over 20 years. Shortly after, he married his church assistant, Taisha—a move that raised more than a few eyebrows. The timeline of the divorce and remarriage left many wondering if there was more to the story, especially since Melissa later accused Locke of abuse and emotional manipulation.

What Others Have Said:Critics, including former church members, have called out Locke’s hypocrisy. Here’s a guy who rails against the moral decline of America but can’t seem to keep his own house in order. Even some conservative Christians have questioned his credibility as a pastor after the messy personal drama.

In early 2022, Locke organized a good old-fashioned book burning, targeting works like Harry Potter and Twilight for being “demonic.” He also encouraged his followers to burn Ouija boards and tarot cards, turning the event into a bizarre mix of evangelical zealotry and 17th-century Salem vibes.

Why It’s Ridiculous:First of all, Harry Potter? Really? That’s the hill you’re dying on? Secondly, the whole thing felt like a desperate grab for attention, and it worked. The stunt made headlines, but not in a good way. Critics called it censorship, idiocy, and a waste of perfectly good paper.

Locke has been openly hostile toward LGBTQ+ people, calling them “perverted” and claiming that same-sex marriage is an affront to God. He’s also spoken out against trans rights, spouting the usual bullshit about how gender identity is some kind of liberal conspiracy.

Biblical Rebuttal:Locke conveniently ignores passages like Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The Greek term for “one” (heis, εἷς) emphasizes unity and inclusion—something Locke seems to have missed in Bible school.

Locke’s antics have drawn opinions from all corners, and spoiler: most of them aren’t glowing.

Locke loves to talk about morality, but his own life is a masterclass in contradictions. He preaches about the sanctity of marriage while leaving his first wife for his assistant. He rails against censorship but burns books. He calls himself a man of God but spends more time ranting about politics than preaching the gospel.

And let’s not forget his endless self-promotion. Locke isn’t just a pastor—he’s a brand. His YouTube channel, social media presence, and merchandise all scream, “Look at me!” rather than, “Look at God.”

Locke’s influence extends beyond his church. His rhetoric feeds into a broader culture of division, paranoia, and hate. By blending faith with conspiracies and political extremism, he’s created a toxic brew that undermines both religion and democracy.

Locke loves to cherry-pick verses to fit his narrative, but the Bible’s overarching message is one of love, humility, and compassion. Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” The Hebrew word for mercy, chesed (חֶסֶד), emphasizes steadfast love—something Locke seems to have forgotten.

Greg Locke’s legacy isn’t one of faith or love—it’s one of division, spectacle, and hypocrisy. He’s turned his church into a stage for his own ego and his sermons into performances of outrage and misinformation. But the louder he gets, the more people see through the bullshit.

The real question isn’t whether Locke will continue to be controversial—of course he will. The question is how long his brand of toxic Christianity will last before people realize it’s a poor substitute for the real thing.