Origin and Growth Of Flashpoint
Preaching American Responsibility to Our Father
Origin of Flashpoint: Launch Amidst Political and Spiritual Turmoil in 2020
Flashpoint, a Christian television program blending current events, biblical prophecy, and conservative politics, was launched in 2020 by pastor and host Gene Bailey. The program’s inception was deeply rooted in the charged atmosphere of the U.S. presidential election that year, where it aimed to rally evangelical Christians around themes of faith, patriotism, and opposition to moral decline. Bailey, who had been associated with Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM), envisioned Flashpoint as a platform to interpret news through a prophetic lens, emphasizing that America was at a spiritual crossroads. The show debuted on the Victory Channel, a faith-based network founded by Copeland, and quickly positioned itself as a voice for believers concerned about religious freedom, election integrity, and cultural shifts.
The official launch event took place at Lord of Hosts Church in Omaha, Nebraska, pastored by Hank Kunneman and his wife, Brenda. This venue was symbolic, as Lord of Hosts had already established itself as a hub for prophetic ministry and conservative Christian activism. Kunneman, a frequent guest on Flashpoint, is known for his bold prophecies and criticisms of progressive policies. The church’s role was pivotal; it hosted the inaugural live taping, drawing attendees eager for a mix of worship, political commentary, and calls to action. According to Bailey, the program was born from a divine directive to address “flashpoints” – critical moments where prophecy intersects with real-world events. In its early episodes, Flashpoint featured panel discussions with pastors, politicians, and influencers, framing the 2020 election as a battle between good and evil, with Donald Trump portrayed as a God-anointed leader akin to biblical figures like King Cyrus or David.
The timing was no coincidence. Launched just months before the November 2020 election, Flashpoint capitalized on evangelical anxieties about COVID-19 restrictions, social unrest following George Floyd’s death, and claims of voter fraud. Bailey, drawing from his background in revival ministry, emphasized that the show was not mere entertainment but a call to spiritual warfare. Early broadcasts included prophecies warning of apocalyptic scenarios if Trump lost, aligning with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement, which views modern prophets as key to societal transformation. Guests like Lance Wallnau, a proponent of the Seven Mountains Mandate – a strategy for Christians to dominate seven key societal spheres (government, media, education, business, family, arts, and religion) – became regulars, urging viewers to engage politically.
Early Growth: Building Momentum Through Controversy and Community (2020-2022)
In its first two years, Flashpoint grew from a niche program into a influential voice on the Christian right. Airing initially twice a week, it expanded its reach through online streaming on platforms like YouTube, Rumble, and Facebook, where clips often garnered hundreds of thousands of views. The show’s format – a roundtable discussion hosted by Bailey, with rotating panelists – allowed for dynamic debates on topics like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration, always filtered through scripture. Post-2020 election, Flashpoint became a hub for those questioning the results, hosting prayer rallies and discussions led by figures like Dutch Sheets, who organized national prayer calls to “stop the steal.”
Live events marked a key growth phase. Starting in 2021, Flashpoint began touring with the “Rescue America Tour,” holding revival-style gatherings at churches and venues across the U.S. These events combined worship music, healing prayers, and political exhortations, drawing crowds of 1,000 to 2,000. For instance, a 2021 event at Regent University in Virginia Beach featured declarations of victory over “demonic forces” in government. Attendees reported feeling empowered, with one describing it as “the only news show where you hear what Jesus thinks.” The program’s audience swelled to around 11,000 households monthly on cable by 2022, but its online presence exploded, with viral segments criticizing mainstream media and promoting Trump as a defender of Christian values.
Controversy fueled this expansion. Critics, including scholars like Bradley Onishi and Matthew Taylor, accused Flashpoint of priming viewers for extremism, linking its rhetoric to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The show avoided direct endorsement of violence but emphasized spiritual battles, with Kunneman prophesying “divine reckoning” against political opponents. Despite backlash, this edginess attracted more viewers, positioning Flashpoint as an alternative to secular news for evangelicals. By 2022, it had interviewed high-profile guests like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Charlie Kirk, solidifying its ties to the MAGA movement.
Emergence and Role of the Flashpoint Army
Central to Flashpoint’s growth was the formation of the “Flashpoint Army,” a grassroots movement of dedicated supporters. Coined around 2021, the term refers to the program’s loyal fanbase, whom Bailey rallies as “warriors” for truth and faith. The Army is not a formal organization but a community encouraged to share content, attend events, and mobilize politically. Members join via the official website (fparmy.com), where they sign up for updates, donate, and participate in calls to action like voting drives or prayer chains.
The Army’s origins trace back to the show’s interactive ethos. Bailey frequently urges viewers to “join the Flashpoint Army” during broadcasts, framing it as a biblical mandate to occupy cultural “mountains.” By 2022, the Army had grown through social media, with Facebook groups and X (formerly Twitter) accounts amplifying messages. Posts from the official Flashpoint Army X account, like calls to “stand firm” against perceived threats, often receive hundreds of engagements. Events like the 2022 tour stops saw Army members traveling long distances, such as a couple driving 21 hours for their seventh gathering.
The Army’s activities include fundraising for causes aligned with the show’s values, such as disaster relief or church repairs. In 2025, for example, the Army raised funds for a church roof, showcasing its communal spirit. Bailey credits the Army with expanding Flashpoint’s reach, noting in interviews that “the movement is growing, and we need YOU.” This mobilization echoes military metaphors common in NAR circles, positioning members as soldiers in a spiritual army against secularism.
Expansion and Independence: 2023-2025
By 2023, Flashpoint had matured into a multimedia phenomenon. Airing three times weekly, it added Friday episodes in June 2025, increasing to four days a week. The show interviewed Trump in May 2023, where he discussed restoring Christian power and repealing the Johnson Amendment, which restricts political endorsements by tax-exempt groups. This boosted visibility, with over 80% of white evangelicals supporting Trump per Pew surveys.
Live events proliferated. In January 2025, Lord of Hosts hosted “FlashPoint Next Level,” featuring Bailey and panelists discussing America’s revival. Other stops included Virginia Beach in April 2024, drawing 1,500 for worship and prophecies about 2024 as a year of “vengeance against the wicked.” The tour brochure highlights speakers like Wallnau and Sheets, emphasizing themes of authority and victory.
A major milestone came in April 2025 when Flashpoint became an independent organization, separating from KCM with Copeland’s blessing. This allowed for greater flexibility, new initiatives, and expanded outreach while maintaining free airtime on Victory Channel. Bailey remained host, and the move was framed as enabling growth post-2024 election, where Flashpoint claimed credit for mobilizing voters against “evil.”
The Flashpoint Army swelled during this period, with calls to action intensifying. Posts urged members to combat “fraud” in government or support immigration policies, blending faith with policy. By late 2025, the Army was integral to events, with Bailey thanking them for using their “voice” in rebuilding efforts.
Influence, Controversies, and Future Trajectory
Flashpoint’s influence extends beyond viewership, shaping evangelical political engagement. It promotes the idea that America’s crisis is spiritual, not just political, urging pastors to preach pro-Trump messages despite his flaws. Critics argue it fosters division, with rhetoric potentially inciting unrest, but supporters see it as essential truth-telling.
As of December 2025, Flashpoint continues thriving, with episodes like the year-end broadcast featuring Wallnau, DiDio, Green, and Sheets prophesying victorious 2026. The Army remains active, posting about bold faith and national security. From its 2020 launch at Lord of Hosts to its independent status, Flashpoint and its Army represent a fusion of prophecy and politics, poised for further growth in an era of cultural polarization.