Televangelist Benny Hinn's latest crusade, today and tomorrow at the Blaisdell Arena, is expected to draw near-capacity crowds — and a share of skepticism.

The Rev. Liz Zivanov, rector of St. Clement, hopes to take parishioners there. But the Episcopalians won't be there to protest, despite the fact that they find Hinn's way of ministering disdainful.

Parishioners "need to be exposed to it," she said. "Thousands go to see him because they want a miracle. To protest against that is not good for ... (Hinn's followers), spiritually."

Hinn's style of healing — so distinct it's been caricatured by Steve Martin — is "something Episcopalians don't get into," she said.

"We're supposed to use our power of reason. We look at the people who are wanting something from him. You've got to feel some compassion for them. It's very easy to show him as a fraud, but to try to do that, I don't want to take hope away from people, either."

Hinn has been the subject of several unflattering magazine and newspaper profiles that not only chronicle his high-flying lifestyle but criticize his theological assertions and promises of healing in exchange for money.

Last year, Iowa Sen. Chuck Gralley, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, said he was investigating the finances of Hinn and five other TV evangelists. Gralley is asking about Hinn's multimillion-dollar home in Dana Point, Calif., his private Gulfstream jet and his "layover trips" while traveling on ministry business.

Hinn's crusade here is being sponsored by the First Assembly of God.

This is Hinn's third visit in three years, said Pastor John Rogers of the First Assembly of God, but the others were at individual churches, one at First Assembly. Hinn also came to the Blaisdell in 1999 and 2002.

"Maybe there's a lot of disagreement on how he presents himself or his style, but there's a lot of evidence that God moves," said Rogers. "I'm not aware of people addressing those kinds of things. If someone's really desiring to see how God moves, I urge them to come and attend themselves."

Tonight's program is at 7 p.m. Tomorrow's programs are at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is free.