Our Canadian charlatan, who headed to the US, made a small fortune and created a multi-media buzz in neo-charismatic services is separating from his wife and kids. He has not been able to draw the numbers, the money and do the hoodwinking in Canada and the UK, and started his Lakeland revival back in April, partnering with whomever wanted a cut. It was announced he had bought property in Polk County. Now the Bentley’s marriage has crumbled. Lakeland Ledger:
Bentley and his wife, Shonnah, have two daughters and a son and are Canadian citizens. Under Canadian law, separation is a first step in divorce proceedings and takes nine months. Bentley and his wife have been in marriage counseling for several months, Breidenbach said. She called the situation “very sad” but insisted it “doesn’t invalidate what Todd did” at the revival.
Breidenbach, who said her contract with Bentley’s Fresh Fire ended today, said it is not clear whether Bentley will make further appearances at the revival. About two weeks ago, Bentley announced he would leave the revival on Aug. 23 in order to resume his traveling evangelistic work. The Fresh Fire Ministries Web site indicates that a September appearance by Bentley in England has been postponed.
(full Lakeland Ledger article here) Fresh Fire Ministries bought the Florida empty ( update: maybe not empty, see comments) lot the end of July.
In all the bizarre goings on, one of the things that struck me was the pain in the background in the knighting/commissioning tape. We catch a brief glimpse of a few of the wives of these self proclaimed prophets. It’s heart-breaking. Peter Wagner’s wife can been seen briefly in a motorized wheelchair. James Goll’s wife has cancer. Shonnah Bentley is in obvious pain and looking deeply distressed. (This is the last few minutes of the hastily called commissioning by men who lead thousands and thousands of sincere hurting seeking people astray).
More of the knighting ceremony is here. For those that have followed Bentley’s rise and fall, you know the history. From the start Christians across the US, Australia, New Zealand and the UK began to question the theology and behavior coming from Lakeland. They were dismissed as heresy hunters until Pentecostals and charismatics also began to speak up. The unwillingness of Fresh Fire, Ignited (Lakeland) and God TV to be transparent, to address extra-biblical teaching escalated and Bentley wound up on a US network investigative show. It was his second (he’d brushed off Fox News) and Bentley took off.
While the PR machine in New York and GodTV tried to keep the buzz going, the very mediums used to start it were where insiders began to publicly back away. Charisma magazine’s Lee Grady, Robert Ricciardelli, a Member of Peter Wagner’s International Coalition of Apostles spoke on Salem Radio a US religious chain. The Assemblies of God in the US spoke up. The Lakeland tent folded and more human dominoes began to fall. The sham of unity crumbled, and now some of the leaders such as Peter Wagner who appeared in the knighting ceremony are backing away as publicly as they endorsed Lakeland.
We reap what we sow, we serve a holy God who will not be mocked. Satan can’t be blamed. Other’s can’t be blamed, no spin heals the wounded, and God’s love calls us to remember the lessons of history and immature leadership. There are no shortcuts, faith is not bling. Wisdom must be sought, it is not handed to us. We work out our salvation with awe and trembling. PR firms, business models, media platforms do not hide the lies of our life when we face the cross.
Would an unstable Canadian with a fractured marriage cause such a tumbling and upheaval again?
No.
I think a great deal more has gone on behind the scenes that has not been made public.
These movements are cults of personality, existing for profit and for power. I continue to hope and pray the days of charlatans being taken at face value and controlling their message in media for long periods of time is over.
As fast as self proclaimed leaders con, there are people willing to step forward, and offer the standards of measurement believers hold to. I see no glee, no schadenfreude from those who Lakeland leaders mocked as ‘heresy hunters’.
There are more Todd Bentley’s waiting in the wings, the roots of these movements are rotten to their core, and we reap what we sow. Bentley’s show helped GodTV get out of temporary debt, I believe Lakeland’s ‘revival’ was calculated, planned, the Strader family are no strangers to raising money.
Few are surprised by the broken people left behind.
Wagner’s statement fisked
Update: August 14, 2008. British Columbia newspaper, The Province is being shut out again.
Update: Fresh Fire Ministries has announced the Bentleys have separated. The original announcement from the US said Todd had filed. In BC a filing starts proceedings and an uncontested divorce takes a year when there is intentional separation.
British Columbia family law allows for sole application or joint application, and of course gets more complicated when mediation or ruling is required over property, custody, etc., or if a filing is made on the grounds of adultery or mental and physical cruelty.
This ‘official’ announcement is more ambigous than the one made in the US.
You’ll have to skim through the sales pitch first.
I’m posting it below, things have a way of changing or disappearing at the Fresh Fire site.
I’m also posting the PR from God TV below and here is a link to the Charisma Magazine release.
Greetings Partners and Friends,
The last four months have been some of the most amazing months in the history of Fresh Fire Ministries. We have witnessed God pour out His Spirit in an unprecedented way in Florida and around the world in the first revival in history to be broadcasted live into literally millions of homes and churches across all five continents and into more than 200 countries. The “Outpourings†as they have come to be called are continuing now in many cities worldwide. These fiery hot coals of revival are sweeping through the Body of Christ, crossing geographical, political and denominational boundaries as the Holy Spirit brings the manifest presence of the glory of God back to His church with tangible demonstrations of his saving, healing, delivering power.
As a result, we as a ministry have experienced the blessing and the burden of exponential increases of activity and interest in our activities, functions and resources. Our website during the last few months has received as many as 6 million hits in one month and our office has struggled to cope with numberless phone calls and emails which have taxed our infrastructure and human resources almost to the breaking point. We so appreciate the patience and grace many of you have extended to us during this time, whether waiting for us to answer the phone or process your donation or product order. To overcome this challenge, we have hired more than a dozen new staff in our home base here in Abbotsford in addition to the many staff temporarily hired to help with the administration of the Outpouring in Lakeland, Florida.
The Lord’s blessings and abundance have been so evident on the ministry during this season of intense activity and we rejoice in seeing and being able to participate in what we believe is only the beginning of a worldwide awakening. It is with considerable sadness then, that we must temper the jubilation we know you all feel with the sobering news that Todd and Shonnah Bentley are presently experiencing significant friction in their relationship and are currently separated. We want to affirm that there has been no sexual immorality on the part of either Todd or Shonnah, nor has there ever been. Undoubtedly the pressures and the burden of the Outpouring, which approaches 144 days on August 23rd, have helped to create an atmosphere of fatigue and stress that has exacerbated existing issues in their relationship. We wish to stress however, that the Outpouring is not “to blame†for the current chain of events and that in effect we have no interest in blaming anyone, but rather we deeply covet your prayers for Todd and Shonnah and for Fresh Fire Ministries during this time.
We know that many of you will have questions, for most of which we presently have no answers. We cannot see far down the path ahead of us, but we have quiet confidence in the One who sees the end from the beginning and promises to provide grace and strength for whatever lies ahead. We are hopeful that the outcome will include restoration, but we can make neither promise nor guarantee. We intend to take each day as it comes and look intently for the new mercies promised us each morning. We will watch and pray and ask each of you to do the same, knowing that you will pray as you are led by the Holy Spirit.
In the meantime, we encourage you to continue to participate in current Outpourings, whether the Florida Outpouring or one in your area and region, …or to become one if there are none nearby. As a ministry, we continue to encourage and facilitate these growing Global Outpourings, providing Fresh Fire Associate ministries, resources, and input wherever needed.
We are still fully committed to our crusade in Uganda, Africa later this month, and though Todd will not be in attendance, our Fresh Fire Team and Associate Ministries will lead a team of almost one hundred people from around the world to share the love of God, the power of the gospel, and humanitarian aid with the people of Uganda. While there, we will also connect with the Uganda Jesus Village, the Fresh Fire Children’s Home where we shelter and provide for over 60 orphans rescued from war and poverty only a few years ago. We’re excited about seeing the recently purchased 35-acre property that will contain both a school and homes for the children and their “mamas.†As we step inside the first home (being completed as we arrive) we will be stepping towards our dream of not only protecting and nurturing hundreds of orphans, but raising them up to become full-fledged ambassadors of Christ to the nation of Africa and beyond.
With all of this in mind, we ask each of you to continue to pray with us, both for Todd and Shonnah and for this ministry, as we continue to bring the saving, healing, and delivering power of God to a dry and thirsty world, desperate for an encounter with the endless love of the living God.
We thank you again for your many prayers and support and we truly believe the promise of the Lord that He will indeed work all things together for our good.
With our sincerest blessings and gratitude,
The Fresh Fire Ministries Board of Directors
God TV
Dear One,
It is with great regret that we as Founders and our Board call you to urgent prayer.
As you may have already heard, Todd and Shonnah Bentley are experiencing some current marital difficulties and have separated.
GOD TV is anxious that our viewers and partners will first of all respond to these unfortunate circumstances with an attitude of Christ-like maturity and pray fervently for Todd, Shonnah and their children as a family who are precious to the Lord. While we have learned today that immorality was not an issue, no doubt the enemy has exploited vulnerabilities in their marriage.
What the devil has not counted on is the Christ-like maturity and intercession that is currently being raised up all across the earth in response. We hope you will join us as a part of this prayer covering.
It is GOD TV’s position that marriage is a foundational cornerstone to those families called to ministry and would believe that those who have spiritual oversight for Todd and Shonnah’s ministry will recommend a time of sabbatical for the family in order to seek reconciliation within their marriage should these reports be accurate.
As many of you know, August 8th was our final ‘Lakeland’ broadcast. We do however, believe that it is important to recognize and defend the authenticity of this outpouring by the testimonies of the countless thousands who viewed on GOD TV or attended at Lakeland and were healed, set free and delivered through Jesus Christ. There are many churches around the UK, USA and the world who are currently holding nightly revival meetings affecting whole communities.
Once again at this time may we encourage all to pray for the family and soberly remember that all of us will be required to give account to the Lord for our lives. It is our earnest prayer that Todd and Shonnah will be fully reconciled.
Rory & Wendy Alec,
and the Board of GOD TV.
I got born again in 1996 and was preaching within 2 years. I ws saved out of heroin addiction. taveled as an evangelist andten pastored within 7 years . i am married with four childen and stil happily at that. i stepped down from the ministry 18 months ago as my wife and i had some things to work out regardi g our joint walk in communion with God. God reminded me that at that alter were we were joined together as one that i made a commitment to her till death do us part. God did not ask me in the ministry to ake that same commitment,especially to choose ministry over the woman that God joined in holy and i say holy matrimony. I really dnt blame Todd bentley but i do blame all those so call themselves apostles who place a ring on that finger of Todds and till death do they pat, well, death to his marraige anyway. i have made up my mind about what is false and what is true,he will sacrifice his maraige and marry again, and the gang will say he has epented and he deserves to go back to the ministry. I pity the day that hey all see Him Christ face to face, my heart aches that these are souls that are lost for eternity and no one will plead with them.
Todd bought a $475,000 home with the offerings “sewing into revival.”
http://charismamag.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=3048
Go figure.
Thank you for sharing your story Stephen, sounds like your priorities are in order.
I’m skeptical of any statement coming from Fresh Fire.
Did the Bentley’s go to counselling?
If they did was it with someone qualified, or one of their ‘friends’?
I hope Mrs. Bentley and the kids are safe and in a position to learn to turn the pages of their own lives.
A lot of people who jumped on the Fresh Fire bandwagon are out of work.
Hesed:
Okay. A home in Abbotsford, and the lot mentioned by the Ledger.
http://religion.theledger.com/default.asp?item=2245404
And lot 29 which you linked has a home on it.
http://www.polkpa.org/CamaDisplay.aspx?OutputMode=Display&SearchType=RealEstate&ParcelID=232926141966000290
Your link says a finished home. So where is the vacant lot purchase?
Go figure.
Fresh Fire Canadian tax return for 2006 (pre Lakeland) shows five employees in the $40,000-$79,999 bracket.
Salaries, wages, benefits, and honoraria: $ 1,182,328.
If 5 employees made 80 thousand each, (unlikely) that’s 4 hundred thousand.
That isn’t factoring expenses permited like consulting fees, travel, other etc.
Someone with the smarts should follow the money trail.
It wouldn’t be easy, between GodTV, a couple of countries, and various ministries, I’m sure tracks are well covered.
I don’t think too many people fell for the modest Canadian salary routine.
It is sad but was predictable that their marriage could not stand the pressure and resulting personal destruction of this false revival. Their aberrant doctrines and constant dabbling in the (occult-like) supernatural opened the door for untold troubles from an error which they invited and then embraced. They have sown the wind and reaped a whirlwind. They fully bear the responsibility for what they have taught and done and the fruit of it is there for anyone with a clear mind to judge. Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives they have touched, misled and shipwrecked with their madness and then of God Almighty who gave his Own Son to pay a ransom price for their redemption. We pray for the restoration of Todd Bentley’s marriage and a permanent end to the deception that was Lakeland. There are more and always will be more error. We do not despair. It must be so until the end. Lesson learned? By some, I hope.
Pastor Hevey,
I bless God for your testimony and how He has shown up and shown out in your life.
At the same time I need to remind you that as children of God we all need to be careful of the words we release out of our mouths and from the flow of our hands.
We all have our own paths that we need to walk down and ALL of us make mistakes and if and when we humble ourselves repent, turn from our wicked ways and pray, God will hear from Heaven and heal our land. In addition to that, not all of us learn the same way, not all of us have the same upbringing and not all of us will get the understanding that we need immediately. You were blessed to have the understanding that the first ministry is home without having to go through a separation/divorce, but that doesn’t make someone who has to walk out a harder trial less blessed, they just have to learn in a different way.
Instead of us taking a positon with the enemy and stating verbally or in writing that a covenant relationship that God has put together is going to end, we need to pray for God to heal and restore while birthing out a testimony that will minister to hurting souls to the nations.
This is not a matter of blame or pointing our fingers and saying it’s because of this or that person/people that this is going to occur.
As children of God we need to check our opinions against the word of God. Nothing is too hard for God and we can not afford to let pride seep into our hearts and spirits when another brother or sister of Christ is going through something for what ever reason.
We need to position ourselves with the word of God. What God has put together let NO MAN separate. We also need to see ALL PEOPLE from and through the eyes of Christ in His complete love.
In His service
Pingback: Sheeple Blog–News, Commentary, Christian Perspective » Blog Archive » Bentley Files for Separation
Bene D — Great post, I linked back to your article from a similar commentary that I posted from my own blog.
localpastor — If you are the same from youtube fame, thanks for all of your videos, they are invaluable resources to the body of Christ, and I have many of them in my own blog posts.
Hey LP good to hear from you.
Agreed.
You’ve summed things up very well here BeneD. I don’t think the money trail is all that well hidden though, I think they count on no one ever bothering to check into things. The “ministry” probably owns a lot of stuff – maybe even a Harley or two – along with the jet. As long as Todd’s in charge and the final word on things – which I have heard he is – his “modest salary” is all his wife will be able to count on for child support and alimony. A good thing about Canada is that the law will help her if she chooses to go for more – I hope she gets good legal counsel and doesn’t take anyone recommended to her by the good Christian folks that are part of “Team Bentley”. He’s pretty protected though as a non-profit corp.
I feel very sorry for his wife and kids. I feel very angry at the crowd on the stage.
Hi Sheeple, it is indeed Local Pastor of YouTube fame, creator of those amazing videos.
Thanks for the link, I just came from your place. Thanks for the Wagner fisk, many of my readers don’t know the players, and you were really clear.
Cracked:
Here is some readable information on Canadian divorce laws
http://www.international-divorce.com/d-canada.htm
British Columbia has a Family Maintenance Enforcement Program run by the department of the Attorney General.
Bene,
I am loving the phrase you used “faith is not bling” and am asking permission to use it and/or a variation of it in a title for a post I might write on that subject on my blog. I will give full credit. Love the Lunes!
You are most welcome to it pitifulcoma.
Thanks. I love the loons too.:^)
Pingback: More Bad News From Lakeland « Cracked Virtue
Pingback: theheresy.com » Blog Archive » Lakeland Outpouring fallout
Put the bad theology aside for a moment.
A lot of big-time preachers will have marital problems, since the bigshots are on the road a lot or up to here with people wanting a piece of their time at church; the result is that they aren’t spending much time with their families.
Even if there isn’t any sexual hanky-panky, which can be a temptation when your on the road and female followers can become groupies, just being apart a lot can be a problem. If I spent four months away from home, my wife wouldn’t be a happy camper even if she came down to visit on a regular basis.
Also, Bentley might have been getting a little too big for his britches and his wife wasn’t in the mood to be an enabler. We’ll see what soiled white goods come out in the divorce proceedings.
Hi Sheeple! I like your blog, keep up the good work.
LP
I think you all need to think twice about glorying in someone elses downfall. Whether you believe Bentley to be a “charlatan” or not is no excuse. God must be very displeased with his body. You are so busy fighting amongst yourselves over doctrinal differences that the only one you are pleasing is satan. He likes an impotent church.
What is interesting is to listen to everyone here jump on Todd while he is down. You are speaking as though his marriage is already dead? This is probably much of what Peter experienced after denying Christ. Does it get worse than that? How did he manage to survive God’s judgment anyway?. I understand there is hurt when someone in authority reveals there humanity. But someone very wise, whose name I won’t mention to avoid the over exertion of over eager salivary glands said, “thankfully God when our planned our destiny he factored our stupidity in to the equation.” It’s a good thing God holds an entirely different perspective of us all than we tend to have for each other.
Judge not lest ye be judged. I personally know someone who was completely healed from diabetes in the early days of the revival and is still healed to this day. Sugar levels are normal with no insulin shots. We serve a God who wants to reach his people. If you don’t believe that satan wants to stop any move of God, any way he can you better think again. God wants to unite his children and all we do is beat each other up. None of us are perfect and we all fall short. Only the blood of Jesus makes us clean and only the Lord heals. Get your eyes off of Todd and on the Lord. The Lord said lay hands on the sick and they will recover. Who brings the recovery…?? The Lord
WOW! Do none of you have anything better to do than to pick apart people that are not perfect (who is?) but perfectly redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. Who made you the judge of Christianity? How many people have been healed in a meeting that you led? How many drug addicts and alcoholics were delivered because you prayed for them? Why not pray for this man and his family. Maybe if you all spent more time praying than criticizing this tragic event may not have taken place. Mercy triumphs over judgement. All I ever saw Todd Bentley do was point people to Jesus. The sad thing is that are too many pharisees in the church. Jesus had to deal with people like you when he walked on the earth so we should expect it. When Jesus healed people they wanted to kill him. It is sad that you are all rejoicing when someone is going through a tough time. I pray for restoration for their marriage.
WOW!!! The Million Dollar Todd Bentley Hoax!!! WOW!!!
Todd says God told him to get 1,000 people to give $1,000 dollars. When people confronted Todd, Todd admitted that God did not say that. WOW!!!
Proof positive that Todd Bentley is spiritually abusing everyone.
Todd Bentley is EXPOSED as a LIAR and a THIEF!!!
Dear friend,
I read your post. I am happy that the “Fresh Fire” has begun to show its true color and Godly people have started to reject it. These are signs of the times as Jesus warned and the gullible will be carried away. The sad thing is that even many of the so called “elect” will be deceived. Miracle-mongers and the worldly-minded are bound to get carried away.
Churches need solid teaching, genuine modeling and sincere mentoring to build the body of Christ. “The Church victorious” was never the glamorous one and will never be. It is the suffering and caring and enduring Church. Woe unto all those who mislead the gullible.
Walk through the narrow way because that is the Nazarene’s way!
God bless!
JOji
Brood of vipers guys…
man alive…
Honestly… God moves and the church rips a guy to shreds every which way from Friday. Yeah that seems to be an appropriate response from the children of God
Good work.
God have mercy on us. Really
If Bene is “jumping” on Todd Bentley, Bene was jumping long before Todd is “down.”
Judge not lest ye be judged? Let us consider a few other passages in scripture.
John 7:24
Do not judge according to external appearance, but judge with proper judgment.
1Co 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person.
1Co 5:12 For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Are you not to judge those inside?
We can’t just stick to scripture that makes it convenient for us or for the people we like. While in my comments I probably wouldn’t use the word “charlatan” but I don’t believe the Jesus Todd Bentley points to is the one I see in scripture. This error has to be exposed.
I will pray for reconciliation in their marriage, while many will jump with joy that this problem came to this family…….
I have never liked Todd in a special way, but I can not say that the anointing from his life is from satan, because it is not.
I know that God worked by his life and I pray that this will continue, and that their marriage will be ok.
So, all who are glad for this problems, you can join with me in prayer……..
Let’s pray for Todd and his wife, not be glad for their problem
Please, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, please pray for Todd Bentley and his family, as opposed to condemning them. You who are within sin can cast the first stone, but it will not be me…as I have lived through many things and know I cannot pick up the stone.
I personally know someone who experienced a true medical miracle due to watching a service on God TV (God of course gave the miracle, but it was through Todd’s ministry that it happened.)
There has been so much good, so many healings, come from the Lakeland Revival. I believe and am praying that a great move of God will sweep across our country, (the US), where so many right now are hurting, and so many need God’s healing power in their lives. Jesus did indeed say that we are to heal the sick and cast out demons, not just preach the gospel.
God can take this martial difficulty and turn it around, and I believe you will see Todd Bentley come out of it a more humble man, but someone annointed in an even deeper way.
Melanie S.
Virginia
I agree with Mark at #14. The pressures on a relationship are profound, one factor of many.
LT would be more prudent – I did say our charlatan, because long before Lakeland that is what his behavior has proven to be. Lakeland just helped a wider public become aware.
Jd# 15.
Who is glorying? How? Please be specific.
Thank you for Grace #16:
A fracturing marriage is not comparable to Peter’s relationship to Christ, any more than it is comparable to yours.
Would you explain to me how Todd Bentley is in authority?
Over whom exactly?
Mary #17:
I think LT is showing by example the plumbline of scripture. I do think there are people online willing to jump on anyone, there is a grain of truth in the term ‘heresy hunters’ for a few, but you know as well as I do, the few would go after you as fast as anyone.
Read earlier posts on judging versus discernment and come back and explain how you understand the difference from scripture. I’m interested in your understanding.
I also recommend you read Jacob Moriels scriptural response to the paper put out for Todd regarding his extra-biblical beliefs if you are interested.
David #21:
Fact. A marriage in serious trouble.
Are Todd and Shonna Bentley vipers for saying their marriage is shattering?
Are Fresh Fire employees vipers for acknowledging that fact?
Explain ‘brood of vipers’ please.
I agree, may God have mercy.
Melanie at #24.
We do well to pray. Thank you.
I see no one saying God does not heal.
Public claims have been made from a media stage in Lakeland.
Asking for verification is not an unreasonable request, it is not an unscriptural request, nor is it hard to do.
What stones are being thrown? Be specific.
You may enjoy Micheal Spencer, I think you are touching on some of what he is saying.
http://jesusshaped.wordpress.com/2008/08/12/a-note-to-todd-bentley/
I am a pastor who has many people in my church who fully embrace the Florida Outpouring and Todd Bentley’s ministry, but I have never been to any of the Lakeland Florida meetings myself and have been hesitant to fully embrace and verbally affirm the Lakeland Outpouring as a move of God, though I’m not saying that it’s not a move of God. I tend to have the same opinion of Gamaliel that we find in Acts 5:38-39 who had a wait and see attitude concerning the apostle’s ministry. He basically said that if it’s not of God it will fail, but if it is of God you won’t be able to stop it. So, it’s safe to say that I’m not at all a Todd Bentley “groupie”. Having said that, I never cease to be amazed at how quick many people in the Body of Christ are to kick a brother when they’re down. No matter what our opinions may be concerning Todd Bentley’s methods and ministry, I’m not aware of him ever saying anything unbiblical and he’s still a brother in Christ, and we as people who represent Jesus in the earth today should use our mouths to pray for and support Todd instead of biting and devouring him. How many high profile Chrisitians will have to fall before we as Christians learn this lesson? We need to remember that the world is watching and Jesus said that the world will know that we are His disciples by our love for one another. Taking verbal jabs either with our mouth or on an internet blog at a brother whose marriage in jeapordy is not loving him or his family and simply adds fuel to the fire of rebellion towards Christ that is in the hearts of unbelievers. I think that in this regretful situation with Todd Bentley we should do what the Bible says, “Be quick to listen and slow to speak”, except speaking to God on Todd’s behalf. Hopefully Todd Bentley, his family, and all of us in the Body of Christ will learn from this and reflect the heart of grace and truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
do you know todd? do you know his heart? I think that people LOVE to hear things like this…its rediculios..and sad
Kyle, those are fair questions.
“do you know Todd?”
Never met him.
Todd’s teaching is just as available as my bible.
Written and broadcast.
Do you know Todd?
“do you know his heart?”
No, nor would I ever claim to.
Do you know his heart?
“I think that people LOVE to hear things like this…its rediculios..and sad.”
I’m not sure what you mean by ‘like this’. If you chose to step into a media driven spotlight, you are responsible for that choice. You are responsible for your own life, your relationships, your family.
Yes, it’s sad.
Toadally:
“I’m not aware of him ever saying anything unbiblical.”
Google is your friend.
So is the Wayback Machine, YouTube and the Fresh Fire Ministries shopping section.
You can go straight to source.
“I think that in this regretful situation with Todd Bentley we should do what the Bible says, “Be quick to listen and slow to speakâ€, except speaking to God on Todd’s behalf.”
I didn’t release the information, you’ll have to take that up with Todd Bentley, Fresh Fire Ministries, GodTV, IRC and Charisma Magazine.
Thank you for reminding us to pray.
And may we pray for the thousands of needy people who are victims of hype, false teaching, false prophecy and greed.
What rubbish this is.
Look at you all passing judgment, pointing the finger, predicting this and that, discussing a man’s private life like you all know what it’s about and the reasons behind it. who do you think you all are?
I am nothing short of disgusted that you all have nothing better to do than to debate this instead of going and setting people free, healing the sick, raising the dead, saving souls, releasing poeple from captivity and seeking the Kingdom of God for your own lives. You pull this man down like you are sinless yourselves. But ‘No’ you say, we are not sinless and God is using me……well then.
Thanks God all of us that really want to move with God do not have to look to the likes of all of you for guidance and inspiration.
Whether a marriage is struggling or not does not take away what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do…and in this, the peoples testimonies (including mine) will stand forever and praise God that not you or anyone else can ever take that away.
Glory to God.
We all know that satan loves to destroy marriages, especially those who God is using powerfully because they are the biggest threat to the devil. Instead of presuming we know the reasons for the marriage problems, pray for God’s protection as it is clear Todd’s marriage is a target for the enemy because he is being used mightily for God.
Take some deep breaths there Martin.
“I am nothing short of disgusted that you all have nothing better to do than to debate this instead of going and setting people free, healing the sick, raising the dead, saving souls, releasing poeple from captivity and seeking the Kingdom of God for your own lives.”
You are here discussing, and that second comment is classic spiritualizing.
If you don’t understand that word, look it up before coming back okay?
It’s a common mental/emotional defense mechanism, all of us do it on some level from time to time.
It’s also a worn out social/political tactic used by religious organizations and individuals in difficulty and pain.
It would be very silly and immature of me to think that because you’ve posted two comments you have nothing better to do.
It would be quite foolish and unwise for me to assume you are not going about your calling in the kingdom of God now because you are here discussing, wouldn’t it?
I hope you work through your disgust, try not to give yourself a headache.
Why so defensive, Martin?
If those of you who support Todd Bentley’s ministry are assured that this is from God….then no amount of nay saying on our part could damage his ministry at all. You could…Let Go and Let God, maybe? I don’t think He would allow true ministry to fail, and I’m sure that all the blogging in the world could not negate a true work of God.
I don’t believe we are judging Todd and his marriage. I for one am not gloating, or happy about this. I am a divorced mother myself, and would not wish that pain on ANYONE. However, what I AM seeing are the FRUITS of his “ministry”. As a Christian it is my job to discern (not judge) what is going on here. A marriage is to be fought for, and the fact that he’s FILED for separation (not just quietly and privately separated so they could work out the issues of the relationship) leads me to believe that Todd has already made up his mind about how this is going to end up. I am truly sorry for Shonnah, and hope she finds out what a true miracle is…a miracle of emotional healing.
It seems something like this HAD to happen. The church didn’t learn anything from Ted Haggard. And I believe it’s time for us to get it.
Get what? That it’s not about the show. And that means it’s not about what happens within the confines of the four walls of a building called “the church”, either. It’s about the real nitty gritty lives we all live. It’s about our marriages, our homes, our families. (Yeah, I know… how boring… yawn)
It’s about God “showing up” in our hearts — in our living rooms, our kitchens, our cars — not on a platform or behind a pulpit or at an “old-fashioned altar”… whether that be the one down the street or halfway across the world. It’s about families learning, sharing, worshiping and praying TOGETHER. Wow, what a novel idea. (smile)
If we put our focus more on the home instead of the pulpit, hurting, abused baby Christians like Todd was when he got saved ONLY 14 YEARS AGO wouldn’t get confused as to what the real priorities were.
I mean, let’s be real, he bought the “how to be a successful Christian who everyone will admire” deal (ie a microphone, a platform and a pulpit). Todd’s been “in the ministry” 10 of his 14 saved years. What, are we crazy or something?! It’s bad enough to have pimple-faced kids “pastoring” fresh out of “Bible college”, but an admitted drug addict and felon having a world-wide evangelistic ministry four years after getting saved? I’m not saying it can’t happen like that, but didn’t the likes of the Apostle Paul spend 15 give or take years in the wilderness learning from the Lord Himself before he came out and began his ministry? This is crazy.(And please know I’m in no way putting down Todd. It’s the system that’s at fault. We did this to him. He was just following the play book.)
I believe with all my heart that what’s happening with Todd and Shonnah is just another indication that it’s high time we get real about what’s really real — and get our focus off of pastors and titles and messages and meetings and all the hubbub, and more on the simplicity of our hearts and our families and homes where it belongs.
How many sermons do we have to listen to before we get it, anyhow? Uh, let’s see… love God, love each other. Hmm… something any child should understand, I’d think. Maybe it’s time we all grew up, yes?
Interesting info if you dig into the Polk County GIS website. The site is classified as “Res. Lakefront” which is, I’m assuming, Residential Lakefront based on the “Property Use Code” of 0180. Not even 1204 – Store/Office with Residence. For an aerial view of the property, see http://www.flickr.com/photos/29523548@N02/2761719754/
I WANT TO TELL ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO SAID AGAINST TODD BENLTEY, YOU KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS THE ENEMY CAME TO STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY. A REVIVAL WAS HAPPENING MANY CAME TO KNOW THE LORD! AND MANY GOT TO WORSHIP HIM PROBABLY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIFES , THE ENEMY DOESN’T LIKE REVIVAL AND DOESN’T LIKE WHEN PEOPLE, FOR THE FIRST TIME WORSHIP JESUS! AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED SEPERATION. GOD LOVES WHEN THEY WORSHIP HIM.. DURING THE REVIVAL WORSHIP WAS ALL TO HIM.. I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE PEOPLE PRAISE GOD!! AREN’T YOU!! I JUST WANT TO BLESS YOU , WHOSEVER READS THIS TO WORSHIP JESUS BECAUSE ANGELS IN HEAVEN ARE SINGING FOR EACH SINNER THAT GETS SAVED.. AMEN…
I don’t understand the people who are so dismayed that people would actually discuss the facts about the Bentley situation.
Consider the following scriptures.
Mat 18:15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother.
Mat 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established.
Mat 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector.
1Ti 5:19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
1Ti 5:20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
While I take no pleasure in the breaking of any marriage I think many of us who were deeply troubled by what was going on at Lakeland are breathing a sigh of relief.
If we decide to just be quiet and pray we will miss the opportunity to actually move forward. Upon sober reflection most people will have conclude there were serious serious flaws in what went on, and if we don’t learn from those mistakes we are doomed to repeat them.
I acknowledge that some people have a real hate on for Todd Bentley. We are called to love even our enemies so hate shouldn’t be an option. Keep in mind a lot of the pro-revival people had equal amounts of venom for people who offered mild criticism of what was going on. When God.TV says that any criticism of the revival is demonic it speaks volumes.
I can understand why a lot of the pro-lakeland folks would be offended by the comments of those reacting positively to the recent events. The real issue for many of us who have been critical is not Todd Bentley. It is the very fabric of popular charismatic Christianity which is deeply entwined with shallow bless me theology, the pursuit of riches, and a serious truncation of the gospel.
Charismatics felt they needed to recover the “full gospel” by coming back to the realm of the Spirit. What we have now is a gospel that righted recovered that one component but chopped off sacrifice, study, discipline and suffering from the other end.
Thanks R3id.
I’m still dealing with heavy duty broken tech stuff, and I appreciate what anyone can find.
Susan, thank you. You have a powerful voice. You might be interested in what Stephen Strang (Strang Communications) said.
http://tinyurl.com/5q42cl
Take your boots, you’re really going to have to wade through it.
Veronika:
CAPS!!!!!!! IS YOUR CAP LOCK BROKEN?????
No need to yell, I honestly do read comments, and consider you a guest.
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love and a sound mind. Be at peace.
Thanks LT, you are one of the few people I know who can use scripture online without me feeling like I’m getting thwacked over the head with your bible.;^)
i have been saved since 1973 . I am a trained counselor and deliveance minister. I got maried in 1980 and have two sons in their twentys.. i have watched the meltdown of many men and women of God in my lifetime. In one denominational church i was a member of,
if a spouse divorced or ran off and abandoned their vows for whatever reason the person in ministery lost their standing in the church, or if they were a minister they were removed from ministry as unfit for service. That is bordering on calling unclean what God has clensed
This is legalisim at i’st worst and makes no provision for forgivrness, divine intervension , mercy or restoration. In short it makes the blood of the covenant of no effect in the eyes of men.
I remind all reading this the calling and the gifts of God are without repentence. before anyone starts pointing fingers and assigning blame
remember one thing the hand that points the finger that notice. Be carefyl you do not do lipservice tp the same railing acusations that the devil is bringing before God against the person on the recieving end.
I know from experience a person called to a high office that walks in the annointing, is going to be attacked by the devil to the breaking point if possible Paul’s writting touch on this.
If the devil cant trip up this annointed person, if they are married, he will attach them through familt , friends or spouses, or all of the above.
A wise minister learns to balance ministry and marriage.
If he or she does’nt they wiil be setting themselves up for a fall thru burnout by both mental and physical health issues and relationships with family and friends also can be strained or destroyed.
The Bible warns never to promote ministry to the point of hurting your own family see ishaiah 58. about the approved fast.
i am praying for Todd and his family and i ask for all of you to do so as well that peace will prevail.
in Christ brokenwrench
Concering the Todd and Shoana are seperate Post:
You call yourself a christian and I can literally feel the jealousy in every single line you are writing. on top. you are enjoying that other people who are much more successfull than you suffer. THis is disgusting!!! They are leading a multi-million-people ministry and you are maybe sitting in front of a few hundred people. But does it give you so much frustration? than you should go an do another job. I`d never say that Todd Bentley is perfect and every single word he said in 144 meetings in a row was perfect. But how could it. Do you claim perfect wisdom over god and the bible? then read it again and find out that God is so much bigger than what a tiny human being like you and me can ever think of. Any revivalist is a small and false human being against god. it is time for you critics to get that. Never try to compare any revivalist to Jesus cos otherwise every move of God which could develop to a real move god and change the world will be killed by the church itself. Just ask yourself the question wether you could be the revivalist that is leading that huge move of god and does it with the strength passion and wisdom that jesus christ had. find out: we are all small and full of mistakes and weeknesses, so is Todd Bentley, but still he is a pasionned man of god who touches peoples lifes and gives honour to god. the ones who don`t see that just enjoy there blindness and self-righteousness. I have seen so many pastors and “man of god” doing that. don`t step into that same trap and take some time for prayer!
Would you be prepared to put up your own web site and reveal your mistakes and sins? How would you respond to the world looking in and voicing an opinion. Only Gods opinion is important.
I wonder what the condeming opinions of man would reveal if there was a web site for each of the persons who fail to demonstarte grace and mercy?
I exhort you to respond not to just Todd, but any sittuation in the way Jesus would.
Lets demonstarte grace and mercy, and let the devil do his own work.
from Bene D…
“You are here discussing, and that second comment is classic spiritualizing.”…..no, i’m not on here discusiing the man’s marital issues. read my post.
“If you don’t understand that word, look it up before coming back okay?”…..quite patronizing. i’ve noticed that on other replies to posts (and another forum which you left a remarkably vicious comment)
“It’s a common mental/emotional defense mechanism, all of us do it on some level from time to time.
It’s also a worn out social/political tactic used by religious organizations and individuals in difficulty and pain. “…..?????Bene actually no, i meant it, coz this is what’s actually going on in the Kingdom right now, and I for one want to be, and am part of it, instead of reading the word i want to be living it. I am neither in difficulty or pain my friend, quite the opposite. I find your reply here quite astonishing as it would seem the only people offended by this move of God are yourself and others alike..in other words, those that are quite religious and believe God is a God of word and not power. Therefore it’s quite ironic that you should say that to me.
I am literally only passing through a few forums after stumbling across through reading about our brother Todd. I have no desire to stay and debate topics and issues really as i don’t think it’s very healthy.
I will leave it at that.
God bless you.
Martin:
You are saying you feel patronized because I brought up spiritualizing, we’ll leave it at accepting I’m being patronizing as your response.
“i’ve noticed that on other replies to posts (and another forum which you left a remarkably vicious comment)
You and I need to address this.
Vicious is something to be taken very seriously.
Would you take a minute and link or cut or paste this remarkably vicious comment and explain why you find it vicious please.
Thank you.
ilovejesuschrist:
Look up projection.
Ian:
“Would you be prepared to put up your own web site and reveal your mistakes and sins? How would you respond to the world looking in and voicing an opinion.”
This is ‘my own’ website Ian. Tech people put it up, I pay for it.
I’ve been in the public spotlight, and am familar with unsolicited opinion and behavior. My mistakes and sins are my own, I own them, deal with them and live with the consequences of them. So do the people I love. Response varies accordingly.
I like your exhortation.
Reading the negative responses, It was placed in my mind about Job… He turned to friends, and they reprimanded him with see, if only’s and may has well have been I told you so’s…
I have my own doubts about Todd Bentley, but in my own walk with God, I am not perfect, far from it, and I where I have heard the voice of God, against my own voice of reason, I was led astray, is it always by evil, no free will gets in the way and so does the world…
I can understand how thier marriage has taken the route as it has, that doesn’t mean that thier marriage is at the hands of satan, or it is failing due to the poor choices, or the will of satan. We Christians are so willing to blame satan for everything that goes wrong in our lives that we neglect to bring scripture to mind, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We have our own spirit man to deal with and we are human, not set above anyone else, Like Jesus said, ” HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN.” so please let’s not cast ANY STONES, and just bathe this is prayer and use this example to weigh our own lives, our own hearts and deal with the PLANKS in our own eyes…
We are so judgmental and so arrogant when something out of the ordinary or the supernatural takes place. I was reminded by my pastor who had many angles to this TODD BENTLEY saga ( Sorry lack for a better word) that I realized that GOD IS BIGGER than us for a reason. WHO are we to stand in JUDGEMET, JESUS HIMSELF didn’t even take on that role… and aren’t we supposed to be CHRIST like? Where’s our support? Where’s our humanity and our admonishment when needed. WHERE IS THE LOVE OF GOD????
The earth is God’s footstool, so I think that entitles Him to be judge and jury, thank goodness we aren’t in that postion, for all the Todd Bentley’s of the world sake… I am guilty of sin, just as everyone one is… and NO SIN is greater than another, many of us still have thoughts that we do not rebuke, and we act like we are better than our neighbour… I may not agree with all that has gone on and may God judge me for that mercifully , just as we should with Todd.
I will pray for Todd and His family as my brother in Christ, as someone who needs a hand to hold as we stand in unity with God and as Jesus Christ as our witness. I stand and take every ounce of my shame I have daily and bring it to the cross, just as I ask God to be merciful to me, be also to Todd and everyone else…
Let’s shine alittle forgiveness and love and strive to be the examples of this earth that Jesus entrusted us to be with the guidance and the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
GOD IS LOVE, let’s remember that.
GOD BLESS, Shannon ~ Srnityblu
Bene,
I read your post shortly after it went up. (The joys of Google Reader.) I wish I’d popped back over to read the comments. Wow. I’m in shock at some of the responses here. The ease with which folk will cherry pick scripture in an attempt to shoot the messenger.
The Todd saga has been profoundly sad – and profoundly damaging for the church. Elders in the wider church body, self-appointed apostles, who should have known better, tried to cash in on the notoriety and are now like rats leaving a sinking ship. The words of their testimony reminiscent of a former American president who felt it depended on “what the meaning of is, is.” Kingdom Grace does a necessary job in exposing the deception.
As to those of you who claim a friend being healed as a result of Todd’s ministry, might we ask for simple proof. I, for one, have had my fill of people claiming they know someone healed and yet those folk never actually appear – Nightline anyone? (And I am someone who has experienced significant physical healing as a result of prayer ministry so this is not the case of someone who believe the healing dispensation is over.)
Let me end my comment by quoting J. Lee Grady, Charisma Magazine’s editor,
Hi Bill, I’m grateful for your time.
You have been an long time insider in the neo-charismatic/apostolic movement and have seen the errors.
You speak the sub-language and understand the pain.
I’m grateful Dan at Cerulean Sanctum, another mature grounded charismatic, has not been afraid to test events and claims against scripture. He has a prophetic voice.
There have been many more grounded charismatics and walkaways who have also been blogging the past several months, grieving for the thousands sucked in by leadership willfully turning blind eyes and deaf ears.
We have been blessed with solid discernment ministries providing factual information.
Many of them have gotten far worse emails than I have from Bentley/Lakeland fans.
As you know from correspondence posted with Roger, the gentleman with stage 4 cancer kneed by Bentley; there was not physical healing. I ache for Roger. He has continued aggressive medical treatment and I haven’t been in touch since.
How do we help followers currently shocked, emotional, stunned – step back from polarizing and categorizing – see fellow Christians not grey coats, revival police, heresy hunters or demonics because we ask scripture be the plumbline for believers?
Good to hear from you, merci.