Sadly the charges that are being brought forward regarding Ben Armstrong, Todd White and Sean Bolz , along with the developing charges against Assemblies of God and Chai Alpha expose a very sick culture. Unfortunately this culture of denial, deflection and cover up are not new. The Spirit of Delusion described in 2 Thessalonians 2 is at work.
7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
And there are those that are not and would not listen even as those who Corinth. 1 Corinthians 5
Below is the correspondence I had with the leaders that commissioned Todd Bentley at Lakeland and their responses. Of particular concern was the response of Bill Johnson who believed he was too powerful, too important and too right in his wrong.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I was contacted by a friend who said I had a post on this site that was getting a bit of feedback. I am deeply saddened by the events of Lakeland and the level of deception which was released there. I sent an original email to Peter Wagner, John Arnott, Che Ahn, Bill Johnson and Chuck Pierce outlining the concerns I had regarding Lakeland with scripture references. This was sent after the fall of Todd Bentley as that is when I gained access to their personal emails. Here is that email:
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to you because I believe that you are in the best position to help the Body of Christ to heal from the effects of the events in Lakeland Florida. I share these concerns as a fellow laborer and brother in a spiritual battle not only for our souls but for the souls whom God has entrusted to us. May my words be received in the sincerity of Love in which they are intended, may the Holy Spirit strip away any false spirits from the eyes of those reading and the ears of those listening in The Name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth Who Came in the Flesh.
I would use 2 Corinthians 11 as a back drop for my concerns. Additionally, I will include several other scriptures we must be aware of. Before I begin that let me say clearly that I am a firm believer in signs and wonders, and I believe in the full counsel of the Word of God. Our services include laying on of hands every week and we have witnessed God do mighty things in our services. I am connected with Bishop Mike Onkonkwo, past president of the Pentecostal and Charismatic fellowship of Nigeria, Africa, was ordained by Bishops Richard Heard and Steven Miller, whose church Christian Tabernacle of Houston Texas, experienced the invasion of God characterized in Tommy Tenney’s book the God Chasers and count Bishop George Dallas Mckinney, President of the Pentecostal and Charismatic fellowship USA and Prelate for the COGIC, as a dear friend and Pastor John Hollar a Vice President at CFNI as a mentor. I do not share these things as bravado but simply to establish for you my foundation as a spirit filled believer.
Letter from the editor of Charisma:
HONEST QUESTIONS ABOUT the LAKELAND REVIVAL
-by J. Lee Grady [CHARISMA EDITOR]
I support any holy outbreak of revival fervor. But let’s be careful to
guard ourselves from pride and error.
God is stirring deep spiritual passion in the hearts of the thousands
of people who have traveled to Florida during the last month to
experience the Lakeland Healing Revival. Since these meetings
began in a 700-seat church on April 2, the crowd has moved four
times to bigger venues, the fervor has intensified and the news
has spread worldwide—thanks to God TV and online broadcasting.
Within a few weeks, the bandwagon effect was in full swing. It’s
safe to say that no outbreak of Pentecostalism in history has
gained so much international exposure so quickly as these
meetings have.
I’m a cheerleader for the charismatic movement, so I rejoiced
when I heard the news about revivalist Todd Bentley’s extended
visit to Ignited Church. It was thrilling to hear the reports of
miracles and to watch the crowd grow until a stadium was
required to hold everyone.
When I visited a service on April 15, I was blessed by Heather
Clark’s music and the audience’s exuberant worship. And I
laughed with everyone else as I watched Bentley shout his
trademarked “Bam! Bam! Bam!” as he prayed for the sick and
flailed his tattooed arms over the crowd. Hey, Jesus didn’t pray for
people according to the Pharisees’ rulebook, so I’m open to
unconventional methods.
But I would be dishonest if I told you that I wholeheartedly
embraced what I saw in Lakeland. Something disturbed me, but I
kept my mouth shut for three weeks while I prayed, got counsel
from respected ministry leaders and searched my heart to make
sure I was not harboring a religious spirit. The last thing we need
today is more mean-spirited heresy hunters blasting other Christians.
I am not a heresy hunter, and I support what is happening in
Lakeland because I know God uses imperfect people (like me and
you) to reach others for Jesus. At the same time, I believe my
questions are honest and my concerns are real.
My motive is not to criticize Bentley or the pastor who is
sponsoring these meetings, Stephen Strader. In September 2002
Charisma featured a seven-page article about Bentley’s amazing
conversion from drug addiction. I believe Bentley is a sincere
brother who wants people to encounter God’s presence and power.
No doubt this 32-year-old evangelist needs our prayers now more
than ever, especially since he has become the focus of
international media attention.
But as the noise from Lakeland grows louder and its influence
spreads, I’m issuing some words of warning that apply to all of us,
not just the folks in Lakeland. I hope everyone understands that
these cautions are offered in love:
- Beware of strange fire.The name of Jesus is being lifted up in
the Lakeland revival, and three people came to the altar for
salvation the night I attended. Larger numbers have come to the
front of the auditorium to find Christ every night since then.
Yet I fear another message is also being preached subtly in
Lakeland—a message that cult-watchers would describe as a
spiritual counterfeit. Bentley is one of several charismatic
ministers who have emphasized angels in the last several years.
He has taught about angels who bring financial breakthroughs or
revelations, and he sometimes refers to an angel named Emma
who supposedly played a role in initiating a prophetic movement in
Kansas City in the 1980s. Bentley describes Emma as a woman
in a flowing white dress who floats a few feet off the floor.
All of us who believe the Bible know that angels are real, and that
they work on our behalf to protect us and minister to us. But the
apostle Paul, who had encounters with angels himself, issued
stern warnings to the Corinthians, the Galatians and the
Colossians about angels who preach another gospel or that
demand attention. In Colossae, believers were so enamored with
angels they had seen in visions that they became “inflated without
cause” by spiritual pride (Col. 2:18, NASB). Paul was adamant
that preoccupation with angels can lead to serious deception.
We need to tread carefully here! We have no business teaching
God’s people to commune with angels or to seek revelations from
them. And if any revival movement—no matter how exciting or
passionate—mixes the gospel of Jesus with this strange fire, the
results could be devastating. We need to remember that
Mormonism was born out of one man’s encounter with a dark
angel who claimed to speak for God.
- Beware of bizarre manifestations.When the Holy Spirit’s power
comes on people they may feel weak or even fall. The Spirit’s
power can also cause people to tremble, shake, laugh or cry.
Such manifestations are biblical and we should leave room for
them. But where do we draw the line between legitimate
experience and fanatical excess?
The apostle Paul had to deal with outrageous charismatic
manifestations in the Corinthian church. People were acting like
raving lunatics—and turning the church in to a free-for-all of
unbridled ecstatic behavior. Paul called for discipline and order,
and he reminded early Christians that “the spirits of prophets are
subject to prophets” (1 Cor. 14:32). In other words, Paul was
saying that no one under the influence of the Holy Spirit should
act out of control.
In many recent charismatic revivals, ministers have allowed people
to behave like epileptics on stage—and they have attributed their
attention-getting antics to the Holy Spirit. We may think it’s all in
fun (you know, we’re just “acting crazy” for God) but we should be
more concerned that such behavior feeds carnality and grieves the Spirit.
When exotic manifestations are encouraged, people can actually
get a religious high from jerking, vibrating, screaming or acting
intoxicated. (I have even been around people who writhed as if in
pain, or made sexual noises—thinking this was a legitimate
spiritual experience.) But emotional euphoria doesn’t guarantee a
heart change. The person who is bucking like an untamed bronco
in a church service would benefit more from sitting still and reading
the Bible for an hour. When we put bizarre behavior on the platform
we imply that it is normative. Thus more strange fire is allowed to spread..
- Beware of hype and exaggeration.Our hearts are crying out
today for a genuine move of God. We want the real deal. We’ve
read about the Great Awakenings of the past and we long to see
our nation overcome by a wave of repentance. The church is in a
backslidden state, and our nation has rebelled against God. We
are desperate!
In our longing for a holy visitation, however, we must be careful not
to call the first faint breeze of the Spirit a full-fledged revival. If we do
that, we are setting people up for disappointment when they realize it may not
be what we blew it up to be.
Some of the language used during the Lakeland Revival has
created an almost sideshow atmosphere. People are invited to
“Come and get some.” Miracles are supposedly “popping like
popcorn.” Organizers tout it as the greatest revival in history.
Such brash statements cheapen what the Holy Spirit is doing—
and they do a disservice to our brothers and sisters who are
experiencing New Testament-style revival in countries such as Iran,
China and India. We have a long way to go before we experience
their level of revival. Let’s stay humble and broken before the Lord.
I am rejoicing over all the reported healings at the Lakeland
meetings. Miracles are awesome. Crowds are great. But miracles
and crowds alone don’t guarantee a revival. Multitudes followed
Jesus during His ministry on earth, but many of the people who
saw the dead raised or ate food that was supernaturally multiplied
later crucified the Son of God.
It was the few disciples who followed Jesus after Calvary who
ushered in a true revival—one that was bathed in the fear of God,
confirmed by signs and wonders, tempered by persecution and
evidenced by thousands of conversions, new churches and the
transformation of society. We should expect nothing less.
-J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma.
I have included this editorial by Lee Grady to establish that early on there were serious and legitimate questions about the “revival” and about its instigator.
Prior to being exposed to the Florida revival my internet had gone down. SO without the benfit of some human intervention I really had no knowledge of the meetings in Florida. However during this same time the Holy Spirit led me to begin to teach my church to understand the anointing. I began to teach on what it is and what it is not and what the Word has to say about it. I was several weeks into these messages when my internet went back up and low and behold I learned that the key to the Florida revival was the release of the “anointing.” I was also made aware of the involvement of the “spirit” amd “angels”. Let us now turn to 2 Corinthians 11.
2 corinthians 11:1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly–and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity* that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted–you may well put up with it!
5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested* among you in all things. 7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! 12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
16 I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little.17 What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. 19 For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! 20 For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. 21 To our shame, I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold–I speak foolishly–I am bold also.
22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ?–I speak as a fool–I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness– 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? 30 If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.
I have highlighted several key passages here. The first speaks to us not to receive a false spirit. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted–you may well put up with it! The words of the editor of Charisma Magazine warn that such a spirit may/is being released. The second set admonishes us to be aware that these spirits while appearing to be holy are in fact anything but. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness,
This is a serious warning worthy of our attention. Below are some other warnings which I believe are applicable to these meetings.
Matthew 16:1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven.2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! F75 You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet F76 Jonah.” And He left them and departed.
5 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.” 8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? F77 9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up?11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?–but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of thePharisees and Sadducees.
Matthew 24:4-31
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all F131these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, F132 and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. 15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ F133 spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. 23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.26 Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
I have also attached some notes and additional scripture that I believe would be helpful to read to cause us to view with a great degree of discernment the events in Florida and any other event in which the true Lord Jesus Christ is not the main focus and the preaching of the Word is not the primary objective. We need do more than just save souls we must equip them through the teaching of the Word and true discipleship. I am hearing some say that this is still true revival and that God uses broken people. I believe that God uses broken people, as we were all broken and sinful at a point. Jesus mission though was not to leave men where He found them but to elevate them out of their sin and set them upon the rock of salvation. God did not use Saul of Tarsus, but he became Paul the Apostle and was used mightily. Jesus restored Peter after his denial and his stubbornness; Moses was a changed man when he returned to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In every case God did not use rebellious, self-centered people who were acting out their sin to do anything righteous for Him. Even David was called out for his sin and had to repent. It was that act of repentance, which restored him even though as the prophet prophesied there was division in his house from that day on. I have watched with great anguish and sorrow as people I know have been sucked into this deceptive movement and they all point to the actions of you gentleman as validation that this was a God move. When a prophet in the Old Testament got it wrong he was identified as a false prophet, taken out and stoned. That is because when we say that we speak for God there is no room for error. If people follow false prophets’ people die. If we allow false prophets then we are guilty as well. I have desired to leave this situation alone and to turn from it, but the Holy Spirit would not let me. I am not well known or of any great stature in the body of Christ. I am a frontline soldier who has a duty and a responsibility to protect my flock. Your actions and those of Todd have impacted my flock and I am therefore mandated to stand and say STOP IT NOW!
May the our Holy Heavenly Father give you increased wisdom and may He continue to bless your ministries as you continue to pursue Him with a fervency!
I received this response from John Arnott:
Thanks for taking time to write Pastor Greg.
Your points and concerns are well taken. We all want to eat the ‘fish’ and leave the ‘bones’ don’t we.
Bless you as you humbly and carefully and tenderly pastor your flock.
Yours in Christ
John Arnott
I sent this in response to all of the above mentioned names;
Dear John,
Thank you for your response I am praying that the Lord give you wisdom in the next steps and that Todd will be repentant and then be restored. I have it on very good authority that Todd has been having trysts for several years leading up to this point and is involved with a staff member named (ommitted) whom he has said he intends to marry and he has been on drunken binges while in Lakeland. Bill Johnson’s letter was a hoax since Todd has had almost nothing to do with his wife and children for some time now. Unless those who endorsed him and gave validity to this movement which was purely man made and man driven, publicly recant their endorsement, then the spirit which was released will destroy churches and the blood of the innocent will be on their hands. Pressure must also be applied to the owners of GodTV to renounce their ridiculous position statement, as there have already been several women who have come forward and when this hits the media it will be disastrous. I truly believe that a stepping down for a time of those who endorsed this and stood on that stage in order to fast, pray and seek God for greater discernment is in order. I believe that if a charlatan like this can get away with a hoax and deception of this magnitude imagine what the true Antichrist will do to the body if we are not better watchman. That I am sure is why Jesus warns that even the very elect could be fooled. May God be merciful to us and as Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 11 may we not engage in such folly.
Bill Johnson response:
Greg,
You obviously have an inflated view of your place in this world. And like most of the rest of the Christian media right now you lack to integrity to call, write, or ask one question before coming to your conclusions and making your accusations.
You have written that my statement about Todd is a hoax. What? Not one question about how I came to that conclusion? Not one inquiry about my experience with Todd and Fresh Fire Ministries? Just the accusation that I lied. May you never be treated the same way. I have watched Todd with his wife and children. He was affectionate and loving. Have things changed? Obviously. And there is no excuse. His response is entirely wrong! But for you to belittle and accuse just because you talked to someone on the inside who has different information is foolish at best. I didn’t get my information from the talk of others. I have been there with the family. I wrote what I did out of personal observation, not here-say.
I have spend hours on this also with those “in the know.” And I didn’t start this last week. I was informed of the tragedy a few weeks ago and have been working behind the scenes to help wherever possible.
You are not in the place of authority to make demands on the Revival Alliance. Get out of the illusion that we are actually answerable to you. So you have a nationally syndicated radio show. Use it for good. Promote the gospel. Help turn this tragedy around where we can learn and grow, without using your position to find someone to blame when you don’t know what you are talking about. Start speaking of the things that God has worked into your life. You have genuine things to offer, and we need them. But you’ve got to stop this foolish accusation in the name of discernment, when in fact your ignorance in overwhelming.
Bill
It should be noted that at this point my correspondence was to those directly involved in endorsing Bentley and was sent in a private email to all parties. After this response I had posted my original statement publicly and I was asked by that publisher to publish the respons4es which I did.
I sent two responses to this;
—– Original Message —-
From: greg young <doseghostman@yahoo.com>
To: Bill Johnson <johnson@awwwsome.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 2:37:08 PM
Subject: Re: Taking responsibility for the Deception in Lakeland
Dear Bill,
Glad to hear back from you. I want to begin by offering an apology. I understand your position on your letter. I believe you were duped. It is easy to put on a show when the cameras are on, it is another matter to be consistent when the lights are off. Wife beaters get away with their abuse for years and no one knows. Same with those who deal with incest in their home. Just recently there was an evangelist who stored his wife’s body in the freezer. Nobody knew and he was still preaching. Pastors had been to his home and thought all was well. No one knew his daughter was being molested. Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Please see my notes below as I responded to your email paragraph by paragraph. I do believe I have as much right to write to you and express what I feel the Lord leading me to say as you or anyone else. I would ask you to be careful in that you have stood on a stage and proclaimed that you are one of the new apostles for the church. The statement from Lakeland was that there have not been so many apostles gathered in one place since Acts. No one mellowed that statement but rather it was embraced. When you esteem yourself so mightily, you then accept greater responsibility for your actions. I have been dealing with the fall out here because people here went there after you and others endorsed the movement. They have brought back the strange manifestations, and we have been casting them out.
In His Service and For His Purpose,
Pastor Gregory Young
Founder, Executive Director
For His Purpose Ministries, Inc. 501 C3
Host Nationally Syndicated Radio Show
“A Dose of the Ghost”
The Healing House
P O Box 1215
Salida CA 95368
(209) 527 5563
(209) 380 8654 Cell
http://doseradioshow.tripod.com
—– Original Message —-
From: Bill Johnson <johnson@awwwsome.com>
To: greg young <doseghostman@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 11:32:51 AM
Subject: Re: Taking responsibility for the Deception in Lakeland
Greg,
You obviously have an inflated view of your place in this world. And like most of the rest of the Christian media right now you lack to integrity to call, write, or ask one question before coming to your conclusions and making your accusations.
My statement was made after conferring with sources close to Todd and the family. Lack of integrity was shown by endorsing something that was filled with doctrinal error, false statements and a person of little integrity leading the way.
You have written that my statement about Todd is a hoax. What? Not one question about how I came to that conclusion? Not one inquiry about my experience with Todd and Fresh Fire Ministries? Just the accusation that I lied. May you never be treated the same way. I have watched Todd with his wife and children. He was affectionate and loving. Have things changed? Obviously. And there is no excuse. His response is entirely wrong! But for you to belittle and accuse just because you talked to someone on the inside who has different information is foolish at best. I didn’t get my information from the talk of others. I have been there with the family. I wrote what I did out of personal observation, not here-say.
I knew how you came to your conclusion because my source was aware that you spent a short time with the family. Not enough time to make such a glowing endorsement. Were you aware of the previous affair with the previous staff member?
I have spend hours on this also with those “in the know.” And I didn’t start this last week. I was informed of the tragedy a few weeks ago and have been working behind the scenes to help wherever possible.
I did not start last week either. Only recently was I given access to reach out to people such as yourself to express my concerns. Had I had that opportunity sooner I certainly would have. God has had me stewing in this for some time and I felt challenged to engage. I am not invalidating your ministry. I respect you and your position from a biblical perspective. I have met several people from your church whom I admire. I am friends with GEN 14 and they know I pursue Jesus Christ with my whole heart. As stated in my first email which I have again attached I am a firm believer in the gifts, healing, moves of the Holy Spirit and seeing people encounter the risen Christ in all His power. This deception and tragedy as you call it has been playing out since April for many people, myself included.
You are not in the place of authority to make demands on the Revival Alliance. Get out of the illusion that we are actually answerable to you. You will answer to God and so will I. There is no double standard. In the end judgement by God. I am adhering to the warning given Ezekiel and speaking what I was led to speak so that my hands remain clean. So you have a nationally syndicated radio show. Use it for good. Promote the gospel. Help turn this tragedy around where we can learn and grow, without using your position to find someone to blame when you don’t know what you are talking about. When criticism of this movement first was stated by men like Lee Grady and Andrew Strom they were told that if you were not on board you were evil. If you are going to attack those who called for discernment then turn and say you have no responsibility when it turns out they were right??? That is not biblical or ethical No one is rejoicing over this in anyway. Someone needed to pull Todd aside and try to help him. I am told he does not listen well. Rebellion is as witchcraft, you can not sweep it under the carpet and hope is does not stink. There were some Israelites who tried that and the whole camp suffered. I do not want to give ammunition to the cessationist crowd anymore so I am asking for greater discernment for all concerned. God has worked into my life experiencing and understanding Him. The Word and the experience must match up and that can happen but we must be more discerning. Start speaking of the things that God has worked into your life. You have genuine things to offer, and we need them. But you’ve got to stop this foolish accusation in the name of discernment, when in fact your ignorance in overwhelming.
Sir, You have not in any way responded to the first email I sent to you with many scripture references. Instead you attack me and try to bully me into quite submission. My words to you are not on my authority, but let us be reminded that we should not become as the Saduccees and Pharisees who believed themselves to be so far above the rest they could not be corrected. God used John the Baptist to announce the coming of His Son. John was no one of significance in the eyes of the establishment. Until he called them on their error he received no notice. I do not want attention. I do want to see the damage that his has done fixed and I fear that a greater deception than this is on its way. If those of you who call yourselves leaders remain arrogant and blind you will lead many to deception. See Paul’s warning in 2 Corinthians 11 and John’s in 1 John 4. I truly believe that this was brought about by ignorance of the Word. The general population is not reading and studying. The recent Pew Report confirms that most “Christians” 71% do not even believe that Jesus Christ is the only way. If the sheep are that confused how can they know how to discern the truth in a situation like this. The shepherds need to start doing their jobs, if you believe you are a chief shepherd then you will be held accountable for what you do with the position you say God has put you in.
In His Love and Service,
greg
Bill
Bill,
It is not my intention nor my message as I believe that God has called me to reach out to you to ask you to do anything that disgraces or discredits. It is exactly the opposite. I believe that this is an opportunity for leadership to redeem credibility that has been lost for many years in many circles. I believe that if the leadership were to say that they missed something in this it validates scripture and that you can send a message to others to be very careful about testing and discerning. I remember at my ordination Bishop Richard Heard saying that church history is fraught with extremes and that it takes humble men with great integrity to step in and bring balance. Sometimes it is these very tests that cause us to rise up and become what God has visioned for us to become. The choice is ours. This is not about pride or position but about the advancement of the Kingdom and the saving of souls. It is about seeking God in spirit and truth and discerning the times. When I suggested a time of stepping back for fasting and prayer I was thinking of Chuck Pierce when I saw him some years ago in Southern California and he shared a season wherein he went into his prayer closet and did not come out till he felt he had clarity. This is both a tragic time and a great time but it is a time to seize the momentum from the enemy and to take the ground which the Lord desires to give us. I am as you say lowly and of no reputation therefore I must plead with those who have a voice to please speak truth and use this moment in history for His glory
I am still hopeful that these men will take the right steps and bring the healing that the body so desperately needs.
Humbly before the throne of grace and mercy,
Pastor Greg Young
In a message dated 8/22/2008 3:13:23 P.M. Central Daylight Time, doseghostman@yahoo.com writes:
Dear Sirs,
This is the type of apology that you need to make to the body. Your full endorsement of this statement would go along way in starting the healing process. I pray you are listening.
A STATEMENT and APPEAL REGARDING LAKELAND
-Dutch Sheets. (Aug 21, 2008).
It has now been a couple of weeks since I heard about Todd
Bentley’s plans for separation and divorce. Like everyone, I have
had a variety of emotions including anger, sadness, and grief.
Every time I see this scenario repeated, I grieve: for the husband
and wife involved; for the family that will be scarred in so many
ways; because of the incredible reproach it brings to Christ; and
the distortion it gives concerning God’s heart and ways. I am
praying for Todd and his family.
I was asked numerous times to write my position on Lakeland
while it was happening, but always felt checked by the Lord—the
waters were too muddy and emotions too high. I now20feel strongly
that the Lord wants me to do so. It will be arguably one of the
greatest risks of my ministry to date, but one I feel must be taken.
Fathers, when given the voice to do so, bear the responsibility of
giving correction and wisdom. I hope mine qualifies for the latter. I
assure you I have spent many hours praying and thinking through
the situation. The risks are broad: with some of my dearest friends
and co-laborers, I risk harming those relationships; with many in
the charismatic body of Christ, I risk appearing to be an arrogant,
“self-appointed” spokesperson for them; to the “I told you so” crowd,
I risk the accusation of “spinning” the situation. (As far as the
heresy hunters and revival police—not those who raised legitimate
questions about Lakeland, but the attack dogs who make their 741
living and build their ministries criticizing everyone else—I lost
respect for them long ago and couldn’t care less what they think.)
My purpose and sincere prayer in writing this statement, however,
is three-fold: to see healing begin for the body of Christ; to initiate
a process that can remove the reproach brought to Christ and the
Church; and to do these things while preserving and honoring my
current relationships. I pray that these desires, along with my heart,
come through loudly. And I hope I’m writing this with true humility—
who amon
g us clearly sees all hidden in our own hearts? Let me
also preface this statement by saying that what needs to be said
cannot be done quickly or carelessly. I do not want my heart to be
missed and am not willing to run that risk for the sake of brevity,
so please bear with the length. (Incidentally, I think it will be
obvious no one involved in the Lakeland situation has asked me to
write this; and for the sake of integrity on my part, none have been
consulted concerning what I’m stating.)
Mistakes at Lakeland
Did leaders handling the Lakeland situation make mistakes? Yes—
huge mistakes. Beyond the obvious fruit of salvations and healings,
can good come from Lakeland, as some have suggested, even
with the recent revelations concerning Todd Bentley? Yes, but only
if there is complete honesty and transparency, the removal of all
attempts at self-preservation, and absolute humility from all sides.
Did I endorse the Lakeland meetings? No, I did not, nor did I
condemn them. I acknowledged that healings were occurring and
some were being saved, which I still believe and rejoice over. I
realized and stated that the thousands of people attending were
hungry and sincere, as were those involved in leading the 2
meetings. The worship was regularly good. But looking past some
of the immediate and positive results, I, like many, also looked
ahead to the possible fruit from questionable doctrine and =0
D
experiences, exaggeration and hype, youthful pride, character
issues and the frightening potential of a 32 year “young” man
leading a movement that could shape the future of the Church.
These things were frightening, very frightening, to others and me.
When something has the potential of setting precedent, birthing a
movement and being reproduced as a prototype, we are no longer
simply endorsing good brothers, good intentions and miracles.
Doctrine and foundations will be built on these events. Teachings
and paradigms for future ministries will be formed—in short, the
next generation of the church and the move of God in the earth
could be greatly impacted. This is why I stopped short of endorsing
everything at Lakeland. Just as importantly, I could not ignore the
“check”, the uneasiness, the sickening feeling deep in my spirit
telling me something else was wrong—terribly wrong—in this
situation. Like other leaders I tried to push past my uneasiness
with the showmanship, the “bams,” the head butts and kneeing,
along with certain experiences and doctrines, all in order to
embrace the good. Like many of my friends I tried to be—and
believe I was—gracious, accepting, ready to think “out of the box”,
etc. But try as I may, the uneasiness in my spirit just wouldn’t leave.
Did I voice my concerns to the appropriate people? Yes,
including stating
my concerns for Todd’s marriage to the Lakeland
Outpouring Apostolic Team. Did they listen? Some did, some
didn’t. But I want to state emphatically, this is not an “I told you
so” statement. In fact, much of what I want to address goes back
several years into our charismatic Christian history. And I assure
you that concerning our present weaknesses in the charismatic
church, there is plenty of blame to go around. Personally, I’ve
been right at times with my discernment and decisions, wrong at
others. It would be worse than hypocritical for me to point the
finger of accusation—I have no stones of judgment to throw.
Nonetheless, mistakes were made and must be acknowledged
and learned from in order for us to heal, grow and move forward.
Some of my closest friends endorsed and participated in the
Lakeland meetings. For them I have both criticism—all of us lose
credibility at this point if we’re not completely honest—and
affirmation. Should they have been more discerning and have
listened to the warnings they received? Obviously. Should those
who “aligned” Todd with spiritual fathers (which was a good thing
and positioned him to receive help if he chooses to accept it) have
realized to do so publicly was a mistake and could be interpreted
by those watching in no other way than as a complete
endorsement? Yes, they should have, especially when the event
became a commissioning ceremony, complete with decrees and
prophecies of going to higher levels, predictions of Todd’s
increasing world-wide influence and leading a world-wide revival,
emphatic and prolific endorsements of his character, etc. How
could those watching believe the evening was anything but an
aligning, endorsing and commissioning ceremony? It was. It really
doesn’t matter who laid their hands on Todd—all share
responsibility. This was unwise at best, naïve at least and at its
worst, foolish. And should the leaders involved have realized that
those of us connected to them relationally, ministerially, and as
movements—some even in alignment with them apostolically and
as sons and daughters—would feel minimalized, if not betrayed,
by the fact that they were in essence taking us onto the stage
with them? Yes. These feelings were inevitable, especially when
we had such uneasiness and asked them not to. Should there be
an acknowledgment of these mistakes to the body of Christ for the
sake of accountability and in order to rebuild trust? I believe so,
and remain hopeful this will happen.
With such strong statements of disagreement, what is the
affirmation toward my friends who led, participated in or endorsed
this ceremony (and the meetings in general)? Simply stated,
I know their hearts. It is not a contradiction of my criticisms
toward some of their actions to, at the same time,
defend and
endorse their hearts and character. It is completely appropriate —
when true—to defend a person’s heart and integrity while
disagreeing with their actions.
I think the blunder of that night was huge and very damaging to the
body of Christ, but I also realize that in their hearts, those involved
honestly felt they were doing the right things. Again, while not
defending the action taken, I would defend the character and
integrity of Peter and Doris Wagner as vigorously as anyone I
know, and do so with absolute confidence. There are no two
people, and I mean that literally, who embody the qualities of
humility, integrity, holiness (no compromise!), sacrifice, unselfish
kingdom-thinking, the tireless giving of themselves to Christ’s
cause and the body of Christ—and do I need to add risk-taking?—
as much as Peter and Doris Wagner. It remains my great honor to
be associated with them and call them a spiritual father and
mother. And again, while not minimizing or “sweeping under the
rug” any wrong decisions, I remain steadfast in my belief that
similar affirmations could be made of others involved—either
directly or indirectly—in the ceremony. And some of them still see
their endorsing of Lakeland as an endorsement of revival generally,
not of Todd personally.
The Bigger Picture
It may come as a surprise, however, that my real purpose in
writing this is not to only state the above, as important as I believe
saying it is. My primary purpose, and I believe my assignment
from the Lord, is to identificationally repent on behalf of the
leadership of the charismatic body of Christ (see Nehemiah 1:4-7;
Daniel 9:1-19). In doing so, I do not have a pompous, “no one else
will, so I’ll do it” attitude, nor am I arrogant enough to think I have
become the spokesperson for the charismatic church. But in the
same way that I can identify with the racism of white predecessors
and repent to blacks, Native Americans and other races, I can
represent the leadership of the charismatic body of Christ and
identificationally repent for our sins and weaknesses. I encourage
leaders who find my statements true and appropriate to join me.
Beyond the simple fact of it being appropriate, I firmly believe it is
the only way to begin the process of rebuilding trust with those
asked to follow us and to remove the cynicism of the world we ask
to listen to us. As you know, regaining credibility is much more
difficult than attaining credibility. Concerning what I’m about to say,
I don’t believe I have a critical spirit, nor do I want to diminish the
sacrifices, faithfulness, and hard work done by so many in ministry.
The fact remains, however, that we have failed the Lord and His
people in many ways—not just with Lakeland but in countless
other situations—and must repent if we are to be trusted in the
future. And as you also know, no repentance is effective if watered
down and couched in excuses, therefore, I intend to be brutally honest:
1) We, the leaders of the charismatic community, have operated in
an extremely low level of discernment. Frankly, we often don’t even
try to discern. We assume a person’s credibility based on gifts,
charisma, the size of their ministry or church, whether they can
prophesy or work a miracle, etc. (Miracles and signs are intended
to validate God and His message, not the messenger; sometimes
they validate the assignment of an individual, but never the
person’s character, lifestyle or spiritual maturity.) We leaders in
the Church have become no different than the world around us in
our standards for measuring success and greatness. This has
contributed to the body of Christ giving millions of dollars to
undeserving individuals; it has allowed people living in sin to
become influential leaders—even to lead movements, allowing
them influence all the way to the White House. Through our lack
of discernment we built their stages and gave them their platforms.
We have been gullible beyond words—gullible leaders producing
gullible sheep. When a spiritual leader we’re connected with
violates trust, is exposed for immorality or falls below other
accepted standards of behavior, it does not exone
rate us simply
to say we don’t condone such behavior. Those we lead trust us to
let them know whom to trust. We have failed them miserably in
this regard. For this lack of discernment, and for employing and
passing on inappropriate standards of judgment, I repent to the
Lord and ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.
2) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, spin our involvement
and fail to acknowledge our responsibility when other leaders fall—
all of which stems from our self-preservation and pride. Enough of
the spin—we’re no different than Washington, DC. Every time
another embarrassing and disgraceful situation is exposed, the
dancing begins. It seems that no one bears any real responsibility
except the man or woman who actually commits sin. Incredibly,
we even blame “revival” itself—the pressures, attacks, weariness,
the “revival is messy” argument, etc., saying it is responsible for
the failures. This is disgusting. Those of us on boards of fallen
leaders, those who helped give them a voice, put them on TV,
published and endorsed their books (yes, I have), etc., are not
exonerated simply by saying we don’t condone the wrong behavior
or that we didn’t know. We’re supposed to know. I don’t believe
anyone is expecting perfection from us—I know I’m not. We’re far
too human for that. But we are expected to have enou
gh humility
to look the world and those who follow us in the eye when we miss
it and say, “we were wrong and we are sorry.” Our careless
accountability has caused the body of Christ to be spiritually
raped and abused. It has produced disillusionment and brought
immeasurable reproach to our God and cynicism to His message.
Concerning Lakeland, what was called the “greatest revival since
Azusa Street” has become possibly one of the greatest
reproaches. We, the leaders of the charismatic church, are
responsible. For not accepting and acknowledging our
responsibility, for caring more about our own reputation than
Christ’s, I repent to God and ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.
3) Our procedures and standards of accountability are incredibly
inadequate. We have provided camaraderie, not biblical
accountability. For those on Todd Bentley’s board who had
previous knowledge of his marriage problems and said nothing, it
was more than a mistake—it was reckless, foolish, and
irresponsible. For those on the stage the night of his aligning and
commissioning who knew and said nothing—ditto. For those there
who didn’t know, my question is, “why didn’t you?” You were
trusted to know. That is one of the purposes of public
commissioning and the purpose behind the concept of
endorsement. I’m not trying to point the finger; I’m endeavoring to
get us to be honest about our failures—we have serious credibility
issues. Have I ever laid hands on, commissioned or endorsed
anyone without adequately checking them out? Yes, but you
better believe I’ll be more careful next time! And we must not
single out Lakeland. We’re all guilty. What about the leader in my
city who ran with some of the leading spiritual fathers in our nation—
sincere and good men, I might add, and not all “charismatic”
leaders—who sang his praises and helped build his stage—all
while he was doing drugs and having sex with other men? But we
shouldn’t blame only the high profile cases—what about those of
us who unknowingly have had adulterers on our staffs or appointed
elders that turned out to have compromise in their life? Sounding
familiar yet? This is so epidemic that every member of the body of
Christ stands guilty—what pastor or leader did you follow that
turned out to have sin issues? What ministry did you support that
was unworthy? There is plenty of blame to go around. The big
question becomes not “who do we blame” but “how do we fix this
mess?” Leaders can live in sin—adultery, homosexuality, financial
wrongdoing, drugs, etc.—for years without it being realized. They
can offer completely unacceptable lifestyles for the body of Christ
to follow and still keep their TV programs and lavish lifestyles. In
the name of grace, compassion and forgiveness we have lowered
the standard so much that often there isn’t one. We have bought
into the lie that true discipline is “shooting our wounded.” We have
made a mockery of biblical restoration, making “ministry”—not
healthy individuals, marriages and families—its ultimate goal. The
fact is, integrity matters. No, we don’t need legalistic, pharisaical
standards, but we must have standards. For this lack of biblical
accountability, I repent to God and I ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.
4) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, have built on hype,
sensation, innovation, programs, personality and charisma. This
has produced: shallowness; false movements; novice leaders—
gifted but immature and untested; a deficient understanding of
God’s word; the building of man-centered rather than kingdom-
centered churches and ministries; competition rather than
cooperation; humanistic, self-centered Christians who don’t
understand sacrifice and commitment; Christians without
discernment; superstar leaders; a perverted and powerless gospel;
prayerless and anemic Christians; a replacement of the fear of the
Lord with the fear of man; and a young generation that is cynical
of it all. We are responsible, not the devil; he takes what we give
him. For this compromise in the way we build, for giving the
Church watered down wine, commercial Christianity, a flashy but
weak Church and hype disguised as anointing, I repent to God and
ask forgiveness of the body of Christ. Galatians 6:1-5 is an
appropriate reference with which to end this statement: “Brethren,
even if a man caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual,
restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to
yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens,
and thus fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is
something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each
one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for
boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
For each one shall bear his own load.” NAS
My passionate prayer is that God honors this repentance — I
believe He led me to do it and therefore, will—and uses it to begin
a process of cleansing and healing for all of us. In order for the
coming great awakening to bear maximum fruit we must have both,
as well as a course correction that sets us on a path of wisdom
leading to life. There is no doubt that past moves of God have been
aborted, ended prematurely and contained error or heresy that
have wounded, if not destroyed, many. The healing revival of the
40’s and 50’s, the charismatic movement, discipleship movement
and Jesus movement are all examples. My heart is to help shape
a movement, the fruit of which will last for decades — better yet,
forever. And I have great expectations for us—I am not a cynic.
My passionate prayer is also that Todd Bentley’s marriage survives
and thrives…that he turns his heart fully toward Christ and toward
those with whom he is aligned, and allows them, as God leads,
to put him on a path of complete restoration. I thank God for those
who were touched by the Holy Spirit at Lakeland and while
watching it on God TV and the web. May we all move forward into
all God has planned for us in this awesome season of endless
possibility.
With great hope—Dutch Sheets.
—– Original Message —-
From: “Wpccdp@aol.com” <Wpccdp@aol.com>
To: doseghostman@yahoo.com
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 7:26:36 PM
Subject: Re: This is what the body needs thank you Dutch!!
I fully endorse this….Peter has fully written his endorsement of this for the team.
Chuck D. Pierce
President, Global Spheres Inc.
President, Glory of Zion International
In a message dated 8/22/2008 9:45:25 P.M. Central Daylight Time, doseghostman@yahoo.com writes:
Thank you Chuck for your response. As I have stated there is nothing in this for anyone to gloat about. It has been a sad day for the Body of Christ and given the Charismatic movement one more hurdle to overcome. I am prayerful this can be a new beginning, founded on firm ground. I pray that the people at GOD TV might also join in this as they are equally responsible. Are you and the leaders planning some sort of press conference or a special time on GOD TV? When will the previous letters from Che Ahn, Rick Joyner, Peter and Bill which attempted to continue to validate this be rescinded? Rick has all but accused Shonnoh as being the problem while Todd is the poor victim, this should not be left to stand. Thank you again for your time. We met once in Southern California at the church of an Australian gentleman just after you had spent a significant time in solitary confinement as you called it with the Lord and had been very ill. I enjoyed the message that night. If you have the time to reach out to Bill Johnson, some counsel to him regarding his email might be in order. See below.
Respectfully yours in Christ,
Pastor Greg
—– Original Message —-
From: “Wpccdp@aol.com” <Wpccdp@aol.com>
To: doseghostman@yahoo.com
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2008 3:09:02 AM
Subject: Re: This is what the body needs thank you Dutch!!
thanks for writing. i am sending out what dutch wrote. it takes all of us and all sides to see the big picutre. thank God for His superabundant grace.
Chuck D. Pierce
President, Global Spheres Inc.
President, Glory of Zion International
Harvest Watchman, Global Harvest
doseghostman@yahoo.com writes:
Dear Sirs,
This is the type of apology that you need to make to the body. Your full endorsement of this statement would go along way in starting the healing process. I pray you are listening.
In a message dated 8/23/2008 5:14:14 A.M. Central Daylight Time, doseghostman@yahoo.com writes:
Thank you again Chuck for your response. I continue to pray and seek the Lord over all of this. The battle is fierce in the spirit realm at this time and I am truly feeling that.
In His Service and For His Purpose,
Pastor Gregory Young
Founder, Executive Director
For His Purpose Ministries, Inc. 501 C3
Host Nationally Syndicated Radio Show
“A Dose of the Ghost”
The Healing House
—– Original Message —-
From: “Wpccdp@aol.com” <Wpccdp@aol.com>
To: doseghostman@yahoo.com
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2008 4:20:36 PM
Subject: Re: This is what the body needs thank you Dutch!!
Yes.. but you know God.. all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called to His purpose.
Chuck D. Pierce
President, Global Spheres Inc.
President, Glory of Zion International
Harvest Watchman, Global Harvest
In a message dated 8/22/2008 3:13:23 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
Amen. I am excited for what God will bring out of this and the purity and holiness that we will see when this process has bourne its fruit. I long to see people pursue the Lord because of who He is and not for what they can get. When we truly seek Him with our whole heart, body, spirit and mind with no personal agenda but with a desire to serve Him and as Paul says to present ourselves a living sacrifice which is our reasonable service. Then I believe God can really use us and we can receive the fullness of His blessings in our lives. Well we do Saturday church so I am off to service. Tonight I am sharing on knowing the depth and character of Jesus Christ, keep me in your prayers that the message will go deep into the hearer and bear much fruit as the Holy Spirit gives me utterance let it be Him and not me. Be blessed!
In His Service and For His Purpose,
Pastor Gregory Young
Founder, Executive Director
For His Purpose Ministries, Inc. 501 C3
Host Nationally Syndicated Radio Show
“A Dose of the Ghost”
The Healing House
Dear Chuck,
Have you read Rick Joyners recent post regarding Lakeland? Is he part of the apology from Dutch that you and the team are endorsing? His (Joyners) appears to be a continuation of the same spin. Where is the public endorsement?
Did leaders handling the Lakeland situation make mistakes? Yes—
huge mistakes. Beyond the obvious fruit of salvations and healings,
can good come from Lakeland, as some have suggested, even
with the recent revelations concerning Todd Bentley? Yes, but only
if there is complete honesty and transparency, the removal of all
attempts at self-preservation, and absolute humility from all sides.
Did I voice my concerns to the appropriate people? Yes,
including stating my concerns for Todd’s marriage to the Lakeland
Outpouring Apostolic Team. Did they listen? Some did, some
didn’t.
Some of my closest friends endorsed and participated in the
Lakeland meetings. For them I have both criticism—all of us lose
credibility at this point if we’re not completely honest—and
affirmation. Should they have been more discerning and have
listened to the warnings they received? Obviously. Should those
who “aligned” Todd with spiritual fathers (which was a good thing
and positioned him to receive help if he chooses to accept it) have
realized to do so publicly was a mistake and could be interpreted
by those watching in no other way than as a complete
endorsement? Yes, they should have, especially when the event
became a commissioning ceremony, complete with decrees and
prophecies of going to higher levels, predictions of Todd’s
increasing world-wide influence and leading a world-wide revival,
emphatic and prolific endorsements of his character, etc. How
could those watching believe the evening was anything but an
aligning, endorsing and commissioning ceremony? It was. It really
doesn’t matter who laid their hands on Todd—all share
responsibility. This was unwise at best, naïve at least and at its
worst, foolish. And should the leaders involved have realized that
those of us connected to them relationally, ministerially, and as
movements—some even in alignment with them apostolically and
as sons and daughters—would feel minimalized, if not betrayed,
by the fact that they were in essence taking us onto the stage
with them? Yes. These feelings were inevitable, especially when
we had such uneasiness and asked them not to. Should there be
an acknowledgment of these mistakes to the body of Christ for the
sake of accountability and in order to rebuild trust? I believe so,
and remain hopeful this will happen.
2) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, spin our involvement
and fail to acknowledge our responsibility when other leaders fall—
all of which stems from our self-preservation and pride. Enough of
the spin—we’re no different than Washington, DC. Every time
another embarrassing and disgraceful situation is exposed, the
dancing begins. It seems that no one bears any real responsibility
except the man or woman who actually commits sin. Incredibly,
we even blame “revival” itself—the pressures, attacks, weariness,
the “revival is messy” argument, etc., saying it is responsible for
the failures. This is disgusting. Those of us on boards of fallen
leaders, those who helped give them a voice, put them on TV,
published and endorsed their books (yes, I have), etc., are not
exonerated simply by saying we don’t condone the wrong behavior
or that we didn’t know. We’re supposed to know. I don’t believe
anyone is expecting perfection from us—I know I’m not. We’re far
too human for that. But we are expected to have enough humility
to look the world and those who follow us in the eye when we miss
it and say, “we were wrong and we are sorry.” Our careless
accountability has caused the body of Christ to be spiritually
raped and abused. It has produced disillusionment and brought
immeasurable reproach to our God and cynicism to His message.
Concerning Lakeland, what was called the “greatest revival since
Azusa Street” has become possibly one of the greatest
reproaches. We, the leaders of the charismatic church, are
responsible. For not accepting and acknowledging our
responsibility, for caring more about our own reputation than
Christ’s, I repent to God and ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.
3) Our procedures and standards of accountability are incredibly
inadequate. We have provided camaraderie, not biblical
accountability. For those on Todd Bentley’s board who had
previous knowledge of his marriage problems and said nothing, it
was more than a mistake—it was reckless, foolish, and
irresponsible. For those on the stage the night of his aligning and
commissioning who knew and said nothing—ditto. For those there
who didn’t know, my question is, “why didn’t you?” You were
trusted to know. That is one of the purposes of public
commissioning and the purpose behind the concept of
endorsement. I’m not trying to point the finger; I’m endeavoring to
get us to be honest about our failures—we have serious credibility
issues. Have I ever laid hands on, commissioned or endorsed
anyone without adequately checking them out? Yes, but you
better believe I’ll be more careful next time! And we must not
single out Lakeland. We’re all guilty. What about the leader in my
city who ran with some of the leading spiritual fathers in our nation—
sincere and good men, I might add, and not all “charismatic”
leaders—who sang his praises and helped build his stage—all
while he was doing drugs and having sex with other men? But we
shouldn’t blame only the high profile cases—what about those of
us who unknowingly have had adulterers on our staffs or appointed
elders that turned out to have compromise in their life? Sounding
familiar yet? This is so epidemic that every member of the body of
Christ stands guilty—what pastor or leader did you follow that
turned out to have sin issues? What ministry did you support that
was unworthy? There is plenty of blame to go around. The big
question becomes not “who do we blame” but “how do we fix this
mess?” Leaders can live in sin—adultery, homosexuality, financial
wrongdoing, drugs, etc.—for years without it being realized. They
can offer completely unacceptable lifestyles for the body of Christ
to follow and still keep their TV programs and lavish lifestyles. In
the name of grace, compassion and forgiveness we have lowered
the standard so much that often there isn’t one. We have bought
into the lie that true discipline is “shooting our wounded.” We have
made a mockery of biblical restoration, making “ministry”—not
healthy individuals, marriages and families—its ultimate goal. The
fact is, integrity matters. No, we don’t need legalistic, pharisaical
standards, but we must have standards. For this lack of biblical
accountability, I repent to God and I ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.
The recent post from Rick is exactly what Dutch says the leaders were repentant for. The silence is deafening. I have forwarded your assurance of an endorsement to several who are praying and interceding for this dire situation but if people like Rick continue to propagate this “false revival” and do not recant their statements then what good was Dutch’s effort?? I just read about Jim Bakers son and I am so prayerful that this situation be handled correctly. It is terrible what he went through. We must not allow this to continue to sit. I agree that the situation with Todd needs to be handled carefully. Even his disclosures because of those whom it affects, but this has been going on for a long time. The issue at hand is how to handle the squashing of the release of the Branham spirit and the other false angels, which were passed on. There are still cult like pockets waiting for Branham’s return. Are you comfortable to have this same spirit now spread throughout the body of Christ on your watch? Please do not be as Amasa by whose delay many lives were lost and Joab had to be put to death before Solomon could ascend to the throne. I fear a delay will only serve to more deeply embed this spirit in those who were deceived.
2 Samuel 20 :4 And the king said to Amasa, “Assemble the men of Judah for me within three days, and be present here yourself.” 5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah. But he delayed longer than the set time which David had appointed him. 6 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities, and escape us
From Chuck: I have no doubt that many of the statements that are now being made are going to be regretted by those who made them. Since I am appealing for a couple of weeks to give Todd the chance to process these matters and meet with Bill Johnson, I think we should give any who may have made premature statements some grace too. There are leaders who are applauding some of these statements, but almost every Christian that has talked to me about them, as well as most of the leaders I have talked to, thought that they were hastily made statements meant to cover their bases which cost these leaders a lot of credibility. I have only read a few, and that was not necessarily my perspective, though it is very obvious with some.
My Response: If I could contact him directly I certainly would. Is this a blindsided shot at Dutch and what he has said? Especially in light of his continued strong endorsement of Lakeland and of Todd?? This is grievous.
From Chuck: I recommended to Todd to allow a panel of those who are considered true elders in the body of Christ, who could be impartial, to judge this situation, and he readily agreed. He did not make any demands or suggestions about who should be on the panel. He only said that he felt he should not cross the line and say anything negative about his wife, and that he intends to continue to love her and his children, and take care of them.
He (Todd) hasn’t had to since Rick all but put the blame on her by insinuating that poor Todd has tried without success to do everything right. How ludicrous.
More spin. Please Chuck and team use your influence to truly bring the healing that is needed.
In His Service and For His Purpose,
Pastor Gregory Young