Bethel
- Leadership Misconduct/Abuse ·
Young people at Bethel church still seek the spirit, despite scandals
“Cast out the spirit of suicide, Lord!” A congregant’s voice sailed over the loud, ambient keyboard and clear, emotion-laden vocals leading worship at a full…
- Bible/Theology ·
Bethel Church stops selling controversial Passion Bible — for now
Two months after a Texas minister produced new evidence that the Passion version of the Bible contained extensive plagiarism, embattled Bethel Church in Redding, California,…
- Bible/Theology ·
Passion Bible scholar says there was no ‘rigorous review’
Broadstreet Publishing claims the Passion Bible, a much-criticized version that former missionary Brian Simmons says he translated from the original languages, went through a “rigorous…
- Pastoral Misconduct/Abuse ·
Bethel Church promises reforms, deplatforms four men accused of misconduct
Four months after suspending a top leader accused of sexual assault, Bethel Church announced several governance and cultural reforms, saying it will no longer platform…
- Church Issues ·
Analysis: Charismatics are questioning the authority of apostles and prophets
Blaise Forêt has lost faith in reform. The charismatic minister used to believe that Spirit-empowered men and women — apostles and prophets — were ushering…
- Pastoral Misconduct/Abuse ·
Bethel pastor Bill Johnson says fake prophecy was ‘worth it’
Charismatic megachurch pastor Bill Johnson urged Bethel Church, in Redding, California, not to dismiss fake prophecy just because it’s fake. Speaking at a “family meeting”…
- Church Issues ·
Embattled Bethel Church shuts down alumni Facebook page, prompting backlash
Facing backlash for allegedly covering up sexual abuse and protecting fraudulent “prophets,” Bethel Church in northern California has temporarily shut down a private Facebook group…
- Clergy Sexual Abuse ·
Bethel suspends prophet accused of forcing intern into bed
Bethel Church leaders suspended its overseer of prophetic ministry Sunday, pending an investigation into allegations of clergy sexual abuse and sexual assault. Ben Armstrong, 53,…
- Church Issues ·
Bethel, IHOP and NAR are leaving young people disillusioned and chasing experiences, rather than Jesus
(Opinion) – I am increasingly grieved by the destructive impact that the IHOP stream, Bethel culture, and the broader NAR–prophetic movement are having on a…
- Abuse ·
Bethel Church leaders apologize for silence about Shawn Bolz’s misconduct: ‘We did not tell the truth enough’
Bethel Church leaders apologized Sunday for mishandling allegations that prophetic minister Shawn Bolz sexually harassed his staff and used social media to fabricate charismatic “words…
- Church Issues ·
Mike Winger exposé shows Bethel Church’s ‘extended mercy’ failed victims
(Opinion) Bible teacher and podcaster Mike Winger has released a bombshell, a 5-hour 50-minute video that has sent shock waves through the charismatic movement. Called…
- Christian Music ·
Sean Feucht Holds Canadian Event Despite Park Service Site Cancellation
Controversial Christian rocker Sean Feucht, a MAGA supporter criticized by some former associates over financial transparency, held a July 23 Nova Scotia concert despite losing…
- Church Issues ·
Bethel Church Raises Concerns that Shawn Bolz Fabricated Prophecies Using Social Media
Bethel Church has announced it had a falling out with Shawn Bolz, a well-known Christian prophetic minister, over concerns he fabricated his prophecies using online…
- Abuse ·
IHOPKC Bans ‘Prophet’ With Ties to Mike Bickle Due to Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC) has banned Bob Hartley, a self-proclaimed “prophet” with close ties to IHOPKC Founder Mike Bickle, from its…
- Christian Music ·
Few Worship Leaders Avoid Hillsong, Bethel Songs — Despite Controversies & Scandal
For the past decade, a handful of megachurches have dominated worship music, churning out hits such as “Goodness of God,” “What a Beautiful Name,” “King…
- Sexual Harassment/Abuse ·
Disgraced Teacher Jonathan Welton Stages Ministry Comeback Over Victims’ Objections
Five years ago, charismatic teacher Jonathan Welton’s misconduct caught up to him, imploding his multinational ministry. Now, Welton is staging a ministry comeback, backed by…
- Church Issues ·
Bethel Church Members Now Have Majority on Redding City Council
Members of Bethel — the 11,000-member northern California megachurch famous for elaborate healing services, Bethel Music and musician Sean Feucht’s nationwide worship protests against COVID…
- Church Issues ·
‘Extreme Betrayal’: Flagship Vineyard Church Announces Split from Vineyard USA
The flagship congregation of the charismatic Vineyard movement, with over 2,400 churches worldwide, has announced its plans to split from Vineyard USA in a move…
- Church Issues ·
Ponzi Scheme Strikes Bethel Church
In 2009, a conman bilked members Bethel Church in Redding, California, out of more than $650,000. Now, two shysters peddling a Ponzi scheme have reportedly…
- Evangelicalism ·
Pastor Accused of Urinating on Passenger Identified as Daniel Chalmers of Love Wins
The “well known” North Carolina pastor accused of urinating on a female passenger during a Delta airlines flight earlier this month has been identified as…
- Church Issues ·
Surge of 100 COVID-19 cases Linked to Evangelical Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry
A recent COVID-19 spike in Northern California’s Shasta County has been partly attributed to the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, a school operated by the…
- Church Issues ·
Top Charismatic Leaders Disqualify Todd Bentley From Ministry for “Steady Pattern of Ungodly and Immoral Behavior”
About 16 months after explosive accusations of harboring a “perverse sexual addiction” and preying on interns, Fresh Fire USA leader, Todd Bentley, has been disqualified…
