After reading this post read my post “I’m moving on“
I received this word tonight from someone close to this whole situation. He made the following comment in his email as a precursor to this letter from Fresh Fire Ministry. I trust what this man has written about this. I’ve known about this for over two mos. and have chosen not to write about this in public, concerned that it would be spreading gossip. I implicitly trust my friends observations and reporting of what he’s been told about this. He’s been right on with everything else he’s told me to date.
After you read these statements, and if you have a chance, read my article called “Seek me and live.”
From the Board of Directors
We wish to thank all of our friends and partners for the overwhelming flood of support and compassion we have received as a ministry on behalf of Todd and Shonnah Bentley. The many phone calls and emails of concern from people who genuinely love the Bentleys and Fresh Fire Ministries have been a great encouragement to all of us here during these past few days. In particular, the rallying of support and prayer for Todd and Shonnah by prominent leaders within the Body of Christ has been a beautiful indicator of the maturity and grace the Lord is bringing to his Bride.
We wish to acknowledge, however, that since our last statement from the Fresh Fire Board of Directors, we have discovered new information revealing that Todd Bentley has entered into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff. In light of this new information and in consultation with his leaders and advisors, Todd Bentley has agreed to step down from his position on the Board of Directors and to refrain from all public ministry for a season to receive counsel in his personal life.
On behalf of the Fresh Fire leadership and the Board of Directors we wish to apologize to our friends and partners and to the larger body of Christ and to ask for your forgiveness. We are truly sorry for the pain many of you must feel and so regret that in the midst of great revival, the enemy has found a way into our camp. To those who have stood by us, we wish to thank you for what in many cases has been years of support. Thank you for your financial giving towards the vision of this ministry, and thank you especially for your prayers. For those of our partners, friends and supporters who may be struggling with the recent disclosures and finding continued support of this ministry in conflict with either conscience or conviction, we release and bless you with all our hearts and trust that God will redeem in your hearts the good that He has accomplished in your lives through this ministry. It is our sincerest hope and prayer that the Lord bless you and bring you into your fullest destiny in Him.
When this ministry was initially birthed in May of 1998, Todd had but one simple desire in his heart – to see the world come to know Jesus. Now, only 10 years later, Fresh Fire Ministries has grown to become a Resource Center that is literally reaching out to all the corners of the Earth. There have been dozens of associate ministries, scores of interns and hundreds of graduates from the Supernatural Training Center. Over 60 nations have received a combined total of more than five million dollars in humanitarian aid and we have seen well over one million conversions for Jesus Christ.
And so, the question can well be asked… where do we go from here? It is true that we are deeply saddened by these recent events, but it hasn’t shaken our faith in either God or His goodness towards us and with the help of wise and compassionate leaders within the body, we will do everything within our power to see our brother and sister healed and restored.
As a ministry, we can not forsake the vision and heartbeat upon which Todd Bentley founded Fresh Fire Ministries which is simply this:
Matthew 10:7-8
“And as you go, Preach, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. “
While Todd and Shonnah each go through the necessary steps towards restoration and wholeness, we are compelled, with the resources with which God has entrusted us, to continue to spread God’s love and power all over the world.
There are many noble activities and endeavors in which Fresh Fire Ministries is involved, initiated by Todd, and to which we are still committed. We have the Supernatural Training Centre, our school of ministry, already in it’s fourth full year and with more than 50 students already enrolled we’re believing for an amazing year of biblical instruction, practical application and encounters with the presence of God. Many mature and gifted speakers and associates, graduated interns and teachers filled brim-full with the DNA and fire of this ministry are ready to pour revelation and passion into the hungry hearts of this coming year’s student body.
We will continue to host conferences in our region with speakers and worship leaders from around the nation whose message and mandates resonate with the vision and heart of Fresh Fire Ministries. In addition, we are committed to supporting the growing “OutPourings” across North America and around the world with our Associates, with encouragement and prayer support. In Todd’s own words, “What God is doing is bigger than one man”, and we now have a golden opportunity as the Body of Christ to pick up the baton and to run with perseverance for His glory.
Our missions department is progressing, as previously mentioned, with our major African crusade. With close to 100 team members in attendance, excitement is beginning to build and team members have responded that they are still believing God for the most amazing missions trip ever! Our Uganda Jesus Village in Kampala is forging ahead with the recent acquisition of 35 acres of land 30 minutes drive from our present location. Two of the 15 homes planned for the property are nearing completion, and the expanded village, when finished, will house almost 150 orphans rescued from war torn northern Uganda.
So whether in our Children’s Home in Africa, in our Supernatural Training Centre in British Columbia, in the revival meetings and outpourings spreading around the globe, or in taking teams to minister compassion and practical assistance to the poor in the far corners of the Earth, we have been and still are committed to bringing love, hope and a demonstration of the saving, healing, delivering power of the Gospel to a world in need.
Thank you all once again for your prayers and support. We bless each and every one of you in whatever decision you must make. Please know that our heart in all of this is to see the name of the Lord vindicated, and we take great encouragement from Psalm 23 and the Lord’s promise that He will “lead us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Together we look to the mercy and wisdom of our loving Father and we remain as ever, your brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Fresh Fire Board of Directors
Scott,
“How in God’s Name could you…”
Remember the sermon…
“Have you seen Todd with his wife?”
Hey this is going to get a whole lot worse.
Let the conflict come…
Volcanic Dread
Dread, I’m sad about all this. If you remember that I made the comment at least three mos. ago that I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
It was too obvious, brother. I say this as humbly as I can, the renewal folks are some of the least spiritually discerning people I’ve witnessed in my 30 plus year journey in the faith. And the irony is that they claim to a spiritually prophetic people. I think the shear desire to see God move has over run the boundaries of sensibility and logic.
I haven’t heard aboud this adultery before:
“like they did 2.5 years ago when he had an affair with a different staff member.” Is it possible you could tell where you found this information, because it is important to tell Todd Bentley fans this as well, so they can see clearly.
Scott,
I almost posted on PP when it was mentioned that TB’s ministry was shutting down, and he and his wife were separating, that I thought there had to be another woman. When TB had become so powerful and influential at such a young age of spiritual maturity, and with his ministry centered around himself instead of Christ, I doubted all along that he could handle the temptations with women that would come his way.
Isn’t it interesting that after all that has gone on that only now they are admitting that TB is a psychopathic liar? But, it looks like TB isn’t the only one: “and we have seen well over one million conversions for Jesus Christ.”
Thanks for posting this Scott.
JimB
Well…what can I say? Saw it coming.
[...] Scott has more on his blog, including an allegation of adultery in the recent past. [...]
Does anyone have more info on this guys previous affair ?
Thanks
- dale
Yet another case of covering tracks. I’ll be glad when someone can finally stick to one story.
[...] is a comment precursor to the Fresh Fire Statement at Northwest Musings: “Here is some info, but according to what we have heard from several sources, this is much more [...]
Sad.
But without any corroborating witnesses coming forward, everyone looks at this as just plain gossip, beyond what FFM and the news has reported.
It would be nice if whoever would come forward and speak the truth, so that the healing from the fallout may begin.
Relationships may suffer because of it, but Truth remains.
As sad as this latest news is, let me pose this question.
Even if Todd Bentley had a great marriage, can’t we simply judge his public ministry for what it was? There was nothing that I saw that resembled any kind of N.T. charismatic manifestion. There was disorder, unbiblcal “teaching”, charismania, and the list goes on.
I am saddened to hear this news. I am sad for the Bentleys, sad for the renewal ministry leaders and their lack of discernment, and sadder yet for the thousands of lambs that have been led astray by a terrible ministry model, and is affect upon them.
The lack of discernment and obvious fleshly efforts of some of these “leaders” is alarming to me.
To all the “renewal” type folks that might be reading. Please don’t think that many of us are down on the possibilities of what God may do, or wants to do. Our request to you is this: “Don’t try to force it to happen”.
In the Bible, God uses even donkeys to do his work. He can (and has) use adulterers. King David, called a man after God’s own heart, committed adultery and killed the other party’s husband. God restored him. Even though my opinion of Todd’s ministry is that most of it is “snake oil”, God knows whether or not Todd was being used to really heal. And if he was really being used, God can restore Todd Bentley too.
Well I sure agree that it was obvious that this socalled “revival” wasn’t a biblical revival. But for those who thought it was, it can be a help for them to see that this man was in a bad relationship 2½ year ago, if it can be documented. That is why I want to see it. For some people really need to see stuff like this before they wake up.
By the way, what I cannot understand is that people were so interesting in following a totally messed up man like him. The first time I saw him i thought: This man can’t be dangerous, it is so stupid what he is saying. Unfortunately people were more stupid than i thought. That sure aint good for the church!
Scott, thanks for sharing this. If all this is true, we need to pray for Mr. Bentley to first be right with God.
Scott,
Your introduction contains a source that ups the ante. He says; a) this is round two on adultery, b)we are talking about adultery and not an emotional affair, c) Bentley is a pathological liar.
Do you have secondary sources on this or are you considering the smoke of the message on Fresh Fire to be hiding the fire of your accusations.
Btw, I suspect you are correct on at least 2 of those three counts. I have been telling my people that Todd is lying about many of his claims.
Oh and you should know that no one does this type of work without getting mired in the muck. So be careful
Oh and I sure wish people would quit insulting Balaam’s jackass by the unnecessary and incorrect association.
The mule was much more trustworthy.
We need to pray for a clean life, boldness to stand before God and to allow the power to come down to change us as well as our loved ones. Todd may have fallen short but, he sure had boldness! We need to pray for his restoration because, say what you will, he has brought thousands to Christ. We hate the sin not people.
According to staff And former staff members, they claim that Todd is a pathological liar. The board privately has said that Todd has been lying to them all along.
He’s a Mythomaniac, maniac on the floor…
May 31st blog
http://beyondgrace.blogspot.com/2008/05/let-us-reason-apologetics-website-has.html
Donny,
At least the prophecying ass in the OT didn’t lay hands on anyone. Remember, this was a “contagious anointing.”
Shudder.
If you believe in impartation you must also believe in defilement. Really.
-Bill Fawcett
I’m not a Bentley fan at all. But, if your source doesn’t make public what he knows and if you don’t name your source then you and your source indeed are gossips.
Babylon’s Dread, regarding your 12:47 PM comment, I implicitly trust this source. To me, the nature of the sin isn’t as relevant as some might think it to be, I mean, it’s relevant and serious, however, as Bill Walden has already pointed out, this is not like the straw that broke the camels back. What difference does it make at this point if it was 2 out of 3? There’s a whole lot more than just the relational stuff that needs shoring up.
To me, this says more about those that ‘commissioned’ and blessed Todd, than it does about Todd. Like Peter Popoff said, “God’s people love a circus, so, that’ what I gave them.”
As to getting mired in the muck, I agree and take seriously your warning. I certainly don’t intend to make this my life’s mission
I was told today by someone via email that I’m a “Professional Critic.” The man said, “TAKE ME OFF your mailing list!” So, looks like I’m no longer in the running for the top prize in the popularity contest.
Its interesting that just a few short days ago these clowns were certain that there was no impropriety at the root of the separation. Revival Shmemival.
Yes, because God doesn’t use imperfect people and revival never happens except where perfect people live..
so whoever of you is without sin should cast the first stone…
If Todd is a believer, no matter how his life may be falling apart, he is right with God, because of Jesus, just like any of us. I agree with everyone who has mentioned praying for the Bentley family, whether we agree with them in everything or not. Maybe our God excells at redeeming the worst possible situations!
Jesus said to the crowd ready to stone the women for adultry, (John8:1-11) ” He who is without sin let him be the first to throw a stone at her — they all left
Jesus said (Mtt7:1-6) how can you say to your brother let me take the speck out of you eye and you will see clearly when you have a log in your own eye
Paul said (Gal.6:1-4) even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness;
Jesus said in (Luke22:31-32) Satan has demanded permission to sift you lile wheat — but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail — when you have turned again (repented) strengthen your brothers
From personal experience the greater the ministry – or the call of God the greater the greater the temptation — the struggles — the battles — it is easy to get caught up in the glory of what is happening and forget to lay a solid foundation of and build walls of prayer around the one called ** remember David (God’s anointed one in the line of Jesus) and Bathsheba !!
Hello,
I think your web site is very good juhitoolid ee
I’m saddened at yet another black-eye for the body of Christ, but realize that these (black-eyes) are so common and the reproach brought upon Christ and his Church by nominal “Christian” ministries (networks…) so prevalent that the negatives of this story may be outweighed by the positives.
Is it not better that “the Bentley be wrecked” (ref. Phoenix Preacher) than proceeding merrily ahead?
Repentance, forgiveness, and restoration are wonderful things, but lets hope that his restoration would be to something other than public ministry.
dear people
let us use this season to find God in a deeper way
others mistakes and fallings are our call to gett to knopw God better,,and collectively build a stronger foundation
we need to thank God for Lakeland and the lesson He has allowed it to be .
and thank God that it isnt us facing bentley’s current sitaution
Dear God have mercy on Mr bentley,,,we thank you that we are no better,,,and when one suffers we all suffer
we forgive him Lord ,truly….let it work a deep global work in the heart of millions of believers
let it break the pharisee and the despair in all of us , as we break in desperation for our restoration to where we GLOBALLY as a body ought to be
thank you for your redemptive plan throughout this situation,let it bring a holy desperation
and let only those who dont point fingers be used in the next moe of your precious Spirit
thank you Lord that people will be less willing to run after man after this , forgive us all for the culture which created todds rise and slip.
We love you Lord,,,redeem and cleanse us all
john
Will you ever offer any proof for all of the rumors and gossip that you have caused? Until you offer a retraction or proof, you are no better than than any gossiping old woman. “Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.” 1 Timothy 5:13 Repent.
It’s not much more than gossip to say so and so said such and such, even if the person they are talking about is a false prophet and cheap charlatan.
Please provide evidence.
Is that too much to ask, or is hearing from someone something the truth?
I would think that the Bentley apologists would refrain from ‘preaching’ at and telling others would they should do and think regarding this situation.
You have absolutely no credibility if you were on the bandwagon this past four mos., none. If you weren’t on the bandwagon, God bless you. If you are concerned about the appearance of gossip, write to Fresh Fire Ministries, they are the one’s parsing the outflow of information. Make a public demand that they ‘provide proof’ Bentley is involved ‘emotionally’ with another woman. According to this logic how are we supposed to believe that claim? They haven’t provided any ‘proof.’ I have several sources who are confirming these things about Bentley. I’ll stick with them.
It’s incredible to me that most of you folks (Bentley & Co. apologists) come off so sanctimoniously concerned that the appearance of ‘gossip’ is being fostered. Your cry of ‘until you provide evidence, it’s idle talk’ goes unheard. Would to God that you had been equally as concerned about truth all these mos. Once again, if that shoe doesn’t fit you, God bless you!
When you start acknowledging the serious nature of the damage this has caused the Body of Christ, I might listen. Instead, as has already been clearly demonstrated by most of your Leaders, the “Show must go in!” If that shoe doesn’t fit you, go in peace.
Churches are going to split right down the middle over this. There are many Pastors in the renewal movement right now who are agonizing over this. People’s lives have been negatively affected by this charade and some have the audacity to come on my blog and preach to me about how I am ‘gossiping’?
There’s no one that I know who doesn’t acknowledge the fact that God uses imperfect people, what’s your point? There’s no one that I know who doesn’t hope that Bentley will be restored to his wife and children, what’s your point?
At this point, it’s really not even about Bentley anymore.
@scott771
Those calling for evidence and proof of these claims are not ‘Bentley apologists’ they are lovers of the truth and so take issue with unfounded statements such as the subject of this post. These rumours may well prove to be true but at present they are little more than hearsay and we would do well not to spread this gossip around the net until it become a hard cold substantiated fact.
Bentley did not love the truth and look what has happened. We must watch out for those ‘little foxes’.
Amen?
thegospeltruth, have you written to Fresh Fire Ministries and asked them to provide ‘proof’ that Bentley has been involved in an ‘emotional affair’ with another woman? I mean, after all they could just be spreading gossip.
In fact, maybe Bentley didn’t really step down at all, maybe a Martian spacecraft entered into one of the portals he opened up and carried him away! And all this stuff is just a way of keeping us from knowing the real truth
I have posted another article written by Robert Ricciardelli, an ‘Apostle’ with Peter Wagner’s group called, ICA.
http://northwestmusings.wordpress.com/2008/08/17/robert-ricciardelli-speaks-out-again/
I would encourage you to write him.
thegospeltruth, have you written to Fresh Fire Ministries and asked them to provide ‘proof’ that Bentley has been involved in an ‘emotional affair’ with another woman? I mean, after all they could just be spreading gossip.
AKA-passing the buck or Misdirection of responsibility.
Let’s assume thegospeltruth has already done that, will you now provide proof or a retraction?
stevepage, no, I won’t. Thanks for your input. I’ve given you the freedom to express your opinion. Now, address the content of the matter or move on. Thanks.
You are correct thank you for the freedom you’ve given me. I will be moving on.
This is a terrible situation, of course, but there’s a much bigger problem than simply the breakup of Bentley’s marriage, and the new allegation of an adulterous relationship with a female staff member. On June 23, C. Peter Wagner and his apostolic gang commissioned Bentley. There were prophecies pronounced over him supposedly from God Himself. All the big names of today’s apostolic / prophetic fiasco were on stage in support of Bentley and all of them either brought prophecy, or affirmed the prophecy that was brought. Now that we know what was going on behind the scenes, how could these have come from God? I never thought they were of God, or that Bentley was a minister of God, but I’m asking the direct question to those who continue to support these false revivals – Bentley was supposedly commissioned by God through these people, and now his ministry is not only in question, but ought to be ended — if we have any respect for the standards of the Word of God. Why didn’t God know this was about to happen? Instead of the great commissioning that was PROMISED Bentley in these supposed prophecies, now we have THIS. Why didn’t the Holy Spirit know what these people speaking for the Holy Spirit didn’t know? I believe that what has really happened is that God has once again exposed the folly and error of these things – and has done it in a way that no objective person could deny. But many won’t accept it. Personally, I’m not interested in the shock or disappointment of Fresh Fire ministries, or of any of the other people that were on stage on June 23rd as a part of Bentley’ss commission from, “God.” Shock and disappointment? There is a bigger issue here. Therefore, what I would ask from Peter Wagner, John Arnott, and Che An, as well as the others, is this: How could THEY – who are supposed to be God’s end time apostles and prophets – how could THEY have FALSELY prophesied over Bentley, and falsely commissioned him? It is clear that God was NOT in this. God knew what was going on the whole time with Bentley and his problems. So how could THEY could have had NO discernment on these matters? I’d like to hear them answer this, for really, it is the entire question. THEY helped create Bentley, they commissioned Him – said it was OF GOD – and now we see they were totally wrong. That is no a small mistake. It is not a mistake of judgment – watch again the commissioning of June 23rd. This calls into question – for those who supported them – their entire ministry. Pardon me if I resist the temptation of sharing what I already know the answer is going to be to these questions. I’m sure the damage control machine is already in high gear.
David
Here’s the question for all those who are following this “Apostolic-Prophetic” bandwagon, all endorsing one another’s books and ministries. If one of these men who stood on the platform with Todd Bentley to “commission” him had a single scrap of prophetic ministry – Peter Wagner, Rick Joyner, Bill Johnson, Che Ahn, Bob Jones, uncle Tom Cobley and all – all “apostolic” we are told – how come nothing was said about his real situation and need? But these are men who have access to angels and heavenly visions on an everyday basis? Church of God, wake up!
” Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophesyings
Test all things, hold fast to the good.”
It is very simple, but who is doing it?
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more unbelievable lack of discernment as those following these false prophets. And now, they rush cover their tracks.
The warning signs were like red neon flags, but a lack of biblical knowledge led to this deceiving.
If any good comes from this, it will be that the charismatic body of Christ finally comes to its senses.
[...] First, the sad news… [...]