Further to my previous post concerning the fall of Todd Bentley, I watched these four clips (1, 2, 3, 4) on YouTube, of Bentley's so-called commissioning. The so-called "apostles" commissioning him pointed out to him that they were old enough to be his Dad, and his Grandfather. And they told him, among other wildly extravagant things, that once his ministry emerged, Moses (whose face shone with glory) would no longer be thought the pinnacle of revelation of the glory of God.
Now I'm no fan of ministers who begin to believe in their own publicity, and as I've made plain here and here before I was no fan of Bentley's bizzarre ministry either. But I have been in the company of similar "apostles" and proclaimers of prophecy before now - similar, I mean, to those who commissioned Bentley - and I've seen how quickly they will abandon their proteges and conveniently forget their grand words of prophecy when they don't cash out. And although it's true that people like Bentley are responsible for their own actions, it's also true that in this case a whole crowd of older people, in whom a great deal of authority and respect is invested, took part in commissioning a young and obviously vulnerable man. I don't know where they are now. But in the midst of the current web-trashing of Mr Bentley, I hope that the "Apostles" who commissioned him are repenting their extravagant words, and taking genuinely good care of him and - more especially - of his wife and kids.
Well said, Maggi. How often have Christians put an ex-offender, who has been converted but still has lots of growing in the faith to do, amd who still needs loads of Bible teaching, up on a pedestal? They expect the world of them in ministry, and then they run as fast as they can from them when they topple off the pedestal...
Posted by: AnneDroid | 20/08/2008 at 09:42
I wish that were the case, Maggi, but it seems that the (sadly) predictable has occurred as C. Peter Wagner and others are putting as much distance between themselves and Todd as possible.
Paul's advice still rings true: "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." How are we going to depend on the Holy Spirit for divine guidance and discernment when we won't even obey the most straightforward of apostolic admonitions?
Posted by: J. Michael Matkin | 20/08/2008 at 09:59
Thank you for the line you are taking about Todd. As I reported here, plans have already been made for one of those "Apostles", Bill Johnson, to spend time with Todd next week. They have certainly not abandoned him.
But it is premature to expect these "apostles" to eat their words. The prophet Nathan had to confront David for his sin in 2 Samuel 12, but he did not have to retract the prophecy of 2 Samuel 7:16; rather he gave David an opportunity of restoration and to complete the work prophesied of him. Let's hope and pray that Todd will be restored and able to complete the work God has called him to.
Posted by: Peter Kirk | 20/08/2008 at 10:50
Good point.
Posted by: Emily | 20/08/2008 at 14:48
Good grief! The tattooed freakazoid was so obviously a fraud from the beginning that even those who are usually deceived and bamboozled by the phony charismatic nonsense infesting the airwaves should have detected the snake oil!
Posted by: bighoss | 20/08/2008 at 18:35
Thanks Maggie
That's about the most perceptive comment in response to this whole mess I have read.
Posted by: Simon Ponsonby | 20/08/2008 at 18:43
Wisdom should be used by all who choose to express their opinions on the Todd Bentley Scandal. Praying for his family should be done first. Those who judge just need to remember they will be judged by the same measure that they judge this situation. Yes, there needs to be accountability. But first and foremost, wisdom and understanding must be sought before responding to the masses of very disturbed Christians.
Posted by: Amy Fairfield | 20/08/2008 at 21:11
I know one of the "Apostles" Bill Johnson personally and suggest that you listen to his message on 08/17/08. He and the others have not abandoned Todd and are communicating with him and his family and walking very closely with them. It grieves me to see that the church has been the ones to cast the first stone. I beseech you to be careful of what is said. Please check the facts before saying more.
Posted by: hislovecompels | 20/08/2008 at 21:24
When I saw Todd on TV tears filled my eyes. I don't know what went wrong but do believe at one time Todd had a great visitation from the Lord. When I saw him on TV I saw a man lifted up in pride blinded to his own condition. I felt tears because I too had been lifted up in pride after a great visitation from the Lord. I felt sorrow because I knew where Todd was headed and his fall would be great. To Whom much is given much is required. When you are on the top it is a long way to the bottom. But God has a way of bringing us to the bottom to bring us to our senses. On the other side of this nightmare Todd is currently walking through a new man will apprear. We probably won't recognize him after he goes through the furnace of humility. But I believe Todd will walk with Jesus in the Kingdom to come.
Posted by: James Hopper | 21/08/2008 at 03:53
This thing swings from the bizarre to the ridiculous to the insane. People seem to be bothered that Todd has broken up with his wife (which is hardly a unique situation even amongst Christian leaders), yet didn't bat an eyelid when a) someone 'prophesied' that Todd was going to be bigger than Moses b) Todd spoke fairly regularly about his visitations with Angels c) Todd spoke fairly regularly about his ministry of using wrestling moves on people for healing.
Marriage breakdowns happen. It is unfortunate, but does not necessarily mean that a person is invalid for further Christian ministry. Rather than putting anyone under the microscope, it strikes me that the best thing anyone can do is leave them alone.
For me, all the other stuff is far more revealing and worrying than the relationship problems - and it bothers me how easily Todd managed to maximise his exposure into the rump of Charismatic Christianity despite this nonsense.
As to who is responsible for the breakup of Todd's marriage - I'd put that clearly onto Todd (possibly his wife) and those around him who propelled him into such a stupid position, and those who energetically promoted it. As I have said elsewhere, it is symptomatic of a flabby form of Christianity, which majors on self-advancement and feelings of wellbeing, attending 'worship' meetings and seeking personal fulfilment/healing. Which clearly has very little to do with Jesus of Nazareth.
It strikes me that there is a serious question to be asked about power structures in Church, and whether they are encouraging people in the Way of Sacrificial living or not. Generally, I think most structures have obviously failed.
Posted by: joe | 21/08/2008 at 09:29
I'm so grieved by some of the comments that I've read on this post.(bighoss). I pray that you will one day in humility before the Lord ask our God to forgive you for your judgements... (Tattooed freakazoid)... I'm probably one of the most conservative folks around and quite frankly I've even been uncomfortable with all the tattoos that Todd has, but I have had the opportunity to talk with this young man and I've seen him minister to people with great compassion. He loves the Lord with all of his heart and the Lord has blessed him with a tremendous amount of wisdom and gifting at a very young age. My greatest fear for this young man was that he hadn't received all the ministry he needed prior to the launch of his ministry and unfortunately he's in a position now where the evidence of that is now exposed before everyone and I'm sure he's suffering great pain and sadness for what has happened. I hope that all of you will pray earnestly for him and his family. I've seen him minister to folks tirelessly. continuously giving of himself and his financial resources to see the Kingdom of God established here on Earth. He's the Real Deal in an unconventional package. His life is a sign and a wonder of what God can do with someone yielded to Him. No matter what has happened in his life, the Lord loves him and will NEVER leave him or forsake him. We love him in the Lord too... Todd prayed for my son 7 years ago and my son's heart was completely healed of a heart condition. He is now 15 years old and there are no traces AT ALL that he ever had a heart condition. His cardiologist looked at his EKG's five different times. He couldn't believe what he was seeing and had no explanation for it. God is the ONLY one who heals and we give HIM all the glory for that healing. But, the Lord did chose to use Todd Bentley as the vessel in which that healing came. The Lord taught me a lot about myself 7 years ago when this tattooed young man named Todd reached out in compassion to pray for my child, all my fears!!! and judgements about folks like Todd simply melted away. What stood before me was a servant of God moving in the compassion of Christ not the former drug addict, biker, troubled teen, and abandoned son that defines who he once was, but a new creature in Christ. I'm certain that the Lord will restore Todd and bring healing into every area of his life. I pray that as we walk in the Fear of the Lord, we will all remember where the Lord has brought us from and keep our hearts focused not on where someone has fallen short, but on the great things the Lord has in store for all of His children. We are being sanctified daily, and we go from Glory to Glory. Apart from Him we are nothing. I pray blessings on each and every one of you, especially the Lord's servant Todd.
In defense of the ministers who commissioned Todd, it was obvious to everyone around this young man that he was being used by the Lord to share the Gospel and pray for the sick. Pastors pray for members of their church body all the time, some get healed and some don't. When there's evidence that the Lord is using someone like Todd in the way that He did. People naturally, get on board and want to bless what God is doing. I've seen dozens of people walk to the alter for salvation when he's shared his testimony. No manipulation, just the Holy Spirit working in the way the He does. I brought two elderly ladies to one of his meetings, terrified that they would be horrified by his style and presentation and both of them laughed till they cried and each of them gave their lives to the Lord... When God is using someone, He blesses it and it's obvious to everyone around.
No snake oil, just a few great men and women who have spent half their lives praying for revival and who believed with all their hearts that the Lord was annointing the next generation to usher in that move of God. Todd is and will always be that younger generation that the Lord wants to use to reach those that some of us might not otherwise reach and just when we thought it would never happen the Lord touches a few granny's along the way just to show the rest of us that it isn't the messenger it the message. "For God so loved the World, that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16
Posted by: RJ | 21/08/2008 at 10:36
I think that Bentley was given, essentially, more responsibility and public exposure than either he or his marriage could cope with. I just feel really sorry for the whole family...
Posted by: grace | 21/08/2008 at 13:18
I am one of the worship leaders from Lakeland and Todd is a friend of mine. I will continue to stand with him as a friend though I don't obviously agree with his choices. Still after months of "comments" I would think I would be used to it but still I can not wrap my head around the fact that never mind Christian to Christian - even the WOLRD would have just human to human respect and not call someone a freakazoid. Who's sins are worse? The one who fall? Or the one to stands by the puddle and points, laughs and calls names?
Posted by: Heather Clark | 21/08/2008 at 14:55
Maggi, As someone who has experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit it has long (i.e. over 30 years) puzzled me why I feel dubious about events such as have been happening under Todd Bentley's ministry. It was only when I was reading the Athanasian Creed recently that I realised why; this type of ministry treats the Holy Spirit as an experience instead of as a person. By all means accept experiences of the Holy Spirit but never seek them.
As someone whose parents separated when I was 17 I understand and feel the pain of any marriage in difficulty and am praying for Todd and his family. I may not have agreed with him but he is still my brother in Christ.
Posted by: Hugh A | 21/08/2008 at 17:41
I think you got it wrong. Being a Christian, someone who is Christlike restores gently (Galatians 6:1-4). Also, where is the compassion and the love of Christ in your article? You must tell the truth but in LOVE. Todd is no better than David or Noah or Samson. Great men of God are still men. No flesh will glory. Todd will face the consequences of His sin but His sin are just as forgiven as yours. You forget grace in your teaching. No one is asking you to be a fan of anyones ministry. I am a fan of Jesus ministry whether Jesus uses Todd or anyone, I really don't care because I only worship Jesus and do my best to obey His Word. As a Pastor, I am telling you that you are in the wrong for judging and you will reap what you sow. Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Posted by: Pastor Rene | 22/08/2008 at 02:05
I would like to tell something about Todd that I personally know. In 1999, when my family and I lived in a city in northern Canada (Whitehorse), fellow Christians heard about a young evangelist (Todd) and had him come north to have some meetings. The meetings were awesome (albiet fringe) and a good friend got a healing from the Lord. Anyway Todd and his worship leader at the time were invited to go to Juno Alaska to do some meetings. I volunteered to drive them to Skagway Alaska ( near Whitehorse) to catch a plane. A few days later I picked them up and drove them back to Whitehorse. When they got into the car they started to talk about how it went. Todd then said "That many Religious cows had fallen and maybe I will preach a word one day on the day God farted." As my wife and I were involved with what The Lord was doing in Pensacola as far as Repentence and Holiness, I was blown away by his brazenly mocking statement.I would like to add at this point his worship leader more or less rebuked him. Then Todd held up a handfull of American money and said, "This is were it's at- American cash". For years this bothered me and even though I would stand back from critizing Todd's actions be it tats or outragous antics. However I now beleive it is time this darkness into the Light. Also I think those ministers that mentored and promoted him such as Pat Cocking aka( Patrica King) owe the body an apology.I regret not sounding a warning trumpet loud enough from the walls. In Christ Paul
Posted by: Paul | 25/08/2008 at 06:30
Paul, thanks for being brave enough to post that on the site. I've been similarly disheartened hearing "big" Christian leaders say weird things backstage. All the more reason to stay in the normal zone, and out of "celebrity" Christianity, I reckon.
Posted by: maggi | 25/08/2008 at 19:00
Hey Rene, I loved the:
"I am telling you that you are in the wrong for judging".
Prefixing "As a pastor" was a nice touch too...
:¬)
Posted by: Jonathan | 28/08/2008 at 15:09
just a few questions rather than comments
1. Why doesnt anyone judge this by what the Bible teaches.
2. Why has there not been one single proof of a resurrection
3. Why is no one concerned about the thousands who have been deceived and the millions outside the church who are dissalusioned
4. Why does no one ask Todd to repent
God have mercy on us all
Peter Jenkins
Posted by: peter jenkins | 30/08/2008 at 23:32
man, I must be thick or something! I've just stumbled across this page and read all the comments......... has anyone heard of the unforgiving servant handed over to the tormentors, because he failed to forgive his fellow servant? I can just imagine when Peter walked past and his shadow was healing the sick, people scurrying away saying "watch out! the one who denied Jesus three times in one night is trying to contaminate us!"
If some of you guys turned around in a hurry I would have to duck because of the size of the beam sticking out your eye! But in Romans 11:32 It says God bound/consigned all men over to disobedience so that He would have mercy on them all, and in Luke 6:36 Jesus tell us to be merciful just as your/ our Father is merciful........... so I forgive you all!
Posted by: lazarus | 04/09/2008 at 11:24
I'll pray for those who have been ministered to as well as Mr. Bentley. The devil always fights the hardest against those who do the most. You can't look to a man, for man fails. It's got to be "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.." (Heb. 12:2a) and
secondly Paul warns of placing a novice in authority: (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." - 1 Tim. 3:5-7.
Posted by: R. Hoeppner | 06/09/2008 at 00:19
I only got to know Todd after this situation took place and it was through someone who watched him on a regular basis prior to. I had heard when someone else seen him on TV that he grabbed a womans breast for her to be healed. Now I am no Bible scholar, and I do know Jesus healed in many ways like placing mud on peoples eyes and things of this nature, however, I do not believe Jesus ever grabbed a private, sexual part of someone to heal them. I was not too sure about him when I heard this.(forgive me if I am being ignorant) I feel we need to have great discernment on what leaders we follow. As someone gets in the limelight such as Todd I believe we look to them as a god instead of God himself. Some leaders get too puffed up in themselves and forget about God. one of the downfalls man has is to put a human man on a pedistal and forget they walk in a human flesh and can fall no matter how high they go (new levels bring new devils). My manin concern is the prophisies that were given to Todd during this sinful act at his commisioning. God hates divorce although we know somethings due to ones will may not be able to be worked out unfortunatley. Whenever you deal with someones will we never know what choice they will choose. The problem is instead of sepeerating from his wife at a time he allowed himself to fall into sin by compounding his problems and running into the arms of the women with lips as smoothe as oil and words as sweet as honeycombs. My big question what spirit was speaking through the woman who was prophesying over him with her head shaking on youtube. This maybe a future prophesy for Todd as he repents but he was in a major sin as this was being prophesied so maybe I am unaware of something but I do not know if that came from G-d. G-d knowing all things knew unlike everyone else what Todd was doing. This is my big concern. People that call themselves prophets. We need to whatch what we say "hat thus saith the Lord."
Posted by: Tracy | 14/09/2008 at 15:08
Tracy, I think you ought to check your facts about Todd grabbing a woman's breast, rather than relying on hearsay, before making this the basis of a public accusation against him. I have seen plenty of accusations made against him but this is a new one which has come up weeks after his last public meeting, so I'm afraid I am rather sceptical about it.
Posted by: Peter Kirk | 14/09/2008 at 22:40
What ever happened to Galations 6:1?
Posted by: DA | 01/02/2009 at 16:19
I've read through all the comments and it seems that most have missed the point - I may be wrong also but seems to me that Maggie is merely saying that she hopes those who endorsed Bentley as 'elders' accept their responsibility and don't walk on the other side of the road. As for the majority of the comments - after reading them I was reminded of the fact that the word 'gullible' had been removed from the Oxford English Dictionary.
Posted by: Hadge | 30/04/2009 at 13:22