The sad and tragic ending of the Lakeland ‘revival’
I thought it worthwhile to return one last time to some reflections about the so-called ‘Lakeland Revival’ in Florida and the ministry of Todd Bentley.
I posted my only written public comment on this matter on May 15th., entitled ‘Why the ‘alleged’ revival in Lakeland, Florida should invoke caution.’ My final comment if I might quote myself was - “Take this as the warning of your pastor, who loves LOG with a father’s heart - Todd Bentley, Paul Cain and the situation in Lakeland is to be treated with great caution, and prayerful word-centered consideration. I believe that if you wait and listen you will see this ‘alleged’ revival prove to be something with little or no value to the church.”
First, let me say very clearly I care nothing about my view of this situation being vindicated with what has finally been admitted about Todd Bentley and this ‘Lakeland Revival.’ No Christian should ever under any circumstances take delight in or derive any sense of self importance from the moral failings of another. This should be cause for mourning and great soberness.
But allow me to set before you the words of those who were initially supportive and enthusiastic, but who now feel quite disturbed by the ‘Lakeland revival’.
Lee Grady, editor from Charisma Magazine writes: LIFE AFTER LAKELAND: Sorting Out the Confusion - Todd Bentley’s announcement that his marriage is ending has thrown our movement into a tailspin—and questions need to be answered. He raises the following question:
1. Why did so many people flock to Lakeland from around the world to rally behind an evangelist who had serious credibility issues from the beginning?
2. Why didn’t anyone in Lakeland denounce the favorable comments Bentley made about William Branham? (My comment - William Branham is a well known revivalist/healer from the late 40’s and 50’s who taught many strange and heretical doctrines)
3. Why did God TV tell people that “any criticism of Todd Bentley is demonic”?
4. Why did a group of respected ministers lay hands on Bentley on June 23 and publicly ordain him? Did they know of his personal problems?
You can read the full article by clicking the following link - Lee Grady on Lakeland
Not long after this I received an email from David Bryant with comments made by Dutch Sheets -
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. Click the link and read the entire comment - Dutch Sheets
Finally, and most sobering was this comment I received from Peter Wagner:Speaking of the public figure going down the tubes, Todd Bentley now carries the label of a liar and a deceiver. I’m sorry to mention it, but I felt personally deceived in the same way when Ted Haggard’s sin was exposed and he was immediately removed from ministry. In the Lakeland I case, I am elated at the way things are turning out. The Revival Alliance with whom Todd was aligned on June 23 has kicked into action with a vengeance. Ché Ahn and Bill Johnson, like me, were overseas when things broke, but John Arnott stepped up to the plate and moved in apostolically. It has since become clear that Todd’s Fresh Fire Board could not have handled the situation, Stephen Strader and Ignited Church could not, nor could any of his other close friends. Only the Revival Alliance could. I am delighted that they are not buying into typical charismatic soft morality, also called “greasy grace” or “don’t touch God’s anointed” or “mercy must triumph over judgment,” phrases that have been used on other similar occasions as convenient religious cop-out excuses. They’re proceeding in love, but it is tough love!
Since this is an update, I will share some of what I know about what is happening with Bentley, but not all because some things need more verification and it is up to discernment of Revival Alliance what and when this will be revealed. Suffice it to say that there is more than I am going to mention. First of all, Todd has been removed from public ministry until further notice. He has resigned from the ministry he founded, Fresh Fire, so he is no longer a part of that board. It has become clear that he indulged in periodic drunkenness. He has no intention at the moment of reconciling with Shonna, nor does she with him. Their marriage has been torn for years by his emotional attachment with at least one other female whose physical contact went beyond hugging and kissing and holding hands. Enough said-maybe more details will be revealed later-but it was clearly immoral. All of this was skillfully concealed by lying and by swearing close associates who had observed his behavior to secrecy. Stephen Strader, for example, knew nothing of this before June 23. Apparently some of his board members did, but they did not have the ability to deal with it. Please read the entire article - Peter Wagner on Lakeland
It now stands that Todd Bentley has been exposed as an adulterer, and periodic drunkard. It is also clear that some near his ministry knew of these matters and were sworn to secrecy by Todd Bentley. It is also clear that at this time their is no intention by either party in the marriage to reconcile (And from the sound of things who can blame the poor wife of Todd Bentley).
Add to this that individuals sympathetic to the ‘movement’ went to Lakeland and attempted to follow up on the stories of people being raised from the dead (From the platform Todd Bentley claimed 27 had been confirmed). The truth is not a single story could be verified by those who attempted to follow up on these claims. There is also flimsy evidence being offered for other ‘dramatic’ healings. It is important for the reader to understand that Lee Grady and Peter Wagner were initally supportive of this, and to my knowledge Dutch Sheets did not question those things which were obvious from the beginning (for example - Todd’s endorsement of the disgraced ‘alleged’ prophet Paul Cain, his claims to being regularly visited by a female angel named ‘Emma’, his claims to have regularly visited the ‘third heaven’ and there received revelations about things like who wrote the book of Hebrews).
Now - what is it that should be learned from all this? One thing is this - T.V. is a harsh mistress. This entire debacle would have likely been greatly diminished had it not been televised by God T.V. The well meaning folks that run that operation need to acknowledge their responsibility and humble themselves and ask forgiveness for promoting this thing with so little discernment. You want to do the body of Christ a favor? Televise excellent biblical teaching, done by skilled godly men (with known, proven character) and nourish the minds of the pathetically gullible folks that apparently regularly partake of a steady diet of God T.V.
Second, we must face the fact that Western Christianity has most certainly become extremely weak minded and lacking in spiritual depth. Look for a moment at how easy it was for thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of Christians to be deceived by this ‘revival.’ Why is is considered somehow mutually exclusive for Christians to be both deep thinkers and passionate Jesus freaks? I love the Puritans. They produced some of the greatest thinkers, pastors and spiritual writers of the entire span of Christian history. They taught the Word, precept by precept. They believed with all their hearts that holiness was for every area of life. They also believed fervently that Christianity had to touch the heart, and stir the emotions. There is a wonderful quote associated with them - ‘His whole life he accounted a warfare, wherein Christ was his captain, his arms, prayers and tears. The Cross his Banner and his word [motto] Vincit qui patitur [he who suffers conquers]. Is it not entirely reasonably to expect that we can practice this kind of Christianity?
Third, we cannot give up on pursing revival. The fact that counterfeits come along, or that poorly charactered men come along and mislead many can not detour us from pressing in to lay claim to the promises of God. Jonathan Edwards, a great believer in revival wrote -“It is God’s will through His wonderful grace, that the prayers of His saints should be one of the great principal means of carrying on the designs of Christ’s kingdom in the world. When God has something very great to accomplish for His church, it is His will that there should precede it the extraordinary prayers of His people; as is manifest by Ezekiel 36:37. and it is revealed that, when God is about to accomplish great things for His church, He will begin by remarkably pouring out the spirit of grace and supplication (see Zechariah 12:10).”
We then must, like Jacob, lay hold of the Lord and not let go until He blesses us with a fresh out pouring of the Holy Spirit. Pray that God will help Todd Bentley to face the truth, humble himself and be restored to his wife and family.
August 26th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
“Why is is considered somehow mutually exclusive for Christians to be both deep thinkers and passionate Jesus freaks?”
I think the answer lies largely in TV. It’s a mind-numbing medium. Why else would we say that we want to “veg out in front of the tube” at the end of the day? It’s fine for that purpose, but by its very nature not very good for producing deep thought. We tend to believe what we are fed, especially if our diet is that medium. Western culture in general is one of consumerism and convenience. A culture will beget itself. A diet of fast food will create more of a craving for fast food. A diet of instant gratification “signs and wonders” will beget a craving for more, even if it’s not the real thing–and even if Mickey D’s does occasionally serve salads.
The Puritan movement, as well as the apostolic movement, was borne out of persecution and the necessity of perseverance, wasn’t it? But back after the apostolic age, once the Faith became legalized, rampant anti-semitism and corruption followed (among other things). Were there bright points as well? Of course. The Nicene Creed, for example. I’m guessing even in Lakeland there were genuine healings and salvation. But what will it take for the church to be pure? It’s a frightening thought, but I think it’s got to be pressure. I don’t want the pressure, but history repeats itself, no?
August 26th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
It’s also why I think that the future of the church lies not in publicized media-based “movements” (incidentally, Sheets says in his articles that he thinks Lakeland had the potential to shape the future of the church–I never believed Lakeland was really that important), but in the nameless, faceless offerings in efforts like IHOP, the Call, and Paradise. I know there are some “celebrities” at IHOP, but they very much value what they call “cultivating a spirit of hiddenness”.
When we become less, and Christ becomes ALL–that’s where our hope lies as a church.