Todd Bentley

For the Irish physician, see Robert Bentley Todd.
Todd Bentley

Todd Bentley in April 2008
Born January 10, 1976
Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada
Nationality Canadian
Occupation Evangelist
Religion Charismatic Christianity
Spouse(s) Shonnah Bentley
(? – 2009)[1]
Jessa Hasbrook Bentley
(2009 – present)[2]

Todd Bentley (born 10 January 1976) is a Canadian Christian evangelist. He was the key figure of the Lakeland Revival.[3] After a brief period of retirement connected with the breakdown of his marriage and subsequent re-marriage, he has returned to ministry.[4]

Biography

Early life

Bentley is from Gibsons, British Columbia, a small community on the western coast of Canada.[5] His parents divorced while he was a child, and he struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.

Even though the criminal records of juvenile offenders in Canada are normally protected from public disclosure,[6] in 2001, the now-defunct Report Newsmagazine disclosed that at age 15, Bentley was convicted for sexually assaulting a young boy,[7][8] calling his behavior "heinous." Bentley later said that the Report Newsmagazine article was, in substance, true: "'They were sexual crimes,' Bentley admits. 'I was involved in a sexual assault ring. I turned around and did what happened to me. I was assaulted too.'"[8]

At 17, Bentley was hospitalized after an overdose of amphetamines and hallucinogenic pills.[9] At 18 he changed his lifestyle completely, due to his conversion to Christianity; soon after this, he began his Christian ministry.[10][11]

Fresh Fire Ministries

In 1998, the Fresh Fire Ministry group[12] asked Bentley to give his testimony at one of their weekly meetings. Soon after, Bentley took over the leadership of the group, which became more of a revival movement. He traveled to India, Africa, and South America taking part in religious crusades and revivals.[13][14][15]

Leadership of Lakeland Revival

Main article: Lakeland Revival

Beginning on April 2, 2008, Bentley was invited by Stephen Strader, pastor of Ignited Church, Lakeland, Florida, to lead a one-week revival.[13] The revival quickly became a religious and media phenomenon, attracting up to 10,000 attendees nightly with Bentley as the primary preacher.[11] In addition to showcasing Bentley's evangelism, the revival featured colorful light shows and power-chord Christian rock music.[16][17] The Ignited Church also took a multimedia approach to publicizing the event, posting webcasts online.[18] The revival streamed live via Ustream – which received over 1 million hits in the first five weeks of transmissions. After the initial weeks, GOD TV, a religious satellite channel, decided to pre-empt its primetime programming and broadcast the Lakeland meetings nightly.[13]

The revival brought in thousands, and with that many other revivalists. At one point, Bentley began to pray for and commission many of them to duplicate his model for modern day revival. Ryan Wyatt[19] was one. Another was Evangelist Hamilton Filmalter,[20] who was commissioned by Bentley to begin the Portland Outpouring. Filmalter teamed up with Reverend Aaron Winter the founder of Hearts of Fire International Ministries and they began to witness many of the same things that were taking place in Lakeland. However, by the time these other revivals turned up in other cities, Bentley had stepped down from Fresh Fire Ministries.

Bentley was criticized in mainstream media and on internet blogs for occasional violence done to participants.[21][22][23][24] Todd Bentley was known to forcefully kick, hit, smack or knock over participants. In one incident, a man was knocked over and lost a tooth. In another, an elderly woman was intentionally kicked in the face. Bentley held that the Holy Spirit led him to such actions,[22][23] saying that those incidents were taken out of context and adding that miracles were happening simultaneously.[21]

On 9 July 2008 ABC News' Nightline broadcast an investigative report on Bentley focusing on his faith healing claims, finances, and criminal past.[25] Following the report, Bentley took time off from the revival but returned on 18 July 2008.[25] Five days later, Bentley and Strader announced that Bentley would be leaving the revival permanently and that his last day would be 23 August 2008.[26]

The faith healing was a major focus of the revival. Inspired by the reports of Jesus healing the sick in the New Testament, contemporary practice is important for Pentecostal and charismatic Christians. Healing testimonies were common at the Lakeland meetings.[17][27] The hope of supernatural healing explains some of its popularity, as there were many first-person accounts of miracles.[27][28] The lack of medical corroboration of the healings was questioned by mainstream media; the Nightline report concluded that "not a single miracle could be verified."[16][25]

Divorce issue

Bentley announced his separation from his wife, Shonnah, in August 2008,[1][29] and resigned from the Board of Fresh Fire.[30] A statement released by the remaining Board members said "Todd Bentley has entered into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff", and that he would 'refrain from all public ministry for a season to receive counsel in his personal life'.[31][32]

Some of Bentley's Christian contemporaries called for Bentley to step down in the wake of the scandal, stating that Christian leadership is incompatible with marital unfaithfulness.[33][34] In response, a committee made up of Rick Joyner, Jack Deere, and Bill Johnson was formed to oversee the process of spiritually restoring Bentley's family.[35] In November 2008, the Board of Fresh Fire announced that Bentley was not submitting to the process.[36][37] On March 9, 2009, Rick Joyner announced that Bentley had remarried.[2][38][39]

A 2009 Charisma magazine interview with Rick Joyner refuted adultery claims while characterizing the relationship as wrong and premature. Joyner told Charisma that the new couple was committed to their marriage and would “continue to serve the Lord in the best way that they can.”[37]

Resumption of preaching; UK ban

Around 2010, Rick Joyner declared that Bentley was 'restored' and he returned to preaching and leading crusades.

Following adverse publicity of an impending visit to the United Kingdom, in August 2012, Bentley was made the subject of an exclusion order barring him from entering the country. The UK government's home office stated, 'The government makes no apologies for refusing people access to the UK if we believe they are not conducive to the public good. Coming here is a privilege that we refuse to extend to those who might seek to undermine our society.'[40]

In December 2012, following the death of Croydon MP Malcolm Wicks, Bentley was criticised in the UK press after remarking that the MP's death was "the Lord's justice" for the role Wicks played in barring Bentley from entering the country.[41]

Theology

Bentley highlights scriptural passages in his sermons. He emphasizes that spiritual or supernatural encounters in an individual's life are gifts from the Holy Spirit.[10][42] He has stated that his priority is to help people experience the presence of God. He wants the "Holy Spirit to manifest His glory in such a way that people can't deny the presence of a living God and they have a true born-again experience".[10] He also says: "Miracles and healings are evidence [...] they are signs of the Kingdom, and if we don't have signs then all we have is a bunch of theology."[17]

Bentley's testimony includes an account of visiting Heaven and meeting with Paul the Apostle.[10][16] He has also preached about an encounter with an angel he called 'Emma' at an Assemblies of God church in 2001. The female angel gave him a vision of gold coins, and Bentley states this was a sign of his future financial stability.[27] In response to criticism about the Biblical inspiration of a female angel, Bentley wrote that it was God's choice, and not his own, that an angel appeared to him in that manner.[43] Bentley explained "You know, I told the Lord, 'Why can’t I just move in healing and forget talking about all that other stuff?' He said, 'Because, Todd, you gotta get the people to believe in the angel.' I said, 'God, why do I want people to believe in the angel, isn’t it about getting the people to believe in Jesus?' He said, 'The people already believe in Jesus, but the church doesn’t believe in the supernatural.' The church has no problem believing in Jesus. But what we don’t believe in is the supernatural." According to Bentley, God didn’t want more preaching about salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Strader of Ignited Church who invited Bentley to Lakeland said: "We watch over everything. Everything that happens on the platform is scriptural [...] The nightly message has been totally 100 percent nothing but Jesus. People are saved, people are healed, and Jesus is being glorified. [...] Even some of my so-called friends are questioning my integrity, but they never come to the services. It's not fair just to watch [them] on TV."[44]

Joel's Army

Bentley has sponsored an internship program called 'Joel's Army' in addition to having the words "Joel's Army" tattooed across his sternum with military dog tags[45][46] demonstrating a level of commitment to the Latter Rain doctrine of the Manifest Sons of God, (or Man-Child Generation) as preached by William M. Branham .[47] The program's doctrine was associated to an interpretation of Revelation 12 that in the last age before Jesus returns, there will be a generation of especially endowed Christians who will be able to do many miracles, and will usher in the reign of God.[46][48] This is in the tradition of William M. Branham and the healing revivals of the 50s, overlapping with Latter Rain Movement theology.[49] Bentley's association with Paul Cain, an associate of Branham and himself a healing evangelist of the 50s, is a further connection to the movement.[50] Joel's Army has been connected to Dominion Theology and Fivefold ministry thinking.[46]

Appearance

Bentley's physical appearance has been noted for being very unconventional for that of an evangelist.[10][16] He has dozens of tattoos, multiple facial piercings, and a preference for t-shirts over ties.[3][51][52][53] Bentley's preaching style is also flamboyant, known for mannerisms like shouting 'Bam!' during his delivery. He credits friend and ministry apprentice Shawn G. for this innovation.[27]

Bibliography

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Evangelist Bentley, Wife File for Separation" TheLedger.com (August 12, 2008). Retrieved on August 24, 2008
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Rick Joyner. "Todd Bentley Begins Restoration Process by Rick Joyner | MorningStar Special Bulletins 2009". Morningstarministries.org. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Holley, Galen (2008-06-07). "Slain in the Spirit". Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Retrieved 2008-06-09.
  4. ↑ see his website
  5. ↑ Bentley, Todd (2008-01-01). The Journey into the Miraculous. Destiny Image. ISBN 0-7684-2606-5.
  6. ↑ "Young Offenders Act". 2003-01-01. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  7. ↑ "Bentley Bends". National Post. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Hiebert, Rick (2001-04-01). "Does forgiving mean forgetting?". The Report Newsmagazine. Archived from the original on 2008-09-24. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  9. ↑ Hunt, Stephen (2009). "The Florida ‘Outpouring’ Revival". PentecoStudies 8 (1): 37–57.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Chandler, Charles (June 19, 2008). "Tattooed preacher says God heals through him". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 KOFMAN, Jeffrey; KARSON YIU and NICHOLAS BRENNAN (July 9, 2008). "Thousands Flock to Revival in Search of Miracles". ABC News. Retrieved 2008-07-13.
  12. ↑ Fresh Fire Ministries
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 McMullen, Cary (2008-05-15). "Florida Outpouring: Internet Draws Thousands to Lakeland Revival". The Ledger. Retrieved 2008-06-09.
  14. ↑ Morris, Rick. "Faith: Healing Revival". The Othello Outlook. Retrieved 2008-06-10.
  15. ↑ "Frontline Conference, Speaker Biographies". Retrieved 2008-06-09.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 Lake, Thomas (June 30, 2008). "Todd Bentley's revival in Lakeland draws 400,000 and counting". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Reed, Travis (July 10, 2008). "Religion Today". Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  18. ↑ Ignited Church
  19. ↑ "Fuse Church - Knoxville TN". Abidingglory.com. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  20. ↑ "YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Reed, Travis (2008-07-28). "Florida revival drawing criticism-- and thousands of followers". The Pantagraph. Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-08-17.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Todd Bentley's revival in Lakeland draws 400,000 and counting – St. Petersburg Times
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 The Good News of South Florida – Local
  24. ↑ Synan, Vinson (2010). An Eyewitness Remembers the Century of the Holy Spirit. Chosen Books. p. 167.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 "Thousands Flock to Revival in Search of Miracles". ABC News. 2008-06-09. Retrieved 2008-06-09.
  26. ↑ McMullen, Cary (July 23, 2008). "Revival Evangelist to Fold His Lakeland Tent". The Ledger (Lakeland, Florida). Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 McMullen, Cary (June 22, 2008). "Florida Outpouring Revival Concerns Pentecostal Leaders". The Ledger. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
  28. ↑ Smith, Peter (July 18, 2008). "Evangelist Todd Bentley brings healing ministry to Louisville". The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY). Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  29. ↑ "Special Prayer Request from the Fresh Fire Ministries Board of Directors". Retrieved 2008-08-15.
  30. ↑ Albie Martin (2008-08-19). "Evangelist Bentley stepping down". Retrieved 2010-01-06.
  31. ↑ "Update on Todd Bentley from Fresh Fire Ministries" oaktree.org.uk (August 16, 2008). Retrieved on October 12, 2008
  32. ↑ "freshfire.ca". freshfire.ca. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  33. ↑ Steve Strang (2008-08-13). "It’s Time for Spiritual Fathers". Retrieved 2008-11-26.
  34. ↑ David Roach (2008-08-19). "Faith healer Todd Bentley separates from wife, draws criticism from charismatics". Retrieved 2008-11-26.
  35. ↑ Revival Alliance. "PUBLIC STATEMENT ON TODD BENTLEY FROM REVIVAL ALLIANCE". Retrieved 2008-11-26.
  36. ↑ "Special Prayer Request from the Fresh Fire Ministries Board of Directors". Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 "Todd Bentley Remarries, Begins Restoration Process". Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  38. ↑ "Plans to marry Nanny". Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  39. ↑ Lee Grady (2009-03-11). "The Tragic Scandal of Greasy Grace". Retrieved 2010-01-06.
  40. ↑ Lizzy Davies (2012-08-21). "Revivalist preacher Todd Bentley refused entry to UK | World news". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  41. ↑ "Outrage as banned preacher calls Malcolm Wicks' death "the Lord's justice" (From Croydon Guardian)". Croydonguardian.co.uk. 2012-12-12. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  42. ↑ Rhee, Alice (2008-05-29). "Revivalist Claims Hundreds of Healings". MSNBC. Retrieved 2008-06-10.
  43. ↑ "Biblical Foundation for Revival". Retrieved 2008-06-24.
  44. ↑ Cary McMullen "Leaving Lakeland" Christianity Today. Sep 2008, Vol. 52, Issue 9
  45. ↑ Bentley, Todd. "Joels Army Internship – BATTLE FOR THE LOST MULTITUDES WITH LOVE AND THE RAW POWER OF GOD!". Fresh Fire Ministries. Retrieved 2009-03-11.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 Casey Sanchez (Fall 2008). "'Arming' for Armageddon: Militant Joel's Army Followers Seek Theocracy". Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  47. ↑ Rob McAlpine Post Charismatic? (Eastbourne: Kingsway, 2008) 74–75
  48. ↑ Rob McAlpine Post Charismatic? (Eastbourne: Kingsway, 2008) 84
  49. ↑ Rob McAlpine Post Charismatic? (Eastbourne: Kingsway, 2008) 90
  50. ↑ Paul Cain ‘Totally Misunderstood’ at Lakeland Revival
  51. ↑ Strachan, Eric (2008-05-25). "A visitation from God in Lakeland, Florida". The Daily Observer, Upper Ottawa Valley. Retrieved 2008-06-09.
  52. ↑ Strand, Paul (2008-05-31). "Lakeland Outpouring Coming to Your City?". CBN News. Retrieved 2008-06-10.
  53. ↑ Fene, Deanna (2008-05-09). "Thousands Flock To Lakeland Revival Nightly". ABC News First Coast News and Tampa Bay's 10 News. Retrieved 2008-06-10.

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