Dutch Sheets is finally speaking out on Todd Bentley and the Lakeland Revival, and offers an apology.
HALLANDALE BEACH, Aug 22/ THE VOICE magazine: Advancing Christian Life & Culture
The Voice magazine has obtained his official statement.
Sheets says he was asked numerous times to write his position on Lakeland while it was happening, but always felt checked by the Lord. The waters were too muddy and emotions too high. Now that Bentley’s personal issues are being exposed, Sheets is speaking out.
“It will be arguably one of the greatest risks of my ministry to date, but one I feel must be taken. Fathers, when given the voice to do so, bear the responsibility of giving correction and wisdom. I hope mine qualifies for the latter. I assure you I have spent many hours praying and thinking through the situation. The risks are broad: with some of my dearest friends and co-laborers, I risk harming those relationships; with many in
the charismatic body of Christ, I risk appearing to be an arrogant, “self-appointed” spokesperson for them; to the “I told you so” crowd, I risk the accusation of “spinning” the situation.”
Sheet says his purpose and sincere prayer in writing the statement is three-fold: to see healing begin for the body of Christ; to initiate a process that can remove the reproach brought to Christ and the Church; and to do these things while preserving and honoring his current relationships.
The following is the bulk of Sheets’ official statement.
Mistakes at Lakeland
Did leaders handling the Lakeland situation make mistakes? Yes — huge mistakes. Beyond the obvious fruit of salvations and healings, can good come from Lakeland, as some have suggested, even with the recent revelations concerning Todd Bentley? Yes, but only if there is complete honesty and transparency, the removal of all attempts at self-preservation, and absolute humility from all sides.
Did I endorse the Lakeland meetings? No, I did not, nor did I condemn them. I acknowledged that healings were occurring and some were being saved, which I still believe and rejoice over. I realized and stated that the thousands of people attending were hungry and sincere, as were those involved in leading the 2 meetings.
The worship was regularly good. But looking past some of the immediate and positive results, I, like many, also looked ahead to the possible fruit from questionable doctrine and experiences, exaggeration and hype, youthful pride, character issues and the frightening potential of a 32 year “young” man leading a movement that could shape the future of the Church.
These things were frightening, very frightening, to others and me. When something has the potential of setting precedent, birthing a movement and being reproduced as a prototype, we are no longer simply endorsing good brothers, good intentions and miracles.
Doctrine and foundations will be built on these events. Teachings and paradigms for future ministries will be formed – in short, the next generation of the church and the move of God in the earth could be greatly impacted. This is why I stopped short of endorsing everything at Lakeland.
Just as importantly, I could not ignore the “check”, the uneasiness, the sickening feeling deep in my spirit telling me something else was wrong- terribly wrong - in this situation. Like other leaders I tried to push past my uneasiness with the showmanship, the “bams,” the head butts and kneeing, along with certain experiences and doctrines, all in order to embrace the good. Like many of my friends I tried to be - and believe I was -gracious, accepting, ready to think “out of the box”, etc. But try as I may, the uneasiness in my spirit just wouldn’t leave.
Did I voice my concerns to the appropriate people? Yes, including stating my concerns for Todd’s marriage to the Lakeland Outpouring Apostolic Team. Did they listen? Some did, some didn’t. But I want to state emphatically, this is not an “I told you so” statement. In fact, much of what I want to address goes back several years into our charismatic Christian history. And I assure you that concerning our present weaknesses in the charismatic church, there is plenty of blame to go around.
Personally, I’ve been right at times with my discernment and decisions, wrong at others. It would be worse than hypocritical for me to point the finger of accusation - I have no stones of judgment to throw. Nonetheless, mistakes were made and must be acknowledged and learned from in order for us to heal, grow and move forward.
Some of my closest friends endorsed and participated in the Lakeland meetings. For them I have both criticism - all of us lose credibility at this point if we‚re not completely honest – and affirmation. Should they have been more discerning and have listened to the warnings they received? Obviously. Should those who “aligned” Todd with spiritual fathers (which was a good thing and positioned him to receive help if he chooses to accept it) have realized to do so publicly was a mistake and could be interpreted by those watching in no other way than as a complete endorsement?
Yes, they should have, especially when the event became a commissioning ceremony, complete with decrees and prophecies of going to higher levels, predictions of Todd’s increasing world-wide influence and leading a world-wide revival, emphatic and prolific endorsements of his character, etc. How could those watching believe the evening was anything but an aligning, endorsing and commissioning ceremony? It was. It really doesn’t matter who laid their hands on Todd - all share responsibility. This was unwise at best, naïve at least and at its worst, foolish.
And should the leaders involved have realized that those of us connected to them relationally, ministerially, and as movements - some even in alignment with them apostolically and as sons and daughters - would feel minimalized, if not betrayed, by the fact that they were in essence taking us onto the stage with them? Yes. These feelings were inevitable, especially when we had such uneasiness and asked them not to. Should there be an acknowledgment of these mistakes to the body of Christ for the sake of accountability and in order to rebuild trust? I believe so, and remain hopeful this will happen.
With such strong statements of disagreement, what is the affirmation toward my friends who led, participated in or endorsed this ceremony (and the meetings in general)? Simply stated, I know their hearts. It is not a contradiction of my criticisms toward some of their actions to, at the same time, defend and endorse their hearts and character. It is completely appropriate - when true - to defend a person’s heart and integrity while disagreeing with their actions.
I think the blunder of that night was huge and very damaging to the body of Christ, but I also realize that in their hearts, those involved honestly felt they were doing the right things. Again, while not defending the action taken, I would defend the character and integrity of Peter and Doris Wagner as vigorously as anyone I know, and do so with absolute confidence. There are no two people, and I mean that literally, who embody the qualities of humility, integrity, holiness (no compromise!), sacrifice, unselfish kingdom-thinking, the tireless giving of themselves to Christ’s cause and the body of Christ -and do I need to add risk-taking? - as much as Peter and Doris Wagner. It remains my great honor to be associated with them and call them a spiritual father and mother. And again, while not minimizing or “sweeping under the rug” any wrong decisions, I remain steadfast in my belief that similar affirmations could be made of others involved -either directly or indirectly - in the ceremony. And some of them still see their endorsing of Lakeland as an endorsement of revival generally, not of Todd personally.
The Bigger Picture
It may come as a surprise, however, that my real purpose in writing this is not to only state the above, as important as I believe saying it is. My primary purpose, and I believe my assignment from the Lord, is to identificationally repent on behalf of the leadership of the charismatic body of Christ (see Nehemiah 1:4-7; Daniel 9:1-19). In doing so, I do not have a pompous, “no one else will, so I’ll do it” attitude, nor am I arrogant enough to think I have become the spokesperson for the charismatic church. But in the same way that I can identify with the racism of white predecessors and repent to blacks, Native Americans and other races, I can represent the leadership of the charismatic body of Christ and identificationally repent for our sins and weaknesses. I encourage leaders who find my statements true and appropriate to join me.
Beyond the simple fact of it being appropriate, I firmly believe it is the only way to begin the process of rebuilding trust with those asked to follow us and to remove the cynicism of the world we ask to listen to us. As you know, regaining credibility is much more difficult than attaining credibility. Concerning what I’m about to say, I don’t believe I have a critical spirit, nor do I want to diminish the sacrifices, faithfulness, and hard work done by so many in ministry.
The fact remains, however, that we have failed the Lord and His people in many ways - not just with Lakeland but in countless other situations - and must repent if we are to be trusted in the future. And as you also know, no repentance is effective if watered down and couched in excuses, therefore, I intend to be brutally honest:
1) We, the leaders of the charismatic community, have operated in an extremely low level of discernment. Frankly, we often don‚t even try to discern. We assume a person’s credibility based on gifts, charisma, the size of their ministry or church, whether they can prophesy or work a miracle, etc. (Miracles and signs are intended to validate God and His message, not the messenger; sometimes they validate the assignment of an individual, but never the person’s character, lifestyle or spiritual maturity.) We leaders in the Church have become no different than the world around us in our standards for measuring success and greatness. This has contributed to the body of Christ giving millions of dollars to undeserving individuals; it has allowed people living in sin to become influential leaders - even to lead movements, allowing them influence all the way to the White House.
Through our lack of discernment we built their stages and gave them their platforms. We have been gullible beyond words- gullible leaders producing gullible sheep. When a spiritual leader we’re connected with violates trust, is exposed for immorality or falls below other accepted standards of behavior, it does not exonerate us simply to say we don’t condone such behavior. Those we lead trust us to let them know whom to trust. We have failed them miserably in this regard. For this lack of discernment, and for employing and passing on inappropriate standards of judgment, I repent to the Lord and ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.
2) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, spin our involvement and fail to acknowledge our responsibility when other leaders fall - all of which stems from our self-preservation and pride. Enough of the spin - we’re no different than Washington, DC. Every time another embarrassing and disgraceful situation is exposed, the dancing begins. It seems that no one bears any real responsibility except the man or woman who actually commits sin. Incredibly, we even blame “revival” itself - the pressures, attacks, weariness, the “revival is messy” argument, etc., saying it is responsible for the failures. This is disgusting.
Those of us on boards of fallen leaders, those who helped give them a voice, put them on TV, published and endorsed their books (yes, I have), etc., are not exonerated simply by saying we don’t condone the wrong behavior or that we didn’t know. We’re supposed to know. I don’t believe anyone is expecting perfection from us -I know I’m not. We’re far too human for that. But we are expected to have enough humility to look the world and those who follow us in the eye when we miss it and say, “we were wrong and we are sorry.”
Our careless accountability has caused the body of Christ to be spiritually raped and abused. It has produced disillusionment and brought immeasurable reproach to our God and cynicism to His message. Concerning Lakeland, what was called the “greatest revival since Azusa Street” has become possibly one of the greatest reproaches. We, the leaders of the charismatic church, are responsible. For not accepting and acknowledging our responsibility, for caring more about our own reputation than Christ’s, I repent to God and ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.
3) Our procedures and standards of accountability are incredibly inadequate. We have provided camaraderie, not biblical accountability. For those on Todd Bentley’s board who had previous knowledge of his marriage problems and said nothing, it was more than a mistake - it was reckless, foolish, and irresponsible. For those on the stage the night of his aligning and commissioning who knew and said nothing - ditto. For those there who didn’t know, my question is, “why didn’t you?” You were trusted to know. That is one of the purposes of public commissioning and the purpose behind the concept of endorsement. I‚m not trying to point the finger; I’m endeavoring to get us to be honest about our failures - we have serious credibility issues.
Have I ever laid hands on, commissioned or endorsed anyone without adequately checking them out? Yes, but you better believe I’ll be more careful next time! And we must not single out Lakeland. We’re all guilty. What about the leader in my city who ran with some of the leading spiritual fathers in our nation - sincere and good men, I might add, and not all “charismatic” leaders-who sang his praises and helped build his stage – all while he was doing drugs and having sex with other men?
But we shouldn’t blame only the high profile cases- what about those of us who unknowingly have had adulterers on our staffs or appointed elders that turned out to have compromise in their life? Sounding familiar yet? This is so epidemic that every member of the body of Christ stands guilty-what pastor or leader did you follow that turned out to have sin issues? What ministry did you support that was unworthy? There is plenty of blame to go around. The big question becomes not “who do we blame” but “how do we fix this mess?” Leaders can live in sin- adultery, homosexuality, financial wrongdoing, drugs, etc. - for years without it being realized. They can offer completely unacceptable lifestyles for the body of Christ to follow and still keep their TV programs and lavish lifestyles. In the name of grace, compassion and forgiveness we have lowered the standard so much that often there isn’t one. We have bought into the lie that true discipline is “shooting our wounded.” We have made a mockery of biblical restoration, making “ministry” – not healthy individuals, marriages and families - its ultimate goal. The fact is, integrity matters. No, we don’t need legalistic, pharisaical standards, but we must have standards. For this lack of biblical accountability, I repent to God and I ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.
4) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, have built on hype, sensation, innovation, programs, personality and charisma. This has produced: shallowness; false movements; novice leaders - gifted but immature and untested; a deficient understanding of God‚s word; the building of man-centered rather than kingdom - centered churches and ministries; competition rather than cooperation; humanistic, self-centered Christians who don‚t understand sacrifice and commitment; Christians without discernment; superstar leaders; a perverted and powerless gospel; prayerless and anemic Christians; a replacement of the fear of the Lord with the fear of man; and a young generation that is cynical of it all.
We are responsible, not the devil; he takes what we give him. For this compromise in the way we build, for giving the Church watered down wine, commercial Christianity, a flashy but weak Church and hype disguised as anointing, I repent to God and ask forgiveness of the body of Christ. Galatians 6:1-5 is an appropriate reference with which to end this statement: “Brethren, even if a man caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another‚s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one shall bear his own load.” NAS
My passionate prayer is that God honors this repentance – I believe He led me to do it and therefore, will-and uses it to begin a process of cleansing and healing for all of us. In order for the coming great awakening to bear maximum fruit we must have both, as well as a course correction that sets us on a path of wisdom leading to life. There is no doubt that past moves of God have been aborted, ended prematurely and contained error or heresy that have wounded, if not destroyed, many. The healing revival of the 40s and 50s, the charismatic movement, discipleship movement and Jesus movement are all examples. My heart is to help shape a movement, the fruit of which will last for decades - better yet, forever. And I have great expectations for us-I am not a cynic.
My passionate prayer is also that Todd Bentley’s marriage survives and thrives- that he turns his heart fully toward Christ and toward those with whom he is aligned, and allows them, as God leads, to put him on a path of complete restoration. I thank God for those who were touched by the Holy Spirit at Lakeland and while watching it on God TV and the web. May we all move forward into all God has planned for us in this awesome season of endless possibility.
With great hope-Dutch Sheets.
………………………….
From the publisher:
Well said! This letter needed to be written. Thank you Brother Sheets for your directness, honesty, leadership and heart toward our Lord and His Church. Repentance, accountability and biblical accuracy is certainly a good thing for us all.
The Voice magazine
Jonas Clark
Contact The Voice magazine editor at editor@thevoicemagazine.com or 954-456-6032.
Praise God for someone being willing to stand up and call it like it is. Repentence is surely needed on this and so many other situations that the Body of Christ has chosen to either turn a blind eye to, or go along with, without pure discernment from the Holy Ghost. I commend Dutch Sheets for his boldness and his humility. Thank you Apostle Jonas for posting this on The Voice so that the Body of Christ can begin the healing process as we repent and allow for God to get the glory!
Ok, then, what would be the fruits of your repentance?
Yes, thank you for posting this much needed request for repentance. How honest and forth right. Its refreshing to see transparent, heartfelt truth spoken with the fear of the Lord, backed by genuine integrity and unquestionable sincerity.
Sheets said it best concerning the revival..”We are responsible, not the devil; he takes what we give him.”
HUmm, wow, how I am sooo out of tune with what is going on. Here it is plainly…..
The body of Christ in some way shape or form has lost it’s savour. And I praise God for what is being exposed and I praise God for what is to come and that is only a real look from every person that is in the church today. This is a real heart check of the REAL reason we do what we do. SOOOO many ministries are like this (not to point the finger) only wanting to speak the truth about what is REALLY going on here. Let’s not be NAIVE in thinking otherwise or we will continue to be guillible. The Word of God says expressively that we are not to be toseed to and fro from every wind of doctrine. God is not calling us to lift up the next worship song, the next pastor so-and-so, He is simply wanting us to be followers of His WORD and HIS WAY of doing things and nothing more. Not about the hype not about the lights, camera, the action, just humble submission to His leading under the direct of HIS TRUE government. When you have real government you have accountiblity, and when there is accountibility and not the pressure of the cares of this world, well you have the genuine intent of God in the local church. I believe strongly we have spent a lot of time as a church playing “church” and not really being the church. And it starts from the inside out. Pastors that are real pastors are about leading their sheep in the correct way no matter what the cost. They aren’t trying to be celebrities or mega super stars in the church… no one that is a pastor or someone in leadership should ever be glorified as such. And that goes back to leadership in the church killing that celebrity spirit right out of their churches, but instead they have soo allowed it…
Great things in store for the Body of Christ in 2008… we have to be a prepared Bride for the Bridegroom and right now God is aligning that and calling His children to a true purity of heart and devotion to Him and not nothing else. If a ministry has to go off the air b/c they cant afford it… Praise the Lord, it is only another way for that church to work out those things that havent been addressed to prepare the bride…. its time to getting back down to the simple pure Word of God… the basics of who we are and what we are to be about…. not all this drama stuff….. true government of God and His righteousness and nothing more…..
ME:
What you are saying is wrong, and it will not happen. Todd will not come back ever. Todd is a low life a uneducated fool, he had a chance that others could only dream of. he stuck his fingers up to the christian world and mocked and laughed at them. Yes he mocked Christ and worse he pretended to minister to the weakest in our society. Ran back to the pub and got drunk and got involved with things I wont mention here. and then went up on stage and ranted for the night and then back to the pub all the whils telling us he was praying for 3 hours each day, ask any staff member about him. A Devil.
Stop this rubbish about Todd getting forgivness what type of fools are you all? what do you not get, Todd does not want forgiveness . he never did, he wants Fame and money, that is all he ever wanted. So please all you poor old suckers stop and remember there are rotten people out there, even though they talk about God.
God TV is another take Wendy and all she said yould happen “jesus to go on stage etc” she was talking about my Lord and I am very upset at the foolish things she said .She said many things, take Isreal etc. Look at the dangerous rubbish God TV is showing to our youth at present, Take a look . and they like Todd always looking for money, if
God wanted them he would provide there needs,
Where is, or was, the talk about Grace, faith, etc please read your bibles and then you will not be supporting these evil sharks, decievers
as long as we in the body of Christ continue to elevate men to positions of glory and praise besuse God chooses to use them they will continue to fall. we are all broken vessels at times filled with a divine anointing. this should never be taken to our credit but only viewed as a gift from God just as any true “gift” which is given without merrit. there are no such things as incredible men of God, only incredible grace bestowed on regular men of God…
The spirit that urges people to leave a “dead” marriage for greener pastures… is it not the same spirit that urges people to leave a “dead” church for a more exciting one?
It’s tragic what has happened in Lakeland, to the Body, and the witness. As Christian brothers and sisters, we should grieve over what happened. Pastor Dutch Sheets said it all very well.
If you’re without sin, go ahead and keep throwing stones. But I suggest you remember David’s caution about not speaking ill toward God’s chosen (Saul). Todd certainly carried His anointing… be careful what is said about him now.
May the Body move forward and forgive quickly. And may GodTV continue their calling without hinderance.
I want to say, amen, to the comment “be careful what is said about him now.” We as the Body of Christ, have got to remember that Jesus DID tell us “he who is without sin, cast the first stone.” All of us have to drop our judgments when looked at in that light. I praise God for Dutch Sheets and the risk that he’s taken to write this letter. May we as the Body of Christ in the earth, learn to stand together, lifting up our weaker brethren and understanding that, there but for the grace of God, go I!
Those who set themselves up as “spiritual father” have for years done great harm to the local and universal church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Their willingness to “move toward the money” and their pride has poured out many false doctrines that not only injure the Church that Jesus died for but have make it a mockery before the world that does not know Him. In doing so they have truely “taken the name” of the Lord in vain.
They are in fact “spiritual fathers.” A discerning person asks who is the father that they really represent? Jesus commented once to religious leaders by saying, “you are of your father….” He went on to say to those who want to be true spiritual fathers, “Sanctify them in the truth, Your word is truth.”
Outside the safe boundries of the written scripture there is not safety. We all will be held accountable for how we “rightly divide” the Word of Truth.
I am not sure I understand. If one of Todd’s own staff, William Shark says Todd is a “devil” “shark” “deceiver” “lier” and a “thief”, how can people still call him “The Annointed One!”?
Surely, we can tell the “Annointed” by their fruit? The AntiChrist himself will come with many lying signs and wonders. T
When will we call Bentley what he is instead of crying out on His behalf with “Fear HIM” -
Pray for Bentley’s TRUE deliverance and move forward in honesty and repentance as Sheets has offered here?
Fear is from the devil - true faith is in GOD!!
Read the word and do not be deceived again. Only God is God of all - not man!!
Thank you Dutch Sheets. This apology from church leadership is long-overdue. How can we build churches if trust is gone? It begins with apologies like this one. Thank you for showing a backbone– like a true man of God. The Father did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of boldness and that comes through in this strong letter. These words will resound across the planet and resonate in the hearts of so many wounded by the leaders of our church. May we begin to rebuild a firm foundation of accountability, trust, transparency and love. May we begin to run after the heart of our Creator and step up to be His Royal Priesthood as we are called. Thank you for your prophetic words of healing.
It is great news that Dutch Sheets and many others are finally getting frustrated with not just Todd Bentley, but the brotherhood/fraternity of ministers who rub shoulders and endorse each other for their own benefit. They are bartering business or ministry with each other, no matter what the costs. As Dutch states in his message; he has to serious consider all the people who will be offended within the charismatic fraternity about his statement. He cannot easlily speak on what is truth. The following link has an article from a few years ago entitled “Clergy in the hands of an Angry God.” ‘http://www.focusonheaven.com/whath3bookinfo/churchchangingconcepts.html
Many others have written the same type of messages years ago. They went unheeded because they were never part of the fraternity.
Lastly, I am wondering if the greater confession or repentance is that the churches you and I go to are not undertaking the true manifestations of God that set people free. God is desirous to pour out his spirit on ‘all flesh’ but because religion and ministry doesn’t see this as their mission; many people get drawn to Todd Bentley. People are hungry and we are forcing starving spiritual people to the likes of Todd Bentley because they can’t receive it in the very churches you and I go. Let’s consider repenting over religious structures as well that produce everything but the manifestations of God in a healthy way.
Respectfully,
Michael Mathews
The apology from Dutch Sheets is needed to begin the healing process. When the meetings began in Lakeland I felt isolated and ostracized from my brothers and sisters in Christ because I didnt feel like it was something that I could endorse. all the while, people in Christ whom I have respected and trusted were full throatedly endorsing the meetings and calling it the great end times revival at some points. I was torn. I have been blessed by Bentley’s ministry in times past and these leaders I looked to for their discernment and counsel yet I had serious reservations in my spirit. With the uncovering of the news about the personal failings of Bentley and the seeming attempt by many who endorsed him to cover their own butt’s or to make excuses on Bentley’s behalf, a deep wounding and disillusionment has taken place in my own life on how I view the charismatic (spirit led) church culture to which I have been involved in since being saved by my Lord Jesus Christ. So I appreciate the statement, but I wish someone had said it earlier. God has given only a select number of Christian leaders a microphone nationwide in America. It needed to be used in this situation (not in judgment, but in rebuke and exhortation) and it wasn’t. So I hope men like Dutch Sheets and others will continue to be vocal on issues like this and that excuses stopped being made for heresy in the body of Christ.
God will not share his glory with another. He is a jealous God. How much of recent happenings has to do with this, even in relation to some of our spiritual structures and positions being shaken.
This is not just about Todd Bentley. There seems to be a lot of back-peddling and in-hindsight-truth happening, leaders scrambling to establish credibility and position. Where is the heart of God in all of this? Discernment by the Holy Spirit is needed.
Jesus warned us not to throw the first stone, keeping us always mindful of our own fragility in the face of an enemy that is seeking as many as possible of God’s flock to destroy.
I believe we need to get back to basics -Jesus, the power of the cross, the blood, and the resurrection. Repentance should be the focus of our prayer. We cannot manufacture true repentance, and only the Holy Spirit can birth it in sincere hearts.
I watched for months as dear Christians bought tickets to Florida to seek healing, and signs and wonders, and be in the marvelous excitement of the “Lakeland Revival”. By reading news reports of the ‘Angel Emma, Gold dust, oil, etc…” I couldn’t find any scriptural support for any of it. My discernment gave me the ‘check in the spirit’ every time I read of the weird happenings with Bentley, and others of the extreme prophetic movement. Concerned? More than that! I told my concerns to my pastors and about that time, the General Supt. of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Trask, put on his website, a letter of wise teaching, without naming names or sitting in judgment. Very few pentecostal or charismatic pastors issued words of warning from the pulpit…and now Dutch Sheets comes out with his thoughts and observations and views of the whole Lakeland thing. It is very needed, very welcome, but in my very humble opinion, too little, too late. I’m not condemning Mr. Bentley. I’m wondering why most of the preachers/pastors just quietly sat by and let their people go to the ‘revival’ and come back to the home churches with ‘new impartations’ and ‘anointings’…without every uttering a word to any of them, or to their congregations (the ones that I am aware of).
Thank you, Mr. Sheets, for finally speaking out what should have been spoken by the majority of ‘leaders’ of the charismatic and pentecostal fellowships MONTHS ago. God help us all, for the times and the seasons that lie ahead will require more than emotional carnivals and public antics to excite the naive or deceived. The very elect need to be electing, right now, to get humble, simple, and serious before the Lord of Hosts, Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God.
I LISTENED TO ONE NIGHT OF THE LAKELAND REVIVAL AND WAS NOT VERY IMPRESSED BY ALL THE HYPE, I believe when the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT enters a room there is , weeping, repentance, peace, joy ,healings, no need for all the hype that goes on at some meetings, when I see it , it makes me question what is really happening.Brother SHEETS. BLESS YOU FOR YOUR DISERNMENT, its about time we are aware that God gave us the warning , that in the last days EVEN THE ELECT WILL BE DECIEVED, HE gave us warning in the scriptures, on how to DISERN THE SPIRITS, and I feel in these the last days we are to be even more diligent and alert to these things creeping into our churches…………. its hard enough these days to win the lost to Christ, but when things like this happen it discredits the CHRIST OF THE GOSPEL and decieves our young people who are not mature enough to know any better, its up to the LEADERS of our Churches to be able to discern and control what is being taught, then there is no need for damage control. This has surley been a hugh wake up call for all PASTORS, BOARD MEMBERS, DEACONS, AND ANYONE IN AUTHORITY TO BE MORE ALERT, to check speakers out fully do a background check of the church they are coming from ….BEFORE………. WE ALLOW THEM TO PREACH FROM OUR PULPITS, because when they get up to speak its to late, as the people feel what they are preaching is being endorsed by the church leaders. And God gave us another warning in scripture, He said “JUDGE NOT THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED” We must allow the LORD to surround TODD AND PRAY FOR A FULL REPENTNTANCE SO HE CAN BE RESTORED AND RETURN TO THE RIGHT PATH…..SO LET US ALL NOW “PRAY” FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS THAT THEY WILL HAVE DISCERNMENT AND UP LIFT THEM DAILY IN PRAYERS AND PRAY FOR AN HEDGE OF PROTECTION AROUND OUR CHHURCHES….BLESSINGS IN HIS NAME.
Maybe God is Taking Down Old Order because it is wrong Order. If God did not remove Eli the Prophets could not of Come forth thru Samuel. If King Saul who represented (Flesh and mans choice) was not Removed Could King David ( who was Gods Choice or annointed one) have been established in Hebron. If even Moses was not removed Joshua and Caleb would never moved to the Promise Land. Maybe the old had its time but the time has run out. Hopefully the New will have a True Foundation. time to Give the Apostles and Prophets who are the Lost Stones or the Ones The last Builders rejected Place in the Kingdom.
Jerry
Look No One Doesn’t Have To Point Out Todd Bentley’s Faults. It is EVIDENT! Even a blind person can see Todd made a mistake. Does that give us the right to point it out like we have not ever sinned? I don’t think so. You better be careful. Just as Jimmy Swaggart fell you can fall too. Remember how that happened?, he spoke out against another that fell and he too took the fall also. The Bible even says Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1 Cor. 10:12. 1Sa 26:23 The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand today, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’s anointed. We need to lift Todd up in prayer. We need to pray that God will pick him up and take care of his situation. WWJD? Come on, get real! Our job is not to bash someone who’s down, but to lift them up. Say what you want, God did awesome things in that Revival. I know 2 people personally that were healed during it. Check yourselves.
No one is perfect, we as christian are to stand by each other not stand back and point the finger
Everyone has done something they regret even things that know one knows about!! So how would you feel if your regrets were to be revealed!!
God knows all yet he does not expose our secrets and point the blaming finger.
Todd & Shauna remember God understands and nothing can seperate you from the Fathers Precious Love.
Christian we are not suppose to break each other (saying negative things) but to build each other up and be supportive like Jesus!!
David sinned and God restored him. I believe that Todd Bentley is a Man of God no doubt. Yes he made mistakes that have consequences. How many leaders have sinned and have not been exposed, thats why i stand by his decision to come forward. Hey where are in war to win the souls of humanity for Jesus Christ, Todd got wounded. We as the church should pray for him not condemn him. Where is our love? I respect Dutch Sheets comments and wisdom, but concerning his comments on Todd mariage i believe he had no right to discuss about that. That is between God and Todd. I am praying for Todd and i no that we serve a God of Restoration.
I fully believe that Sheets was not taking an easy shot, but is fully sincere, and it is a genuine lesson learned. However, if this whole episode is about Todd, or even just about the “leaders” who failed, then we have missed it. What Lakeland showed is that the church is hungry for a true manifestation of gospel in power that changes lives, ie: the new testament. The church is hungry for the demonstration, and is tired of the theory. What Todd was pursuing, a modern fulfillment of Matt 10:8, is something that must be picked up, and stirred up, in churches, homes, and believers around the country. Todd failed miserably, but in other areas was far ahead of the risk-averse complacency that plagues the the body. If we write off the contributions to the body of Christ from everyone who has severe character flaws and doctrinal errors, then we must write off those of Martin Luther. Todd carried a torch and fell. If there were 10,000 carrying that torch, then no one would elevate the 1. Eat the meat and spit out the bones. Let’s stir ourselves up to have revival in the home first. Let’s risk our reputations to step out in faith to see the Glory manifested on earth. May the 1 be replaced with 10,000 who move in healing, signs and wonders. For me, the answer is not to criticize those who “do the stuff” with hype. The answer is to heal, deliver and preach the gospel with humility.
Stop saying these things: No one is perfect, we all make mistakes, we all fall, I’m not judging…JUST STOP IT!!
These are the comments that lay the foundation for so much sin in the body of Christ. Is anyone perfect? No, but the bible urges us to move on to maturity. Do we make mistakes? Yes, but we are urged to press for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Do we fall? Yes, but the bible says if we repent he forgives us. Should we judge, YES,however, not the person but the SIN.
Let’s just stop making excusues and grow up!! We (as a body) have leaned on these very statements which (I believe) has made us laxed in the body and we caused us to put forth no effort to live right, and when we do wrong, take no responsibility for our sin. This generation of leaders grew up with this mentality and these outlandish events are the result of it.
I agree with most of what Mr. Sheets has written however, it would seem that he hasn’t fully repented himself. He RELATIONALLY repented..WHAT THE HECK IS THAT!!?? When I stand before the Father with my load of sins, I don’t RELATIONALLY REPENT!(AND I BETTER NOT). I tell him in detail of the crap I did and ask for forgiveness and repent. YOU CAN NOT REPENT FOR SOMEONE ELSE. Repentance is a total change of ones heart which means the person sinning has to repent. If I could repent for people what a wonderful world it would be!
Now, Mr. Sheets can pray and make a request to God to grant them repentance, but Mr. Sheets can’t repent for no one - RELATIONALLY OR UNRELATIONALLY. THAT IS NOT BIBLICAL.
However, Mr. Sheets is absolutley correct in his analysis of the Church body today. It is full of commerialized, glamorized, media hype without the Presence of God. Boy, do I remember the days when the Presence of God ran the show. Now it’s this conference and that conference, this prosperity and that prosperity. ALL A BUNCH OF FOOLISHNESS!
And it’s not just in the large mega churches either. It’s in the small churches that want so bad to become big churches! The greed of fame, prosperity and notoriety have infiltrated the Church like never before. People step on the “little” folks just to get to (what they think is) the top. Lies, deceit, manipulation, control and flattery is prevalent in the body.
I’m a little person with no name and can see what the big people with all these titles can’t!!
Overall, my heart is both angry and grieved at where the Church is today. I too must work on my heart in these areas. It is a slow process, especially when you have to go to a church where this crap is going on. But hopefully I will recover.
In the meantime Mr. Sheets, make changes. Starting with your fold. Be fair, just and honest with your people. Don’t play favorites. Be a wise king and search matters out, both for the small people as well as the ones with titles. Be fair in judgement regardless of who doesn’t like you. If a ministry has to shut down - SHUT IT DOWN and start from scratch. Do what is right, not what is convenient. Accept the truth, even if it hurts you. This is the beginning of restoration and healing for the body.
I wish I could say more…
I stand corrected, it is identificationally repent. Still - What the heck does THAT mean??
You can’t do that either….the same principle applies with the phrase “identificationally repenting” too. Either you repent or you dont. I understand the heart of the matter. People may have done something so bad that you may want to repent for them, but it just can’t be done.
Also, I meant to add, if you haven’t done anything, then you have nothing to repent for. Learn from what mistakes you saw and keep moving. Mr. Sheets, if you haven’t done anything wrong, keep moving. No need of erasing something that doesn’t exist.
Thank you Dutch for showing true humility amd leadership for the Body of Christ. I watched some of the meetings on God TV and had concerns about some of the antics on stage, not just the hype and gross exaggerations about what was happening but also about the lack of respect, love and concern shown to God’s dear people who came seeking help from him and who had sacrificed much to go to Lakeland. It just shows how easily it is for all of us to be deceived, even renowned Church leaders in the Body of Christ are not exempt from this. Where does the Church go from here. Well, Jesus is still the Head of his Church and he is in control and he will direct us if we stay focused on him and his word. The word of God says that if we trust him with all our hearts and acknowledge him in all our ways he will direct our path or make our path straight. I pray that Todd receives the help and support that he needs at this time.
Today is the first time I read anything about what happened. I know when I watched Todd Bentley the missing ingredient was truth holiness and the presence of God. What has happened to the Christians worldwide? Do we really ask ourselves what Jesus thinks of all this? I am shocked at the big named people and prophets that are so blinded by fame and hype they miss the true Spirit that Jesus wants us to have. Do we really think Jesus would say, Don’t talk about the gospel these people already know it, talk about ANGELS! ANGELS! ANGELS! screaming at the top of our lungs? The trip to heaven and God operating on him(Todd) describing in detail? Gold on the floor and a Holy God telling Todd to fill his pockets and take it with him? Please people..we need Jesus and a better revelation of HIm and His ways. His Word is truth, not some man leading many astray. Also, I’m am curious, since when are signs and wonders the true test of God? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the Bible tells us there are LYING SIGNS AND WONDERS, right? Also, I saw Todd pray for people, kicking them in the face, punching them in the chest, etc. And there was no healing. Telling the world it was like being pregnant it will grow like a baby? May the True Jesus please stand up and reveal yourself to Your church.