Charisma – A panel of Christian leaders investigating accusations against Todd Bentley has released a statement today, Jan. 2. In it, they declare Bentley to be disqualified from ministry. Meanwhile, Bentley is starting up a new ministry for 2020. Dr. Michael Brown assembled the panel in September 2019 after revivalist Stephen Powell accused Bentley of “sexual misconduct” involving male and female interns. Leaders on the panel included: Dr. Joseph Mattera of Resurrection Church, Dr. James W. Goll of God Encounters Ministries, Dr. Jane Hamon of Vision Church, Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church and Dr. Don Finto of Belmont Church.
The statement outlines the opinion of the board after about three months of investigation, during which an investigator gathered testimonies from witnesses. Brown says the investigator compiled a list of 60 questions. Although Bentley initially agreed to answer them, Brown says, he did not follow through. “Todd required the investigator to submit the questions through his attorney, after which he ceased communicating with Dr. Brown or the investigator,” Brown says.
The testimonies the investigator compiled include numerous firsthand reports that date as far back as 2008 to as recently as 2019. Other reports go back as far as 2004. Accusations include adultery, sexting (which Brown says included nude photos or videos), vulgar language and substance abuse. “Sadly, we see no signs of true, lasting repentance,” Brown writes. READ MORE
