Todd Bentley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Todd Bentley
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Bentley in 2008
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| Born | January 10, 1976 Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Evangelist |
| Employer | Fresh Fire USA |
| Spouse(s) |
Shonnah Bentley
(m. 1995–2009)Jessa Bentley
(m. 2009) |
Todd David Bentley (born January 10, 1976) is a Canadian evangelist. He became well-known during the Lakeland Revival in 2008. He led a group called Fresh Fire Ministries Canada. He stepped down from this role in August 2008.
Contents
Life and Work
Early Years
Todd Bentley was born in Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada. He grew up in Gibsons, British Columbia. This is a small town on the west coast of Canada. His parents divorced when he was a child.
When he was 18, Bentley said he completely changed his life. He decided to follow Christian teachings. Soon after this, he began his work in Christian ministry.
Fresh Fire Ministries
In 1998, a Christian group called Fresh Fire Ministry asked Bentley to share his story. This happened at one of their weekly meetings. Soon after, in May 1998, Bentley took over leadership of the group. It then became more of a revival movement.
He traveled to many places like India, Africa, and Europe. He took part in large Christian gatherings and revivals. This group became Fresh Fire Ministries Canada. Bentley led it until August 2008. That ministry later changed its name to Transform International in 2009.
In the same year, Bentley started a new ministry. It was called Fresh Fire USA. He created it with help from Rick Joyner. Fresh Fire USA has a Healing Center and a church.
Leading the Lakeland Revival
On April 2, 2008, Bentley was invited to lead a one-week revival. This event was in Lakeland, Florida. It quickly grew very popular. Up to 10,000 people attended each night. About 30,000 people came over the first week. Bentley was the main speaker.
The event turned into a four-month-long revival. It showed Bentley's style of speaking. It also featured colorful lights and loud Christian rock music. A big part of the revival was Faith healing. This was inspired by stories in the New Testament about Jesus healing people. Many people at the meetings shared stories of being healed. The hope of amazing healing helped make the Lakeland revival popular.
The church also used the internet to share the event. They posted webcasts online. The revival was streamed live and got over 1 million views quickly. Later, GOD TV, a Christian TV channel, broadcast the meetings every night.
Some Christian leaders supported Bentley. They saw him as an important leader. A public ceremony was held in June 2008. This was to show their support for him.
Some news reports questioned the healing claims. They said no claims could be checked by others. However, other reports said that the revival staff tried to document healings. They shared information on people who said they were healed. Some of these people had medical proof. Bentley was also criticized for being very physical with people. He would sometimes push or kick people during healing prayers. He said the Holy Spirit led him to do these actions. He also said that miracles were happening at the same time.
On July 9, 2008, ABC News aired a report on Bentley. It looked at his healing claims and money. After this report, Bentley took a break. He returned on July 18, 2008. Five days later, Bentley announced he would leave the revival for good. His last day of speaking was August 8, 2008. Soon after, it was reported that Bentley was separating from his wife. On August 15, 2008, his resignation became public.
After he resigned, many Christian leaders shared their thoughts. They all agreed there were serious problems. Some leaders had supported Bentley. The event made many people question things.
Return to Ministry
In 2010, Rick Joyner allowed Bentley to return to ministry. Bentley eventually started preaching and leading crusades again.
In August 2012, Bentley was not allowed to enter the United Kingdom. The UK government said they can refuse entry to people. They do this if they believe someone might not be good for the public. Local church leaders had worried about Bentley's unusual healing methods.
Bentley started new meetings in South Africa in April 2013. He returned to GOD TV. They broadcast his meetings from different cities in South Africa.
On September 21, 2015, Bentley shared a video online. He claimed a man was raised from the dead at a meeting in Pakistan. He later said three men were raised from the dead that night. The video did not show medical proof that anyone was truly dead.
In 2019, a "prophet" named Stephen Powell shared a video. He said people had concerns about Bentley's behavior. Bentley denied these claims. Other pastors who had worked with Bentley also spoke out.
In January 2020, a group of pastors reviewed his case. They included James W. Goll and Harry R. Jackson Jr.. They released a statement. They said they saw "no signs of true, lasting repentance." They also said they saw a "steady pattern of behavior" over 15 years. They declared him "unfit for ministry." Bentley did not cooperate with their investigation. He said his church attendance dropped a lot around this time.
Beliefs
Bentley often talks about Bible passages in his sermons. He believes that spiritual experiences are gifts from the Holy Spirit. He has said his main goal is to help people feel God's presence. He wants people to experience God's glory. He also says: "Miracles and healings are evidence... they are signs of the Kingdom."
Bentley has shared some unusual claims. He says he has met with Paul the Apostle. He also preached about meeting an angel named 'Emma' in 2001. He said the angel appeared as a female. This angel "sprinkled 'gold dust'" on the people. This was meant to show financial blessings. Some people questioned why the angel appeared female. Bentley said it was God's choice. He explained that angels are spirits and can appear in many forms.
Joel's Army
Bentley had a program called Joel's Army. This was part of Fresh Fire Ministries Canada. He even has the words Joel's Army tattooed on his chest. This shows his strong belief in a certain idea. This idea is that before Jesus returns, there will be a special group of Christians. They will be able to do many miracles. They will help bring in God's rule on Earth. This idea comes from older Christian movements.
Appearance
Bentley's look is different from many evangelists. He has many tattoos and facial piercings. He often wears T-shirts instead of ties. His preaching style is also very lively. He is known for shouting "Bam!" during his talks.
See also
In Spanish: Todd Bentley para niños
