Leaders Speak Out on Bentley: Too Little Too Late

It astounds me how many leaders are suddenly voicing their "concerns" they've supposedly had for a while. If they were so concerned, WHY did they endorse this person, Todd Bentley, who so greatly concerned them? And WHY did they vilify those who were voicing concerns?

Take for example John Kilpatrick's "Statement Concerning Todd Bentley."

Those that know me know that I love revival, but I also place great emphasis on doctrine and integrity. In fact, I make decisions of support of people and their ministries based on these two qualities. That being said, in the very early stages of revival, I went to visit Todd Bentley in Lakeland, FL. My purpose was to champion revival, and I had great hope that it would be one that would sweep the world.

At that time, I didn’t know much about Todd or his doctrine, but had some concern.

Over the last two months, it has become a major concern to me. I have some strong doctrinal issues with his extra-biblical views.

Also, our hearts are saddened that Todd has chosen to resist council from credible individuals and has legally separated from his wife. We know this will bring great hurt to many in the Body of Christ. That's just what this type of thing does. It's the sheep that usually get hurt the most.

John Kilpatrick

Compare this to a previous statement by Kilpatrick:

“I, John Kilpatrick, went down to Todd Bentley’s meetings, the Florida Outpouring, and gave my blessing to revival. I made it clear that I didn’t know Todd, his doctrinal belief nor who he is affiliated with, if anyone. To me, doctrine is very important. It always has been and it always will be. It is the infrastructure that a move of God runs on. You can not separate a man from his doctrine.”

Go here to see Kilpatrick prophesying over Todd publicly.

Is it ok to endorse the ministry of a man whose doctrine and practice causes such concern, and only voice your concerns after the man has led so many people astray? Is it ok to "give your blessing" to meetings led by someone whose doctrinal integrity you are unfamiliar with? Are we to believe that Kilpatrick did not notice anything strange at the meetings he was at?

If he has had concerns for TWO MONTHS, why didn't he speak up until now? Ironically, he says "it's the sheep that usually get hurt the most." Yes, I guess they do. They get hurt because people like YOU refuse to speak up and protect them.

If I was concerned about milk being toxic to human beings, yet I stood on a public platform and endorsed milk to the whole world anyway...and later, people started experiencing ill health from the milk, and I suddenly voiced a public concern I've supposedly always had...what would you think of me?

Other leaders to express "shock" at what Todd Bentley is now doing include Bill Johnson, one of his most passionate supporters. Speaking about Todd's marital problems, Bill Johnson said,

"In talking with Todd I was led to believe those issues were now in order. Obviously they weren’t.”

Obviously. And you are part of Todd's "apostolic covering"? Scary. The Holy Spirit seems to be holding out on you guys. Why is that?

I really think these leaders are puzzled at what is going on because they assumed they had discernment they did not in fact possess. Their concerns were possibly promptings from the Holy Spirit or their conscience...but true to their training, they ignored those warnings, because they think following the Spirit is blindly following the river of emotionalism around any bend. Their God is, after all, always doing a "new thing". Nothing is off limits because there is no firm standard.

They have left the straight way. And so have many sheep who thought their leaders knew where they were going.