Bethel Church is an American non-denominational neo-charismatic megachurch in Redding, California, with almost 9,000 members, known for its controversial teachings and practices, and sometimes described as a cult.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][excessive citations] The church was established in 1952 and became affiliated with the Assemblies of God in 1954; it is currently led by Bill Johnson. Bethel and its leaders have received extensive media coverage, both praising their influence and criticizing their unconventional beliefs and practices, particularly regarding supernatural claims and their intersection with politics. It has also been criticized for multiple incidents of clergy sexual abuse and "cover-up culture".[11]
| Bethel Church | |
|---|---|
![]() Bethel Church | |
| Location | Redding, California |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Nondenominational, charismatic, Pentecostal, Independent Network Charismatic Christianity, New Apostolic Reformation |
Previous denomination | Assemblies of God |
| Website | www |
| History | |
| Founded | 1952 |
| Clergy | |
| Pastors |
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Bethel identifies with charismatic practices such as faith healing, prophecy, and raising the dead, with church services frequently including behaviors and experiences interpreted by participants as manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Some practices, such as "grave soaking", have drawn controversy and criticism from religious scholars and local communities. Bethel's leaders have also drawn scrutiny for responses to COVID-19 public-health measures, including a 2020 mask-skeptic video by a senior leader and a county-linked outbreak associated with its ministry school.[12]
Politically, Bethel leaders have publicly supported conservative causes, including Donald Trump and conversion therapy, through sermons, social media, and advocacy. Former worship leader Sean Feucht ran for United States Congress on a socially conservative platform.
Bethel has its own music labels, Bethel Music and Jesus Culture ministries, which have gained popularity for contemporary worship music. The church runs the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry with over 2,000 students annually.
As of 2016, Bethel Church had 8,684 attendees a week.[1] In 2018, as per its annual report, Bethel had 11,233 people that called "Bethel Redding home".[13][14] In 2026 the congregation size was listed as 8,873.[15]
History
editEarly history and transition to non-denominationalism
editRobert Doherty began the church in 1952, and the congregation was an affiliate of the Assemblies of God beginning in 1954.[1]
In 1984, Raymond Larson became the senior pastor, and during his 11-year tenure, Bethel Church grew to over 2,200 members.[17] This dramatic growth led to the purchase and construction of a new 71-acre (29 ha) facility with more than 46,000 square feet (4,300 m2) of space in the new church building.[17][18]
In February 1996, Bill Johnson – then a pastor in Weaverville and the son of former Bethel pastor Earl Johnson – was invited to lead the church. Johnson later wrote that he accepted "on a nonnegotiable condition – that his focus would always be the pursuit of revival," and one account says "the leaders unanimously agreed."[19][20]
Johnson has written that during a 1995 visit to revival meetings associated with the Toronto Blessing he committed to make "the outpouring of the Holy Spirit" the focus of his ministry, a revival emphasis he brought to Bethel after becoming senior pastor in 1996.[21] Attendance initially declined – Johnson later said "we lost 1,000 people" when the revival emphasis began – but subsequent reporting documented substantial growth, including an average weekly attendance of 8,684 by 2016.[22][23]
In November 2005, the membership of Bethel Church voted unanimously to withdraw the church's affiliation with the Assemblies of God and become a non-denominational church; however, under Assemblies of God bylaws the church first needed to invite the District leadership to address the congregation.[24][25]
On January 15, 2006, Bethel's membership voted to rescind the withdrawal and invited the district leadership to Redding. The district leadership met with the congregation on January 17, but the result was a near-unanimous vote to withdraw. In a letter, Johnson points out that this action was "not a reaction to conflict but a response to a call … we feel called to create a network that helps other networks thrive – to be one of many ongoing catalysts in this continuing revival. Our call feels unique enough theologically and practically from the call on the Assemblies of God that this change is appropriate."[26]
Statement on October 2015 Colorado Springs shooting
editOn October 31, 2015, a shooting took place near downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado in which three victims and the shooter, Noah Harpham, died. Days before the shooting, Harpham published a blog titled "Is my dad in a cult? Even worse, is it satanic?" in which he questioned his father's involvement with Bethel Church and its pastor Bill Johnson, whom he accused of being a satanist trying to control the minds of his followers.[27][28]
Three days after the shooting, Bethel Church issued a press release in which they called the shooter's father Thomas Harpham "a valued and loved part of Bethel Church," adding that he had attended the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry for three years and interned with the church as a third-year student. According to the statement, some members of the Bethel team had met Noah Harpham but had no recollection if he ever attended the church.[29]
Resurrection prayer campaign
editIn December 2019, Bethel Church launched a global prayer campaign seeking the resurrection of Olive Heiligenthal, the two-year-old daughter of Bethel Music artist and worship leader Kalley Heiligenthal, after she was pronounced dead. The campaign attracted widespread attention on social media and from national news outlets. During this period, a GoFundMe page was created, raising over $74,500 by January 2020.[30] The prayer efforts concluded six days after Olive's death, when the church released a statement announcing that the family would transition toward planning a memorial service.[31][32] The campaign drew criticism from some religious scholars and journalists, who argued that it encouraged unrealistic expectations of divine intervention in matters of life and death.[33]
COVID-19 pandemic
editIn 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, Bethel Church closed the healing rooms and moved healing operations of 700 people online.[34] The church also suspended faith healings at hospitals.[35] The church's official position was to follow the recommendations of health officials, and that "wisdom, modern medicine, and faith are meant to work together",[35] but the church simultaneously upheld belief in God's ability to heal supernaturally.[34] Some in the church community held differing views. Kevin Dedmon, a longtime teacher of the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry stated that "there is no way this thing can live in the presence of God", and "we declare no fear and we declare healing in Jesus' name."[34] Later in the year, Chuck Parry, the director of Bethel's healing rooms claimed that numerous people were healed from COVID-19 through the church's remote Zoom calls, alongside other claimed miracles, such as healing cancer, blindness, and waking people up from comas.[36] By October 2020, Shasta County had the highest COVID-19 case rate in California and Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding asked its entire 1,600-person student body to self-quarantine as the number of coronavirus cases among students and staff rose to 137 since classes started a month previously.[37]
In October 2020, Bethel's senior leader Beni Johnson was criticized after posting a video in which she mocked wearing masks while shopping on the California coast, saying "If you'll do the scientific research, these masks are worthless and they're people's security blankets. We won't be shopping and giving them any money because you have to wear a stupid freaking mask that doesn't work". When asked about the video, Shasta Community Health Center CEO Dean Germano said it was disconcerting to see leaders disavowing masks. Beni Johnson later apologized for "the insensitivity and making light of this pandemic" while maintaining that she still questions the importance of a mask, but that she wears one when the situation requires it.[38][39][40]
Sexual harassment, grooming, and data mining
editBethel Church has faced criticism for its past endorsements and relationships with ministers who faced allegations of misconduct, including Shawn Bolz, Mike Bickle, Todd Bentley, Bob Hartley and Ben Armstrong.[41][42] It has been criticized for "cover-up culture"[11] and "culture of unsanctified mercy".[43] There have been calls for the leadership to step down and compensate the victims.[44]
Shawn Bolz
editShawn Bolz worked as a prophetic minister and book author having been endorsed and promoted by Bethel Church. Senior members of Bethel Church praised him in his 2015 book Translating God, including senior pastor Beni Johnson who called him "a personal friend" and "one of the premier voices in prophetic ministry today" and senior pastor Eric Johnson who wrote that "it is an honor to know Shawn and see the acceleration of grace and maturity in his ministry".[45] Bolz spoke at Bethel services and Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry attracting media attention for his highly accurate prophecies, including knowing home addresses, pets and family members' names of people whom he had not met previously.[46]
In January 2026 allegations against Shawn Bolz, including sexual harassment and data mining to fabricate prophecies (hot reading), were widely publicised in the media following an investigation by Mike Winger, an American evangelical theologian and apologist.[47][48][49] Winger claimed that although Bethel Church's leadership had been aware of Bolz's misconduct for years they refused to release a statement or formally retract their endorsements.[50] He presented evidence that Bolz obtained his prophetic "words of wisdom" through data mining social media profiles and address websites.[48] Winger shared witness accounts that Bolz would usually be naked in shared hotel rooms, would masturbate in front of his male colleagues and boast about his penis size.[51][47] According to his investigation, Bolz's victims suffered from PTSD and suicidal ideation as a result. Following Winger's exposé, Shawn Bolz announced a sabbatical from his ministry.[52]
Ben Armstrong and Danny Silk
editIn 2008–2009, an intern named Sarah worked under Bethel Church's youth pastor and prophet, Ben Armstrong, and was invited to live with his family,[53] an arrangement she later characterized as grooming. Sarah alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Armstrong on two occasions. The first incident reportedly occurred during a trip when she discovered they had been booked into a single room together. The second incident allegedly took place at Armstrong's home after she was asked to help with his children; upon arrival, she found the children were not there, and Armstrong reportedly invited her to stay and drink alcohol. Sarah alleged that she was sexually assaulted after becoming intoxicated. According to Sarah, Armstrong subsequently persuaded her not to report the incidents and asked another pastor to pray for her, stating that she was "having a bad day."[54][55][56]
Armstrong later disclosed the interactions to Bethel's leadership, characterizing the relationship as a consensual affair. Senior pastor Danny Silk initiated a "restoration process" for Armstrong and publicly commended him for his confession. Under this process, Armstrong was required to repent and was suspended from preaching for several months before being allowed to resume his ministry. Armstrong and his wife later discussed the infidelity and the restoration process in various podcasts and sermons at Bethel.[57][54][55]
In 2019, Silk published Unpunishable: Ending Our Love Affair with Punishment, a book which advocated for a model of repentance and restoration over punitive measures for leadership misconduct.[53] The book included an account of the situation involving Armstrong and Sarah. Following its publication, Sarah stated that her story had been included without her permission and objected to it being framed as a consensual affair. She credited Mike Winger's exposé about sexual abuse at Bethel for giving her the courage to come forward.[54][55][56]
In January 2026, Rozanne Leigh claimed that Armstrong had groomed and inappropriately touched her around the same time that he engaged in inappropriate behaviour with Sarah.[58][59]
Bethel's response
editIn January 2026 Bethel Church released a statement admitting that they knew about the allegations of Bolz's sexual misconduct made seven years prior but failed to respond as they should have and that "our hearts are grieved, and embarrassed".[60] Redding Police stated that they had changed computer systems and had no way to see if anyone lodged a complaint against Bolz.[60]
Statements released by Bethel in February 2026 indicated that they had become aware of an accusation involving Ben Armstrong and a former BSSM student and that the incident "would've taken place prior to a known moral failure in 2009, for which Ben publicly repented, was removed from ministry, and walked through a multi-year healing and restoration process" and that Bethel "deeply value their [Armstrong and his wife's] ministry with us". A later statement clarified that "in light of these new and previously unknown allegations" Armstrong would be placed on administrative leave and emphasized that this is "not a verdict".[61][54] In April an additional statement from Bethel confirmed that Sintra Group Investigations were tasked with leading an independent investigation into allegations against Armstrong.[62][63]
In May 2026 Bethel Church released a statement confirming that they no longer platform Shawn Bolz, Todd Bentley, Mike Bickle and Bob Hartley. They pledged their commitment to "showing real change through our actions, lasting cultural shifts" and increasing the role and authority of its board of elders.[64] They confirmed that senior leaders Bill Johnson, Kris Vallotton, Kathy Vallotton and Dann Farrelly would remain in their ministry roles and that the church had engaged external leadership consultants.[42]
Beliefs and practices
editFocus on miracles
editBethel Church emphasizes the belief that miracles described in the Bible continue to occur today and can be performed by believers. These include faith healing, prophecy, raising the dead, speaking in tongues, casting out demons, and regeneration of limbs and girls' hymens.[65][1][66][67][68] Church services may involve behaviors such as uncontrollable laughter, falling to the floor,[69] shaking, screaming,[65] and dancing – described by leaders as manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Leaders claim to have witnessed supernatural occurrences, such as appearances of angels and unexplained physical phenomena, including what they describe as "balls of electricity" and "glory clouds" – glitter-like particles seen falling from the ceiling during worship services.[65] Videos of these events have been shared by the church on its official YouTube channel.[70]
Bethel has produced theological materials expanding on its views of the supernatural. One such publication, The Physics of Heaven, co-authored by leaders associated with the church, explores connections between charismatic Christianity and concepts sometimes associated with New Age spirituality. Critics such as Gary Hal Graff have argued that the book departs from orthodox Christian doctrine.[71] Co-author Kris Vallotton has described the book as "a foretaste of things to come," and another contributor wrote, "It wasn't that I wanted to become a New Ager. I just wanted to find out if maybe they had discovered some truths the churches hadn't."[72]
Theological classification
editBethel describes its senior leadership as an "apostolic" team.[73] Sociologists Brad Christerson (Biola University) and Richard Flory (University of Southern California) identify Bethel and Johnson as prominent examples of Independent Network Charismatic Christianity, a loose set of networks that often overlaps with what reporters and critics call the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).[74][75] Scholars and journalists have described these networks as promoting "dominionist" teachings; particularly the Seven Mountains Mandate, which urges Christians to "take dominion" over seven spheres of society: religion, family, education, government, media, arts and entertainment, and business. Johnson co-authored a book advancing this teaching.[76][77] Johnson has denied formal ties to the NAR label, telling Christianity Today he is "not completely clear on what it is."[78]
Ministers at Bethel produced a number of publications about religion and business (e.g. Money and the Prosperous Soul: Tipping the Scales of Favor and Blessing by Stephen K. De Silva). Bethel's teachings have been described as aligning with prosperity gospel - the belief that God rewards faith with wealth.[79]
The church endorses Brian Simmons' The Passion Translation of the Bible, which Bill Johnson describes as “One of the greatest things to happen with Bible translation in my lifetime.” [80] Multiple scholars have described it as a solo effort and an interpretive paraphrase rather than translation. They have criticized it as being unfaithful to the original manuscripts and lacking a disclosed committee for the translation.[81][82]
Due to its extreme beliefs and practices, some critics have characterized Bethel Church as a cult.[6][7][8][9][10]
Church ministries
edit
Bethel Church has set up ministries in conjunction with the needs of its growing congregation within Redding, California.[83] These ministries span a range of different sections for public service, internal structure, and even products and brands. One of the more well known of these ministries is Bethel Music due to the popularity of its music domestically and worldwide.[84]
Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry
editIn the fall of 1998, Bethel Church began Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, under the direction of Kris Vallotton, Bethel's senior associate pastor. The school trains its students in the supernatural and miracles, such as faith healing, in order that they may become revivalists.[1][65] The normal program is one academic year and students have the opportunity to return for a second and third year. Approximately 15% of the students stay for the full three years.[1] The school was founded with 36 students,[1] and has grown to more than 2,400 students from over 70 countries in 2019.[85] They are an unaccredited program and do not offer a degree or credits but a certificate.[86] The school has gotten the nickname "Christian Hogwarts" among students because of its focus on the supernatural.[65][87]
BSSM now has more than 17,000 alumni.[5] In 2016–17, an extensive survey on alumni was carried out by Eido Research by alumni of the program.[88] From a representative sample from all years of graduation since 1999, the survey found that 97% of graduates are still "confident in their faith", and that 90% attend a church service at least monthly. Likewise, graduates reported seeing at least 35,000 salvations since 1999, and 50,000 physical healings over the previous year.[89] The report also showed that BSSM graduates have a divorce rate that is four times lower than the American Christian average.[89]
Student activities in Redding
editAs a part of the student's education, they get assignments, such as to find strangers in Redding to encourage and pray for. News articles report that students seek out people in wheelchairs and crutches to pray for in grocery stores and parking lots.[1][65] Reportedly, the students are banned from prophesying to tourists around the Sundial Bridge after incidents[65] and they have similarly been kicked out of local stores.[1] Another regular practice is "treasure hunts", where they believe God gives them clues that lead them to people they are to find and encourage, pray for, or prophesy to.[65][90]
2008 lawsuit over attempted faith healing
editIn 2008, a man fell down a 200-foot (61 m) cliff in Redding after drinking with a group at the top. The two others that were with him, including one student at the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, believed he was dead and tried to find him for six hours in order to raise him back to life, rather than calling 9-1-1. The man survived, but was paralyzed from the fall, and later unsuccessfully sued the student in the group.[91] The incident is often brought up as a criticism of the church's teachings, which includes that believers may raise people from the dead with prayer.[65]
Grave soaking
editThe school garnered criticism for a practice among some students termed "grave soaking" or "grave sucking", where they would lie on the graves of deceased revivalists in the belief that they would absorb the deceased's anointing from God. The school would visit such graves for inspiration and prayer, and there the practice developed among students from an interpretation of the Biblical story of the prophet Elisha. In the Bible, a dead man was put in the grave of Elisha, and when the man's corpse touched the dead bones of Elisha, he was revived.[92] This was interpreted to mean that the same power, or anointing, laid in the graves of later revivalists, and thus the students sought it by lying on their graves. The leadership of the church never endorsed the practice but did not immediately shut it down.[93][1] In an interview, one of its leaders, Banning Liebscher, stated that Bill Johnson and the rest of the leadership responded in this way because Johnson "doesn't want to shut down those that are really seeking and those that are really trying to press in for more of God". At the same time, Liebscher said it was possible that revivalists' graves had the same anointing, but called the practice "weird". He further stated that he believed the criticism the church got over this, and other practices such as students attempting to walk through walls, actually stemmed from disagreements on charismatic theology.[93]
Some critics allege that Bethel leaders, including senior pastor Beni Johnson, have in fact practiced and promoted grave soaking.[1] Beni Johnson posted photos to Twitter and Instagram of herself lying on or hugging the graves of Christians such as C. S. Lewis. The posts were later removed. Among these critics are The Gospel Coalition and Baptist apologetics blog Pulpit & Pen.[94]
Bethel Music
edit
Bethel Music is an American record label and publishing company associated with Bethel Church, led by Bill Johnson's son Brian Johnson.[95] Its music was among the most played contemporary worship music in American churches in 2019,[96][97] and its albums have appeared on the Billboard 200 multiple times.[98][1] Bethel Music has many songs with tens of millions of views on YouTube, and three with over 100 million views as of 2023 (Reckless Love, No Longer Slaves, Way Maker).[99] The live performances of its songs are characterized by extended duration with much repetition and emotion.[65]
CHANGED Movement
editThe CHANGED Movement was started by Bethel pastors Elizabeth Woning and Ken Williams in 2019 for people who "once identified as LGBTQ+" and is led by the "Equipped to Love" ministry at Bethel.[100][101] Both Woning and Williams claim that before becoming Christians they identified as lesbian and gay, respectively.[102][103]
While Bethel does not financially support the CHANGED Movement, it does pay the salaries of Woning and Williams. Bethel also promotes the group and houses the group's offices with another of Bethel's ministries. In August 2019, the group received attention when Bethel promoted CHANGED through a series of Instagram posts. The promotion was criticized by The Trevor Project and Q Christian Fellowship, among others. In response to the criticism, Bethel Church stated, "The message of CHANGED has never been 'All Must Change'". Bethel also stated, "For those of you who feel fulfilled and happy as you are, we love you!"[102][104]
CHANGED uses the term, "once gay"; it has been noted by critics that the label is similar to "ex-gay", an anti-gay and lesbian movement that started in the 1970s. Other noted slogan similarities are CHANGED's use of, "Changed Is Possible"; the now-defunct ex-gay group Exodus International publicized their slogan as "Change is possible". While CHANGED does not promote use of the term, "conversion therapy",[102][104] both CHANGED leaders Woning and Williams have gone on record as being against legislation that would restrict or ban conversion therapy, including the Equality Act.[105]
In June 2021, CHANGED participated in "Freedom March in Washington, D.C.", promoting it as an event for "formerly LGBT-identifying people who share testimonies of how Jesus transformed their lives". The event had an attendance of about 200 people. While in Washington, D.C., leaders from CHANGED spoke with members of Congress, as well as Congressional staffers, about their concerns over the Equality Act.[105]
Influence on Redding
editLocal news coverage has credited the church with civic and economic impacts in Redding,[106][107][108] which is a small city in northern California with about 90,000 residents. Bethel has grown to over 10% of the Redding population and with this growth, the church's influence in the city has increased, with a mixed reception. The church has brought in many young people for the school that clean the streets and do pro bono work. Many of the students have stayed afterwards and some have started businesses. When the civic auditorium was about to close for financial reasons in 2011, the church started leasing it and put in $1 million for repairs, and now use it for the church's Supernatural School on weekdays, while still letting it host the usual events on weekends. Bethel donated $500,000 to the city of Redding's police in April 2017, and later led a campaign to raise $740,000 to fund the salaries of four police officers.[1][65][87] In 2018, a direct flight from Redding to Los Angeles was opened, and Bethel Church used its business relationship with United Airlines as leverage and committed $450,000 to a revenue guarantee fund needed to operate the line.[109]
However, some Redding residents are worried by the influence Bethel church has on the city. One of their main worries is the belief held by Bethel, the Seven Mountain Mandate, that Christians must influence seven "mountains", including government, media, business and education, in order for Jesus to return to earth.[1][65][87] One such alleged instance of influence was the donation to the police force. The offer to donate caused controversy as some in the community thought the church was trying to pay off the city for future building permits, an assertion Pastor Kris Vallotton rebutted at a city council meeting. The city ultimately voted to receive the donation.[110] Seven months after receiving the donation, Redding City Council unanimously approved a $96-million new Bethel campus, despite dozens of formally submitted citizen concerns. The city councilperson who is a member of Bethel recused herself from voting.[111] Another instance was when they advertised a seminar for public and private school teachers that mentioned "God wants to come to your school with His presence, His peace and His strategies". A group connected to the church later opened a public charter school, which, according to a teacher job ad, has a "Kingdom culture and all Bethel-connected board of directors and principal".[65]
Affiliations and networks
editReligious media outlets have described Bethel as part of broader charismatic-revivalist networks in which leaders, worship collectives, and ministries frequently collaborate while remaining organizationally independent.[112] In the worship-music space, Jesus Culture – originally formed from Bethel's youth ministry – later became a separate organization and church; trade press routinely notes its Redding origins.[113][114]
- Worship-music crossover
Both Bethel and Jesus Culture led worship at the Azusa Now stadium gathering in Los Angeles in 2016, which drew tens of thousands, according to industry and news outlets.[115][116] Bethel leaders have also appeared periodically at Jesus Image conferences and services (e.g., Jesus '16 panel; recurring schedule listings).[117][118] Jesus Image leaders have likewise appeared at Bethel Church services in Redding; for example, Michael Koulianos (founder of Jesus Image) has preached at Bethel, with services published by Bethel's media channels.[119] Jesus Image's live projects prominently feature former Bethel Music worship leaders such as Steffany Gretzinger and Jeremy Riddle, reflecting collaboration in recording and live events.[120][121]
Shared conference networks
edit- Event collaborations
At The Send (Orlando, 2019) – a collaborative evangelistic rally – lineups included Bethel senior leader Bill Johnson and worship teams associated with Bethel and Jesus Culture; mainstream evangelical press placed attendance around 60,000.[122][123] Separately, Bethel has co-hosted healing conferences in Redding with Global Awakening (Randy Clark), including the multi-day "School of Healing & Impartation," as announced by the organizer and venue listings.[124]
- Leadership networks
Bethel's primary formal network is the Bethel Leaders Network (BLN), which connects pastors and ministry leaders for training and relationship; BLN replaced or consolidated earlier networking efforts such as Global Legacy.[125][126][127]
Politics
editPresidency of Donald Trump
editIn a 2016 Facebook post, senior pastor Bill Johnson explained his decision to vote for Donald Trump, citing concerns about abortion, same-sex marriage, and globalization, which he described as contrary to biblical values. His wife and senior pastor, Beni Johnson, also expressed support for Trump.[128]
Johnson continued to be supportive of Trump during his presidency. Bethel Music leaders Brian Johnson and Jenn Johnson, and former worship leader Sean Feucht were among the worship leaders who visited Trump in the Oval Office, where they prayed for him and sang worship music.[129]
During the impeachment process of Trump, senior associate leader Kris Vallotton prophesied during a sermon, 10 days before the impeachment started, that God would end the process, stating "the Lord is gonna step into the impeachment process. I mean I know it's gonna happen". He went on to say that he believed God would give Trump another term and that "even though people may not fully understand why God would want to keep Trump in office they should just trust that there is a greater plan". According to Vallotton, this was "not about politics".[130] Vallotton later apologized for being wrong about the prophecy.[131]
Bethel leaders Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, and Kris Vallotton were among the signers of the letter from evangelical leaders critical of Christianity Today's editorial that called for Trump to be removed from office.[132]
Senior leader Kris Vallotton publicly prophesied that Donald Trump would win the 2020 U.S. presidential election.[133] After the prophecy failed, he issued a public apology, which was later deleted.[134] Critics have used the incident to question the accountability of self-proclaimed prophetic leaders, especially when their declarations are tied to partisan politics.
Election denial (2020)
editQAnon conspiracy theory
editOpposition to restrictions on conversion therapy
editIn 2018, the church publicly opposed three bills in the California state legislature that would have restricted conversion therapy. The church, whose position is that "same-sex sexual behavior is unhealthful",[138] believed the bills would restrict their ministry. Their opposition included a released statement, letters to legislators and encouragement of congregants to contact legislators through a sermon titled "What Would Jesus Do in a PC World?" by Kris Vallotton and tweets, also by Vallotton, that specifically addressed those that had "come out of homosexuality".[87][139] Vallotton later retracted his sermon, but stood by his opposition.[87][138]
In April 2021, Bethel's senior associate leader – Kris Vallotton – spoke against the Equality Act with Elizabeth Woning, the co-founder of the CHANGED Movement, encouraging people to contact their senators and voice their opposition to the bill.[140]
Sean Feucht for Congress
editIn September 2019, former Bethel worship leader Sean Feucht announced he was running for Congress as a Republican on a socially conservative platform. His announcement video featured a Bethel Music song with the lyrics "We won't stop singing until the whole world looks like heaven".[141] He placed third in the March 3, 2020, non-partisan primary behind Democrat John Garamendi and Republican Tamika Hamilton.[142]
See also
editReferences
edit- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Wendell Jones, Martyn (April 26, 2016). "Inside the Popular, Controversial Bethel Church". Christianity Today. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ↑ Roberts, Kim (February 20, 2026). "More Controversy at Bethel Church: Ben Armstrong Placed on Leave". MinistryWatch. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
- ↑ Carter, Joe (September 29, 2018). "9 Things You Should Know About the Bethel Church Movement". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
- ↑ Daniel Silliman (March 4, 2026). "Bethel pastor Bill Johnson says fake prophecy was 'worth it'". The Roys Report. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
- 1 2 "Impact | Bethel Church Redding, CA". www.bethel.com. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- 1 2 Besen, Wayne. "Ex-gay group "Changed" is part of a bizarre faith-healing cult. Don't fall for it". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- 1 2 Anguiano, Dani (October 14, 2024). "The California community caught between a powerful megachurch and far-right extremists". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- 1 2 "The Really Big Business of Bethel Church, Part 1: Show us the Money! – anewscafe.com". May 13, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- 1 2 Mouser, Jessica (November 30, 2021). "Former Bethel Pastor Addresses 'Wild Rumors' About Grave Sucking and Gold Dust". ChurchLeaders. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- 1 2 Glorfeld, Jeff. "Speak your piece: Column praising Bethel a journalistic travesty". Record Searchlight. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- 1 2 Kallepalli, Nevin (January 27, 2026). "Bethel apologizes for failing to take appropriate action after alleged sexual misconduct by Christian ministry leader Shawn Bolz". Shasta Scout. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ "COVID-19 cases double at Northern California religious school as leader slams masks". Los Angeles Times (AP). October 14, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ Pierce, Annelise (May 13, 2019). "The Really Big Business of Bethel Church, Part 1: Show us the Money!". aNewsCafe.com. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ↑ "The Really Big Business of Bethel Church, Part 1: Show us the Money! – anewscafe.com". May 13, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
- ↑ "Impact | Bethel Church Redding, CA". www.bethel.com. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ "2025 Annual Report". Bethel. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- 1 2 "About Bethel – History". Bethel Church. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Bethel will mark completion of 71-acre facility with special events". Record Searchlight. Record Searchlight. December 18, 1993.
- ↑ Yoars, Marcus (June 9, 2011). "The Radical Revivalists". Charisma Magazine Online. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
- ↑ Pivec, Holly (2025). Reckless Christianity (PDF). Lutterworth Press. pp. 1–2.
Johnson accepted, with one nonnegotiable condition: that his focus would always be the pursuit of revival … The leaders unanimously agreed.
- ↑ Johnson, Bill (2010). When Heaven Invades Earth: A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles (Large print ed.). ReadHowYouWant.com. ISBN 978-1458750723.
- ↑ Yoars, Marcus (June 9, 2011). "The Radical Revivalists". Charisma. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ Jones, Martyn Wendell (May 2016). "Inside the Popular, Controversial Bethel Church". Christianity Today. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ Shuttleworth, Andrew D. (2016). On Earth as it is in Heaven: A Study of the Healing Praxis of Bill Johnson (PDF) (Thesis). University of Birmingham. pp. 79–80.
…the decision to leave the AG was made on 13th November 2005. A unanimous vote was made to withdraw… without first inviting the District Leadership to speak to the church as per the AG by-laws…
- ↑ "General Council Minutes (2005)" (PDF). Assemblies of God (USA). Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ Johnson, Bill. Bethel and the Assemblies of God. Bethel Church, 2006
- ↑ Wade, Madison (November 4, 2015). "Colorado gunman complains about Bethel Church; officials respond". KRCR. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Killer was upset his father turned to a Christian pastor - Premier Christian News | Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis". premierchristian.news. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
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- ↑ Law, Jeannie (January 3, 2020). "Bethel worship leader shares how she'll move forward in 2020 after daughter's death". The Christian Post. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
- ↑ Chapman, Mike (December 21, 2019). "'Olive hasn't been raised': After praying for miracle, girl's family now plans memorial". USA Today. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
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- ↑ "Bethel Church 'Dead Raising Team' Fails to Save 2-Year-Old". December 16, 2019. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- 1 2 3 Boorstein, Michelle (April 3, 2020). "Can faith healing work by phone? Charismatic Christians try prayer to combat the coronavirus". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
- 1 2 Blair, Leonardo (April 7, 2020). "Bethel Church shifts to online healing rooms, now majority of calls related to stress from coronavirus". The Christian Post. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
- ↑ Parry, Chuck (September 24, 2020). "Bethel Healing Rooms Director: 'We See Supernatural Healings From COVID-19'". Charisma Magazine. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
- ↑ SFGATE, Amy Graff (October 8, 2020). "This remote county has the highest COVID-19 case rate in Calif.: Here's why". SFGate. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
- ↑ Brannon, Matt (October 16, 2020). "Bethel Church leader who posted anti-mask video apologizes after blowback". Redding Record Searchlight. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ↑ Gecker, Jocelyn (October 15, 2020). "COVID up at California religious school; leader slams masks". AP News. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ↑ Branson-Potts, Hailey; Chabria, Anita (November 1, 2020). "God, masks and Trump: What a coronavirus outbreak at a California church says about the election". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ↑ Boxer, Tim. "Is Bethel Church's 'culture of honour' protecting predators?". Premier Christianity. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- 1 2 "Bethel cuts ties with Bolz, Bickle and Bentley amid wider leadership review - Premier Christian News | Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis". premierchristian.news. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ Showalter, Brandon (January 29, 2026). "Shawn Bolz scandal: An overdue reckoning of the Charismatic Church". www.christiantoday.com. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Bethel Church leaders: Step up to compensate victims. Step down to save the church, restore trust. – anewscafe.com". February 25, 2026. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ Bolz, Shawn (2015). Translating God. ICreate Productions. ISBN 978-1-942306-19-1.
- ↑ "Meet The "Young Saints" Of Bethel Who Go To College To Perform Miracles". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on March 11, 2026. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- 1 2 Mike Winger (January 17, 2026). The skeletons in Bethel's closet are now going to speak. Retrieved June 4, 2026 – via YouTube.
- 1 2 Hailes, Sam. "The Shawn Bolz scandal is horrific. But is there more to come?". Premier Christianity. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ Showalter, Brandon (January 29, 2026). "Shawn Bolz scandal: An overdue reckoning of the Charismatic Church". www.christiantoday.com. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ Martin, Stephanie (January 26, 2026). "Bethel Admits Cover-Up: 'We Did Not Tell the Truth' About Shawn Bolz Abuse". ChurchLeaders. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Bethel Church leaders: Step up to compensate victims. Step down to save the church, restore trust. – anewscafe.com". February 25, 2026. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ Martin, Stephanie (January 26, 2026). "Bethel Admits Cover-Up: 'We Did Not Tell the Truth' About Shawn Bolz Abuse". ChurchLeaders. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- 1 2 Silk, Danny (2019). Unpunishable: Ending Our Love Affair with Punishment. Loving On Purpose. ISBN 978-1947165762.
- 1 2 3 4 "Bethel pastor suspended after former student alleges sexual assault - Premier Christian News | Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis". premierchristian.news. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Ron Cantor (June 3, 2026). She Said It Was Abuse. They Called It an Affair. Retrieved June 6, 2026 – via YouTube.
- 1 2 Silliman, Daniel (February 17, 2026). "Bethel suspends prophet accused of forcing intern into bed". The Roys Report. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
- ↑ "47. Rebuilding Love and Trust: Overcoming Infidelity with Ben and Heather Armstrong | Dates, Mates and Babies with the Vallottons". Spotify. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
- ↑ Holcomb, Madison (February 19, 2026). "Bethel Church places leader Ben Armstrong on administrative leave after allegations of sexual abuse and grooming from former students". Shasta Scout. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
- ↑ Tedford, Maxwell (February 21, 2026). "Bethel places ministry leader on leave after allegations of sexual assault". KRCR. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
- 1 2 Skropanic, Jessica. "Bethel responds to accusation it hid sexual misconduct allegations". Record Searchlight. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Updates from Bethel Leadership Regarding Ben Armstrong | Bethel Church Redding, CA". www.bethel.com. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
- ↑ "Update from Bethel Leadership: Third-Party Involvement | Bethel Church Redding, CA". www.bethel.com. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
- ↑ Holcomb, Madison (April 9, 2026). "Bethel Church chooses third-party group to investigate abuse allegations made against leader Ben Armstrong". Shasta Scout. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
- ↑ Zion, Rison (June 2, 2026). "Bethel Church Ends Support for Mike Bickle, Shawn Bolz, Todd Bentley and Bob Hartley Amid Sweeping Accountability Reforms". Jubilee Cast.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Hensley-Clancy, Molly (October 12, 2017). "Meet The "Young Saints" Of Bethel Who Go To College To Perform Miracles". BuzzFeed News. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ↑ Winters, Amanda (January 19, 2010). "Bethel's 'signs and wonders' include angel feathers, gold dust and diamonds". Record Searchlight. Archived from the original on April 16, 2010. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- ↑ Mehta, Hemant. "Purity Culture hurts women even after they get married, say researchers". www.friendlyatheist.com. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Kris Vallotton addresses old sermon claiming he's seen restored virginity in young people". www.christianpost.com. Archived from the original on April 15, 2026. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ Peck, Andy. "Bethel Church: Heaven on Earth?". Premier Christianity. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
- ↑ "Glory Cloud at Bethel – YouTube". YouTube. December 19, 2011. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- ↑ Bill Johnson, Bethel Church, and the NAR: A Balanced Observation and Study
- ↑ Introduction to The Physics of Heaven
- ↑ "Senior Leadership Team". Bethel Church. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
This is the apostolic team that provides spiritual and organizational oversight for everything that happens at Bethel.
- ↑ "The Rise of Network Christianity: How Independent Leaders Are Changing the Religious Landscape". USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture. February 2, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ "The 'Prophets' and 'Apostles' Leading the Quiet Revolution in American Religion". Christianity Today. August 3, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ "What is the 'Seven Mountains Mandate' and how is it linked to political extremism in the US?". Religion News Service (The Conversation). July 8, 2025. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ Wallnau, Lance; Bill Johnson (2013). Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountain Mandate. Destiny Image. ISBN 978-0768403350.
- ↑ "Inside the Popular, Controversial Bethel Church". Christianity Today. April–May 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Why 'sea-scooter' Ponzi suspect allegedly targeted California 'prosperity gospel' church". Sacramento Bee. Archived from the original on August 28, 2025. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ Carter, Joe (September 29, 2018). "9 Things You Should Know About the Bethel Church Movement". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ "What's Wrong With The Passion "Translation"?". What You Think Matters. June 4, 2026. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Important facts about The Passion Translation". Holly Pivec. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Weber, Brent. "Bethel's growth and impact on Redding..." KRCR. Archived from the original on June 24, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
- ↑ "Bethel Music". Billboard. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
- ↑ Parke, Caleb (September 19, 2019). "Pastor Bill Johnson on the recipe for revival, how Bethel Church exploded onto the global scene". Fox News. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
- ↑ "Introduction – BSSM". Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. Archived from the original on January 9, 2025. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Hitt, Tarpley (July 20, 2019). "The Mystical Megachurch Ruling Over Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe's Hometown". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ↑ "Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry Alumni". Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
- 1 2 Verbi, Samuel; Winkley, Ben. "The story of BSSM alumni". Rico Research. Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
- ↑ Rancano, Vanessa (June 20, 2019). "How Redding, California, Became An Unlikely Epicenter Of Modern Christian Culture". KPCC. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- ↑ Sabalow, Ryan (December 13, 2011). "Ex-Bethel student not at fault in '08 fall; judge says woman not obligated to act". Redding Record Searchlight. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ↑ 2 Kings 13:21
- 1 2 Justice, Jessilyn; Berglund, Taylor (2017). "Banning Liebscher: Why Bill Johnson Didn't Immediately Shut Down Grave Sucking". Charisma Magazine. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ↑ "Bethel Pastor Contradicts Bill Johnson's Narrative on the now infamous practice of "Grave Sucking"". Pulpit & Pen. April 19, 2018. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ↑ "About – Bethel Music". bethelmusic.com. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
- ↑ Fowler, Megan (September 20, 2019). "Why Chris Tomlin Still Dominates Both Radio and Sunday Morning". Christianity Today. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
- ↑ "CCLI Top 100". Songselect by CCLI. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
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- ↑ "Bethel Music – YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
- ↑ Who we are. CHANGED Movement. https://changedmovement.com/. Retrieved 2021-06-25
- ↑ Sells, Heather (May 17, 2018). "'Jesus Died...for Those Who Are in Pain': Why California May Ban This Message of Hope for Gays". CBN. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- 1 2 3 Shimron, Yonat (September 12, 2019). "In some Christian circles, a new #oncegay movement makes a comeback". Religion News Service. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ↑ Saliong, Sarah Mae. "Openly Gay Man Creates 'Believr' App for 'LGBTQ+ Christians". https://www.christianitydaily.com/articles/12169/20210610/openly-gay-man-creates-believr-app-for-lgbtq-christians.htm
- 1 2 Royster, Hayden (September 26, 2019). "Bethel Church's recent LGBT controversy: What's the real story?". The Christian Post. Archived from the original on September 27, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- 1 2 Showalter, Brandon (June 7, 2021). "'Taking back the rainbow': Freedom March declares move of God among ex-LGBT people". The Christian Post. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ↑ "City Council accepts Bethel donation for police unit". Redding Record Searchlight. April 18, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Redding council to discuss giving police 'more juice' to fight crime". Redding Record Searchlight. December 19, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Redding Civic Auditorium operator, city determined to extend lease". Redding Record Searchlight. February 23, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ Benda, David (October 6, 2018). "The Buzz: United Airlines and the 'Bethel effect'". Record Searchlight. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- ↑ Longoria, Sean (April 22, 2017). "Bethel, city officials defend $500,000 donation". Record Searchlight. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- ↑ Redding council backs Bethel's new campus. Record Searchlight, December 6, 2017
- ↑ Jones, Martyn Wendell (May 2016). "Inside the Popular, Controversial Bethel Church". Christianity Today. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ "Kim Walker-Smith Earns First Top Christian Albums Leader With 'On My Side'". Billboard. May 4, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ "Jesus Culture Rules Top Christian Albums Chart With 'Love Has a Name'". Billboard. August 24, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ "Over 60,000 People Flocked to the Los Angeles Coliseum for Azusa Now 2016". Gospel Music Association. April 14, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ "Azusa Now: 120 000 gathering at LA stadium". Gateway News. April 7, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ JESUS '16 Panel (Whole Session). Jesus Image (YouTube). 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ "Schedule". Bill Johnson Ministries. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ "Michael Koulianos at Bethel Church (service video)". YouTube (Bethel TV). Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ "JESUS (Live) – Jesus Image". Apple Music. April 15, 2022. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
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- ↑ "Francis Chan Explains Why He'll Share a Stage With …". Christianity Today. March 21, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ Law, Jeannie Ortega (February 28, 2019). "60,000 Christians gather in Orlando for 'Jesus Movement' of this generation". The Christian Post. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ "School of Healing & Impartation – Redding, CA". Global Awakening. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ↑ "Bethel Leaders Network". Bethel Church. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
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- ↑ Lodge, Carey (November 10, 2016). "Bethel Church's Bill Johnson: Why I Voted For Trump". Christian Today. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
- ↑ Parke, Caleb (December 11, 2019). "Pastors, worship leaders pray for Trump in Oval Office amid impeachment fight". Fox News. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
- ↑ Blair, Leonardo (December 18, 2019). "God is going to end impeachment, give Trump another term, Bethel's Kris Vallotton prophesies". The Christian Post. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
- ↑ Benda, David (November 10, 2020). "Bethel Church pastor who prophesied Trump win posts apology video, then takes it down". Redding Record Searchlight. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
- ↑ Barnhart, Melissa (December 22, 2019). "Nearly 200 evangelical leaders slam Christianity Today for questioning their Christian witness". The Christian Post. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
- ↑ "These Preachers Say God Promised a 2nd Trump Term. What Now?". Yahoo News. January 27, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ↑ Kelly, James Ross (December 3, 2020). "Bethel pastor who prophesied Trump win apologizes, then takes video down". St. John One: One. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ↑ Pierce, Annelise (January 4, 2021). "Bethel's Bill Johnson calls Biden's Election 100% Fraud". Shasta Scout. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- ↑ "QAnon: What is it and where did it come from?". BBC News. July 22, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- ↑ Burke, Daniel (October 15, 2020). "How QAnon uses religion to lure unsuspecting Christians". CNN. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- 1 2 Vallotton, Kris (April 27, 2018). "Redding's Bethel Church clarifies stance on LGBTQ+ proposed legislation". Record Searchlight. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ↑ Sandhu, Amber (March 28, 2018). "Bethel comes out against LGBT bills pending in state Legislature". Record Searchlight. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ↑ Vallotton, Kris (April 16, 2021). "How will the Equality Act (HR5) impact you and your family?". Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ↑ Parke, Caleb (September 30, 2019). "Worship leader runs for Congress in California: 'Morals are low, taxes are high'". Fox News. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
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