After months of seclusion, the former leader of the Lakeland revival is seeking healing
Todd Bentley, who led the Lakeland Outpouring for four months before disappearing amid scandal in August, was planning to move to the campus of MorningStar Ministries in Fort Mill, S.C., in late October in search of healing and restoration.

MorningStar founder Rick Joyner told Charisma that he will be leading Bentley’s restoration process and was hopeful that the 32-year-old evangelist will one day return to ministry “stronger in the Lord than ever” if he faces his problems squarely. “Todd does have some serious issues he must deal with, and he knows it more than anyone,” Joyner said.

After leading revival meetings in Lakeland, Fla., for nearly four months, Bentley suddenly stepped down from public ministry in August after informing staff members that he and his wife were separating. His Fresh Fire Ministries (FFM) board in British Columbia, Canada, later announced that Bentley had confessed to an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member. A senior board member also told Charisma that Bentley’s alcohol consumption had “crossed the line.”

Joyner’s recent involvement in Bentley’s restoration stems from his appearance last June on the platform in Lakeland, where Bentley publicly submitted himself to the oversight of apostolic leaders Bill Johnson, John Arnott and ChŽ Ahn-all members of a group called the Revival Alliance. Joyner said Johnson, representing the Revival Alliance, and Texas pastor Jack Deere have agreed to assist him in Bentley’s restoration.

Ahn told Charisma the Revival Alliance has given “full authority” to Joyner, Johnson and Deere, while he and Arnott will serve in an advisory role.

Ahn added that the arrangement with Bentley was not unlike the disciplinary process Joyner and Deere offered prophetic minister Paul Cain in 2005, after he publicly confessed to moral failures. International House of Prayer founder Mike Bickle was also a part of that restoration team, which Cain ultimately abandoned in 2006 when he decided to seek counsel elsewhere.

In the current case, Joyner said Bentley does not believe his marriage to Shonnah is salvageable. “[Bentley] has also taken steps to make the relationship with the girl that was inappropriate, appropriate,” Joyner said.

He explained that both Bentley and the unidentified woman have expressed “deep remorse” over the situation, knowing they were “two wounded people who fell into a trap.” Joyner said Bentley acknowledged that even if his marriage were to fail, his timing for beginning a new relationship was “terrible.”

Joyner said that though it is tempting to judge, observers must remember that all parties involved are struggling to do what’s right. “A divorce is one of the most traumatic things you can go through,” Joyner said. “For a while, Todd had spun down into some pretty deep hopelessness.”

Ahn echoed Joyner’s sentiments. “Our goal is to restore Todd to his relationship with Jesus,” he said. “His restoration as an evangelist is secondary. We are deeply concerned for his wife, Shonnah, and their children and trust that [Joyner, Johnson and Deere] and the Fresh Fire Ministries board will make sure that she is ministered to in the whole sense of the word.”

Johnson, senior pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, Calif., told Charisma that many people were saddened by Bentley’s failings, “but people have also come to grips with the fact that [the outpouring] was never about Todd, it was really about God.”

He said the impact of the Lakeland Outpouring, which held its final meeting Oct. 12 amid dwindling crowds, has been both significant and global. “There are fires of revival all over Europe that are the direct result of what God was doing in Lakeland,” he said.

Yet Johnson made it clear that he and the rest of Bentley’s restoration team are not primarily concerned with seeing Bentley quickly return to ministry. “The focus is not [on] Todd the evangelist; it is on Todd the person,” Johnson said. “We want him healed up, not because of what he can do, but because God loves him and treasures him as a son.”

ORU SETTLES PROFESSORS’ LAWSUITS

Oral Roberts University (ORU) announced on Oct. 22 that it had settled a wrongful termination lawsuit filled by three former professors. Tim Brooker and his wife, Paulita Brooker, along with John W. Swails, who settled in January and has now been reinstated, filed the lawsuit against ORU former president Richard L. Roberts, his wife, Lindsay, and some of the school’s administrators. Roberts was accused of mismanaging the school’s finances and using some of the money to fund his family’s lavish lifestyle. Roberts resigned from his post in November 2007 though he denied the charges in the lawsuit. “This matter is now resolved and we are pleased to have it behind us,” said Ralph Fagin, ORU interim president, who also said the school would not disclose the terms of the settlement. According to the Tulsa World, Richard Roberts said he supports the university. Days after the settlement, ORU announced that it had named two new members to its board of trustees-W. P. Bartlett, founder and CEO of Callidus Technologies; and Cameron Strang, founder of Relevant magazine and a 1998 ORU graduate.

‘HEALER’ SONGWRITER REMOVED FROM DVD

Hillsong Music re-released its popular This Is Our God DVD in November without footage of worship leader Michael Guglielmucci, who admitted in August that he lied about being diagnosed with terminal cancer to hide a longstanding pornography addiction. Former youth pastor at Planet Shakers church in Melbourne, Australia, Guglielmucci had said the illness inspired him to write the popular worship song “Healer,” which was recorded by Hillsong Church and became an international hit. Guglielmucci hid the truth even from immediate family members, including his wife, and often wore an oxygen mask when he sang. “It was a two-year, Academy Award-worthy performance as far as I am concerned,” Hillsong Church pastor Brian Houston wrote on his blog in September. Guglielmucci said he was sorry for the two-year ruse. “I’m sorry for a life of saying I was something when I’m not,” he told Australian media last summer. “From this day on I’m telling the truth.” Australian police said Guglielmucci is not likely to face legal charges for accepting donations to cover medical costs under false pretenses.

CHRISTIANS ASK UN TO INDICT IRANIAN PRESIDENT

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) is leading a campaign to indict Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for incitement to commit genocide against Israel. In recent years, Ahmadinejad and other senior Iranian officials have made repeated calls to “wipe Israel off the map,” and have described Jews with terms reminiscent of Nazi propagandist slander, ICEJ Executive Director Malcolm Hedding said. Some 60,000 Christians from 128 nations signed petitions that the ICEJ presented to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon days before Ahmadinejad was to address the U.N. on Sept. 23. “Christians today [sense] an inescapable moral duty to earnestly speak out whenever another genocidal campaign threatens the Jewish people,” Hedding said. “We are concerned that just such a genocidal campaign is taking shape in the form of Iran’s repeated threats to eliminate the Jewish state and its quest for the nuclear means to carry out these threats.”

FAITH HEALING PUT ON TRIAL

A couple from Oregon City, Ore., who allegedly used prayer instead of professional medical care to treat their ailing 16-year-old son, both pleaded not guilty in October to charges of criminally negligent homicide after their son died in June from complications involving a urinary tract blockage, ABC News reported. Jeffrey Dean and Marci Rae Beagley belong to a religious sect known as the Followers of Christ Church, which reportedly rejects medical treatment in favor of prayer. According to ABC News, doctors claimed the illness that ultimately took Neil Jeffrey Beagley’s life was easily treatable. Though laws vary widely, most states contain religious exceptions to child abuse laws for parents who prefer praying for healing rather than administering medicine.

CONSERVATIVE EPISCOPAL BISHOP REMOVED

Bishop Robert Duncan was deposed as a leader in the Episcopal Church in September on charges of “abandoning the communion” of the church. By deposing him, Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori stripped Duncan of the right to perform sacraments and terminated his position as head of the Pittsburgh diocese. Duncan, who has been an outspoken critic of liberal moves within the Episcopal Church, was immediately named a bishop-at-large of the Argentina-based Southern Cone led by conservative Archbishop Gregory Venables, who declared Duncan “a bishop in good standing.” The leaders of six dioceses in the Church of England, as well as the archbishops of Nigeria, Kenya and the West Indies all condemned the deposition and said they would continue to fully recognize Duncan as an Anglican bishop.

AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION ENDS MCDONALD’S BOYCOTT

The American Family Association (AFA) ended its boycott of McDonald’s in October, saying the fast-food giant had agreed to “remain neutral in the culture war regarding homosexual marriage.” The conservative Christian organization called for the boycott in May after McDonald’s joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). In a letter to supporters, AFA Chairman Donald Wildmon said that McDonald’s Vice President Richard Ellis had resigned his position on NGLCC’s board and that McDonald’s would not renew its membership with the organization when it expired in December.

THE 2008 POLITICAL DIVIDE

I am amazed that a Christian, let alone a minister, could support Barack Obama in any way (“A House Divided,” October). It is a selfish position that Obama will help African-Americans while not supporting the sanctity of life.

Martin Luther King Jr. said: “The Negro cannot win as long as he is willing to sacrifice the lives of his children for comfort and safety.” Those who are left to die on an abortionist’s table are just as human as we are.
Julie Landis
Haddonfield, New Jersey

Obama publicly declares his faith in Jesus Christ, yet he also publicly supports same-sex unions and a woman’s “right” to an abortion. I don’t understand how a Christian can do that.
Evan Martin
Goshen, Indiana

There are many issues I have with Obama’s stand, but the big one is that he contradicts the words of Jesus. In idealistic terms it’s nice to have a black man or a woman in high office. But it’s about what they believe and what they stand for, not about race.
M. Nyman
Surrey, Canada

So white Christians are angry that some black Christians are voting for Obama “just because he’s black.” White people, including many God-fearing white Christians, have discriminated against African-Americans “just because they were black.”

Now that there is a strong possibility that Obama will win the presidency, some cry, “That’s racist.” How convenient. If white Christians don’t like what’s happening with the black vote, I suggest they do what African-American Christians do every time they are confronted with racism: Pray, and then get over it!
name withheld

Regarding pastor Derrick Hutchins’ comments in favor of Obama, it is beyond me how a Christian, much less a minister, can ignore the fact that the Democratic candidate for president has endorsed the wholesale slaughter of the innocent. Simply stating he disagrees with the candidate’s position is at best a lame argument.
Carla Chadwick
Holdenville, Oklahoma

I was disappointed that your magazine endorsed John McCain for president. Instead of telling people how to vote, we should ask what Jesus would do in this election. I would rather pray the blessing of God over both candidates than try to make a decision for God.
Delores Phillips
New Brunswick, Canada

Sarah Palin’s candidacy is a sure sign of God’s judgment on this nation. We must continue to uphold the biblical, traditional roles of women who are wives and mothers. Unless we do this we will proceed into darkness and apostasy.

I believe God has been trying to chasten His daughter Sarah Palin. Her greatest hour is ahead-when she returns to her family sphere, honors her husband and publicly renounces her despising of her place as a wife and mother.

I will not join with the wicked who think they are in control by casting their votes for John McCain.
Karen Parrish
via e-mail

GOD’S GATOR

How refreshing it was to read the article about Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow (“A Gator for God” by Suzy A. Richardson, October). Tebow proves that a young person can go to college, love God and not get caught up in the dark side of collegiate life. You go, Tebow!
C. Williams
Gainesville, Florida

As a University of Florida Gator (Class of ’95) and a child of God, it blessed my soul to read Tim Tebow’s powerful testimony. When he received the Heisman Trophy, I was so proud to hear him give honor to the Lord Jesus Christ.
I read how he was almost aborted as an infant. God is going to use him to reach many people for Christ.
Suzette Farquharson-Morgan
Orlando, Florida

THE LAKELAND REVIVAL

During the Lakeland Revival I received a total healing in my right knee. I believe this revival was genuine, but it was destroyed because people let their guards down.

The Holy Spirit was ready to pour His anointing on the world. God did His part, but man failed. Instead of pointing fingers at somebody else, we need to examine our own hearts. God is still looking for someone He can use. Is it you?
Mary Platts
Ocala, Florida

THE GAY DEBATE

I love Ray Boltz and I have loved his music for years. When I heard that he had come out of the closet to embrace homosexuality, my reaction was shock and sadness (Fire in My Bones online, September 17).

But it is not too late for redemption. I cannot believe Boltz could write and sing those songs without really believing what he sang. I am praying for his wife and children with all my heart.
Judith Makinson
Florence, Alabama

I was shaken to the core by what happened with Ray Boltz. I am a born-again Christian who struggles with same-sex attraction. I have been celibate for 10 years. Although I struggle every day, I know I cannot continue in sin. God’s grace abounds and helps me resist temptation.

I pray for Ray Boltz. He has been deceived. The Christian community, meanwhile, must embrace the homosexual community-especially those who are seeking to leave the gay lifestyle. They need to know that their sin is not any worse than yours. Christ died to redeem us all.
name withheld

MY TURN

I am a faithful reader, and I agree with almost all the editorials written in Charisma, with the exception of the political ones. This has been the most divisive and cruel campaign that has ever happened in my lifetime, and I have seen some bad ones before.

I believe the Bible tells us these things are in God’s hands, and He has set them in position over us. Yes, we are to vote, but we are not to bear false witness, become hateful, gossips and a myriad of other demonic things that have manifested in this day and age. I am thankful He is in control, and that His kingdom will come in His perfect timing.

It is time to repent of our behavior to our brothers and sisters, now that the election is over. We need to heal the deep wounds created by this event and pray for the leader of our country, whether or not he is “our pick.” If we would do our Christian duty and continually pray for these servant leaders, perhaps we would have better results than what we’ve seen lately.

Annabelle Brown
McKinney, Texas

SPOTLIGHT

Re-Create
By Ron Luce, Regal, hardcover, 224 pages, $.
In Re-create, Ron Luce, president and founder of Teen Mania Ministries, writes: “Our job as parents is not just to fight the culture but also to teach our kids to see through its shallowness and the motives of those who shape it. Our real defense is to build a culture in our family that is so strong and defining that it pulls the hearts of our kids toward us and keeps them looking to us to shape their values.” Luce offers parents and churches hope and practical guidance on how to accomplish this. He shares the harsh realities of our culture and explains that culture enters our homes through video games, computers, cell phones, even friends and other means-Luce is not against these but says “no freedoms are ever given without responsibility and accountability.” Luce says it’s not just about protecting kids from culture; it’s about creating a culture “so that our kids can clearly discern the difference and be wise enough to avoid being lured in.” Luce holds nothing back and some will not like what he has to say. Others will have to make tough, sacrificial choices and do a 180-degree turn with their own lives and thinking. But those who are willing to do the work will be blessed with an atmosphere that is wooing their children and offering them something this culture never can.

Leigh DeVore

BOOKS

The Remnant
By Larry Stockstill, Charisma House, softcover, 192 pages, $.

The church of Jesus Christ has been battered by scandal, lack of integrity and loss of focus. In The Remnant, Larry Stockstill calls both ministers and laity to heal the church and restore its integrity and power. He examines the current state of “the dysfunctional church” and uncovers five main problem areas-it is unfathered, uncorrected, unfruitful, unhealed, and untaught. He also emphasizes the need to return to the fivefold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers all working in unison. But Stockstill then gives his “Ten Commandments of Ministry,” giving hope, reassurance and guidance to strengthen the church. He does not write with a tone of condemnation or accusation, but his concern for getting pastors, and all Christians, to confront the issues and deal with them is genuine. Personal integrity is indeed the first step.
Jeff Friend

Embracing Life, Spirit, Faith and Adversity
By Greg Rice, Destiny Image, softcover, 316 pages, $.
This book is meant to be studied rather than read, since it includes numerous Scriptures and foundational concepts for new Christians, as well as a study guide. To help users reflect further on lessons, each chapter includes action steps. The author wrote the book-first in a trio known as the Gifts of Freedom Series-to help his son and others in prison by setting them free in their hearts despite their circumstances. However, as he notes, the largest “jails” are full of law-abiding citizens, namely people trapped in loneliness, guilt, sorrow, poverty or other afflictions. Thus, this material is also useful for new believers’ classes and small-group discussions. Because charismatics are sometimes accused of being long on the Spirit and short on biblical grounding this book will be a healthy addition to resource libraries. And, because it includes instruction on receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit it will be welcome in charismatic and Pentecostal congregations.

Ken Walker

You Were Made for More
By Jim Cymbala, Zondervan, hardcover, 224 pages, $.
Architect Mark Hill gave up a six-figure salary to follow his special assignment from the Lord and couldn’t be happier. He and his wife have a bookstore and use the proceeds to fuel their dream of a camp for abused children in New York. Bonnie Affriany, a registered nurse, was nearing 60 when she accepted Christ as her Savior and soon quit her job, applied for early Social Security, and used her savings to buy land in Haiti for a relief ministry for children. Some 200 children now depend on her for a meal each day, and Bonnie regularly preaches the gospel to inmates at a putrid smelling Haitian prison. These are but a few examples Jim Cymbala lays out in You Were Made for More. He says that God has very specific plans in mind for you. Every single Christian has been mandated “to do something special, something mighty, something unique.” If you’re ready to step up, Cymbala outlines the necessities of that lifestyle and gives plenty of biblical and recent examples of people who experience abiding joy in the face of life’s setbacks, enjoy a new freedom from “issues” and have a confidence they are walking in their calling.

Marsha Gallardo

MUSIC

This Glorious Christmas
By Annie Moses Band, Reunion Records.
The Annie Moses Band’s new release, This Glorious Christmas, is the perfect album to set the tone for the holiday season. The band members, who are siblings-some Juilliard trained-offer a beautiful collection of songs with their unmistakable talent and innovative arrangements. The group comes together cohesively on their instrumental performances; yet even more amazing are the harmonies that only families can produce. Annie Wolaver takes the lead on vocals, and her beautiful, soprano voice blends perfectly with the voices of sisters Camille and Gretchen and their mother, Robin, on such songs as “Bethlehem, House of Bread” and “When the Christmas Baby Cries.” “What Child Is This” begins with a dreamy melody and flows into a regal, rich arrangement. “Little Baby” speaks of the baby Jesus and the world that needs His healing touch, love and forgiveness. People who enjoy classical music will want to add This Glorious Christmas to their music collection. But even those who don’t listen to classical music regularly will recognize and appreciate the undeniable skill and artistry of the Annie Moses Band.
Leigh DeVore

Peace on Earth
By Casting Crowns, Reunion Records.
Casting Crowns lead singer Mark Hall said, “A lot of times, when we sing carols, we sort of shift into Christmas carol mode-singing songs that we’ve been singing for so long, we might not be hearing what they’re really saying.” So this group has offered a chance to change that with its new Christmas CD, Peace on Earth. From the opening song, a truly inspirational arrangement that brings new life to Longfellow’s lyrics in “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” to the last notes of the beautiful instrumental version of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” Peace on Earth brings hope to a new generation. This album breathes fresh musical life into nine classics, including “Silent Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World,” “Away in a Manger” and “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.” Listeners will instantly be singing along. And Casting Crown fans will also be singing with the additional track, “While You Were Sleeping,” in its original form as a Christmas song. This talented group once again finds a new way to remind us that, as Longfellow learned in his despair years ago, “God is not dead / Nor does He sleep / The wrong shall fail / The right prevail / With peace on earth!”

J.J. Everett

Glory in the Highest
By Shane and Shane, Inpop Records.
Shane and Shane’s first Christmas album offers eight Christmas carols and three original tracks in their signature acoustic style. Their harmony is especially impeccable on the classics, including “O Holy Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night” and “White Christmas.” For “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas,” Bethany Dillon joins the duo and her lovely voice blends perfectly on this fun track. The three originals showcase this duo’s thoughtful songwriting skills. “Born to Die” describes the reality of why Christ came to earth and explains that His life wasn’t taken-He laid it down. “Holiday” has a bit of a jazzy flare and declares that Jesus is our “holiday,” “hideaway” and “home” and the “favorite part of me.” “Glory in the Highest” sings of how Jesus “became the lowest to show us glory in the highest.” Shane and Shane fans will not be disappointed with this group’s holiday music debut.
Leigh DeVore

Hail to the King
By Hillsong, Integrity Music.
Hillsong’s Hail to the King offers 13 brand-new worship songs. The CD presents energetic and fast-paced songs at the beginning and end with ballads “sandwiched” in between. The opening four tracks will get listeners revved with a focus of praise and challenge. “Now” declares that God’s church will be His answer of hope to the world. “Hail to the King” is straight-up praise to Jesus the King. The gears soon switch into transparent worship with several ballads. “You are Here (the Same Power)” carries a sense of gratitude. “You Brought Me Home,” with a simple melody, declares: “My Redeemer Jesus Christ / You sacrificed Yourself on the cross / To bring me home / You brought me home.” “At Your Feet” is a song of complete surrender. On “Rise” His church promises to “shine God” and be “the hands that reach the lost and meet the unmet need.” The fast-paced closers “All to Show” and “The Call” sing of reaching the world. There is lots of praise on this album, but Hillsong also challenges the church and this generation to declare Him to the world. Listeners will be encouraged as they reflect on the attributes of God, and they will be moved to again carry Christ to a hurting world.
Leigh DeVore

FICTION

ROMANCE

All I Have to Give
By Melody Carlson, Revell Books, softcover, 176 pages, $.
Michael and Anna have tried to have a child for years with no success. In the spirit of Christmas the two sacrifice something they personally cherish to get each other a special gift. But what neither of them expects is the Christmas miracle that awaits them.

HOLIDAY

Engaging Father Christmas
By Robin Jones Gunn, FaithWords, softcover, 176 pages, $.
Miranda Carlson is hoping for a Christmas proposal when she visits her boyfriend, Ian, at his family home in England. But when his ill father doesn’t give his blessing, Miranda loses hope that she will get engaged. But she might still get a Christmas surprise.

INSPIRATIONAL

The Paper Bag Christmas
By Kevin Alan Milne, Center Street, hardcover, 160 pages, $.
Aaron and Molar Alan are asked to play Santa at a hospital. Aaron befriends a young boy who doesn’t celebrate Christmas but is interested. Molar meets Katrina, a girl so embarrassed by the scars on her face she hides her head in a paper bag. The children discover the true meaning of Christmas, and Katrina realizes she is beautiful beyond description.