The Bethel story - alleged cover up

[purpleglower]

Has anyone been following the story about Bethel and the allegations around Shawn Bolz? It’s been rumbling quietly on X and other blog sites for years but it’s finally ‘exploded’ following a 6 hour video released by Mike Winger on YouTube.

For those that don’t know, the claim is that Shawn Bolz, a so-called prophet got all of his information about people by looking up their social media profiles. In addition, several young men who travelled with Shawn claim he was sexually inappropriate with them. And the video claims that Bethel knew and while they quietly distanced themselves from him, they didn’t say anything publicly. That’s the gist of it anyway.

I’ve been part of churches like this in the past. I’m a charismatic in that I 100% believe in the gifts but I also value discernment and know there’s a lot of nonsense out there (which I totally reject).

I personally think God might be dismantling some of these big mega movements who don’t appear to have much accountability. With all the news from the Quiet revival, I’m thinking that a lot of people are looking for a very different expression of church anyway. There’s a lot to unpack in this story.

That's so sad. We have to be transparent and honest and deal with sin in a godly way rather than turn a blind eye.

Hi @purpleglower I posted a response but it didn’t show up here- probably I hit a wrong button- so am trying again.

Yes, I’ve been following developments in this story since Mike Winger dropped his video. I’ve watched a lot of Mike over the years and regard him as a genuine, godly man with a sincere heart for protecting the flock and caring for those who have been wounded.

I believe the Minor Prophets Podcast on YouTube was among the first channel to break the silence on Bolz. I hadn’t heard of them or Bolz until Mike posted his in-depth video.

I’m a continuationist and like you I value the gifts and their appropriate use in our time. I agree that the Lord seems to be doing a deep work in these days, particularly in mega-ministries such as Bethel, IHOP etc. I’m reminded of a word that resonated in my spirit many years ago-

Everything that can be shaken, will be shaken.

I believe what’s happening now with Bethel and Bolz and others is part of that ‘shaking’.

I watched yesterday’s livestream by JonMark Baker of Minor Prophets and found it helpful.

Not sure if you’ve seen it already but here’s a link anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/live/bi4x2LyT1IU?si=VMyC8961yNhKax1t

@LeaningOnTheEverlastingArmsI haven’t heard of Minor Prophets before but I’ll definitely take a look…I was actually on the hunt for a new podcast, so thank you.

And yes I agree with you about the shaking. There’s always been well known leaders who’ve screwed up and fallen from grace but this seems to be happening more and more (it used to be a rare thing). I suppose when money and faith become intertwined and people realise they can make an exceptionally good living out of being a Christian communicator, all sorts of problems can occur. There’s nothing wrong with big churches but I’m very grateful for our small, friendly fellowship of believers who just want to serve God (and couldn’t give a stuff about fame!). Like you said, this is probably just the beginning!