Bethel Church has shut down (at least temporarily) their 5,500-member Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry Alumni Page, citing the need to” honor the integrity of the investigation” into wrongdoing at their church and organization.
The embattled Bill Johnson-led 12,000-member church in Redding, CA, is presently embroiled in a series of controversies after they platformed and covered up the prophetic and sexual misconduct of Shawn Bolz, and after they put their head prophet Ben Armstrong on leave for allegations of sexual misconduct towards one of his students.
Bethel Church Apologizes for Platforming Disgraced ‘Prophet’ Shawn Bolz: ‘We are Sad and Embarrassed’
Bethel Church’s Chief Prophet, Ben Armstrong, On Leave Following New Allegations of Sex Abuse
The clamor from Bethel’s alumni, particularly from this Facebook group, was cited as a crucial factor in Bethel Church finally taking the abuse seriously and addressing it, which ultimately led to a teary-eyed public apology to the victims.
Now the main gathering platform of discussion has been shuttered.
While the group was initially created by Bethel students and alumni to keep in touch, it was eventually handed over to Bethel leadership and rebranded. Amid the scandal, people were discussing their own experiences with these scoundrels leading Admins to remove posts and block people, and finally shut it down.
A message from the admins explain that the BSSM alumni page:
(This) has become a place where many of you have shared concerns, questions, and feedback. We want you to know that we see that and understand the weight of this season.
At the same time, we’ve recognized something important.
While this page may feel like a place to be heard, it is not a space where concerns can be property reviewed, investigated, or responded to with the care they deserve. We are concerned that meaningful experiences and important feedback could unintentionally get lost in the recent increase in the volume of conversation here.
They add:
In addition, we are committed to prioritizing those who have been harmed and have received guidance from outside counsel to refrain from public discussion regarding the situations surrounding Ben Armstrong until the investigation is complete. This decision has been made for the benefit and protection of all involved and to ensure the process is thorough, impartial, and trustworthy.
As a result:
For these reasons, we will be placing a temporary pause on this group so we can honor the integrity of the investigation and ensure that nothing significant is missed.
This pause is not an attempt to shut down connection, but to steward it responsibly in a sensitive season.
Then conclude:
While this group is pausing, we highly value our alumni having a productive space to process and dialogue with those who have similar or shared experiences. During this short pause, we will also be evaluating what healthy connection looks like moving forward. When this space reopens soon. it will be with clearer direction. Our heart is to connect with you and provide a space for you to continue to connect with one another.
Put another way, Bethel sought to control the narrative, and their lawyers asked them to shut ‘er down. “
As a result of the shutdown, many alumni are crying foul and have formed a new group free of Bethel leaders’ control, and which already has nearly 500 members.
Jesse Woodward, a Bethel alum and host of the Faith Reframed podcast offers more commentary about the situation here.
