‘Open Letter To Todd White’ Alleges Years of Lies, Abuse, Theft, and Domestic Violence

An Open Letter to the Church Concerning Todd White.

Over the past several years, we have closely observed Todd White, both publicly and privately. Many of us have worked with Todd in various capacities—as part of his staff, leaders within his ministry, former leadership of Lifestyle Christianity, board members, and executive team members.

Each signatory of this letter has known Todd for years, with some of us sharing a close relationship with him. Todd has even referred to some of us as his friends over the years.

Individually and collectively, we have made numerous attempts to hold Todd accountable and address the troubling aspects of his conduct, which we believe to be marked by deception, exaggeration/embellishment, and manipulation. Despite these efforts, we have witnessed behavior from Todd that is both disappointing and at odds with the image he presents to others. Watching someone we once admired act in ways that contradict his professed values has been profoundly disheartening.

We write this letter not from a place of bitterness, but from a desire to protect others. We hope to prevent others from experiencing the potential faith-shaking disappointment that we and many others have felt after getting close to Todd. Our greatest wish is for Todd to sincerely repent, return to his God-given purpose, and walk in humility.

While Matthew 18 provides clear guidance on handling situations like this, we believe that speaking out is now necessary to alert the Church. Many of us left Lifestyle Christianity years ago due to Todd’s actions, hoping that he would change. Unfortunately, his behavior has only worsened over time.

It is important to clarify that our concerns with Todd are not regarding the doctrine of the gifts of the Spirit, miracles, or signs and wonders—we believe in these wholeheartedly. Rather, our concerns lie with Todd’s integrity and character, which we find increasingly troubling. Below is a brief list of the countless issues that disqualify Todd as a teacher of the Gospel:

▪ Todd preaches a lifestyle he does not personally follow. Todd Preaches against sin and being free from sin. Todd is the most prolific liar any of us have ever been around and he lies about lying. Although Todd claims never to lie (he says he hasn’t lied since he’s been saved), he has often been caught exaggerating the truth, fabricating stories to enhance his own image and sometimes even creating narratives that turn people against each other to protect himself from exposure. He has a way of portraying himself as a victim when confronted, and his convincing demeanor often helps him evade accountability. Todd has been caught in lies regarding who he’s with, what he was doing, contradicting stories/testimonies, lying about what people say to turn other people against each other and in many other ways.

▪ He embellishes stories and pressures people into sharing testimonies that he can record.

▪ Todd was involved in a domestic violence incident with his middle daughter, during which he allegedly slapped her, resulting in a black eye.

▪ Todds culture of manipulation and control has led to four of his executive teams leaving over the past four years. His ministry has had dozens of people quit directly because of his behavior/character.

▪ Todd has lied about what funds were needed for or would be used for on multiple occasions. For example, one of us has documented instances: $20,000 for a medical vest that was never purchased, and $100,000 was given to the ministry and was told it would be used for the children’s ministry that saw no improvements and was subsequently shut down within a year.

▪ The ministry spent an absorbent amount of money for his personal security, even arranging for a daily escort from his car to the Lifestyle building. This continued until financial difficulties forced the ministry to scale back on such expenses.

▪ Todd asked other ministries to write checks directly to him instead of to Lifestyle, violating established protocols agreed upon by the executive team.

▪ Todd, on various occasions, has accused people of trying to steal his ministry instead of dealing properly when confronted with these actions.

▪ Todd regularly misrepresented the circumstances of the departure of team members to others, spinning false narratives and accusing loyal team members of misconduct and theft, despite their commitment to stabilizing the ministry amidst his disruptions.

▪ When Todd has been approached for accountability, even by board members and executive team members, he refused to be accountable to them and lies to and manipulates them. Multiple times Todd has replaced people who try to hold him accountable.

▪ Todd claimed that Michael Brown was holding him accountable by reviewing Todd’s weekly teaching videos but we confirmed with Michael Brown that this wasn’t true.

▪ Todd has abused his leadership position to coherse employees to do personal favors.

▪ He frequently uses the phrase “God said” in contradictory ways to manipulate situations and persuade people to yield to his demands.

▪ Todd lied weekly about his whereabouts, often claiming to be with donors when he was not, leaving others uncertain of his true location.

▪ He suggested that bringing a revival from Asbury Seminary to Lifestyle could resolve the ministry’s financial issues, implying that revival could be made to serve as a financial gain for the ministry and attempted to orchestrate a revival even asking the team to have musicians ready for round the clock worship.

▪ Todd would cancel previously committed speaking engagements at the last minute to attend events that offered higher honorariums.

▪ He often gossips about other ministries, particularly those experiencing success or those who have called out his behavior, showcasing a propensity for spreading rumors and causing division. Todd even would tell the deepest secrets about his “friends” in the ministry including their personal marital problems and other inappropriate details.

▪ Todd has often gotten upset when visiting other churches when he is not given special treatment, a special seat, extra security and attention.

▪ Todd refused to fly anything but firstclass.

▪ Todd declared to have been delivered from his sleep apnea 4 years ago but was not.

▪ He shared “before and after” photos with many people 6 years ago when he put on significant muscle, claiming that God taught him how to become healthy and fit—yet it was later revealed he had undergone liposuction and hormone replacement to achieve his fit goals.

▪ Todd has also exhibited behavior that seems inconsistent with his teachings of boldness and fearlessness.

▪ Although he preaches against caffeine, he frequently consumes high caffeinated energy drinks, and when questioned, pretends he wasn’t aware of the caffeine content. Todd continued to consume these caffeinated drinks after being confronted about them. Additionally, he often publicizes the days of his fast, in which he omits drinking shakes, which can project a sense of superhuman endurance to those who follow his teachings. Todd maintains a cultish aura that is unattainable to the students that he teaches leading countless to crash and burn.

▪ There have been instances where Todd gave extravagant gifts to people on camera, only to reimburse himself with ministry funds. He argued that the ministry should cover these costs which gives the impression of false generosity.

▪ Lifestyle Christianity, under Todd’s leadership regularly required staff members to sign an NDA as a condition for receiving their severance.

There are countless situations similar to this, yet many people in big ministry we’ve spoken with don’t see these issues as serious, simply because they don’t involve a known sexual offense. However, we believe Todd is a dangerous influence and preys on the innocence of many Christians that look at him as an inspiration because of his testimony and evangelism methods. Time and again, we’ve seen good, sincere and innocent people join Lifestyle Christianity, only to be manipulated, left confused, and heartbroken, often with their faith shaken.

Our deepest hope remains that Todd White and his family will find healing, repentance, and restoration. We also hope that ministers like Todd will use the resources entrusted to them by donors, along with their influence, to further God’s kingdom rather than pursue personal gain. Furthermore, we long to see the church freed from the grip of ‘celebrity Christianity’—where self-promotion is elevated—so that we can instead honor the humble, the meek, and those who truly reflect the character of our holy and gracious Lord.

One thing we recognize is that these words on this paper do not come close to doing justice the level of confusion, spiritual bewilderment, gaslighting and manipulation that Todd is able to orchestrate on a daily basis.

This note in the Spirit Filled Study Bible regarding Simon the Sorcerer sums up Todd’s practice of manipulation and desire to control others: “8:23 The Bonds of Unforgiveness, DELIVERANCE. A sorcerer is one who deceives, manipulates, and delights to control others and does so by demonic enablement. Peter identified the basis for Simon’s sorcery as bitterness—the deepening effect of unforgiveness (v. 2). Here is warning regarding the danger of tolerated or embraced unforgiveness, which may, like poison, permeate and bind the soul, ultimately corrupting everything around it. In Simon’s case, his bitterness shaped his passion to control others (v. 19)—which prompted his quest to purchase the ability to impart the gift of the Holy Spirit. Though having believed and been baptized (v. 13), the residue of his past bondage surfaces as he unworthily seeks power to manipulate others for self-exalting purposes. Peter discerns the root of his bondage (v. 23) and summons Simon to repentance and deliverance.” Excerpt From NKJV, Spirit-Filled Life Bible, Third Edition Jack W Hayford & Thomas Nelson

We want to reiterate that, while Todd is not who he claims to be, he has encouraged many people to go out, evangelize, and connect with others—something that is greatly needed in today’s world. Our hope is that Todd will ultimately become the person he professes to be. We have come together to address these issues after our best efforts to seek accountability from Todd White.