An Important Letter from Bill, Kris, and Dann on Behalf of Bethel Leadership | Bethel
Mike Winger’s recent exposé of Shawn Bolz cuts both ways. It is, on one hand, a precise and devastating indictment of Bethel’s leadership and the wider NAR movement. However, his proposal to "restore" false prophets goes beyond what is written, and that overreach carries its own accountability. (Proverbs 30:5-6). In practice, Winger’s approach gives Bethel Church Redding further cover to draw unwary believers deeper into its theological snare. Those who call out false prophets have no business proposing their “restoration” or reforming the false ministries that enable them. That kind of presumption is not righteous.
In scripture, false prophecy is not treated as a “mistake” but as a disqualifying act that reveals a deeper corruption of character and allegiance. The Bible gives no category for "restoring” a false prophet to ministry. It consistently treats false prophecy as a disqualifying, covenant‑breaking offence, not a lapse that can be rehabilitated. In the Old Testament, false prophecy is treated as a capital offence, not a recoverable mistake. Deuteronomy teaches that a prophet who speaks presumptuously in God’s name is not merely "misguided”—he is to be removed entirely from the community’s spiritual authority “that same prophet shall die" (Deuteronomy 18:20). Jeremiah's warning is very apt in the current situation: you have made this people trust in a lie. (Jeremiah 28:15).
Doug Geivett recently drew attention to the definition of "cover up".1 A "cover-up" is a deliberate effort to prevent people from discovering the truth about something bad. In other words, the term “cover‑up” inherently presumes knowledge and culpability. In their statement, Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton admit to failure, misjudgment, blindness, and folly. What they do not confront is the core allegation itself: that they knowingly covered up Shawn Bolz's blatant sins.
Forgiveness does not reinstate abusive leaders. Scripture commands us to release personal vengeance to God, but it never returns disqualified men to positions they have forfeited. A forgiven person may still remain unfit for ministry, and trust is not resurrected by sentiment.
What, exactly, does Winger aim to achieve by claiming a mandate to restore false prophets—a mandate scripture never grants? Some say he has poor discernment, but that doesn't make any sense. One of my concerns about Winger was the missing receipts for his Todd White exposure four months ago. However, he has recently, albeit belatedly, provided that much-needed evidence.3 A further concern is his involvement with TPUSA and ecumenism. Winger claims he wants us to "think biblically", yet the inconsistencies are impossible to ignore. I remain wary of Mike Winger.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:17-18).
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