Recent developments in two major ministries have brought more scandal to the Body of Christ and the Christian Church around the world. Evangelist Todd Bentley, leading what had been called the Lakeland (Florida) Revival, has stepped aside from ministry because of alleged immorality and subsequent marriage problems. Mike Guglielmucci, a Youth Pastor and well known song writer in Australia, has confessed to fraud, deceiving friends, family and thousands around the world, lying about having had cancer. These two scandals were discovered within the same week.
Critics will no doubt use these revelations to bring further accusations against the charismatic elements of the Church. Others may become disillusioned, angry and even bitter about what has happened and give up on the Church. Many will at least be confused and distraught by these turn of events.
When the New Testament describes these kinds of occurrences, it uses a Greek word that is interpreted “offended” but it literally means stumbling block. The word, transliterated is “scandalon”. Jesus prophesied that many would be scandalized in the last days (Matt. 24:10). Scandals happen. People stumble. Hearts are broken. Offenses occur. But life goes on.
And what did we expect? The church is built on people. Most believers live good lives, serving the Lord and walking out their faith over a lifetime. But some crash and burn. Some falter. Some fail. Some cause offenses.
This isn’t the first time this has happened. I’m not speaking about recent years. No, as soon as the early church was birthed, there were people problems and scandals. The first mention of the devil in the church was when Ananias and his wife lied to the apostles and to the Holy Spirit about their giving, and were instantly judged by God. Scandal rocked the very first church.
It didn’t stop there. Later Demas, who had been privileged to travel with the Apostle Paul, and had become well known because of that association, deserted him and went carnal. He backslid into sin and became enamored with that present world.
Acts the fifteenth chapter records the story of Barnabas having a falling out with the apostle Paul. They had such a heated argument that the two ministers separated and went different ways. Barnabas was never heard of again in the New Testament record.
Throughout most of Church history, as well, there have been scandals and spiritual disappointments. Our generation is not immune to these same kinds of problems. And so, the issue is not concern over what has happened as much as it is our response to what has happened. These are potential stumbling blocks. But don’t stumble. Don’t be easily offended. Don’t get discouraged. And don’t quit. Everyday thousands of aircraft fly successfully to their destinations around the world. Most people don’t quit flying because an airplane crashes.
What is our response? First, we believe in restoration and we should pray that the fallen individuals be healed and restored as part of our spiritual family; “restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal. 6:1a). We don’t shoot our wounded. All of us have done things worthy of judgment, but the Lord had mercy on us (1 Timothy 1:13; Matt. 18:33).
Secondly, fear the Lord- and do as the scripture admonishes us- “considering yourselves lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1b). Is there any secret sin we are harboring that needs exposure and forgiveness? We should seek counsel and confess our faults to those who can pray for us (James 5:16).
And thirdly, encourage one another to live righteously and godly in this evil age. We should “exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). Let’s watch out for each other and be loving enough to confront when a brother or sister starts to get off course. That happens in a good local church, and in a group small enough to look in each other’s faces, place a hand on a shoulder and pray a prayer of covering and love.
Jesus is still building His church. He is still the Head, the Master, the Savior and Lord! Maybe we should have been keeping our eyes on Him all along.
Hot Questions and Cool Answers
What did you think of the Florida Revival? And will it continue? I think it was genuine, with authentic healings. Although there was questionable doctrine promoted at times, many people were helped in the name of the Lord. Revivals historically are plagued with accompanying excesses and ample criticism but overall they help move the Church closer to a lost and needed truth. I am also thankful a group of godly Pastors stepped in to provide accountability for the Evangelist and subsequently provide covering (“love covers a multitude of sins”) and correction for him. We pray that true restoration will work effectively in his life (Gal. 6:1-5).
Should we still sing Mike Guglielmucci’s song, “The Healer”? Of course! That beautiful song belongs to the Body of Christ, and besides it was the cry of a sin sick soul that really did need the Lord to heal, (Psalm 41:3,4).