What is Todd Bentley's story with Fresh Fire Ministries?

Origins and Early Ministry

Todd Bentley, born in Canada (1976), emerged on the evangelical landscape with a marked emphasis on healing prayer and revival gatherings. He founded Fresh Fire Ministries (FFM) in the late 1990s, launching small-scale revival events across North America. While initial gatherings were relatively modest, they rapidly grew into larger conferences drawing international attendees. Contemporary reports from the late 1990s and early 2000s—covered by media sources such as Charisma News and Christianity Today—highlighted testimonies of physical healings, spiritual renewal, and a wave of enthusiasm for what many described as the tangible presence of God.

Development of Fresh Fire Ministries

Fresh Fire Ministries initially operated as a conference-based ministry, emphasizing prayer services, teaching sessions, and worship experiences dedicated to what FFM described as the supernatural power of God. Early promotional materials pointed to accounts of healing in Scripture—“And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick…” (James 5:15)—as a biblical foundation for pursuing modern miracles.

As FFM’s reach expanded, Bentley and his team began visiting various nations. At times, these events included intense worship sessions, extended times of prayer, and shareable testimonies relayed through print, online, and broadcast media. Some of these testimonies found parallels in biblical narratives of miraculous healings, such as the healing of the woman with an issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34), serving as an inspirational touchstone for many who attended Bentley’s gatherings.

The Lakeland Outpouring (2008)

One of the most high-profile events associated with Todd Bentley and Fresh Fire Ministries was the “Lakeland Revival,” often referred to as the “Lakeland Outpouring.” Hosted at Ignited Church in Lakeland, Florida, in 2008, the revival rapidly captured global attention, in part through extended live broadcasts on God TV and abundant online clips.

The main characteristics of the Lakeland Outpouring included:

• Daily meetings lasting hours, often extending late into the night.

• Intense worship sessions and prayer for physical healing.

• Numerous reported testimonies—some medically documented, others anecdotal—of healings from various conditions.

• Charismatic expressions, such as public prophecies and spontaneous prayer teams.

Bentley’s style drew both enthusiastic support and skeptical criticism. Proponents viewed him as a catalyst for a God-ordained revival, citing “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) as a basis for expecting miracles in modern times. Critics expressed concern about the emotional intensity of the meetings, the lack of certain verifications for all healing claims, and Bentley’s bold manner of ministry.

Controversies and Challenges

By mid-2008, news emerged that Bentley was involved in marital issues and related moral failures. This disclosure led to his stepping down from public ministry positions. Fresh Fire Ministries subsequently announced leadership transitions and distanced itself organizationally from Bentley himself. Publications, including Charisma Magazine, documented official statements confirming this shift. A wide spectrum of Christian leaders responded, some calling for repentance and accountability in light of “the overseer must be above reproach,” as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:2.

Attempts at Restoration

In 2009, as part of an effort to restore Bentley to ministry, a process led by figures such as Rick Joyner ensued. Public statements made on various Christian media platforms described a structured mentoring and accountability program. This process aimed at spiritual, relational, and moral restoration, referencing scriptural principles such as: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). While some believers embraced this initiative, seeing it as a reflection of grace and forgiveness, others remained cautious—citing the importance of guarding against repeated indiscretions and pointing to 1 Timothy 5:20, which advises public correction for leaders who persist in sin.

Subsequent Ministry Ventures

Following the initial restoration phase, Bentley resumed speaking engagements and ministry events under modified organizational names and structures, including Fresh Fire USA. Despite returning to public ministry, controversies continued to surface. In 2019, allegations of further misconduct once again brought scrutiny. Investigations by various Christian groups and networks were undertaken, with some publicly denouncing or disavowing Bentley’s ministry.

These ongoing allegations reaffirmed persistent questions about moral accountability and spiritual leadership. While not universally accepted, many in the evangelical community have encouraged biblical discernment: “Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21). Following these events, Bentley’s public ministry activity receded, though his name and testimony remained points of contention and debate within broader Christian circles.

Fresh Fire Ministries Today

Fresh Fire Ministries itself underwent structural changes, with leadership shifting and new directors or boards taking over managerial roles. In many respects, the ministry’s identity evolved separately from Bentley in an effort to rebuild public confidence, focusing on charitable work, missions, and revival conferences that emphasize healing prayer and evangelism. Documentation by organizations that track revival movements has noted that, while the original founder’s presence is diminished, certain core emphases—such as a belief in God’s healing power—remain integral to the ministry’s continuing identity.

Biblical Perspectives on Leadership and Accountability

Scripture provides multiple guidelines regarding those who serve in leadership roles within the church:

• Qualifications for Overseers (1 Timothy 3:1–7) – Emphasizes moral character, faithfulness, and good reputation.

• Restoration in Case of Sin (Galatians 6:1–2) – Advises a gentle restoration process while watching one’s own conduct.

• Testing the Spirits (1 John 4:1–3) – Encourages believers to discern teachings and claims about supernatural experiences.

These passages remind believers to walk in both grace and truth. The overarching scriptural instruction underscores that while forgiveness is always available in Christ, leaders are held to a higher standard of credibility and integrity (James 3:1).

Points of Reflection and Discernment

1. Importance of Sound Doctrine. In times of revival fervor, the importance of biblical grounding is highlighted (Acts 17:11).

2. Biblical Pattern of Repentance. Genuine repentance is characterized by turning from sin and bearing fruit consistent with repentance (Luke 3:8).

3. Testing Leadership Claims. Believers are encouraged to evaluate leaders by their behavior and faithfulness to Scripture (Matthew 7:16).

4. Healing in the Kingdom of God. While controversies may arise around dramatic healing claims, Scripture does attest that God can and does heal through prayer (James 5:14–15).

5. Accountability Structures. Lasting ministry health often involves transparent leadership boards, pastoral teams, and clear ethical guidelines.

Conclusion

Todd Bentley’s story with Fresh Fire Ministries is a multifaceted account of revivalistic passion, reported miracles, controversy, and repeated attempts at restoration. Key events such as the dramatic Lakeland Outpouring in 2008 significantly impacted the modern charismatic revival movement, illustrating both the power of revival gatherings and the necessity for biblical accountability.

Presently, Fresh Fire Ministries has distanced itself from Bentley in organizational form and leadership, though the enduring legacy of those revival events continues to inspire discussions on faith, healing, discernment, and the transformative grace available through Christ. For believers seeking to navigate similar issues, biblical counsel remains indispensable, calling all who claim faith in Christ to a life consistent with the Scriptures—for the glory of God and the edification of His church.