MISPLACED MERCY and MINISTRY
The news has recently broken about the prophet, Shawn Bolz, falsifying words of knowledge in his ministry throughout the years. Many within the prophetic community are shocked (see this podcast by The Minor Prophets). I, personally, received two detailed “words” from Shawn several years ago and one of them was especially packed because he mentioned the passing of my mother and seeing her in a vision. This rocked me at that time and I remember being fascinated by his words as he gave further specific details about my family and ministry.
When I heard of his deception, I traced my Facebook history during that time and all of the information he shared was readily available on my profile. (I was just beginning to gain traction on Facebook at that time in my role with Intercessors for America – prayer was a central theme in his “word” to me.) And even though I still believe SOME of what he shared WAS a true prophetic word, the mixing of flesh and spirit seems likely. Sadly, several spiritual fathers (and mothers) have known about his fraud for years – and have not spoken publicly about it. Though warning others within their own circles to stay clear of his ministry, they chose not to rebuke him openly.
But Shawn isn’t the only one who’s antics have been known for a while. Todd Bentley popped back up in the news last week after Rick Joyner invited him to the platform to minister. There has been an outcry from those who have firsthand testimony and experience with Todd’s depraved lifestyle and ministry and have called for Rick to take account. Unfortunately, Rick takes a different stand. In his message this past Sunday at Morningstar, Rick clearly states that his priority is to show mercy and love – not “judgment.” He truly believes that because Todd has such a powerful gift of healing and evangelism, it’s worth it to have him continue to minister (“if just a few people get healed!”) Even though I have appreciated Rick’s prophetic ministry in past years, his discretion as a spiritual father is greatly lacking. I was truly appalled to hear his misuse of scripture to justify giving credence to this man who has wounded so many.
It was only within a few minutes of praying in the spirit over this that I felt the burden of the Lord. Some of these spiritual fathers truly believe their actions are noble. Having spent years pouring their lives into these sons, they can’t bare the thought of exposing them. Believing that they can still be “restored,” they allow these sons to continue in their rebellion. But being akin to Eli the priest (1 Samuel 2), their personal discomfort with confrontation has opened the door to a far greater concern.
In my spirit I hear, “They have MISPLACED MERCY and MINISTRY for RIGHTEOUSNESS and HOLINESS!” For all the scriptures they may cite for extending mercy over judgment and restoring sons, they are totally missing the mark. Not only is their inaction demonstrating complicity to these sins, it is giving the enemy an opportunity for even greater damage within the household of faith.
Morningstar has been a blessing to many through the years, as have Rick’s books. Bethel has been a pioneering ministry in the prophetic movement and Bill’s wisdom and fatherly counsel has blessed literally millions, including myself. And yet… If these spiritual fathers continue to remain neutral in these issues, THEY MAY LOSE THE VERY INHERITANCE THEY HAVE FOUGHT FOR. That which they have labored for – and stood for – in all their years of ministry may be tarnished because of their misplaced compassion.
Just as Eli the priest was challenged in his inaction, so is the Lord issuing a call. This is not a threat, but an urgent appeal to do what is right. I feel this strongly in my spirit and call for these spiritual fathers to walk in the fear of the Lord concerning this issue. It’s one thing to “cover” someone who is walking in true repentance and making amends for their mistakes. It’s another to cover up someone’s blatant rebellion and disregard for God’s standard. Do not misplace your loyalties and end up forfeiting your reward.
Pay attention to who is making the outcry. My spiritual ears are hearing the cries of the younger sons calling for truth (Blaise Foret, JonMark David Baker, and Jake Kail to name a few). FATHERS – LISTEN TO YOUR OTHER SONS! These are sons who have stood on your shoulders and been building on the truths YOU have taught! They have honored you and championed your ministries in the past. But now they are calling for righteousness and truth to be the standard in the family of God. LISTEN TO THE VERY GENERATION YOU HAVE BEEN CONTENDING FOR. Open your heart and ears to those who are pursuing righteousness, and willing to risk their reputation and ministry for what is right in the eyes of God.
Who else is going to be exposed in the days ahead? Who else will be found to be operating in deception and fraud, manipulating the ministries of Holy Spirit? It’s time to cut the soul ties and destroy the idols. We have been praying for a resurgence of the fear of the Lord to the Church. This is how it starts. These exposures cannot be wasted on debates, gossip, and defending false gods. It’s time to lay down our ministries and ask for true Mercy.
