Bethel Church senior leadership has issued a detailed public statement acknowledging past shortcomings in how the church handled concerns involving a former ministry affiliate, following renewed public discussion that has prompted grief, concern, and reflection across the Body of Christ.
In a letter released on January 25, Bill Johnson, Kris Vallotton, and Dann Farrelly addressed the church's historical association with prophetic minister Shawn Bolz and admitted that leadership failed to communicate clearly or promptly when serious concerns arose.
The controversy stems from allegations that Bolz engaged in unethical prophetic practices and inappropriate conduct toward women-claims that later investigations and public reporting substantiated. While Bethel Church was not accused of perpetrating abuse, critics argued that the church continued to platform Bolz after concerns were raised internally and did not sufficiently inform its global community when his involvement was ended.
In their statement, Bethel leadership acknowledged that although steps were taken behind the scenes-including confronting Bolz and removing him from church platforms-the lack of transparent public communication caused confusion, mistrust, and pain.
"We did not tell the truth enough, early enough, long enough, or loud enough," the leaders wrote, describing the moment as one requiring repentance rather than defensiveness.
The letter makes a clear distinction between individual wrongdoing and institutional responsibility. While leadership emphasized that Bolz alone is accountable for his actions, they also affirmed that Bethel bears responsibility for how it responded once those actions became known.
The statement outlines several corrective measures now being implemented, including:
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Enhanced oversight of leaders and guest ministers
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A third-party Safe Church reporting process for abuse and misconduct
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Expanded pastoral care and support for those who have been harmed
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Ongoing review of how prophetic ministry is practiced, supervised, and corrected
Leadership described this response as the beginning of a longer journey toward greater accountability and healing, rather than a final resolution.
"This is not the end of a conversation, but the start of doing better," the letter states, inviting continued dialogue and prayer as the church works to rebuild trust.
Bethel Church concluded by calling the wider Christian community to humility, discernment, and unity, acknowledging that moments like these expose the vulnerabilities inherent in spiritual leadership and the necessity of truth, transparency, and repentance.
The full leadership letter and Sunday service response are available through Bethel Church's official channels.
