In light of the statements made yesterday by Bethel leadership, I’m drawn to 2 Corinthians 7 where Paul talks about godly repentance. Some are suggesting that Bethel’s statements were made too late and for purely selfish gain. But Paul gives us a template by which we can assess any true repentance. He describes exactly what godly repentance should look like, how it often comes, and then clearly states it’s motivation and purpose.
HOW IT COMES
Paul had already written a rebuke to the Corinthian church because of some serious sexual sins in the church. His harsh rebuke produced a godly grief in them: “For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it…for I see that that letter grieved you…I rejoice…because YOU WERE GRIEVED INTO REPENTING.” (2 Cor 7:8-9 ESV)
Some are citing the (only) reason for Bethel’s statements was because of all the public pressure. And yet, that’s the whole purpose. This is what (godly) confrontation does. It causes grief unto repentance. It stirs the soul and causes one to wake up to the realities of their sins. Thus, we shouldn’t be surprised that Bethel – or anyone else – will acknowledge their sins when rightly confronted (regardless of how long it took). Righteous exposure of sin tests the heart to see if there is any conscience at work that is willing to confess failures. A hardened heart will never respond to any kind of pressure (Shawn B). A teachable heart will (Prov 12:1).
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Paul then lists the characteristics of godly repentance: “…what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done…” (2 Cor 7:11 NIV) True repentance does not sidestep the issues, downplay the failure, or defer fault. It takes ownership and responsibility for wrongdoings and any failures before God. It acknowledges harm done to others and commits to change. Worldly sorrow is the opposite. It will deflect, speak in vague generalities, minimize the issues, and shift blame.
What I and many others witnessed in yesterdays statement was godly repentance. Yes, it must be tested by its fruit. But the grief expressed by all three leaders was authentic, genuine, and it demonstrated their readiness to do the right thing. But here is where some are still criticizing their statements. Are they merely trying to save their reputations? Are they doing it to calm the agitators? Protect a ministry? Perhaps. But Paul speaks to this as well…
WHO IS REPENTANCE FOR
Paul states that the ultimate goal of repentance “…was neither on account of the one who did the wrong, nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.” (2 Cor 7:12 NIV) Godly repentance is FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST and His Body. Paul wanted them to step away from taking sides to seeking the testimony of Jesus. Ultimately, godly repentance is not to prove someone innocent or vindicate the victim. It’s about the testimony of Jesus. It’s about doing the right thing, regardless of who benefits. Because ultimately repentance is unto the Lord, not unto men.
Godly repentance takes time to “prove.” And the longer those sins and failures have been in operation, the longer it may be to see the lasting effects. But when expressed from a sincere heart, the fruit will come. But even in the waiting and watching, I side with Paul when he responded to the godly repentance expressed: “By all this we are all encouraged.”
Lastly, there have been two primary areas of concern. One has been the cover-up of gross leadership failures. But the other concerns doctrine – specifically related to spiritual gifts and experiences. Both are volatile. For now, I believe God’s priority is to address the deeper character issues in leadership. Perhaps when we get some better footing in settling the condition of our hearts, we can address the veracity of our beliefs. (Facebook, January 26, 2026)
10 Responses
I also found Bethel’s response to be encouraging and touching, as a model of acknowledging failure and taking accountability. The message the previous week was gaslighting and distressing, and I believe that Kris’s subsequent encounter with the lord was genuine, leading to the change in course.
I would indeed like to see the broader church demonstrating less willingness to sweep the sins of the leaders under the carpet. This doesn’t mean that I expect them to be perfect, as none of us are, but it means that the era of a conspiracy of protection has to end.
I’m interested in hearing more about your last point, stressing the need for character. It’s possible that you have already responded to this in your next post.
I too am thankful for the move by Bill Johnson to acknowledge failure in ministry. I for one never lost my faith in his ministry in spite of this failure and recovery I believe will be stronger. I have had to dismiss a lot of negative words about Bill Johnson in the past. I’ve learned too much about Jesus through him to deny it’s fruit. People who cannot or will not allow the significance of this repentance as a marker in Church history will not receive the fruit of it as it pours out on the church in the days ahead that we are moving into.
Thank you, Wanda. I appreciate how you’ve approached this heartbreaking issue.
With love, honor, and respect for you and Bobby always.
Thank you, Nancy! I miss those old prayer calls:-). Blessings!
I agree with you Wanda and have followed you and Bethel for many many years 😄
Thank you Wanda. Appreciate your response; I continue to pray for The Body of Christ.
Thank you. I too felt Bethel’s response was sincere and I agree, this will be revealed in the fruit. I am thankful for the steps they have taken.
Lord, please bring healing to the abused, wounded and defiled.
I agree that we should be encouraged for sure by the leaders of Bethel’s second response to the Mike Winger exposure of Shawn Bolz. I also agree that the sexual sin and false prophesies should be addressed first and foremost. However, I believe that these behaviours were allowed because of wrong doctrine. So, investigating wrong doctrine should be addressed quickly on the heels of the exposure of sin by Shawn Bolz.
Wanda. Thank you for standing in the gap in the Lord for the Body of Christ and for the sake of the true gospel! There is much that could be said regarding all that is going on, but I find that Holy Spirit is prompting me to pray for you, as you hold up the righteousness that He has imputed to us. So many have been praying for the Lord to clean up His church, and return the Fear of the Lord to His Body. As many others I experienced the good of the past decades and was impacted greatly for good. However; I have watch the decline of the church spiritually over the last many years. How quickly we get away from the centrality of His word. I believe the fruit will be good as all leaders and the church return in humility for Him to align us with His heart.
Blessings, and may His grace, healing, peace, rest be yours!
Cheryl
I would highly recommend you listen to the attorney, I believe her name is Vanessa Johnson. She’s worked with victims of SA and has very strong criticism of several prominent people in the prophetic community like Rick Joyner, Patricia King and Bethel leaders Chris Valotten …