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Evangelist Can't Heal Marriage

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By MICHELLE BEARDEN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 17, 2008

For months, he drew thousands of people to Lakeland for a religious revival that got international attention.

Sick and disabled believers came and claimed to be healed and restored by the touch of Todd Bentley, a tattooed, body-pierced, former drug-abusing evangelist from British Columbia who led supercharged services.

Last week, a notice on Bentley's Fresh Fire Ministries Web site dropped a bombshell. The preacher and his wife, Shonnah, had separated, blaming the pressures brought on by the "fatigue and stress" of the long-running revival.

Now the board of directors has released another revelation that gives more insight into the marital woes: Bentley has entered into "an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level" with a female member of his staff.

"In light of this new information and in consultation with his leaders and advisors, Todd Bentley has agreed to step down from his position on the Board of Directors and to refrain from all public ministry for a season to receive counsel in his personal life," the statement said.

Attempts to reach Bentley or a Fresh Fire spokesperson were not successful.

According to the statement, Bentley founded Fresh Fire in May 1998 with this goal: "To see the world come to know Jesus."

The board's statement refers to that outreach effort, claiming "there have been dozens of associate ministries, scores of interns and hundreds of graduates" from the ministry's Supernatural Training Center.

Bentley, 32, came to Lakeland on April 2 at the invitation of Stephen Strader, pastor of Ignited Church, for what was supposed to be a five-day stint.

But as the crowds grew to the thousands, the two men decided to extend his stay. Services were moved into a larger Auburndale church, then to The Lakeland Center and, finally, to Joker Marchant Stadium, where the Detroit Tigers play spring training baseball.

No one was answering the phone at Ignited Fire regarding Bentley's early departure. He was supposed to continue leading services through next week.

The board's statement noted the ministry also will continue with its planned African crusade, which involves building homes for orphans in a "Jesus Village" in Kampala, Uganda.

"It is true we are deeply saddened by these recent events, but it hasn't shaken our faith in either God or His goodness towards us," the statement said.

Reporter Michelle Bearden can be reached at (813) 259-7613 or mbearden@tampatrib.com.

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