Todd Bentley, an atypical evangelist who drew thousands to a series of summer revivals in Lakeland, plans to divorce his wife amid revelations that he is romantically involved with the nanny of his children, according to his ministry. ...more

December 3, 2008

TAMPA Todd Bentley, the former drug-abusing evangelist who drew thousands to a series of summer revivals in Lakeland, plans on divorcing his wife amid revelations that he is romantically involved with the nanny of his children, according to his ministry. Rumors of an extramarital affair surfaced near the end of the 15-week revival, and, in August, Bentley resigned from the board of directors of Fresh Fire Ministries. He plans to move to South Carolina, where he will undergo counseling by fellow ministers who are focusing on his "restoration," according to a statement posted on the ministry's Web site last week. ...more

December 2, 2008

A seven-day revival involving 49 St. Petersburg churches started Sunday night with songs, sermons and a mission to "deal with the ills of society" and to "reach out to the lost," according to pastors. "The energy is very high," said Louis Murphy, pastor of Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. "People are very excited about the revival coming to St. Petersburg." ...more

September 7, 2008

They came to praise the Lord and say goodbye to a dear friend. Bell Shoals Baptist Church's 3,450-seat sanctuary was crammed full as members and friends joined in an emotional celebration of the life of Simeon Nix, the congregation's minister of music and worship. ...more

August 27, 2008

Forty-nine pastors gathered Sunday night for a prayer service that they say will spread awareness and prepare their congregations and residents for one of the largest revivals in the city's history. "It's a historic moment," said the Rev. Joe Vankoevering, the pastor of Gateway Christian Church. "In my 40 years in this city, I haven't seen this before." ...more

August 24, 2008

Todd Bentley, the pierced, tattooed, T-shirted evangelist who has drawn thousands of people and brought international attention to revivals in Lakeland, will end his stint this weekend. ...more

August 13, 2008

Todd Bentley, the pierced, tattooed, T-shirted evangelist who has drawn thousands of people and brought international attention to revivals in Lakeland, will end his stint this weekend in Lakeland. ...more

August 12, 2008

EDITOR'S NOTE: This an occasional series spotlighting local clergy members. This week's column features the Rev. Hellen Raburn, pastor of First Assembly of God of Sydney, 14095 ...more

December 29, 2007