Redding'S Bethel Church Faces Backlash Over Pastor Shawn Bolz Misconduct Allegations

Bethel Church Issues Public Apology

Sunny Redding isn't just known for its breathtaking landscapes and laid-back vibes; it's also home to Bethel Church, a powerhouse in the charismatic Christian scene. This week, the megachurch publicly apologized for dropping the ball on serious allegations concerning one of its widely recognized ministers, Shawn Bolz. The allegations? Sexual misconduct and crafting fake prophetic messages using good old social media snooping.

In a rare, deeply candid open letter released on January 25, Bethel's senior leaders admitted to being aware of these claims back in 2019. Yet, they kept mum until a video detailing the accusations went viral. "We have hurt and scared people because we did not tell the truth enough, early enough, long enough, or loud enough, and this is a just criticism," the leaders confessed.

“Our hearts are grieved and embarrassed,” Bethel leaders reflected in their letter, echoing the outcry from within their own congregation.

The delayed response didn't sit well with many, especially after a six-hour exposé by Christian YouTuber Mike Winger reignited interest in the scandal. The church is now facing scrutiny over its handling of the situation and its transparency.

Shawn Bolz's Controversial Rise and Fall

Shawn Bolz isn't a name that just echoes through Southern California; his influence stretches across the globe. Known for his charismatic "words of knowledge," Bolz combined personal details – allegedly gleaned from online research – with spiritual teachings. This mix catapulted him to fame, making him a favorite at conferences and on Christian networks.

But now, his reputation is under fire. Accusations have surfaced, pointing to nonconsensual sexual behavior, including indecent exposure and self-exposure acts in front of staff. There's also chatter about prophetic deception – crafting insights about congregants using Facebook or similar platforms. The consequences of these so-called prophecies were significant, with one woman reportedly marrying an abusive partner based on Bolz's "guidance."

Although no official complaints or court records have been found against Bolz, Bethel Church's decision to cease its association with him since 2019 speaks volumes.

Bethel's Path to Rebuilding Trust

Bethel Church, with its sprawling influence in Redding and beyond, isn't just brushing this under the carpet. They've launched an initiative, Safe Church, promoting a system of accountability. This fresh approach allows parishioners to confidentially report any misconduct by church leaders or volunteers, with promises of third-party investigations.

The church, known for its impactful presence through the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry and various community engagements, is aiming to regain trust. By acknowledging past mistakes and setting corrective measures, Bethel hopes to move forward.

In the face of these revelations, the church is on a mission to ensure transparency and protect its community, striving to prevent history from repeating itself. "We should have told our church and wider community in 2020," Bethel admits. "We did not. That was wrong."