Dr. Michael Brown – a gatekeeper for heretics?

By churchwatcher on September 5, 2019

Several articles, on the official statement concerning allegations against Todd Bentley, have come into the public domain addressing Dr. Michael Brown and his latest role as ‘gatekeeper for heretics’. The commentaries from discerning Christians within each article/link are biblically on point:

“Hopefully we may have a statement on the New Apostolic Reformation – a deceptive movement that does not represent the true church, a movement you seem to believe does not exist. This is the movement that commissioned Todd, gave him a platform, “restored” him again, exalted him, and promoted him – as recently as 2018 Bill Johnson was promoting his meetings. For a movement that claims to have direct revelation from God, see angels, take trips to heaven, receive words of knowledge, declare and decree the future into existence, receive prophetic words that shape nations, live under an open heaven, shift atmospheres… etc etc it’s incredulous that the leaders and “prophets” of this movement could not discern an alleged predator in their midst. Keep in mind, Bentley was never qualified for ministry in the first place. You may deal with Bentley’s moral failure in this investigation, but will you deal with the leaders who enabled him, and the false doctrines propagated by this movement that is deceiving millions?” (Link 1)

“BREAKING: Brown is the go-to guy for NAR damage control. His job is to put Bentley out to pasture while absolving Rick Joyner and all other NAR Apostles from being complicit in his sins.” (Link 2)

“So what are Michael Brown and his “task force” going to find in this investigation? Well, the reality is that it’s just par for the course for a man like Bentley. Likely, they will find him guilty of sexual misconduct and recommend him to be removed from ministry. But not because of his repeated blasphemy against God and lack of holiness, but because he makes charismatics look bad.” (Link 3)

“The problem is the same problem Dr. Brown always has. He conflates voracious wolves with his brethren. It is why he is now reduced to being a political hack and a gatekeeper for heretics. The plague that has run rampant through the church is false teaching and those who enable it; not those willing to expose it as the bible commands.” (Link 4)

Dr. Michael Brown’s Official Statement Concerning Allegations Against Todd Bentley.

“Dear friends in the Body of Christ,

Last month, a long list of serious charges against evangelist Todd Bentley was posted online, leading to a firestorm of controversy and confusion. In turn, this has unleashed a wave of gossip, slander, and innuendo against others in the family of God. Along with this, many are asking the question: Is there any accountability in the Church?

In response to this, I have been tasked by a number of senior leaders in the Body to assemble a group of trusted and respected men of God who will review the charges against Todd and make a determination, in accordance with 1 Corinthians 6. While we do not have judicial authority over Todd’s ministry, we do have the support of a wide range of leaders in the Body, who will be stating in advance that they will back the decision of the panel. It is our hope that this will set an example of a righteous way to handle disputes and accusations such as these for others in the Church, especially in non-denominational circles where it is often more difficult to establish patterns of accountability.

We will be working with an investigator who will help us vet ALL charges. The panel of leaders will then review the evidence and make a determination of guilt or innocence in accordance with the facts presented. Based on that determination, conclusions will be made in terms of how the charges against Todd have been handled, whether he should be in ministry, and whether others are guilty of falsely accusing him or misrepresenting the facts.

While we are deeply grieved that this has become a public spectacle being played out online for the entire world to see, we believe that God will use all this for His glory and the good of His people. The reputation of Jesus before the Church and the world is at stake, and it is imperative that we follow a godly, biblical process in order to set things right.

It is out of jealousy for the Lord’s honor and the health of the Body that I urge every leader who has posted videos or blogs – etc., etc. – about Todd’s situation, either accusing him or defending him or simply airing an opinion, to remove all such material while we give ourselves to this process. Right now, gossip and slander and accusation are flying in every direction, defiling many. In the fear of the Lord, I appeal to my colleagues in Jesus to be circumspect and prayerful, not giving room to the adversary of our souls.

While it is wrong and ungodly to sweep things under the rug, it is also wrong and ungodly to turn serious accusations into an internet show. Following God’s order will result in compassionate and righteous outcomes rather than chaos, pain, and confusion.

Please pray for the leaders who will be involved in this sacred process, as well as for God’s best for Todd Bentley and those against whom he allegedly sinned. (We will be releasing the names of the leaders involved in this procedure shortly.)

May the Lord’s will be done, for His glory and for our good, and may healing, righteousness, and honor be restored to His Church.

(We appreciate the many words of affirmation and prayer, but due to a flood of comments raising accusations, passing judgments, and spreading misinformation, we are deleting ALL comments in this thread, since this is the very thing we are seeking to avoid. EVERYTHING will be brought to light, but following a biblical process of order.)” Dr. Michael Brown (Link)

‘A picture paint a thousand words’ – telling a story as effectively as a large amount of descriptive text:

Ignorance is not an option, when Michael Brown, ‘in violation of clear biblical instruction not to do so (Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Titus 1:9), fellowships with false teachers he gives them a level of credibility that they do not deserve, enlarges their following, and exposes even more unsuspecting and undiscerning people to these wolves.’ (Link)

Todd Bentley, Bill Johnson and Rick Joyner #birdsofafeather.

Rick Joyner and Michael Brown #birdsofafeather.

Rick Joyner and Todd Bentley #birdsofafeather.

#birdsofafeather

Another result of the intense scrutiny on Dr. Michael Brown’s decision to enter the fray, are a series of emails between Dr. Brown and J.D. Hall from Pulpit & Pen – these emails were granted permission to be made public by Dr. Brown himself. Emails transcribed here:

Dr. Brown writes:

“Dear J.D. Just a quick note to inform you that your latest article (re my involvement in gathering leaders to evaluate Todd Bentley) is filled with misinformation and lies. I write this to you before God, who knows all. Dr. Brown (feel free to quote this publicly, unedited and in full.)”

JD Hall responds:

“Dear Dr. Brown. I am reading your email on my program right now. If you are going to accuse me of lies and misinformation, it would behoove to claim exactly and specifically what those are. Or, if you do not, not only am I unable to determine whether or not your accusation is untrue, it would be irresponsible to make a decision regarding it. Feel free to be more specific. Thanks! Your sneaky squid friend, JD. Grace & Peace.”

Dr. Brown writes:

“Dear JD, First, you have no idea who tasked me with leading this, hence your NAR statement is out of thin air (and false). Second, I have been on record as rejecting Todd’s ministry since 2008 – and I state that in the very article of which you accuse me of coming against his accusers! Third, from day one, my whole stance has been that everything must come to the light and be dealt with clearly and decisively, but notify my posting accusations online. Rather, it is by having leaders hear the accusers, vet the charges, and make a righteous judgment. You completely and entirely misrepresented me to your audience (and there’s more, but I have no time to write further.) Feel free to read this as well. Thanks, Dr. Brown. – I could also note in your previous article, where I publicly corrected a serious error in a post on the Bethel FB page, you accuse me of supporting heretical theology. If I genuinely thought you were pursuing truth, I would reach out to you, but that has not been the case. That being said, I would love to see you and your team differently, despite our deep theological differences. At least be accurate in what you’re critiquing!”

JD Hall responds:

“Perhaps you do not recall some things. Let me remind you. When we accused Hillsong of having gay choir directors, you said we were slandering them and it wasn’t true. When it turned out we were right, you did not correct yourself. When we accused Bethel associates of using Tarot cards you defended them and said we were slandering them. It turns out, they were using Tarot Cards, and far worse, and you did not correct yourself. When we accused Bethel Church of grave-sucking, you defended them from the accusations. When evidence arose that showed they were engaging in the practice (at high levels at Bethel) you did not correct yourself. When we accused Hillsong’s Carl Lentz of making pro-abortion comments on Oprah (there’s video), you defended him and said we misunderstood. Even though he has since demonstrated that position repeatedly, you have not corrected yourself. When Hillsong produced its “Sleazy Nights” program, you attacked discernment ministries and defended them. Even though they have since turned every Christmas program into a lascivious sensuality show, you have yet to correct yourself. I have no other option, given the history presented, but to believe you work for the devil. If there was such a thing as a “Jezebel Spirit” (and there is not), I presume you are betrothed to her.”

Link to original emails can be accessed here.

Link to live-streaming of email exchange between Dr. Brown and JD Hall can be accessed here at ‘Bible Thumping Wingnut Network’ podcast – discussion starts at 45 min. mark.

All the links above point to a pattern of obfuscation – the confusing and ambiguous language that Dr. Brown has indulged in for many years.

Much of this has been covered here at CWC, whether it be Michael Brown, Rick Joyner or Bill Johnson – these men are complicit in the ‘birth’ of such a man as Todd Bentley. As a discerning believer noted when commenting on Dr. Brown’s decision to give his ‘apostolic oversight’ to the Todd Bentley debacle:

“He (Dr. Michael Brown) is so deceitful – he has been tasked by leaders of a cult that doesn’t exist and that he isn’t a part of, to address the sins of a man that isn’t even in the movement that doesn’t exist and that he isn’t even a part of. Why would NAR leaders ask Dr Brown to do anything if they aren’t part of the NAR and he isn’t in it?”