Bethel Redding’s Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM), is ground zero for some of the most outrageous, blasphemous spiritual activities in the world today. Things like this, and this, and this.
I came across this video today. In the video, a young lady named Gabrielle Senter is apparently speaking before her church, and shares the testimony of her first year experience at BSSM.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9QdFsBlyfw]
Gabrielle certainly seems sincere. And I have no reason to doubt she believes and means everything she says in the video. I do not know whether or not Gabrielle is born-again. I only know as much as you do about her, which is to say what I know is limited to the video you just watched.
What struck me and saddened me about Gabrielle’s testimony is how attending BSSM “shattered her plans”–not that her plans were of the Lord (consistent with his will). I simply do not know. Gabrielle had plans to serve as a missionary in “dirty places.” Only the Lord knows if her plans actually included missionary work–proclaiming the gospel to lost people.
Taking Gabrielle at her word, the desire to serve the Lord as a missionary seems biblical enough. And what did BSSM do for her? BSSM took her focus off of engaging in missionary work and replaced it with Bethel’s idea of being in the presence of God.
So, instead of denying herself, taking up her cross, and following Christ, BSSM has taught Gabrielle how to engage in subjective, spiritual practices that, lo and behold, tell her showing God’s love to people is sending a postcard, buying a stranger coffee, or giving someone a hug. Gabrielle believes this is “stopping and listening to the Father’s heart for the person who is in front of you at the moment.”
Postcards. Coffee. Hugs. And no gospel. No missionary work.
Gabrielle’s sincere encouragement to her church family: Ask yourself, “What does look like today?” In other words, “just love people as the Lord leads,” assuming what people like Gabrielle subjectively determines in her heart and mind is, in fact, the Lord’s leading, the Spirit’s leading.
The true work of the Holy Spirit’s in the life of the Christian, particularly as it pertains to the Christian’s interaction with lost people, is not a gospel-less work. It is not a conviction-less work. It is not a powerless work that does little more than make the lost person feel good, in the moment, while the well-intended Christian assures the lost person that Jesus loves them, without communicating the law and the gospel to them.
Sadly, if Gabrielle and other students at BSSM stop at postcards, coffee, and hugs, if they stop at positive strokes and meeting the perceived physical needs of lost people, all they will accomplish is making lost people more comfortable on their way to hell. How is that love? How is that the love of the Father, drawn from a real sense of being in the Father’s presence? How is that the love of Jesus? How is that a manifestation of the loving work of the Holy Spirit?
Recently, I preached a message titled The Work of the Holy Spirit, at the Good News Rescue Mission, in Redding, CA. I hope you will give it a listen. I believe you will see that the Bible’s definitions of the works of the Holy Spirit are different from that of Bethel Redding and BSSM.
BSSM is indeed a place of shattered plans. Sadly, it appears that some of those shattered plans might be godly ones, which are replaced by ungodly ones. Yet God remains sovereign. There is nothing Bethel Redding or BSSM can do to thwart the sovereign will of God in anyone’s life, including Gabrielle’s.
I just hope and pray God’s sovereign will for Gabrielle’s life is for the Holy Spirit to bring her to her senses and remove her from the influence of BSSM. And, if she is not saved, I hope and pray the Holy Spirit will convict her of sin, righteousness, and judgment (see John 16:8-11), and cause her to be born-again. Will you join me in praying for Gabrielle to that end?
B says
Typed in Beth Redding church Cult or California Cult. Saw comment where someone said: Bethel, Bill Johnson and Mike Bickle and those would be ‘one polluted river, to the tune of all these ministries and their streams would be one polluted river and I agree. Someone fasted their fourth month old to death at Bickle’s and Bethany Deaton would be brutally murdered, her dad was such a sorry excuse for Christian on 48 Hours. How many more have to die at any of these churches. At Bickle’s the Town is having Town Meetings over this cult and all the Young People, do that research. Read over 120 Hours. Not to mention made Rolling Stomes. Stupid Charisma Magazine did a pro article on IHoPrayer. By the way was in a church Mother Church of Movement when they said “prayer was not important” and a lot of them died of cancer. Unholy Anointing by H.A. Lewis. Don’t care if post.
Adam Frimand says
What a sad situation in Reading, Ca. I will surely pray for the gracious God to call out his elect from their congregation.
Sarah says
It may not have been a calling specifically for her. Who are we to judge? No one.
I find it somewhat judgemental that you would post something that only judges this Womens walk with Christ and whether or not she is born again?
Christ will lay that upon her heart when the Lord lays it upon her, not because you judge and say.
I was seeking understanding of this school but sincerely this blog had no true facts to back up any of your accusations and does not shine Gods grace, or love to your readers. Simply just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Dom says
Why do you spend your time trying to tear down what someone else is doing? The lord said “why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”, if its for God isn’t it good?
Wherever you go there will be false teachers, teachers who water down the bible, who seek fame and fortune etc… this is why we have been instructed to be aware, to boldly go where we feel called to go, to test the spirits. God has not told us to tear down what is given to him. Isn’t it all his anyway if it is given to him? so he can tear it down if he wants to.
There will also be people who go to these places and not accept what God is telling them. They leave and only tell of bad experiences, they did not humble themselves to what God was trying to do.
It doesn’t matter whether you go to BSSM, Bethel or a Tax collectors house party, what matters is that you bring the presence and knowledge of God with you wherever you go. Always testing the spirits.
Martin Hunt says
I really hate this post and the spirit in which it is written. Not the people, they are truly ignorant although cannot be excused from responsibility. Running down other believers!! Is that all you’ve got to do with your life. Honestly, it’s disgusting!!! I’m lost for words. This is not the Spirit of Christ at all. You should be ashamed of yourself!! I can tell you the truth – I have been a follower of Jesus ( a Christian) for over 30 years. I have been amongst Christians from all sorts of denominations. There are so many beautiful people. Many times they do not agree on everything but love is the greatest. It unifies people. I will tell you, I have been at Bethel for 6 months. The teaching is amazing and there is a strong emphasis on the bible and the gospel!! Also, I have met some of the most radical, dedicated, selfless and humble people that I have ever encountered in my life! Please don’t criticise when you have no idea what you are saying. In fact, get on with living out the gospel of love. X
Tony Miano says
Martin: You’ve provided yet another example of the hypocrisy of telling people not to judge while judging them.
Steve Lincoln says
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Where judgement reigns there is death and impossibility. They will know we are Christians by our love. I am not experiencing a lot of love coming out of the author’s heart on this. Does this mean that he is not a Christian? No, it doesn’t. Just like God turning Gabrielle’s heart to something different due to her encounters at BSSM doesn’t mean that the teaching at BSSM is in error.
It says in God’s Word that we are to test the Spirit (of a thing) to see if it is from God. If people were to spend time in this community, they would know the Truth (and it shall set them free).
We will know that a tree is good by the fruit it produces. Do you have any idea how many people are moving to Redding because of Bethel church and its BSSM ministry? Hundreds. These are people simply seeking more in their relationship and understanding of Christ.
I had never lived outside of Michigan. At the end of August my wife and I moved to Redding based on our own encounters at Bethel church and with the people we met there the previous year.
Please take this entire post down. It is not becoming the Spirit of Christ in us.
Josh says
BSSM didn’t make her shatter her plans… obviously you took her speech out of context.. she didn’t say BSSM shattered her plans.. as I’m quoting her WORDS she says… God shattered her plans, which he will do that if he doesn’t want you to go somewhere…. also you realize JESUS had DINNER with people in the Bible and showed his FATHERS LOVE and still preached and shared the gospel. Sorry but this blog is a bunch of BS.. all the claims about Bethel being a cult or all BS… Bethel preaches the Gospel.. and actually just heard Bill Johnson on. Sermon today say if you aren’t saved and forgiven from sins then come forward and we want to invite you in and pray with you… sorry doesn’t seem like a cult to me. Hahahaha. You seem foolish.
Costi Hinn says
Tony,
Great post! My sister is caught up in this heretical movement and is currently paying tuition to become a “prophetess”. My other sister and her husband are front liners for Bethel’s theology, methods, and the music. It’s been hard to watch them spiral into this unbiblical chaos. If I even gently encourage them, I’m called judgmental, pharisee, etc… Lots of good blogs, books, and videos on the movement now too so anyone continuing on is truly blinded by these deceivers.
Keep speaking the truth brother! People don’t know the darkness that they’re messing with in Redding. Hopefully we’ll see many saved from it yet!
Costi Hinn
Tony Miano says
Costi,
Thank you for taking the time to read the article, and thank you for taking the time to encourage me.
Joshua says
Dear Tony,
I too appeal to you to remove this post. I am not affiliated with Bethel Church, and I live on the other side of the world… but no one could make the statements you have written here unless they either know next to nothing about Bethel or willfully ignore the vast majority of their teaching. Read their statement of faith. Read their definition of the gospel, their books, blogs, listen to their worship songs… it’s all about Jesus. It’s all about “on earth as it is in Heaven.” They recognize that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Simple knowledge of Mosaic Law and Jesus’ death and resurrection does not lead people to repentance… It is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. The gospel must be lived, not just spoken. And trust me, they do a lot of talking about the Gospel! They are very clear about heaven and hell, life and death.
But I digress. I had it on my heart to say: this post does not follow the biblical guidelines for dealing with disagreements, for criticizing brothers in Christ nor for denouncing what you consider to be either false teaching or a false emphasis. It does not reflect the love of God that pulled you and me out of darkness and into His marvelous light. It does not reflect His nature in dealing with His children when they are off track. People could use your wording here to accuse you of bitterness, arrogance, anger, divisiveness and spitefulness. As an influential person in the Body of Christ, you are called to be above reproach and be an example of God’s love and meekness in your words. I think it would be very wise to reconsider posting this online. Then speak with Bethel Church personally about perceived issues and if they persist, then present your differences and reasoning in an honorable manner that respects them as fellow human beings who love Jesus but have a different calling, a different vocabulary and a different role in the body than you. If you are the mouth, how can you accuse the hands of helping others instead of preaching to them?
Bless you brother! I respect your love for the gospel and your faithfulness to the Lord!
Tony Miano says
I stand by this post. Thank you.
elisabeth says
I was on a revival evening in Swizerland. This student came from Usa to pray with us and were lead by God. I hav since month problem with my lungs and a stude t told he will pray 4 poeple with that problem. So at the end i went to him and asked for prayer. I really hope i get released from that problem. And i wish to this student blessings and thT they impact others live!
Sarah C says
I thank you for this post!
G J says
Misunderstandings (intentional and otherwise), of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day, directly led to His death and the deaths of disciples (like Stephen).
Mary the mother of Jesus, based on outward appearances, according to the law, should been STONED TO DEATH in the doorway of her fathers house! (Duet 22:20-21 — she was pregnant and unmarried – pretty compelling proof for not being a virgin!) Without the kind of personal revelation, from God to us that you appear to doubt in your post, Joseph would have abandoned Mary and Jesus to this fate.
Tony Miano says
God does not give you or anyone else personal revelation today. Please find sufficiency in Christ and His Word.
Lidia Munoz says
This is so scary, my niece is scheduled to attend in August 2017. Her family has no idea the place she’ll be at, this sounds like a cult and a total scam.
Sallie Rogers says
My daughter is currently attending the 2 week Worship u workshop in Bethel and I have been and am deeply disturbed by ALL of the alarming information I am reading. My daughter is a young adult, still vulnerable and impressionable and I am so concerned she will get heavily influenced by their teachings (if you can call it that). I had concerns from the start but they have escalated since I began my research.. As she is now an adult I have no control over her decisions and even though my husband and I tried to voice our concerns she refused to listen. We have a loving relationship with her and obviouly dont want to jeopardize this. I feel she has her rose coloured glasses on and will only see the good ( which I believe is mixed in with the bad) . I want to believe there is goodness at Bethel but am fearful that it will affect her mentally if she is taken down another pathway. I myself do not attend church regularly but I do believe strongly in the Christian values and how you apply those principles to life. I am not sure that Bethel is applying those principles but teaching them there is a different way. We live in Australia so I cannot go and give my daughter a hug even though that is what I would like to do. I would appreciate any more feedback. Please understand that she is a wonderful daughter who shines very brightly wherever she goes.
Sarah C says
Thank you for your post. I have a dear friend who’s daughter is leaving to attend the BSSM school in a few days. I tried to persuade them to not let her go but they determined, even with their own reservations, to let her go. Praying for those young hearts to be protected.
Sophie says
“God does not give you or anyone else personal revelation today. ” Really, Tony??? Have you never heard God speak to you? He definitely gave me personal revelation when I was praying for my mother-in-law on the day of her surgery, and I heard very clearly “It’s too late … I’ve already taken her.” When I got home my husband was packing the car for our trip to go see his mother. My first thought was “Oh no, he doesn’t know yet.” (That’s how clearly I heard God.) About an hour later we got the call that his mother had died during surgery, about the time God revealed it to me. It has happened to me very few times, but I have definitely had personal revelations from God!
Am I misunderstanding your use of the term “personal revelation”?
Tony Miano says
I must believe the Word of God over your alleged experience. God has spoken through His Word. You have never heard Him speak to you. God has never given you any new revelations. His Word is sufficient.
Kristin says
Odd manifestations from Bethel:
Hi, I’m wonderg if you’ve come across anyone or heard anything about involuntary movements: neck jerking, odd body movements(like someone is pushing you forward from your back causing your stomach area to jolt forward) after a person has been participated in prayer, fire tunnels, opening themselves to receive “more of God,” at Bethel or any of the “revival affiliates?” I guess Bethel would call it Holy Spirit “manifestation.”
I was a student of Bethel’s “School of Supernatural Ministry,” back in 2009, had accepted their truth of Holy Spirit manifesting in odd ways & was “open” mentally to experiencing however Holy Spirit wanted to manifest in me or upon me.
My body had never moved in the way it started to after I “mentally” opened up to whatever Holy Spirit wanted to. I just let go & allowed “whatever” to happen & all of a sudden I started to bounce in my seat, even flail around on the floor, where 2 other students carried me out, it was like no big deal & I just needed to let Holy Spirit do what He wanted to. Neck jerks started to occur, & other odd body movements & they have continued since then. I can control it, but feel like I become tense versus relaxed. When I try to relax my body, these jerks start to occur.
Does this sound familiar to you?
I am no longer involved & do not follow anything from Bethel anymore.
Tony Miano says
Yes, it’s very familiar to me. These involuntary movements of which you speak are the results of either psychological manipulation and/or demonic activity, or both. None of these things are of or from the Holy Spirit.
Terry says
Thank you for this post. Would you be able to put me in touch with Christian parents whose adult children are involved with BSSM? My daughter is in her 3rd year.. it has been very troubling to watch. May the Lord open blind eyes and allow truth to prevail. Thank you.
Charles says
I have never been to BSSM. I have heard both good and bad things about it. But people say things all the time about a ministry, especially one that has received a lot of attention like Bethel. I am a missionary sent out from YWAM. And I have had a few friends that have gone to Bethel. I understand that a lot of you think their teaching is unbiblical. Because it honestly might be! I have heard a lot of weird things from that school. But that’s not the problem. The problem is that IF BSSM is teaching false things, than the students who enter in for the first year should recognize it. As parents and leaders its our job to teach our kids the scripture and how to make dicisions for themselves in this life. We necessarily don’t always have to “save” them especially if they are already adults which is what all BSSM students are.
-Charles from Norway
Maureen says
My daughter is finishing her second year at BSSM and I couldn’t be more proud of the young lady she is. She is born again, she is intelligent and just returned from a 10 day trip in Holland where they ministered to many people. She is changing lives, seeing people get healed, saved and blessed. I will say nothing bad about the article, everyone has their own experience. I do know she is a follower of Jesus and the Bible first. God Bless.
Katherine says
My daughter is also. caught up in BSSM and their wrong teaching. She is finishing her first year and wants to continue for 2 additional years. She refuses to listen to anything that I say about the validity and the misleading teachings of this church. Our relationship has suffered tremendously. Please pray for her and my family.
Tony Miano says
I do hope the Lord brings you to repentance for assisting in your daughter’s spiritual stumbling. I hope he will give you the wisdom and discernment to see that you are contributing to your daughter’s participation in a false church and a school that has led many people away from Jesus and to the idolatrous worship of a false caricature of the Holy Spirit.
Kammy pell says
I wonder Toby who give you authority to judge what you don’t know? You judge others by others statements and others prescriptions.: isn’t that called gossip? You don’t here from the Holy Spirit of have personal revelation of His word…then where do you get interruption from? Man? You have authority to say someone hasn’t personally heard from the Lord…where did you get that authority from? Just curious.? I Have have stood where you have stood and trust me if you are truly seeking God face he will humble you.!
Tony Miano says
“I wonder Toby…..”
My name is Tony.
“Who give you authority to judge what you don’t know?”
You erroneously assume I “don’t know.” As for my authority, see John 7:24; Ephesians 5:11-13; 2 Peter 2:1-22; 1 John 4:1.
“You judge others by others statements and others prescriptions.: isn’t that called gossip?”
Straw man. I do not judge others by the statements of others and others presecriptions (whatever that means). I have spent years researching the Bethel cult, its false teaching, and its demonic school of false supernatural ministry. No. I am not engaged in gossip.
“You don’t here from the Holy Spirit of have personal revelation of His word…then where do you get interruption from?”
No, I don’t. And neither do you. See 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 1:1-4.
How do I interpret the Word of God? I do so through careful study of the Scriptures, with the help of teachers who are faithful to the text of Scripture. Additionally, I allow the Word of God to speak for itself. This is called the Analogy of Faith–allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture.
“Man? You have authority to say someone hasn’t personally heard from the Lord…where did you get that authority from? Just curious.?”
The Word of God is clear that the Canon of Scripture is closed. No one today, including you, including the myriad false teachers and deceived people at Bethel Redding, are receiving new and direct revelation from God.
“Have have stood where you have stood and trust me if you are truly seeking God face he will humble you.!”
The above comment makes no sense, so I will not take time to answer.
May the Lord Jesus Christ open your eyes and ears to the false teaching of Bethel Redding and its subsidiaries. Bill Johnson and his ilk preach a false gospel, a false Jesus, and a false Holy Spirit.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Tony
Kammy Pell says
That was suspose to be perception not prescription….Why did you call me straw man?.. I just be careful that when You put yourself in the judgement set and start judging other people motives that you are not seeing things through your own ifilters. Remember that it says in
Matthew 7:1-5 – “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. For the way you judge others is how you will be judged — the measure with which you measure out will be used to measure to you. Why do you see the splinter in your brother’s eye but not notice the log in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ when you have the log in your own eye? You hypocrite! First, take the log out of your own eye; then you will see clearly, so that you can remove the splinter from your brother’s eye!
“Always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that sums up the teaching of the Torah and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12
James 4:11-12
Brothers, stop speaking against each other! Whoever speaks against a brother or judges a brother is speaking against Torah and judging Torah. And if you judge Torah , you are not a doer of what Torah says, but a judge. There is but one Giver of Torah; he is also the Judge, with the power to deliver and to destroy. Who do you think you are, judging your fellow human being?
Tony Miano says
I wasn’t calling you a straw man. A straw man is a logical fallacy.
And please, twist not Scripture lest you be like Satan.
Vera says
You are a vile, abrasive person with a haughty personality. Every response I have read confirms how rude you can be with such a self-righteous attitude. If anyone gave me a red flag of the Antichrist, it would be you based on your smug rhetoric. How do you intend to preach the word of God like this? Where is your compassion and grace? No, wait…let me bash those with different views… Pathetic!
Tony Miano says
Vera,
Your hatred for me is sad and revealing. God sees your hatred as murder (1 John 3:15), and every murderer will have their part in the lake of fire (Revelations 21:8).
Turn to Christ and live, Vera, while God has given you time.
You are in my prayers.
https://www.crossencountersmin.com/message
Tony
Katherine G. says
I have to agree with Sarah, I have spent the last several months researching Bethel and what they teach. I have attended the church on 4 separate occasions and attended 2 conferences where Bethel Minister and their Worship Leaders were part of the program. I have not found anything you claim to be true. I did however uncover the long-standing hateful relationship you have with certain people at Bethel. I pray that God will soften your heart and open you up to forgiveness. Your judgmental statement reflect terribly on Christianity and I pray that not one single soul be turned off by Christianity because of this hateful, judgemental and untruthful post. Please reconsider your path. Is your energy best spent of this or perhaps better spent on spreading love and grace.
Kathy Duncan says
May I be so bold as to say that the way you come across in this article is very offputting. If anything you have stirred me to research the real reason behind your hatefulness. You are very good at siting Bible verses. The problem is, you don’t say one single thing that Bethel is teaching that is wrong. You site no facts, I even re-read your pearl post and I have no idea what you claim they are doing that is so terrible. Instead you judge and appear angry. You are condescending, sarcastic and downright rude to anyone who disagrees with you. It is always Interesting to me when I read posts like this., they are all the same…baseless, angry and judgmental. If I had to guess I would say you are a disgruntled member, employee, competitor and most definitely somebody who is extremely jealous of what Bethel is doing. I Imagine it is entertaining for you to poke fun at people who make spelling errors or don’t know the language as well as you do, I pray that when God decides to humble you, you will repent and see just how ugly you are being to fellow children of God. True Christians know that we battle not with flesh and blood and there are some serious demons Influencing you. May God help you with this, It has to be miserable to live with such hate in your heart. Patiently awaiting your grammar and spelling corrections. Kathy
Bonnie Carter says
I am a doctoral student in education through Liberty University. I am surprised by the dearth of so called Christian words within what was shared. I have attended Bethel Church for five years, (with a juncture of 16 months in Scotland for my master’s degree at the Divinity College, University of Edinburgh) and have witnessed beautiful and sustained missionary work, dozens of missionaries working in the world, and formative growth in my own personal life, and the life of my family. After a horrendous car accident, my church surrounded, many of who I did not know, and were integral in my healing through prayer and acts of kindnesses.
We are all a part of humanity, created in the image of God. Tearing down the church, as a group of Believing Christians, does not promote the harmony exemplifies who Jesus is and His work in this world. I know that in every church body there are issues, but to pick out one thing out of a multitude of good, and spiritually enhancing ministries does not promote what Jesus teaches. Everyone has an opinion and is welcome to express themselves, that is the beauty of free will. When it is used to downgrade others without knowing the full intention, that brings a blight on the Church, is reductive to God’s love, and creates a foothold for the enemy to enter into the carnal realms of fear and doubt.