The Lakeland, Florida revival led by Todd Bentley in 2008 sparked much controversy within the Christian community. Supporters claimed it was a genuine move of God marked by signs, wonders, and miracles. Critics argued it went against Scripture by emphasizing experience over sound doctrine. So was Lakeland a true biblical revival? To answer this, we must examine the leadership, teachings, and fruit of the Lakeland Outpouring according to the standards of God’s Word.
Background on Todd Bentley and the Lakeland Revival
Todd Bentley founded Fresh Fire Ministries in British Columbia in 1998. He held revivals marked by unorthodox ministry practices like shouting “Bam!” while healing people and kicking, punching, or knocking them over during prayer. In April 2008, Bentley led a series of revival meetings in Lakeland, Florida which drew thousands nightly. Attendees reported miraculous healings, visions, and uncontrollable shaking or laughing. The mainstream media took notice, airing footage of the chaotic services. Over 100,000 people from around the world attended over the next few months.
Notable Christian leaders endorsed Lakeland, including Bill Johnson, Che Ahn, Rick Joyner, and Benny Hinn. But it ended abruptly in August 2008 when Bentley separated from his wife and resigned, admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member. Fresh Fire Ministries was disbanded shortly after.
Concerns Over Leadership
The first issue with Lakeland was the questionable character and conduct of its leader, Todd Bentley. Scripture lays out clear standards for those in spiritual leadership. 1 Timothy 3:2-7 says overseers must be above reproach, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, gentle, not quarrelsome or greedy. Titus 1:6-9 adds leaders must be disciplined, upright, holy, and hold firmly to sound doctrine. Unfortunately, Bentley violated these requirements.
Prior to Lakeland, Bentley had a troubled past including drug addiction, criminal activity, and sexual immorality. In 2003, he separated from his first wife with whom he had two children. He lacked formal theological training and accountability structures. He was known for flamboyant and arrogant behavior on stage. And ultimately he failed morally when his adultery ended the revival.
The Bible warns repeatedly against following impure, greedy, or deceitful leaders who lack self-control (2 Peter 2, Jude 1:8-13). While we should extend grace, Scripture disqualifies those like Bentley from positions of spiritual authority until they have demonstrated repentance and spiritual maturity over time (1 Timothy 3:6).
Unbiblical Teachings and Practices
In addition to concerns over Bentley, Lakeland itself promoted unbiblical teachings and practices.
Overemphasis on experience: Lakeland meetings focused on seeking ecstatic spiritual experiences like visions, angelic visitations, uncontrollable laughing or shaking, being “drunk in the spirit,” and mystical encounters. But Scripture calls us to test all things by God’s Word, not emotions or supernatural signs (1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11). We are to walk by faith in what Scripture teaches, not seek after experiences (2 Cor 5:7).
Strange manifestations: Lakeland participants exhibited odd behaviors like jerking, twitching, stumbling, and making animal noises. But the Bible encourages order, self-control, and sound thinking in church gatherings – not chaos or confusion (1 Cor 14:33, 40). God’s Spirit brings self-control, not loss of control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Excessive emphasis on angels and the supernatural: Lakeland fixated on angels, dreams, and out-of-body experiences. But Scripture warns against false teachers who promote the worship of angels and idle notions (Col 2:18). Our faith rests on God’s written Word, not subjective revelations (2 Peter 1:16-21).
Unbiblical healing practices: Bentley was known for odd techniques like kicking or punching people to “impart” healing. But Scripture does not instruct or authorize such methods. We have God’s promise to heal in accordance with His will when we pray in faith – not through gimmicks (1 John 5:14-15).
Lack of discernment and accountability: Lakeland leaders failed to exercise spiritual discernment or submit to accountability regarding Bentley’s teachings and behavior. But Scripture commands us to be discerning and test all things against God’s Word (1 Thess 5:21, Acts 17:11). Leaders are to submit to accountability and wise counsel (Prov 11:14).
While God can use imperfect people, Lakeland went beyond biblical parameters. Its leaders promoted subjective experience over Scripture, “signs and wonders” over testing things carefully, and reckless behavior over self-control and accountability. This does not align with revival as described in Scripture.
The Fruit of Lakeland
Jesus said we will recognize false prophets by their fruit (Matt 7:15-20). We can evaluate Lakeland’s fruit in Bentley’s personal life as well as its impact on the church.
Bentley’s moral failure: Leaders should exemplify Christlike character (1 Tim 3:2-7). But under the limelight, Bentley fell into sexual sin and left his wife – exposing serious underlying flaws. His lack of spiritual maturity disqualified him from leadership, confirming Lakeland was built on a weak foundation.
Division and confusion in the church: Lakeland created controversy, confusion, and division among believers. But true revivals marked by God’s Spirit result in repentance, unity, and gospel-centered faith – not chaos (1 Cor 14:33). Lakeland failed to align with the good fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Elevation of experience over Scripture: Lakeland trained people to pursue mystical experiences while ignoring biblical truth. But those who loved and followed God’s Word were turned off by its unbiblical practices. This caused further confusion and division in the body of Christ.
Lack of true repentance: Scripture shows revivals led people to conviction, repentance, and a passionate desire to honor God above all else. But at Lakeland, hype over “signs and wonders” seemed to eclipse humble repentance. There are few reports of genuine life transformation.
Evaluating Lakeland by the Book of Acts
We can also compare Lakeland to true revivals in the book of Acts. Acts 2 describes the Holy Spirit moving powerfully at Pentecost. Miraculous signs did occur, but the focus was proclaiming the gospel clearly. People repented and 3,000 were added to the church in one day (Acts 2:38-41). In Acts 8, miracles confirmed the gospel in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8). But true repentance and joy came when Peter and John arrived to pray and preach the word of God (Acts 8:14-25). Throughout Acts, God moved powerfully when His Word was proclaimed – resulting in repentance, discipleship, and true conversion.
Lakeland, in contrast, focused more on miracles than repentance and obedience to Scripture. Its leadership allowed dramatic experiences to overshadow God’s Word rather thanCONFIRMING the gospel. Signs can never replace or contradict the Bible’s clear message. Lakeland failed to align with the standard of revival set in Acts.
Guidelines for Discerning True Revivals
How then can we assess whether a modern-day revival movement like Lakeland is authentic? Here are some helpful questions to discern based on Scripture:
- Does it exalt God’s Word over emotional experiences or mystical encounters?
- Are leaders above reproach and submitting to accountability?
- Does it align with Scripture or promote unbiblical teachings/practices?
- Does it point people to Jesus and salvation through repentance and faith?
- Is there good spiritual fruit in people’s lives over time – obedience, repentance, love for God, and love for others?
Lakeland promoted experience over Scripture, failed the leadership test, and stirred confusion rather than lasting fruit. When examined closely through a biblical lens, it falls short.
Conclusion – Testing Revival Claims by Scripture
The Lakeland revival led by Todd Bentley claimed to be an extraordinary outpouring of God’s Spirit. But when evaluated by the standards of Scripture, it promoted unbiblical teachings and practices that led to confusion, division, and moral failure. True revival as described in Scripture anchors us to God’s Word, sober discernment, and the fruit of repentance and obedience. Lakeland failed these biblical tests. While we pray for genuine awakenings, we must “test all things” and carefully examine every revival claim by the light of Scripture (1 Thess 5:21). God’s Word is our plumb line for measuring truth and authentic spiritual outpourings.