This has been the first time that I have lost sleep regarding the teachings of an alleged follower of Christ. While there have been instances of teaching that I disagreed with in the past, never has the Spirit weighed upon me so heavily.

The pastor of my church recently chartered a trip to Lakeland and approximately 20 individuals went on this junket or "JUNKIT". After hearing about the "wonderful" things that were happening in Lakeland, I decided to do some internet research.

It should not take long for someone to recognize that Todd Bentley has some serious problems. I dare say that if you have never seen him and just heard him you would realize this. (I am so over people saying that his tattoos are causing me to turn him off. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will have tattoos on his legs and thighs when he returns. Granted, they will be different tattoos. However, He doesn't appear to have a problem with them so why should I?). The violence displayed by this person is shameful. In one service he imparted the healing gift of the Spirit by the rubbing of his bald head against the stomachs of individuals. Excuse me... I thought it was the laying on of hands that we were to use when healing the sick.

After mentioning some of the concerns regarding Mr. Bentley, my pastor proceeded to provide me with a rebuttal paper that someone had written to the critics of the movement. He also referred me to Mr. Bentley's website. While I can accept some of the rebuttals and find some issues to be neither here nor there, it surprises me how anyone cannot see the mockery and sham that is being perpetrated against them. I have not been able to justify (through reading of the scriptures or through the discernment of my heart) that there is any way to reconcile the violent actions of this man with the teachings of Christ or the work of the Holy Spirit to any degree. My dilemma is that I am having trouble accepting that my pastor has bought into this. Although he states that he isn't promoting Bentley, his actions say otherwise. He has come back from the revival more on fire than before (it would appear), but is it possible to receive a blessing/anointing/outpouring from God through a man that is so far off in his words and actions? The pastor wants to begin healing services sometime next month and I won't know until then how much he has been influenced by this abomination.

I am hesitant to leave this body of believers for one reason; there are many young Christians that can be easily led astray and I am concerned as to the best way to impart knowledge to them (I'm sure Bentley would impart it with a fist to the nose). If I stay am I supporting the ministry? If I leave who will provide a balanced view? Any thoughts?