Bethel Church Suspends Pastor After Claims of Sexual Abuse by Clergy

Bethel Church Pastor Placed on Administrative Leave Amid Abuse Allegations

A pastor from Bethel Church in Redding, California, is currently on administrative leave following serious accusations of sexual abuse involving clergy. The claims have emerged from a former intern at the Bethel School of Supernatural Missions (BSSM).

The accuser, identified as Sarah, alleges that Ben Armstrong, who is the pastor and director of prophetic ministry at Bethel Church, sexually abused her back in 2009 when she was just 23. Although she viewed him as a spiritual mentor, the situation took a troubling turn.

During a recent appearance on the “Wake Up At Win Podcast,” Sarah recounted how “sexual boundaries were crossed” after she and Armstrong shared a room while visiting his brother. She reflected on her experience, saying, “This was my first sexual experience. The sex never happened. The kissing never happened because I didn’t want it to happen. I was able to stop it to some extent, but I couldn’t stop it because I had crossed the sexual line.”

Sarah mentioned that Armstrong trivialized the incident, labeling it a “spiritual attack.” She recalled an unsettling conversation with him where he emphasized their roles in the prophetic movement, implying that they didn’t need to disclose what happened.

In addition to the first incident, Sarah described a later occasion where Armstrong allegedly abused her after she had been drinking. He had invited her to his home while his wife was out, initially claiming to attend to the children, but it seemed he sent them away to a friend’s house instead.

She vividly remembered being forcibly taken to a room, despite her protests. “He pulled me into the room…dragged me into the room with him…he was pulling me and I remember saying ‘no’ loudly,” she recalled.

Recently, a statement was released by Bethel Church, acknowledging past incidents where Armstrong and church leaders had previously characterized the situation as “consensual” and a “moral failure.” Armstrong had resigned from his ministry role initially but returned after a process of repentance and healing.

However, in light of the new allegations, the church has decided to place Armstrong on leave and initiate an independent investigation. Their statement clarified that this action is not an indication of guilt, but part of an effort to ensure transparency, prudence, and accountability in handling such claims.

“We are actively reaching out to those who brought these allegations to light,” the church noted. Additionally, they are engaging outside experts to ensure a fair, trauma-informed inquiry, reinforcing their commitment to mental, physical, and emotional safety within the organization.