REDDING, CA – Bethel Church leadership is taking another look at how accountability is carried out after new allegations against one of its leaders, Ben Armstrong, have surfaced. The church recently released a statement in response to accusations of Clergy Sexual Abuse (CSA).
“In early February 2026, we were made aware of an accusation from 2008-2009 involving Ben Armstrong and a former BSSM student,” the leadership staff of Bethel Church shared on Friday (Feb. 13). “This incident would’ve taken place prior to a known moral failure in 2009, for which Ben publicly repented, was removed from ministry, and walked through a multi-year healing and restoration process,” the statement read.
Ben Armstrong admitted to having an affair over a decade ago and was subsequently removed from ministry for several years. He and his wife, Heather Armstrong, spoke about the experience of his moral failure and restoration on various occasions after he went through disciplinary procedures and was placed back in a leadership role at Bethel Church.
Today, Ben Armstrong serves as the Overseer of Prophetic Ministry at Bethel Church. Heather also serves as a pastor in the ministry.
Bethel leadership assured supporters that, given new allegations of CSA and cover-up, the matter regarding Ben Armstrong and his reported abuse of a former BSSM student is being revisited.
“This is being addressed with fresh eyes, as our leadership team listens to this additional account and revisits our previous process, not only to speak to current allegations but also to add strength to how we pastor going forward.”
“We are taking time to reflect, seek counsel, and learn how we can more fully walk in truth, accountability, compassion, and restoration. We are reviewing this with a more informed understanding of appropriate interactions and relationships between leaders and congregants, and the power dynamics and resulting responsibilities that may factor into these interactions.”
“We are also reviewing our processes and pastoral care to ensure our response to victims reflects compassion, integrity, and support.”
Bethel Church’s commitment to victims of clergy sexual abuse comes after it was revealed that Shawn Bolz, a false prophet platformed by Bethel Church, gave ministry Bethel ministry partners false prophecies and also engaged in lewd sexual acts in front of his staff members. The senior leadership team at Bethel knew about the allegations against Bolz for years but failed to warn the public about the now-disgraced spiritual leader.
It was not until Christian watchdog Mike Winger released a nearly six-hour YouTube video that exposed Shawn Bolz, and revealed Bethel’s role in the situation, that leadership in the church spoke out.
“We take responsibility for the fact that we did not properly and fully bring discipline, closure, or clear and timely communication regarding the gravity of our concerns with Shawn Bolz,” Bethel Church’s senior leadership team shared. “The truth is, we have hurt and scared people because we did not tell the truth enough, early enough, long enough, or loud enough, and this is a just criticism,” the team added. “Our hearts are grieved, and embarrassed.”
Bethel Church was founded in 1954 as an Assemblies of God Church. Bill Johnson became the church’s senior pastor in 1996 and established a thriving music department and ministry school. The investigation of Ben Armstrong remains ongoing.