The Gateway Drug into Bethel's Theology

Bethel Church in Redding, CA is one of the most controversial churches in America. Hundreds attend their service with thousands listen to their sermons online. They are known for their prosperity gospel teaching as well as their belief that it is God's will for everyone to be healed. Bill Johnson, their pastor, has stated his theology has no room for sickness. 

There have been dozens of videos exposing this church and even former members who were part of them will testify to their false teaching. Yet, they continue to thrive. They continue to influence many in the body of Christ. The answer is simple. They are influence by Bethel Church through their music. Nakita Canfield wrote:

The gateway drug into Bethel’s theology: their music. Bill Johnson is quoted saying, “Music bypasses all of the intellectual barriers, and when the anointing of God is on a song, people will begin to believe things they wouldn’t believe through teaching.” Also, on their worship site it states, “Bethel Music is a worship movement that exists to lead people’s hearts into profound experiences with God’s presence that fuels personal, regional, and global revival.”

She continues:

Bethel Music is the gateway they use to infiltrate the church- the “religion” part of the seven mountain mandate. The catch that stumps some is that they do have biblically sound songs. But of course they do, if they were all heresy all the time, most would see it and just stay away. When you listen to Bethel (this applies to Jesus Culture, Elevation, Hillsong, and sadly more) you’re financially supporting them to continue promoting a false gospel. Yes, even the songs that are biblically sound are linked to heretics that preach a different Christ than that of the Bible. Taking it a step farther, there’s some such as Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham to name a few who stand on their own, but do they? Tomlin teaches at Bethel’s worship school, and Wickham tours and writes with Bethel. Look up Living Hope and Hymn of Heaven for example. They are co-writing what’s supposed to be praise and worship music. The connection being made here is crucial to know how to truly avoid false teachings. Not to mention, I find it alarming to sing songs aimed to praise God-which should be done in spirit and truth- by someone who shows no discernment.

Bethel church comes into the church like a trojan horse and people buy into their theology. Sad thing is pastors, elders, and worship leaders do not have the backbone to say no to these songs because they sound good. It looks solid when it is just a trap to get them into your church and your home. When you sing their songs in church or play them on a streaming service, you are contributing to their false teaching. 

Canfield wrote:

So when you play these songs on YouTube, Spotify, Apple music, –the biblically sound ones– what do the algorithms populate for you? More from these artists. Sermons from these establishments. How do I know? Because it happened to me. At NY Hope church, where I used to attend, they love prosperity teachings and utilize much of this music and since I saw the stamp of approval (the lyrics on screen and the songs being played) on Sundays, I assumed this was safe. Which reminds me, what happens when a church plays this music? If done legally, they’re also funding a false gospel. And not just a little… millions. According to ProPublica, Bethel’s revenue in 2022 was over $11 million of with $4.9 million was from royalties. This begs the question, why would biblical churches be striving to spread the true Gospel, while funding the spread of a false one? It’s counterproductive.

Nearly half of Bethel's revenue was from royalties. Churches and individual Christians are aiding and abetting a false church. This is not just Bethel, by the way. The same can be true for Hillsong and Elevation Worship. 

Churches need to cut the strings from Bethel Music and any church that teaches false teaching. That is why they are thriving. It is their music. Don't let them in. Obey what Scripture says:

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting, for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds (2 John 10-11).

Now I urge you, brothers, to keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and stumblings contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own stomach, and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting (Romans 16:17-18).

And do not participate in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead even expose them (Ephesians 5:11).

Bethel is not a church. It is a cult. You are singing from a cult. Say no to the gateway drug of Bethel Music.