Backlash surged at Northern California’s Bethel Church after the church temporarily locked a private alumni Facebook group. The page had more than 5,000 members, and many used it to share experiences. BSSM alumnus Jesse Westwood said the lock happened overnight, so alarms spread fast. He argued that the move tightened control over a story related to abuse and cut off peer support. Alumni then launched an alumni-led Facebook page, and they framed it as a space for accountability. Westwood said victims need to talk to each other because isolation protects institutions.
Allegations Fuel Pressure on Bethel Leadership
The dispute intensified amid claims involving prophetic overseer Ben Armstrong. A woman alleged Armstrong twice forced a BSSM intern into his bed 16 years ago. She said leadership framed the incident as “moral failure,” not abuse. Bethel suspended Armstrong and opened an investigation after she went public about a week ago. Meanwhile, a viral video by Bible teacher Mike Winger amplified criticism of Bethel’s past silence. The video alleges Bethel knew “prophet” Shawn Bolz faked prophecy and sexually harassed staff.
Church Cites Investigations and Legal Guidance
Bethel told alumni it paused comments to protect the integrity of the Armstrong investigation. Leaders also said online discussion could cause important reports to get lost. The statement said the group may feel like a place to be heard, but it cannot properly review claims. Bethel added that outside counsel advised avoiding public discussion during the investigation. The church urged alumni to submit concerns through its Safe Church process, and it emphasized independent review and victim support.
Alumni Push Back and Question Motives
Westwood said the alumni forum began as student-run, but Bethel later took control and rebranded it. He said conversation surged as controversies grew, and member sentiment shifted toward demanding action. He also criticized Safe Church reporting because it routes reports into HR and senior leadership. Without open discussion, he said, alumni now “submit in a void.” Supporters of the lockout say it reduces harm, protects due process, and avoids rumor spirals. Detractors say Bethel Church backlash will grow because the move feels like PR control, gaslighting, and another cover-up.
Embattled Bethel Church shuts down alumni Facebook page, prompting backlash
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