On the heels of one of the biggest scandals in church history, The Restoration World Outreach Ministries Incorporated (RWOMI) has warned that there will be more “disturbing news” involving members of the clergy this year.
The church community is still in shock over recent unsubstantiated reports that megachurch pastor Bishop TD Jakes, frequently visited alleged sex parties hosted by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Jakes who has been called “America’s Best Preacher” by Time Magazine, among other titles, has since denied the allegations.
While addressing congregants recently, Jakes who is senior pastor at the Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas said he would not use the pulpit to address a lie when he had a chance to speak the truth.
“Out of concern, some of you come in to hear what I’m going to say. All of you who expect me to address a lie… you can log off.
“I will not use this sacred day and this sacred pulpit to address a lie when I have a chance to preach a truth,” said an emotional Jakes who broke down in tears.
“I didn’t come to convince you or nobody, because I know who I am,” he said.
According to the 5784/2024 prophecies released by RWOMI last week, a lot of surprises are coming, and a lot of things that have never been seen before will hit the world and the church (The Body of Christ) this year. The prophecies did not list any of the names of pastors or churches that will be affected.
Photo source: Saved
“There will be more disturbing news worldwide of popular church leaders getting into trouble because of illegal money practices,” the prophecies which were given through Apostle Dr. Steve Lyston, Pastor Dr. Michelle Lyston, Bishop Dr. Doris Hutchinson, Prophetess Sophia DiMuccio, Prophetess Nadra Brotherton and Prophet David Benoit revealed. Apostle Dr. Lyston died in December.
“The Lord is purging the church and is dealing with the lying spirits, and the spirits of manipulation, Jezebel, idolatry, and will expose the wolves in sheep’s clothing, murdering Cain, Achan, Absalom, Korah, and Ananias and Saphira. As the Body of Christ cries out, He will also deal with the spirit of Leviathan. He requires that His people walk in holiness and righteousness and for them to know that His Coming is near!” the prophetic team shared.
Another mega church that has been rocked by scandals in the past year is Hillsong, which was initially founded by Brian Houston in Australia in1983, but grew rapidly due to the popularity of its contemporary Christian worship band Hillsong United in the 1990’s and beyond. Houston eventually opened ministries in 30 countries across six continents and Hillsong is now in more than a dozen locations in the U.S.
The church, which has been a haven for celebrity congregants has faced massive scandals in recent years. This includes allegations of sexual abuse and marital infidelity among its leadership. In November 2020, Houston announced that Hillsong had parted ways with one of its most popular pastors Carl Lentz for “moral failures.” The following day, Lentz, who was the pastor of Hillsong in New York City, revealed that he had been “unfaithful” to his wife, Laura. A former Hillsong staffer, who had also been the Lentz family’s nanny also accused the pastor of emotional and sexual abuse.
Lentz name was again in the spotlight last year after the megachurch that hired him was accused of throwing an “inappropriate” Easter service that saw performers twerking on stage. The performance which has been dubbed “blasphemous” by several pastors, was shown at Transformation Church, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which is led by controversial pastor Michael Todd. Internet users were disturbed by the “demonic” production which included dozens of dancers, a light show, flames, demon characters, dry ice, and secular music from pop stars like Beyonce and Justin Timberlake. Todd, who once rubbed saliva in his brother’s face while preaching about Jesus’ miracles, has raised a few eyebrows over the years.
But it’s not just pastors in the US that are being thrust into the spotlight for questionable activities, and are putting the church in disrepute. There have been several cases in the Caribbean generally and in Jamaica particularly which have been raising eyebrows.
St Thomas pastor Stephanie Cole Christie was last year October, sentenced to more than nine years in prison for being a member of the One Don Gang.The ordained minister said she was heavily involved in church ministry, and social and community activities. As a result of her engagement with members of the community, she said persons are drawn to her, including the leader of the infamous gang who she alleged often came to her for encouragement and advice for his businesses.
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, however said it was clear from the evidence that the pastor, who is otherwise called ‘Muma’, was a critical member of the gang. Two former gang members had testified that she would communicate with the police, provide inside information and secure lawyers and bail bond for gang members who were arrested.
According to the prophecies, several persons will come up for God’s judgement in 2024. God is now calling all Christians to refocus and come back to their true love, and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
“God is watching the Christians and will hold accountable, the Daniels, Esthers and Josephs He positioned for His Glory. He is observing their choices, decisions and hearts. He is watching His people closely in this critical time, searching hearts and revealing Himself and His might to those who genuinely seek Him rather than His hand,” the prophecies stated.
