A Statement of Clarification and Reflection

Regarding Mike Winger’s Video

In response to the many personal texts, emails, messages, and inquiries, I have received following Mike Winger’s recent video, “The Skeletons in Bethel’s Closet Are Now Going to Speak,” I feel it is important to offer clarity regarding inferences that have been made about my alleged “cover-up” of the grievous actions attributed to Shawn Bolz. This statement is not written to dishonor Mike Winger or diminish the seriousness of his presentation, nor is it offered in self-defense or to protect the reputation of my ministry. Like so many believers, I am deeply grieved by sin within the Body of Christ—especially by the harm done to those who have been victimized by the actions of others. I share this with sobriety, humility, and prayer.

Clarifying My Relationship with Shawn

I met Shawn Bolz approximately 25 years ago. Over the years, we ministered together at various events, shared conversations in green rooms, and I hosted him on occasion as a speaker and media guest. In all of those interactions, I experienced him as kind, humble, respectful, and eager to grow in his understanding of Scripture and the gifts of the Spirit.

I was never officially connected to Shawn through a ministry board, accountability structure, or oversight role. I had never been to his personal home, nor did we have a close personal relationship. Our connection was primarily that of ministry acquaintances—seeing one another perhaps once or twice a year at shared events. I had no reason at that time to feel concern or suspicion, nor had I observed or heard reports of misconduct.

By nature, I am not a suspicious person. I seek to believe the best in others unless given clear reason to do otherwise.

When Shawn began moving in very specific words of knowledge, I was in awe of what I believed to be the work of God. I watched people encounter the Lord through his ministry, and I rejoiced in what appeared to be genuine fruit.

The First Concerns

In January 2020, while in a green room with a small group of ministers, I heard for the first time that there were rumors suggesting Shawn may have been obtaining information from social media and prophesying from that material. I was genuinely shocked and deeply unsettled. Until that moment, I had never even heard of the concept of “mining” information for prophetic words. I hoped the rumors were untrue.

Then, in March or early April of that same year, I was approached by a minister who shared that a close friend, (an individual who had previously worked as Shawn’s assistant while traveling with him) had a serious testimony to share.

Hearing the Testimony of a Victim

This man (whom I will refer to as “the victim”) shared deeply troubling accounts of behavior that, as he described them, fell into the categories of clergy abuse and sexual misconduct. He spoke in detail about experiences that had caused him significant emotional harm and trauma. He also shared that when he confronted Shawn directly, he was shamed and silenced.

He told me he had sought therapy due to the impact of his experiences, and that he had consulted an attorney. However, because of the lack of tangible evidence, he was advised that pursuing legal action would likely be costly and may not produce the outcome he hoped for.

I asked whether there was any evidence that could support his account—texts, emails, screenshots, photos, videos, or additional witnesses—but there was none available at that time. He had already confronted Shawn personally, without resolution.

My heart broke for this man. I found his testimony to be credible, and I believed him. Based on my interactions with him, I experienced him as fair, honest, and sincere in his motives, and I honor the integrity with which he has navigated this deeply painful season.

Because he shared that he was weary from telling his story without seeing any meaningful action, I offered to record a full audio testimony of his account. I committed to submitting it, in its entirety, to leaders I believed were in positions of authority connected to Shawn (specifically Che Ahn and Kris Vallotton), so that proper confrontation and care could occur.

Seeking Accountability Through Leadership

Both Che Ahn and Kris Vallotton listened carefully to the recording. They later informed me that they would confront Shawn regarding the allegations. However, to my surprise, they also shared that Shawn was not under their direct authority.

Each of them, however, met with Shawn separately. According to their feedback, he denied every allegation.

Neither Che nor Kris felt persuaded by Shawn’s responses, and both expressed that they found the victim’s account to be credible and believable. However, with only one testimony and no additional corroborating evidence available at that time, they did not believe it would be wise or responsible to take the matter public. Instead, they took the steps that were within their authority: cancelling any future speaking engagements they had scheduled with him, clearly communicating that they would no longer be endorsing his ministry within their respective networks, and removing his materials from their platforms.

The Tension and Limitations of That Moment

This placed me in a deeply painful position. I believed the victim. I prayed for him, wept for him, and sought to support him emotionally. At the same time, there was only one testimony, no corroborating evidence, and a complete denial from the accused.

Going public under those conditions would likely have exposed the victim to further harm—retaliation, disbelief, legal threats, and additional trauma. It was not an act of protection of wrongdoing, but a sobering recognition of the realities victims often face.

I did attempt one additional step. With the victim’s consent, I asked an individual experienced in investigating ministry misconduct to see if additional witnesses or evidence could be located. Unfortunately, this effort was quickly shut down after pushback from those around Shawn, who believed the accusations were false.

At that point, I had reached the limits of what I knew how to do responsibly.

Continued Concern and Prayer

I explained this to the victim, expressed my sorrow, and told him that while I could not proceed further at that time, I would continue to pray for truth to come fully into the light. I informed my own team that we would not be endorsing Shawn. I also privately warned leaders I knew who were considering hosting him, urging them to pray carefully. Some listened. Others warned me not to slander, believing the allegations to be false.

It was a deeply difficult season.

Over the years that followed, I periodically reached out to check on the victim and to ask whether additional evidence or witnesses had come forward. At one point (two or three years ago), he shared that there were approximately ten men who had similar testimonies who had connected with him. I encouraged him that this was significant and asked whether any were willing to come forward publicly. Most were not open, but he believed a couple of them would possibly be willing. He also mentioned that legal counsel was being explored.

Later, he told me that someone had stepped forward who might be able to help bring the matter to light—Mike Winger. I was grateful that he now had someone who could assist him in taking next steps, especially if additional witnesses were prepared to speak.

None of the additional individuals ever contacted me directly, but I continued to pray that everything hidden would be brought into the light.

When more testimony came into view, I made a written public statement, posted on my social media, withdrawing my endorsement of Shawn Bolz.

My Heart and My Apology

There has never been a moment when I desired to cover up wrongdoing, intended to cover up wrongdoing, or knowingly participated in a cover-up.

Still, I recognize that intention does not erase impact.

Over a year ago, I reached out to the original victim to ask forgiveness for any way I may have failed him—through limitations, missteps, or things I could have done better. We had a gracious and meaningful conversation.

Today, I also want to ask forgiveness from anyone who has been hurt, confused, or wounded by what has been said or perceived regarding my life or ministry in the recent reporting of Mike Winger. My heart has always been to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God. If I fell short, I am truly sorry.

A Call to the Fear of the Lord

This is a painful season of exposure because sin is painful. We must never tolerate sin—whether in ourselves or in others. Sexual sin, abuse of authority, manipulation, bitterness, hatred, offense, and slander all grieve the heart of God and harm His people.

In this season, I have asked the Lord to search my own heart—to convict me of anything that displeases Him or causes harm to others—and to lead me more fully into His righteousness.

We are one Body. We are called to love God and to love one another. Abuse of authority, neglect of the wounded, and unjust judgments are not love.

Let us raise the bar of righteousness and love.
Let us care well for the vulnerable.
Let us pursue truth with humility.
And let us help one another grow into the full measure of the stature of Christ.

My prayer is that we would become more like Him.