The church said that it would address the matter “with fresh eyes” and would revisit “our previous process, not only to speak to current allegations but also to add strength to how we pastor going forward.”
“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,” Bethel went on to say. “We are also reviewing our processes and pastoral care to ensure our response to victims reflects compassion, integrity, and support.”
In a subsequent statement posted on Feb. 15, Bethel said that Armstrong had been placed on leave.
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“Late on February 13, 2026, we became aware of a video containing serious allegations of clergy sexual abuse pertaining to Ben Armstrong and events that took place in 2009,” the church said. “Earlier that day at 1:30pm PT, we released a statement on our website based on the information that we were aware of at that time, and our understanding of Ben’s lived repentance since that time.”
“However, in light of these new and previously unknown allegations, we have placed Ben Armstrong on administrative leave. He will not be ministering while an independent third-party investigation takes place,” the statement continued.
Bethel said that Armstrong being placed on leave “is not a verdict, but a necessary measure intended to reflect the care and sobriety with which we approach matters of this nature and our desire to operate in transparency and truth.”
“We are also currently reaching out to those who have brought these allegations to light,” Bethel said.
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“We are actively engaging outside counsel and independent experts to help ensure thorough, impartial, and trauma-informed processes,” the statement concluded. “We are committed to health and accountability as we pursue spiritual, physical, and emotional safety across our organization.”
