False Teacher

John Arnott

Leader of the Toronto Blessing and 'holy laughter' movement

Biography

John Arnott is a Canadian charismatic pastor, founder of Catch The Fire (formerly Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship). After attending Bible college, he pursued business before entering full-time ministry following a trip to Indonesia in 1980. He and wife Carol founded the Toronto church, which joined the Vineyard movement. In November 1993, Arnott received 'impartation' from Argentine revivalist Claudio Freidzon (himself connected to Rodney Howard-Browne and Benny Hinn), forming a direct chain of influence from the Word of Faith/prosperity movement. On January 20, 1994, when Randy Clark (also influenced by Howard-Browne) spoke at the church, the 'Toronto Blessing' began — characterized by uncontrollable laughter, animal sounds (roaring, barking, oinking), shaking, jerking, and being 'slain in the spirit.' Carol Arnott described being 'so drunk that John would have to carry her home' after Benny Hinn ministered to them. In December 1995, the Vineyard Association under John Wimber disassociated the church due to extreme manifestations and refusal to follow guidelines. The church was renamed Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, then Catch The Fire. Arnott promotes 'soaking prayer,' 'impartation,' and experience-driven theology that elevates subjective spiritual encounters above the authority and discernment of Scripture. By September 1995, approximately 600,000 people had attended, including 20,000 Christian leaders — spreading the movement to an estimated 55,000 churches worldwide.

Biblical Assessment

Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how John Arnott measures up:

Title & Authority

VERDICT: FAIL

Self-appointed leader. Removed from the Vineyard Association due to unbiblical practices. No meaningful accountability structure. Promotes a movement that was rejected by his own denomination.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9

Gospel Message

VERDICT: FAIL

Replaces the gospel of repentance and faith with an experience-driven message focused on manifestations, 'soaking,' and emotional encounters. The cross, sin, and repentance are sidelined in favor of subjective spiritual experiences.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 2:2, Galatians 1:8-9, 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Fruit & Lifestyle

VERDICT: FAIL

The fruit of the Toronto Blessing contradicts the fruit of the Spirit. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), yet the movement promotes loss of self-control as evidence of the Spirit's work. Animal sounds, uncontrollable convulsions, and chaotic behavior are not biblical fruit.

Scripture:

Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 7:15-20, 1 Corinthians 14:33

Revelation vs. Scripture

VERDICT: FAIL

Elevates subjective experience and 'new revelation' above Scripture. The practice of 'soaking' encourages passivity and emptying of the mind, rather than active biblical discernment. Testing the spirits (1 John 4:1) is discouraged — participants are told to simply 'receive.'

Scripture:

1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Finances & Transparency

VERDICT: WARNING

Global 'impartation' conference circuit generates significant revenue. Catch The Fire operates as a network of churches and ministries. Financial transparency is limited.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 8:21, 1 Peter 5:2, 1 Timothy 6:5

Key Quotes

These statements from John Arnott reveal doctrinal error.

"Let it come, Lord! More, Lord! More power! More manifestations!"

— John Arnott

Violates: 1 Korinthierbrevet 14:33, 40 — Gud är inte oordningens Gud utan fridens. Allt skall ske med ordning.

Source: Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship services (1994-1996)

Read full analysis →

"We don't need to understand it, we just need to receive it. Don't analyze it — just let the Holy Spirit do what He wants to do."

— John Arnott

Violates: 1 Johannesbrevet 4:1 — Pröva andarna om de kommer från Gud. Apostlagärningarna 17:11 — De tog emot ordet med all villighet och forskade dagligen i Skrifterna.

Source: Toronto Blessing conferences

View quotes with full scripture refutation →

Sources & References

All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:

•The Father's Blessing by John Arnott (1995)
•Vineyard Association of Churches — Letter of Disassociation (December 1995)
•Catch The Fire Toronto — catchthefire.com
•David Wilkerson, 'Beware of the Enemies Within' newsletter (1994)
•David Wilkerson, 'Weird Manifestations' sermon (Moscow, circa 2000) — sermonindex.net
•David Wilkerson, 'The Latter Rain!' sermon (January 9, 1995) — tscpulpitseries.org
•David Wilkerson, 'A Christless Pentecost' sermon (January 10, 1982) — worldchallenge.org
•Hank Hanegraaff, 'Counterfeit Revival' (1997)
•Mick Brown, Daily Telegraph — journalist who experienced identical manifestations as an unbeliever

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