John Arnott
John & Carol Arnott — founders 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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
Evidence & Documentation
Documented evidence supporting the assessment of John Arnott. Click images to view full size.
Toronto Blessing Exposed: John & Carol Arnott's Movement Examined
Documentary examination of the Toronto Blessing movement led by John Arnott and his wife Carol Arnott at the Toronto Airport Vineyard Church (later Catch The Fire). Features footage of the chaotic manifestations — uncontrollable laughter, animal sounds, people being 'slain in the spirit,' and loss of bodily control — that the Arnotts promoted as evidence of the Holy Spirit's work. Carol Arnott described being 'so drunk' after Benny Hinn ministered to them that John had to carry her home. The Vineyard Association ultimately disassociated the church in December 1995 due to these extreme practices.
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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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Assessment Summary
John Arnott teaches doctrine or practices that deviate from Scripture. Exercise caution and discernment.
Affiliated Doctrines
John Arnott teaches or promotes these doctrines:
Listen Instead To:
These teachers demonstrate biblical faithfulness:
- Paul WasherBold preacher of repentance and holiness
- John MacArthurExpositor and defender of biblical inerrancy
- RC SproulReformed theologian who taught the holiness of God to millions (1939-2017)
Our Method
Every assessment uses our 5-point biblical framework. Learn how to test any teacher against Scripture.
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