False Teacher

Richard Gordon

Bethel leader teaching 'glory encounters' and distorted view of weakness

Biography

Richard Gordon is a South African-born pastor who serves as the Spiritual Director at Bethel School of Technology and is part of the leadership team for Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) in Redding, California. With a background in computer and electronic engineering, he transitioned from tech companies like Google to full-time ministry under Bill Johnson. He teaches that believers can 'open portals' to exchange weakness for God's power and promotes experience-based 'glory encounters.' Critics note his use of the Passion Translation and his teaching that misapplies 2 Corinthians 12 to suggest believers should eliminate weakness rather than glory in it as Paul taught.

Biblical Assessment

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

Title & Authority

VERDICT: FAIL

Operates under Bill Johnson's authority in the NAR movement. Bethel withdrew from the Assemblies of God to escape denominational accountability. No orthodox theological training.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Hebrews 13:17, Titus 1:9

Gospel Message

VERDICT: FAIL

Teaches experience-based 'glory encounters' rather than the gospel of repentance and faith. His teaching on 2 Corinthians 12 suggests exchanging weakness for power, directly contradicting Paul's message that God's power is perfected in weakness, not by eliminating it.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Corinthians 2:2, Galatians 6:14

Fruit & Lifestyle

VERDICT: FAIL

Promotes 'drunk in the Spirit' experiences where people stagger, fall, and act intoxicated. Claims miraculous encounters where people feel 'burning hot' and 'waves of power.' The fruit is experience-seeking rather than Christ-likeness.

Scripture:

Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 14:33, 2 Timothy 1:7

Revelation vs. Scripture

VERDICT: FAIL

Uses The Passion Translation (Brian Simmons' paraphrase rejected by scholars). Teaches about 'opening portals' for encounters. Elevates experience and feelings above Scripture. Claims the Holy Spirit speaks directly to reveal things not in the Bible.

Scripture:

2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Isaiah 8:20

Finances & Transparency

VERDICT: CONCERN

Part of Bethel's large ministry empire including BSSM ($4,400/year tuition) and Bethel School of Technology. Financial transparency is limited as a non-denominational megachurch.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 8:21, 1 Peter 5:2, 1 Timothy 6:10

Key Quotes

These statements from Richard Gordon reveal doctrinal error.

"I want you to think of your weakness. I want you to think of that which disqualifies you and your insecurity, and we're going to open this portal, and we're going to welcome God's power into it."

— Richard Gordon

Violates: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 2 Corinthians 11:30, 2 Corinthians 13:4

Source: BSSM teaching session

"I believe that as the knowledge of the glory of God covers the earth, it's not just for charismatic meanings, but it unlocks creation."

— Richard Gordon

Violates: Romans 8:19-22, Colossians 1:16-17, John 1:3

Source: Conversation with Kris Vallotton

Sources & References

All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:

•Bethel Church - bethel.com
•BSSM - bssm.net
•Kris Vallotton podcast conversations
•Gateway News South Africa interview
•The Holy Nope critical analysis

See an error? We strive for complete accuracy. If you believe we've misrepresented Richard Gordon's teaching, contact us with evidence and we'll review.