LTRP Note: Today, a caller asked us if we had any information on SOZO. While we have had inquiries about SOZO in the past, we have never posted anything about it. Below is an article from The Berean Call discussing the origins and nature of SOZO. If you know someone who is getting involved with this, please pass this article on to them.
“Climbing Up Another Way – Is There A Spiritual Ladder to the Lap of ‘Father God’?”
By Mark Dinsmore (The Berean Call)
History and Structure of Sozo
“SOZO” is a psycho-spiritual deliverance and inner healing methodology birthed out of Bethel Church in Redding, California. But though the Bethel Sozo website banner says, “[A] Ministry of Bethel Church,” the FAQ section disclaims, “The Sozo staff are independent contractors and are not Bethel Church Staff.” Apparently for legal reasons, no one wants to call this “counseling” or “therapy.” Rather, they simply call it “healing prayer” (and yet, they strongly recommend a suggested donation for receiving “prayer” for which recipients (“Sozoees”) must first sign a waiver.
For background, it is interesting to note that Bethel was once an Assemblies of God (AG) church, and Bill Johnson was an AG pastor; but he led his flock out of AG in 2006 to jump into the NAR/River Revival movement. Johnson is now a self-appointed “apostle,” and his church is now a part of his own “Revival Alliance” network, co-founded with Che Ahn (Harvest Rock Church, Pasadena, CA) and John Arnott (Catch the Fire Toronto; formerly Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship; formerly Toronto Airport Vineyard Church).
Although Sozo got its start at Bethel, other Sozo groups have spun off, such as The Freedom Resource (TFR). Headed by author and executive director Andy Reese, TFR publishes its own manuals and presentations on how to use Sozo. According to TFR’s website, no one individual “owns” or controls the copyright for Sozo concepts and “tools” used in the program: “This particular style or format for ministry has evolved (and continues to evolve) from roots in the Argentine revivals, the understanding and writings of various practitioners of inner healing and deliverance, and from the experience of several churches and individuals including Randy Clark’s ministry and Bethel Church in Redding, California. It is changing and growing as we all learn, grow, and share experiences and tools with each other.” [Note: TFR just announced brand differentiation from Bethel Sozo and will now practice under “Freedom Prayer.”] Click here to continue reading.
It would be helpful if you have suggestions regarding alternatives. So often we go to things like this because it’ the only place we can go.
I have had sozo ministry and purchased the materials. I have never experienced the things you quote and have had continued healing from allowing the Spirit of God to reveal lies I have believed deep in my sub conscious mind. No one but God could know what I thought as a child and believed. It was from listening to God speaking during those sessions that I uncovered where I had been deceived. I know the Spiritual leaders who introduced and taught sozo to me for over thirty years. They walk in truth and holiness. There will always be those who will try and distort the moving of the Holy Spirit and those who mix flesh , and false doctrine to damage the integrity of Gods church and leaders.
I personally am sick of the division and slander that causes prejudices among us. Is it any wonder the lost go somewhere else for help. I understand where we must discern and test the spirit but much of what is written is from people making personal judgements. You should always be sure that you know all the facts before speaking for or against. I hope that we all agree that God stills speaks to His children. As well as using scripture to give us instruction. Peace
I have been doing sozo for 7 years as a 1st chair and have never experienced what you describe. Sin and lies we believe stand between us and God. By forgiving and renouncing these lies , one corrects whats wrong and God reveals Himself in spirit. I have hundreds of testimonies and stand by sozo. Blessings. Ettien