Lifestyle Christianity preacher and founder, Todd White, has issued an apology weeks after Bible teacher and podcaster Mike Winger released a lengthy video alleging that White created a toxic and manipulative work environment at the church.
In his video, Winger announced he would fund a $100,000 indepdent investigation into White. Simultaneously, there was an online petition circulating with more than 1,600 signatures calling on Lifestyle Christianity to drop all non-disclosure agreements, stop silencing people those wanting to come forward, and for White to approve an independent investigation.
In his eight-minute apology video, White saidthe Lord had been confirming to him where people have felt unseen.
“There are people out there that are wounded or distant from God, and it's through my leadership,” he said. “I am deeply sorry. I've asked you to forgive me, and I ask you once again.”
Winger accused White of lacking accountability structures from the church’s board, with witnesses reporting that White has asked supporters of his ministry to make cheques payable to him personally rather than to Lifestyle Christianity, as Premier Christian News previously reported.
Additional allegations raised by Winger included:
- Faking fasting and embellishing stories of healing, including allegations of falsified water fasts and exaggerated healing testimonies.
- Receiving a salary exceeding $500,000 per year, funded by donations.
- Excessive spending, including refusing to fly in economy or other lower-tier seating, opting for first class even on short flights.
- Refusing to take a pay cut during financial crises, despite other senior staff members doing so.
- Gossiping and sharing details of staff members’ personal lives, and using this information to manipulate others.
In White’s apology video, he said he wanted to add some context to the allegations that some say span over 20 years. He said he’s only been saved for 21 years and didn’t purchase property for the school until 2018, two years after moving to Dallas, Texas. The school opened in 2019. White said he and his team launched a congregation in 2020.
“When I look back, that absolutely happened way more quickly than grace allowed. I moved with zeal ahead of grace,” he said. “Unfortunately, when you do that, even though you have a goal in mind, there's people that get hurt along the way.”
White went on to say that in 2021, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and thanked Pastor William Hinn for stepping in after he was absent for nearly 100 days.
“William had nurtured the church, and I am so thankful,” he said. “ I took the stage and told everybody that William is your pastor.”
White acknowledged falling short in supporting his team and said he wants a team to hold him accountable.
“I welcome correction and the people around me to actually give me that. I don't want yes people, I need people that want to see this go forward in the best way that we possibly can,” he added.