A controversial evangelical preacher whose claims include raising the dead, curing cancer and healing the blind is in Hamilton for a residency in an east end church.

Todd Bentley, who was banned from the entering the U.K. in 2012, has been intermittently leading "Glory Awakening" sermons at the River International Church on Barton Street East since May.

The British Columbia-born Bentley leads Fresh Fire Ministries, a group that rose to prominence in Lakeland, Fla. after thousands flocked to his "revival"-style sermons, hoping for a glimpse of his healing powers.

"There's been testimonies over the last 12 weeks right here in Canada and in Hamilton of notable, remarkable miracles," Bentley says in a video of his sermon on July 19, in Hamilton.

"The blind see and the deaf hear and we've had a lot of testimony of healings over the last 13 weeks."

During a sermon that spanned over four hours on Tuesday, Bentley told the crowd about people getting out of their wheelchairs after his touch, and curing blindness.

He also spent a considerable amount of time talking about cancer in a booming oratorical style — something he said he'll address during a "miracle crusade" at the local church on Friday night.

"There's going to be an explosion of miracles … I believe that we could see more cancer healings on Friday night," he said.

It's good theatrics, it's good television — but is it helpful or constructive? - Gord Heath, associate professor of Christian history at McMaster University's Divinity College

Later in the sermon, he added: "I've already had many reports of stage four cancer healings."

At the end of the sermon, Bentley could be seen laying his hands on members of the congregation and blessing them. In some cases, they fall to the floor, shaking and writhing.

At the end of the video, Bentley asks for donations, in increments from $100 to $1,200.

Controversy has trailed Bentley, 40, wherever he goes.

An ABC News report from 2008 describes the tattooed, charismatic preacher drawing crowds of nearly 10,000 to his sermons stateside. But it also talks about his dark past — drug addiction early in life, as well as time in prison.

Bentley was barred entry to the United Kingdom in 2012. (Facebook)

"I'm very open about my past. I've written a book and it's in my autobiography," he told ABC. "I served time in prison for my crime."

"I'd break into vehicles, I'd steal, as I got older, I'd take your pot, I'd take your drugs. I got involved with people who were affiliated with gangs and bikers."

In 2012, Bentley was banned from entering the U.K. by the country's Home Office. At the time, The Guardian wrote that he was subject to an exclusion order and wasn't allowed into the country.

"We can confirm that Mr. Bentley has been excluded from the U.K. The government makes no apologies for refusing people access to the U.K. if we believe they are not conducive to the public good," the U.K. Home Office told The Guardian.

"Coming here is a privilege that we refuse to extend to those who might seek to undermine our society."

Neither Bentley nor The River International Church immediately responded to interview requests.

Facebook posts on the church's page show Bentley has been leading sermons in Hamilton intermittently since May. Posts say the "Glory Awakening" sessions have been "extended indefinitely," but did not specify how long that might be.

In his sermon from the 19th, Bentley talks about going to Saskatchewan in August.

Attendance levels at the local church services aren't close to the massive crowds seen in videos in the U.S., but they do seem to be growing. Facebook posts show the church moved to its current location in late June to accommodate crowds.

Validating Bentley's claims have proven difficult for news organizations. Back in 2008, ABC News asked for medical evidence to support his "healings."

In the end, ABC said not a single claim of Bentley's healing powers could be independently verified.

People should be cautious to not view Bentley's style of preaching as representative of Christianity as a whole, says Gord Heath, an associate professor of Christian history at McMaster University's Divinity College.

"The issue is the manner in which Bentley carries out his activities," Heath said. "All the theatrical elements ... the whole nature of how he goes about this thing, most Christians would say is dangerous."

Crowds at Bentley's local services have grown, online posts show. (Facebook)

Someone getting rid of their crutches and trying to walk or abandoning their medication could lead to more severe health issues, Heath said. "Emotionally, it's dangerous too. You get people's hopes up."

The idea of God being able to heal is one of the primary tenets of Christianity, Heath said, but added that Bentley's style undermines that. In truth, Bentley is channeling revivalism from the 1800s — but while this isn't new, it also isn't normal, he said.

"He just makes Christians look crazy. It makes the whole idea of God's healing look ridiculous."

"It's good theatrics, it's good television — but is it helpful or constructive?"

adam.carter@cbc.ca