In two previous posts, it has been mentioned the phrase used by Jane Whaley of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) to describe her relationships to members and non-members. This post contains material from several different statements that Jane Whaley has made over the years. The statements may not be presented in correct time order but, the main points will be clear.
The statement by Jane early on, was “Everyone loves Jane Whaley and Jane loves everyone. If they don’t (love Jane) then they are listening to devils.” This was first mentioned in post about terms.. here is the link: http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=101
There was a statement later about the “love of God”. “The love of God is the love of God.” Jane goes on to explain: “I love Sam and O____ (man in church leadership..) the same. It is the same love. I just show that love differently to Sam”.(Whaley)
Yet, another time she was talking about folks that had left and how she loved them all. “Well, there may be two folks if I saw them walking down the street, I would cross over so I didn’t have to speak to them. Only two, or maybe three…”
Again, these statements may not be in time order and may not be exact quotes, but the meaning is clear. The first statement is revealing all by itself. For Jane to say that if you don’t love her, you are listening to devils??? How narcissistic can a person be? But, Jane was allowed to say it and sincerely believes that statement about herself and about its affect on others. She is no doubt the center of her world. If you don’t agree – you are of the devil.
Concerning the second statement, I remember being in the service where she uttered those words. She knew it would be “misunderstood”, so she quickly added the part about showing the love of God to Sam– differently. No further explanation was given and the impression was that it was not much “differently”.
The third statement only ignited a wondering and inquiry into who had made Jane mad enough that she would not even meet them on the street? In public, Jane can be the sweetest thing since jelly toast. But, for her to admit that she was so put out with someone was strange. Well, not that strange since she was referencing those who had “betrayed God” and left WOFF. That left the list wide open.
Janis Hutchinson in “Out of the Cults and Into the Church” (copyright 1994) shares much insight into how to help ex-cultists. Her work in mainly among ex-Mormons. However, the knowledge she shares can help others coming out of other groups. Janis uses a well defined format to share what she has learned from years of helping others. As far as I can tell, she knows nothing about WOFF, as comments are directed toward other groups. But, in the third chapter titled “Conflict of Soul“, she is telling what former cult members may consider “losses”. One thing on the list struck me and as I kept reading, I was provided answers to several questions.
“Loss of cult leaders supernatural contact with God”-that is how the loss was written. The first thought I had was “Leaders of other cults claim divine connections to God, also?” I knew from other sources, that this is true. Self-appointed cult leaders base much of their power on their “divine connection to hearing, seeing and meeting with God”. So, how does that fit at WOFF? Simple. Jane Whaley claims to hear God for her members. It was actually an ominous sign, if she didn’t hear God on your behalf. Then you were just “out there on your own”- so to speak. The connotation was you were left “unprotected”. So, “What sin were you in that Jane couldn’t hear God for you?” These statements just outline some of the control dynamics around Jane’s self-appointed role of being the “divine” connection to God for WOFFers. It is a common trait among cult leaders. ( I hear the WOFFer thoughts now, “But, Jane really does hear from God for me..!)
Janis Hutchinson goes on to explain further about the “losses” of former cult members.. “Individuals are intensely attracted to a leader who claims to be divinely led. But, the problem is that often God and the leader become fused in a believer’s mind. Love for God, then, ends up as love for the leader with no distinct line between them. It is hard to let go of that kind of “love”. This explains why it is so difficult for a cultist to renounce his leader. Logic plays no part— it’s a matter of the heart. According to a study by Janet Jacobs at the University of Colorado, emotional bonds to a cult leader are always the last to go.” (page 61)
This paragraph helped answer several questions. What is the basis for the “Jane Worship” and idolatry at WOFF? (see previous post here.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=1535 ) WOFF members have in their minds fused the Love for God with the Love for Jane. Jane presents herself as so close to God and hearing His voice so consistently; WOFF members do not even see the difference in saying “I love God” and “I love Jane”. To WOFF members, these statements are the same. To WOFF members, based on their actions- to Love Jane is to Love God and to Love God is to Love Jane. (if not, then you are listening to devils..”)
This explains why ex-WOFF members are told with great sincerity and intensity, they “have denied God” and the “Call of God”. It is because in a WOFF member’s mind, when the person that left denied Jane Whaley as THE Voice of God, that person denied God and is doomed. The line of difference between Jane and God has been erased in their thinking and more importantly- their heart. I am of the firm belief that most, if not all WOFF members do not even realize what has happened. That is why WOFFers can be so sincere in their faith. They are unaware of the non-existent or at best, blurred line of distinction between Jane and God . To WOFFers- to love God means you automatically love and submit to Jane. That is why denying Jane and leaving WOFF is so emotional, there is no basis for logic to support that move in a dedicated WOFF member’s mind. “Who in their right mind would walk away from God?” That is also why WOFF members claim to feel betrayed by someone who has left- deep down they feel that ones who leave betray God, as Jane and God are the same in their thinking. A person who leaves WOFF, by default is on the devil’s side. We will pick-up this exciting subject in another post.
Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. It could very well save their life. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members.
(Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, the information about WOFF is from my memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. ) This is post number 77.
*** Correction: In previous posts I may have stated that Word of Faith Fellowship was started in 1985. Closer look at the documents on the website for the NC Secretary of State reveals their incorporation was signed January 4, 1979, notarized on February 6, 1979 (a different day?) and entered into the NC State records April 2, 1979. The time stamp is very unclear. Any mis-information intended no harm.