Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) is full of contradictions which lead to many ironic scenarios. During my time there, I did not see these contradictions or even look for them. People who “believe” in a philosophy or religion or set of ideas, may rarely take time to consider the whole picture or a possible alternative point of view. The desire to just believe is so strong. Why else are Christians called “Believers”? Seeking the full picture may jeopardize those beliefs and thus a believers “peace”. Or could reviewing the alternate views on a subject make your beliefs stronger?

     Even as I write this, I am willing to concede that I will not see every contradiction or every compromising anomaly that exists at WOFF. I did not live close to Jane Whaley to observe her everyday life. The picture I was allowed to see was what she allowed other “regular members” to see and observe. All that being said; I will write about the contradictions that I am aware of from my 16 year involvement with WOFF. Former members of WOFF are welcome to comment and add to the list as they remember contradictions they observed.

     Jane Whaley said from the podium a few years back – “I am not anyone’s savior.” At the time, I thought that was very admirable. I thought, at that time, she may have been feeling the “burden” of her load of “responsibility”.  However, let’s look at the way she functions inside the group. Since, she requires all decisions of any consequence to come through her; then she functions as the supreme authority and all knowing source of “truth”. In that light, she is the “savior” to those faithful WOFF members who trust in her every word. She functions as THE Voice of God to many at WOFF. She may say one thing, but from my view point and in my opinion, she acted as the “savior” to the faithful WOFF members. This sad contradiction is one on which the whole charade of WOFF revolves. Without this pivotal dynamic, the whole group would collapse and morph into some other form or disintegrate all together.

      For years, Jane Whaley and the leaders at WOFF have put forth the notion of how concerned they are for the children. Now, that Jane is more involved in rearing a certain child, her perspective seems to be evolving and changing in many respects. Years ago, many of the rules and restraints that came from Jane seemed to be issued regardless of how the parents or children would be affected. As my time was coming to a close, I could not help but notice that certain rules had changed. ( see link to previous post…) Children were being allowed to do things that were off limits just a few years earlier. The reason given was that the parents walked in a “higher place in God” and could protect the children better. What is the contradiction? Jane was fine about issuing the edicts when she did not have a child that would be affected by the rules. Now, she sees things a little differently and “the God who never changes” has given her the “revelation” to allow the children to do certain things that had been off limits… Does anyone else see that as odd? Am I off base here and should this “progression” be considered normal in a group such as WOFF?

     Continuing on with the contradictions around the children, Jane Whaley is the supreme authority when it comes to what is taught at the school run by WOFF. I suspect after my tenure ended, she is even more involved than in years past. To say that the curriculum was focused and that books were censored would be an understatement. (see link here “Books” http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=284 ..…) The irony here is that if there was true concern for the children, there would be the understanding that both sides of an issue need to be presented and allow the child to develop critical thinking skills which would serve them well in their adult life.

     William J. Reilly, PhD in his book “Successful Human Relations” (copyright 1942, 1952 Harper & Brothers) advocates a “free exchange of ideas with your children..”. He prompts allowing them to have input no matter the topic or their position. Though the idea may seem to some as outdated, he proposes a family forum after the dinner meal. During this time, subjects and questions would be discussed and ideas given on each subject. His goal is to promote communication and trust between the parents and children on ANY subject. While at WOFF, children were encouraged to “open their hearts” and some may have on certain things; but as with the adults, questioning Jane Whaley or her authority was not allowed. Questioning or suggesting other means for things that were done in the church or how Jane “ruled” on certain matters was not tolerated. Many times the answer to such questions was “because God said…” Who was the “voice” of God at WOFF?

    The fear factor used at WOFF contradicts and undermines the very thing that is declared as their goal- to help the children. The free exchange of ideas between adults and children of any age is not part of the WOFF experience. Critical thinking and expressing opinions contrary to Jane Whaley’s view, no matter how meritorious, were not encouraged. Is anyone surprised? More contradictions will be shared in future posts… Please, take time to email and submit your list of contradictions you have seen or experienced. Testimony from other refugees from other WOFF churches in other locations, would be appreciated

     Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

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      (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 123.