In Janis Hutchinson’s book, “Out of the Cults and Into the Church” (copyright 1994 Kregel Resources), she mentions several things that persons who leave cults consider as “losses”. We have discussed a few of these losses in previous posts. The author spent over 30 years in Mormonism. After leaving that group, she has gone on to help many others in their transition out of a cult into the Christian church. After my time ended at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in July 2008, I have found this book to be very helpful.

     In chapter 7, Ms. Hutchinson reviews the ex-cultist’s loss of ritual. She mentions that several cult groups have certain sacred ceremonies or rituals, sacred symbols; sacred space and even some have certain sacred architecture. Her experience of helping others has verified many common traits of cult groups. She writes “The physical motions (of the rituals) have two powerful purposes. First, to tie the sacred place, sacred space, sacred symbols and sacred architecture all into one neat bundle. Second, to confirm the authentic doctrines, beliefs, myths, pledges, or whatever goes to make up the cult’s beliefs.” (page 143) She writes that rituals are not just tools for cults. Rituals can be seen in many other parts of culture.  

    How does this information apply to my experience at WOFF? From the WOFF website under the tab labeled “Beliefs”, listed as #5, one can read that WOFF believes and practices certain Christian ordinances or rituals. They list Baptism and Communion which are widely practiced. They also list “Laying on of Hands”, “Repentance” and “The Government of God”. The question of why a group would list these last three is a subject of another post. For now, I will accept the first two as common in the Protestant Christian church.

     WOFF did practice baptism while I was there. In fact, I was baptized in the little pool behind the house that sits to the right of the church. Unless there have been major repairs, that pool is no longer used. From the website, you can see that the baptismal services are held at Jane Whaley’s house. Jane and Sam and certain leadership would baptize folks in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit.

     WOFF does practice communion. There is no certain time between communion services as in other church groups. It mainly was whenever Jane “heard God to have communion”. Sam and certain other leaders would serve the folks. Nothing out of the way or odd about the service, just it never was predictable.

     As for the idea of “sacred place, sacred space, sacred symbols and sacred architecture” while at WOFF? Let me address this in context of the passage above. Yes, WOFF has this element in their “cult-ture”. First, “sacred place”; while a person in “discipleship” or on some other level of church discipline, they are not allowed in the sanctuary. These folks are not allowed to attend certain functions not held in the main sanctuary. While a person is on church discipline, they are not allowed to fellowship with other members. There is of course, no smoking or use of tobacco on WOFF property. There is certainly no use of alcohol as well as other such prohibitions. So, you could say “sacred place” and “sacred space” are practiced. The rules for this are of course, all governed by Jane Whaley.

    In reference to sacred symbols or sacred architecture; I would have to say that WOFF comes up short. There seems to be no specialness in the way their buildings are built or in their use of any symbols. You will not find a cross hanging in the sanctuary or in the any of their buildings. As far as I remember, this was explained as wanting to avoid any “idolatry”. There is irony in that, don’t you think? Idols can be people, places or things….

    One aspect of this whole subject is not addressed by Ms. Hutchinson. She does not mention holidays and their function in cults or other groups. On the “Beliefs” page of the WOFF website, number 17 is titled “Pagan Holidays”. WOFF does not celebrate any holidays. (see link http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=249 ….) The result of not celebrating any holidays is to redefine certain widely accepted and practiced ceremonies or rituals in the culture at large. A non-celebration has its effects. Many of which have been mentioned in previous posts. This redefinition serves to further cut-off or alienate WOFF members from family and friends who are not in the church.

    In turn, WOFF does “celebrate” their rituals in their weddings, memorial services, graduations and yearly seminars. These are all done in unique WOFF fashion. These practices also serve to make the WOFF experience “special” to its members as well as reinforcing the elitist notion of WOFF members. The exclusion and/or redefinition of certain rituals, ceremonies or holiday celebrations, acts as a tool to separate WOFF members unto their leader- Jane Whaley. The redefinition fits well with the whole sequence and direction of events meant to recruit and keep members at WOFF.  In essence, it redefines the nature of “normal” Christianity and that skews a person’s perspective and understanding of a “holy” Christian life. It can take years after leaving WOFF or any other religious cult group, to unlearn the relational dynamics of the cult life and find, then learn the true Christian life.   

     Hutchinson in her book explains how former cult members confuse the longing for cult rituals with their desire for the same feelings of dedication and consecration that the unique cult ritual invoked.(page 143-144) This confusion can lead to a return to the cult, as the person seeks to recapture the spiritual dedication they once felt. They did not understand that cult rituals were not the true source of the spiritual dedication. As tough as it has been, it was so important for me to reconnect with other Believers after leaving WOFF, in whatever way I found comfortable. Also, it helped to realize that seeking God and His will was not solely contingent on membership in WOFF, regardless of what is preached or practiced there.

     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 122.