A reader of this blog, who is a survivor of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) recently made this statement in a comment, “We are still a little unsure of becoming “totally committed” to another church, just yet. But, that may come.” The observation addresses the issue of trust. We have not been able to trust the leadership and members of another church, but we might one day. After my time at WOFF and being under the teachings of Jane Whaley, I completely understand. It took several months to enter a church of any sorts. Even then there were walls of immense proportions between me and anybody in church or even in other areas of life.

   Let me explain. Upon leaving WOFF, there is not only the trust issues with other people in churches, there is also trust issues with the people who were not to be trusted while you were inside WOFF. As a member of WOFF, there were certain folks and groups that were not trusted unless the approval came from Jane Whaley to trust them. For example, DSS workers were never to be trusted. Government officials were to be at least doubted unless Jane said “okay”. Anyone associated with the media in any way was to not to be trusted.  That included television, newspapers and radio. The reason should be obvious. WOFF members were not allowed access to those types of media. Others not to be trusted included lawyers- who represented outsiders, defectors or anyone you were not sure of. Now, there was a catch, after a while WOFF had their own home grown attorneys for most every situation. So, you of course could “trust” them. But, making the distinction was tough after you left. I found that trusting attorneys was based on their knowledge of WOFF and the things that had gone on there in the past.

     While at WOFF, it was clear you did not trust pastors or members of other churches for almost anything. Why? Because Jane Whaley did not trust other pastors enough to allow them time in her pulpit. (one exception) So, why would a WOFF member trust another pastor from another church? What could they possibly add to the wealth of spiritual insights that Jane Whaley had acquired “directly from God”? So, upon leaving WOFF that ability to trust other Christians is severely damaged or even non-existent in many cases. Some former members are able to transition quicker than others into another church. Some never make it into another church and some fallout totally from any form of outward evidence of relationship with God. In my opinion, trust and being able to renew that trust in another person in leadership in a local church is one main key struggle for former members. There are other trust issues and some will be unique to certain folks in their own situation.

     There is a process that each former WOFF member has to go through in order to regain any sense of normality in being able to trust folks for anything. It is not only with people in churches, it is overcoming the warnings that were either verbal or non-verbal while at WOFF of who could be trusted and who could not. My list of people who could not be trusted may be shorter or longer than some others. I was out in business situations and had to trust or relate to outsiders in business transactions. That allowed me to interact and see some ways to trust and connect with outsiders. However, it has taken a while to obtain any level of trust in those in business situations even after two years of being away from WOFF. Former WOFF members who did not work outside the group would have even more trouble connecting with non-WOFF folks.

   It should be obvious that the number of folks outside of WOFF that could be trusted for anything is small. WOFF had doctors, tax preparation folks and several other skills that allowed WOFF to operate in many respects as a closed social environment. With the addition of a dentist, soon the group will be even more centered on WOFF members and WOFF approved folks. For Jane Whaley and her group, this is not a bad thing. Having so many needs of members filled by WOFF friendly or in-house WOFF providers allows more control over the whole group. For Jane, that is a good thing.

    Yes, trusting after WOFF is a struggle to say the least. The connection of trust with love is a close one for sure. This next quote sums that up:  

You can as easily love without trusting as you can hug without embracing.  ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

    For those that are witnessing a person leave WOFF or some other controlling religious group, give them space, give them understanding, give them time and give them your love. For recovery from WOFF is no simple matter. I can only trust God to bring myself and others to a place of peace and stability upon leaving WOFF.

   Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog.  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. ) Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 186.