Many companies or ventures of some type look at the “net” effect or in some cases- the bottom line. Is the company or group producing or providing that which they promised? Granted this view is not always the best assessment of a plan or purpose, but it is a valid one. After spending 16 years either directly or indirectly under the teachings of Jane Whaley, what is the net effect? For those still in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF); what has been the net effect or outcome of that stay? Has Jane Whaley produced in their life that which she promised? Or have there been other effects of WOFF membership that were either unpredictable or unplanned? Or effects that worse yet, were unaccounted for in any previous assessment?

   As an example, one could say that the net effect of politicians has become spending money. Many would argue, spending someone else’s money – quite frequently and quite profusely. Is that the expected or projected net effect of any form of government? What was the original plan of a central or state government? But, alas, this year will be more evident than in years past, politicians “effectually” spend money.

    Closer to home, what does Jane Whaley and her group promise and what do they deliver? What is the net effect of a membership at WOFF, whether that is for a few months or a few years? Jane says in so many words, Jesus came to set us free from sin and teach us how to walk perfectly in Him. How could anyone who has been at WOFF for any length of time- forget? So, do WOFFers live free from sin? If that is the case, why do they frequently hear from Jane how sinful they are and how likely they are to be kicked out and how more likely it is that they are going to hell if they leave her and the WOFF fold? If Jane could deliver on her stated goal to teach others to walk sinless as she does, then why all the countless hours of prayer “to get the devils out”? If she was sinless, then would it seem likely she could teach others to walk in her sinlessness? Well, the student is no greater than the teacher. That is if the teacher is truly teaching.

  

    Let’s look at some other more obvious effects of WOFF life. Who could ignore the dress, the cars and the houses?  These are billed as the blessings of God – according to Jane and Sam. Well, some do seem to acquire these “blessings” as a member of WOFF. But, at what cost do these blessings come? Are there large loan payments that come with the blessings? Well, for some there must be. How many WOFF members filed bankruptcy in 2010? And what about those who continually strive for the blessings and never seem to obtain them? Are they truly blessings or objects of frustration continually reminding them that Jane has and they have not? Do all members have enough clothes to “cover two city blocks”– as Jane does? As mentioned, we are not sure if that includes the shoes and purses, Jane did not make that clear.  

    Now, what about some of the more ignored effects of a WOFF membership? Effects which are ignored or denied by Jane and her crew. What are these effects? In order to catch a glimpse or view some of these effects, ask a WOFF member if they celebrate holidays? Ask them if they have free access to the media- without the eyes of other WOFFers? Ask them questions such as “Does Jane hear God perfectly every time?” “If so, then will you ever reach that “place in God” or is that only for her?” “Can someone walk in sinless perfection – as Jane claims?” “Is there ever a good reason to leave WOFF?” “Do you make decisions based on a word from Jane or on your own thoughts and desires?” “Can you make decisions on your own or would that risk your place in WOFF or worse your chance to make heaven?” “Do you mind being in a group that is called one of the top five most emotionally destructive cults in America?” “How do you relate to your family and relatives – outside of WOFF?” Do any former members have free access to you or other WOFFers?” “Why would those who have left be denied or shunned or arrested if they tried to come back to WOFF?” “Do you know how much money is raised and where it is spent at WOFF?” “Does Jane only make $600 a month as she claims?” “Could you have the lifestyle of Jane on $600 a month?” “Why are the finances such a secret at WOFF?”

    While I was in WOFF, these questions would have given me hives. Well, at least, hopefully caused me to think about the issues. Many inside of WOFF would deny or ignore or shun the questions when they really should be seeking the answers. What is the net effect of a membership at WOFF? For many it is confusion and/or blind faith in Jane and her words. What happens after that? At a minimum, there are wasted years chasing elusive promises and impossible “places in God” that only Jane says she can reach. There are wasted years in some state of submission and subservience to a set of rules and a leader who is a master manipulator and “wizard-ess” the likes that few have ever seen. Wasted years chasing some promise of “fulfilling the call of God” in terms only defined as Jane desires and which can be used to fulfill her goals and enhance her lifestyle. It is all about Jane- not God.  

    What are the net effects of a membership at WOFF in respect to family and relatives that are not a part of WOFF? This is one of the most denied and ignored effects of WOFF-life. It is hard to say how many folks have emailed or contacted me telling of the broken relationships with their family. Relationships broken with those that live in WOFF-land or caught up in Jane-ness. No, Jane and her crew do not claim to support divorce. But, with their actions and the net effect of life at WOFF; what do they believe in or advocate? Since I came under that group in 1992, the number of broken families where the couples divorce because one refuses to leave and the other refuses to stay- and there is no middle ground at WOFF; the count is amazing. What about the effects on the children and grandchildren of these broken families? Can Jane Whaley and WOFF stand blameless in these matters? I think not.

   So, let it be known, let it be declared; the net effect of life at WOFF is wasted years, broken relationships, wasted money and emotional confusion and pain. Yes, a faithful WOFF member would deny it, but the simple observation of the lives both in and out of WOFF confirm it.

   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 235.