This last week news sources far and wide have picked up the story surrounding the indictments of five Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) church members in the Matthew Fenner case. Some sources have recounted the basics, some have embellished. The five indicted members include- Brooke Covington, Sarah Covington Anderson, Justin Covington, Robert Lewis Walker, Jr. and Adam Bartley. The charges include simple assault and second degree kidnapping. Sarah Anderson has an additional charge of assault by strangulation. These are by far the most serious charges for any WOFF member(s) that I am aware of.
Most every source has contained quotes from Josh Farmer. I will rely on the quotes provided in the sources and attempt to explain the reasons behind them. My purpose is to shed some light on this confusing situation.
“They are innocent of the charges leveled against them and we look forward to proving their innocence and to their complete vindication before a trial court,” said Farmer. “We are adamant that no one ever physically harmed Mr. Fenner… The church does NOT target members who are gay.” Source link here.
This reply by Josh may seem confusing at first. However, let’s apply some WOFF-think to understand WOFF-speak. We cannot excuse these statements just because Josh is an attorney. That misses the meaning and also the opportunity to learn about the WOFF culture. Let me explain.
Not for a minute, do I believe Josh Farmer would utter an indefensible position. He has already determined the “truth” of his reply regardless of the claims in Matthew’s affidavits. We will review the last statement first.
“The church does NOT target members who are gay.” This is the easiest one to explain. Members who sin are subject to equal levels of correction, deliverance and apparently physical encouragement. I am suggesting that Matthew, or any other member, could have received the same level of “deliverance” including the actions in Matthew’s narrative, for any other infraction of “sin.” For instance, if a member was determined to have lusted after a female, back-talked, questioned leadership out of the wrong spirit, tried to escape or any number of other “sins”; all could have been so blessed as to encounter “strong deliverance.” Simply, in WOFF-think, they don’t target gays; they treat every sinner, adult or child, with the same-rough love. This should comfort us all.
Next, “We are adamant that no one ever physically harmed Mr. Fenner…” This one is a little more difficult to explain. In WOFF, it is believed that anyone can be “taken over by devils.” The person is responsible for their actions and is obviously asking for help. In WOFF, to “give over to devils” means “deception has taken you over” and you are asking for help.
In the same way, members can speak, act or do something beyond their ability- “by the Spirit of God.” They can, in essence, be “taken over by His Spirit.” Likewise, because this is “by the Spirit of God,” it is always for good and beyond the control of the individual because they were “totally submitted to doing the will of God,” at that moment. In WOFF-think- if “deliverance broke out,” or “fell” the people helping you “get your breakthrough” were ministers “under the power of God” and you needed them at that moment, regardless how it felt to your body.
So, in WOFF-think, “… no one ever physically harmed Mr. Fenner.” The people in that deliverance circle were “allowing God to flow through them” and THEY did not harm Matthew. What happened was “by the Spirit of God,” and that is always to a person’s good and benefit. Matthew was not “physically harmed.” Does that make sense? In WOFF- think, it totally makes sense. Stay with me, there is more.
“They are innocent of the charges leveled against them and we look forward to proving their innocence and to their complete vindication before a trial court…”
First, notice he never said that no one ever touched Matthew. That would be an indefensible claim. Deliverance of the type Matthew describes- ALWAYS involves touching. He said, “They are innocent of the charges leveled against them…” In WOFF-think and using WOFF-speak, in his mind he can say that with a clear conscience. To Josh and others in WOFF- this is Truth which supersedes the facts and is always subject to the WORD of God as given by Jane. It is like psyching yourself out and convincing yourself that whatever you have done was done on a higher level than those who do not know God at the level WOFF members’ do. WOFF-think says those not in “the move of God” cannot understand God’s ways.
Okay, breathe deep and take in what I am saying. In Josh’s mind he told the Truth. Remember, Josh has been immersed in WOFF-think for MANY years. Thus, “we look forward to proving their innocence and to their complete vindication before a trial court…” In WOFF-think, every opportunity to show the world the way God’s people act, dress, talk, think and respond to adversity” is “setting God apart” before the ones who don’t know him. If this case ever goes to trial, WOFF members will dance with joy and expect only full vindication because they breathe and act for God and always do His will. They are in the “move of God and the love of God,” they deserve ONLY the best the world has to offer. They will expect to be believed beyond doubt and make short order of any of the charges. Why?
In WOFF-think, everyone should want the type of prayer Matthew received, it brings- healing, hope and a sinless way of life! “Better to bruise than burn…” Deliverance is the answer to what ails ya. I just hope during the trial WOFF members will let the world see them actually pray for someone and demonstrate just how they “loved on” Matthew! The judge and jury need to see it.
WOFF-think allows the defendants to smile at their booking. First, smiling inside WOFF is a learned response regardless of any underlying emotions. But, there is also no recognized fear in facing the charges because at least four of the defendants stay immersed in WOFF. They are totally convinced they acted by the Spirit of God and God will vindicate Himself and His people. Hundreds, thousands or more will fall over themselves to want what WOFFers have…
A note to the prosecutors of this case; if the defendants don’t plea out and this case goes to trial, you will need to understand WOFF-think WOFF-speak and WOFF-culture in order to successfully discover what happened on that fateful day in the sanctuary. You will need to frame your questions carefully and expect WOFF answers which will have hidden meanings. A member of that group will be able to look you straight in the eye and give you an answer that to others will be a lie, but to them it is Truth. In their thinking, the Truth they live and give you is what you need to understand God and His ways. You should feel honored just to be able to ask them the questions and learn what and how God thinks.
Again, I suggest you move for a demonstration of what prayer looks like for those praying by the spirit of god. You need to have a good picture of the dynamics involved in deliverance prayer of the WOFF type. I know volunteers who can help. Now, do Josh’s statements make more sense? Well, I tried.
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. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.
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Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 500.
Very well put, John. But, as I explained to Nicole, unless you have experienced the WOFF world, you will never be able to wrap your mind around their thinking which to them, justifies their actions. Unfortunately for them this is a court of law, not a WOFF seminar where persuasion plays a major role. Hopefully your explanation will help outsiders understand the WOFF concept. Thank you for trying to help people see the truth.
John, thank you for everything you are doing to keep the injustices of Word of Faith Fellowship in the forefront…you have put your life on hold to take this all on even though you are not even a member anymore…so thank you on behalf of those of us with family in there , including yourself, who are utterly helpless. But to further the discussion on Matthew Fenner, this link to another version of the saga is interesting: http://www.wral.com/nc-church-members-facing-charges-in-beating-of-gay-man/14278407/ Jane is quoted as saying the church has spent millions over the years fighting lawsuits – that in and of itself should raise red flags – but also everyone needs to know that those millions she speaks of come out of the pockets of all her members. Not out of Jane’s pockets – out of the the members’ pockets – most of whom do not live a life of luxury like she has continued to do even though millions has been spent on lawsuits. Also the Fenner case has to have a change of venue. There is no way a fair trial will result otherwise. Josh Farmer, the attorney for WOFF, is also a member of WOFF. Come on…I actually feel sorry for Josh also because he is totally entrenched at this point. For him to consider leaving the church now sadly is impossible. When I think about 30+ years of this church and how it spiraled downward with more and more controls over the members. They used to celebrate Christmas in the early years. And Jane kept control by convincing members that any one, including family outside the church, who question anything, are “attacking” and have demons. There is no winning in that scenario. Yes, I am beyond frustrated, especially after hearing Matthew’s case and the lack of response by authorities in Spindale when he first tried to file a complaint. Someone is going to get seriously hurt in WOFF or die during the blasting sessions – is that what it will take to have authorities look into this? The only ray of hope right now is that I have heard many members have left in this last year. That is HUGE. It’s time – it’s been long enough. There is only one person responsible for this and she knows who she is. There are so many kind, considerate wonderful members in WOFF. It’s not their fault. I totally understand that they feel indebted to Jane because she has probably “helped” them financially or to find a job, but her help is not selfless, pay-it- forward help. There’s a catch. And that’s not selfless giving and that’s not God…in my opinion.
Thanks John for the update and explanation. I can totally relate to what you are trying to explain. Not only did our leaders have a way of thinking that explained and justified every one of their thoughts and actions, they taught us how to think and what to say to make it seem right. For instance, taking kids away from their parents: to this day they still claim this never happens. This is because they have twisted words around. They don’t “take kids away”. They ask the kids and the parents, the kids want it, it’s for the best, etc. etc. There is no accounting for the intimidation, the mind control, the fear and shaming that goes on before a move like that.
I also understand about the learned smiling. I learned to hide all my feelings behind a smile. People used to watch me play in the Band and then say how much they enjoyed watching me because it was so obvious I was happy. I had performed happiness. Inside I was miserable.
I do hope the trial judge and lawyer are aware of this kind of deceit and do a good job uncovering it.
Carrie,
Thank you for sharing your experience with your former group. It is a sad similarity. Hoping that healing comes in those deep places.
Again, thank you.
John