Tag Archives: Word of Faith Fellowship

Letter for College Admission was a “Test” for All

March 15, 2010 Admin 1 Comment

During a service, not sure if a Wednesday or Sunday; people were gathered from the main sanctuary into the fellowship hall about 50 at a time and told to come in and sit down. Next, a letter written by one of the high school graduates for their college admission application was read to everyone. After the reading, the question was asked “If you think this letter was written by the Spirit of God, then stand up.” There was verbal pressure to react quickly. After the some folks stood, Jane asked a few from the “yes” and “no” groups to say why they gave their answer. After a couple of people explained their thoughts, Jane reviewed how the letter came ot her attention. She knew the letter was not of God. She read it to her leadership as a test and now to regular members as a test. She wanted to know who could “hear God” and see the worldy attitudes reflected in the letter. She was disappointed with the person who wrote the letter. This person had graduated from WOFF Christian school. It was a shock that this person would “still have the love of the world” in them. The letter writer was now “under the strong dealings of God.” This person may not even get to attend college with that still in their heart. “College could take them over!” I am not sure if it was in this meeting or another one, but the letter writer did get up before the church to repent and thank Jane for “hitting her sin” and blah, blah, blah… (see post here about not teaching slaves to read… http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=558 )

We were all wrong in the group I was in. Even those who had answered “correctly” could not explain to Jane in exact enough terms to satisfy her requirement. At least in the group I was in, many still had “the love of education and the world’s ways” in them. So, had Jane Whaley accomplished her purpose? Yes, according to Jane; NO ONE was able to “nail to the core” the deception in the author on the letter. She was the only one who could see the level of evil reflected in the letter. Remember, Jane was the final say on WHATEVER was sin. So, this test was yet another way to keep her top position. It only furthered the groveling insecure feelings in many members. How could one make it without Jane and her always crystal clear discernment of God and His ways?

This method of public humiliation was common at WOFF. I suspect it still is one of Jane’s favorites. Why? Because it was so common and it produced the results Jane desired. Many times, members could not hide in a group, but they were singled out and rebuked in a service. The rebuke was not always performed by Jane Whaley. She had leadership who had been “given authority” to correct others. So, how comforting was/is this?

The person who wrote the letter is now one of the “home grown” lawyers attending the church. Since Jane allowed this person to attend college and then law school, things must have changed in the person, right?

In “Combatting Cult Mind Control” (copyright 1990) , by Steven Hassan- he explains why he left the Moonies: “I left when I realized that deception and mind control can never be a part of any legitimate spiritual movement: that through their use, the group had created a virtual “Hell on Earth”,a kingdom of slaves. Once I was able to realize that even though I wanted to believe it was true (Moon was Messiah, Divine Principle as Truth) my belief did not make it true, I saw that even if I remained in the group for another fifty years, the fantasy I was sacrificing myself for would never come true.” (page 167)

Let’s apply Steven Hassan’s understanding to WOFF. Members of WOFF sacrifice their money, time and years of service/allegiance to Jane Whaley- her edicts, rules and “don’t” therapy. For what? Jane’s clothes? Jane’s jewelry? Jane’s dogs? Jane’s shopping trips to Atlanta or Charlotte or Jane’s renovation of her house on 40 + acres? No matter how many years that “faithful” members of WOFF believe that they will one day “fulfill the Call of God” and be sent out to the nations, – No matter how many “don’ts” members successfully avoid, No matter how many public rebukes members take from Jane; those personal sacrifices and “spiritual carrots” don’t justify the deception and mind control that is present at WOFF. Just believing that one day things will be better or perfect in your life at WOFF, does not make it true. Just believing that one day things will change at WOFF, does not make it true. Regular members of WOFF have no voice in making the necessary changes. WOFF is not a democracy. (There may be votes for fellowship dinner choices.. but, really?) Jane Whaley rules as a dictator all the while saying she is “hearing God” and saying she is “not your Savior”. Think about what Jane Whaley practices on a day to day basis to determine real priorites and purposes.

Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. It could very well save their life. There are readers at WOFF. I hope this is a help to them.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

(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. )

Behavior Control, Uncategorized

A Dream About a WOFF Member

March 14, 2010 Admin 1 Comment

Recently, I had a dream about a leader of WOFF. Why even mention it? Though it was “only a dream”, it helped answer some questions for me. So, I will share it. Others may be helped.

The person in the dream was doubting his course. I felt compassion for him and was encouraging him. He was reflective, not telling me how to think or act or “chewing me like a dog on a bone”. He was not rushing back to the church to find his next Jane Whaley assigned task. We rode in his pick-up truck through a corn field. We pulled over and as I was talking, he just sat looking dejected. I was letting him know that by my leaving WOFF, I rejected the message and method he had come to cherish. As mentioned in a previous post; it is possible to reject the methods, the message and not the members of a religious group.

I knew a little of his personal background. He had moved on from the message of his father’s holiness church in which he grew up. Next he attended a Southern Baptist Church. He had moved on from there. He moved on from being a support minster for another traveling minister. Eventually, he founded his own ministry. Many of the beginning teachings were reflective of the original “Word of Faith” message of Kenneth Hagin. He attended conferences for that group at the same time as Jane and Sam. Later, he reconnected with Jane and Sam Whaley (mid 1980’s) with their message of deliverance. This man had moved “forward in God” several times that I was aware of. His journey was not unlike many other WOFF members. Many had come to WOFF through spirtual steps on a journey. Could he be considering he next move? Was there a struggle raging inside of him? Having gone through the struggle that he may be walking through, it only made sense I would be there to encourage him, in the dream. Much of his journey I learned from his preaching. So, in this dream, it seemed he was facing another decision point to stay or “move forward” again in God.

Before my departure from WOFF, the long deliverance sessions of loud prayer were not as frequent as in years past. So, besides the long list of “don’ts”- what is the message of WOFF? In wedding programs, they publish “What We Believe”. In that program they give their beliefs with supporting scripture references. Without pretending to remember them all, I will give a partial list. WOFF believes in Jesus as the Son of God and the Way to Salvation, the Trinity, The Gifts of the Spirit, Laying on of Hands, Raising of Hands, Singing Praises from Scripture, Holy Communion, Intercessory Prayer, Baptism for Believers.. I am not sure if this next one is listed, but it are practiced- Foot-washing. Again, I don’t pretend that this list is complete. But, it gives a general idea where WOFF stands doctrinally.

As with any church that may or may not have similar doctrinal beliefs, the most vital assessment of a group lies in what they practice as a result of their beliefs and interpretation of Scripture. Another church may have similar doctrinal positions, but they could celebrate Christmas and Easter as well as allow their members freedom to make decisions on their own. So, in looking at what sets WOFF apart from other churches, it is obvious there are many more rules (don’ts) with WOFF than other churches with similar doctrines. ( I know, I have been in several before WOFF.) The “Freedom in Christ” mentioned in scriptures for the New Testament believer does not exist at WOFF. In light of this, why defend or continue this set of heavily enforced rules and don’ts? This method of controlling others is doomed for failure. When you cut off by hell-threatening edicts a member’s personal choices and attempt to program their total environment; that attempt stifles a basic human component- the need for Freedom of Choice! We, as humans -ESPECIALLY in this country- are guaranteed choices! Remember? Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness!

Continue reading →

Behavior Control, Uncategorized

Your Shampoo Matters! – says Jane Whaley

March 13, 2010 Admin 1 Comment

In a service, one of the main leadership was preaching and made a comment about his shampoo bottle having a “new age”; statement on the back. He “did not pay it any attention”. Suddenly, from the front row- Jane Whaley said, “Get rid of it.” She then went on to say that he didn’t need a “new age”shampoo. Now, this person had a military background and knew where to do an “about face”. He said he was suddenly ready to get a new shampoo! Some the members chuckled, but it was plain that this minister had AGAIN publicly met the “authority of God” in Jane Whaley. That is what is was called when Jane would “correct” him or others while they were preaching. You could meet the “authority of God” in Jane in various different ways. But, for sure you would meet this “authority”, if you stayed at WOFF for any length of time.

What was the results of this “correction”? You probably already know. This gave folks yet something else to check for; adding to toilet paper direction, wiping the sink before you left the bathroom and other habits during your personal time. Checking behind each other was/is a major task for WOFF members.

Steven Hassan, in “Releasing the Bonds” (copyright 2000), explains behavior control as follows: “Behavior control is the incremental regulation of a person’s reality, which includes both his environment (where he lives, who he associates with, what he eats, when he sleeps) and his conduct (tasks, rituals, and other activities). … A former member of Heaven’s Gate told me that Applewhite (the leader) decided “how we lived, what we wore, how we cut our hair, what we ate, how we slept” (page 46) Does the life at WOFF seem similar to the behavior control listed in the above text?The leader of Heaven’s Gate, Applewhite, I would say never knew Jane Whaley or even heard of WOFF. So why would similar behavoir control methods be in each group? If there are still doubts- read more posts on this blog. Then leave your comments to answer the question.

Here is a link for more information on Heaven’s Gate…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven’s_Gate_(religious_group)

News update: The shampoo company, Herbal Essence®, has changed their bottles. I checked a local Wal-Mart. The marketing campaign no longer include new age rhetoric. But, would it pass the test? I am not for sure. Suppose we need to ask Jane. 🙂

“In every country and every age, the priest had been hostile to Liberty.”- Thomas Jefferson

(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. )

Behavior Control, Uncategorized

Jane Whaley Calls Senior High School Girls – “Homely”

March 12, 2010 Admin 4 Comments

The subject of this post is sad but, very true. The events clearly indicate the pure narcissistic obsession of Jane Whaley and her daughter with appearance. Just a few months after my departure from WOFF, I wrote my remembrances of this service and the happenings afterwards. Actually, I wrote pages and pages of notes about my experiences. All of it was done not knowing at the time that those writings would be the basis for such posts as this one.

In May of 2008, in a Sunday evening service that was “practice” for the graduation; the senior girls were up on stage. There were twelve girls in the graduating class. Jane cleared her throat, conferred with her daughter and proceeded to call the whole class of young girls- “homely”. There were many in the congregation who proceeded to snicker. Then Jane proceeded to tell them that they all needed “help”. Her daughter then chimed in “They all look like they are from “COG”. Think of this; high school girls getting ready to graduate and being told by the principal of the school, the Apostle of the church, the supreme leader who had all of the power for everything AND her daughter – that they were all “homely”. Was this the love of God that Jane and others had preached for years at WOFF? You decide. Here is a definition of homely: Not attractive or good-looking: a homely child.

Well, it was not a surprise that things would change quickly for this group after that meeting. Up until that Sunday meeting; it was a practice at WOFF that girls under 18 years old did not have their ears pierced or use colored nail polish. Also, eye-liner was reserved for those over 18. Under the age of 18, they were allowed to use foundation, light blush, lipstick of certain colors, clear nail polish, but no eye color. (Yes, these restrictions were not listed on the “Welcome to WOFF “do’s” and “don’t” list.) In the next few days, teased-up hair, french tips and pierced ears were the order of business. Things changed in order to chase away the “homely” look or “COG” look. The excitement to please Jane was at times surreal. What standard was shown to these young ladies as the goal?

The second part of that Sunday evening service included another teacher and leader of the school; one of the principals of the school – berating the parents for letting their girls leave the house in such a “homely” condition. “You don’t love you daughter if you let her walk around homely.” Most every parent of those twelve girls was in the second meeting. I don’t remember warm fuzzy “love of God feelings” as I left that night.

The graduation pictures showed the results. Yes, “homely” had been run out the door, but at what cost? Jane Whaley’s priorities were crystal clear at this meeting. After all, Jane Whaley said herself that, “If my clothes were laid out flat side by side, they would cover two city blocks”. This Sunday meeting, the results afterward and Jane’s ongoing comments about her dresses, shoes and clothes speak volumns. I do not have to add to them.

(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. ) Here is a picture of hope…

New rays of hope — Spring will come- soon.

Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Lunch Meeting Produces Insight

March 11, 2010 Admin Leave a comment

Recently, a lunch meeting with a couple of new friends produced some very interesting information. There were three of us eating at a local restaurant. One fellow holds a management job at a local company. I had spent time with him, previously. The other fellow is preparing to go overseas with his family as a missionary. He and I had never met. There were the introductions and we began to find out about each other. As questions and answers began to come; the fellow preparing for the mission field mentioned he had come out a legalistic church. I did not miss the door and made mention I had experience like that, also. From there the conversation took off.

The newest friend was a survivor of the Worldwide Church of God. He was a local fellow that had grown up in the county. He and his wife had attended the church-sponsored college and left the group in 1995. Though he had grown up in the county just north of Rutherford county, he was unaware of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and Jane or Sam Whaley. We discussed some of the reasons he may not know of them. I began to explain a brief history of WOFF. WOFF started in 1979(?), but being so involved in his world may not have allowed him to find out about other groups. Plus, many members of WOFF are from out of the area. As a percentage, most WOFF members are not “home grown”.

Here is where the fellow that works in management said he had spoken recently to a friend that had left WOFF in the late 80’s. Much of what that WOFF survivor remembered was the “blasting” and loud prayer. (that is another post in the making..)

The survivor of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) mentioned that “Inside Edition” had come and researched their group. That had happened to WOFF, also. It sounded like around the same time period. He mentioned that the State of California had come into the group and put them in receivership to investigate mis-handling of funds. Later, the State had to admit they had crossed the legal boundary even though there were wrong-doings in the group. The WCG survived for a time. The son of the leader took over. His personal desires for money, liquor and wrong sexual relationships did not reflect well on the church. Eventually, according to the survivor, “The hand of God came down and splintered the group into over 300 groups. Before that, they had over 80,000 members all over the world.”

As I mentioned things that had gone on at WOFF, such as the list of 145 “don’ts” that was not complete; (see list here.http://tiny.cc/rfeBp ). the WCG survivor said, ” WCG was not that controlling.” Can you believe it? When I mentioned the “Toilet Paper Revelation”, (see post here. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=243 ). he sat back in shock. I mentioned other restraints and “don’ts” and he again confirmed his original statement.

We agreed on several points. Many survivors have anger when they leave a cult group. Some deal with it well , while others allow it to poison them and even drive them to destructive personal habits. Some deny their belief in God or any type of religion all together. This is very sad. We also agreed that leaving a controlling group can be a direct rejection of the message and the methods while you still respect and love the members. He mentioned he still has relationship with others that had been in the WCG though he had been out since 1995. I did agree that rejecting the group does not mean rejecting the all of the people and relationships. He said that a book his wife read several years ago about cult survival, mentioned it can take eight to ten years to fully recover from cult membership. He agreed now, though at first he did not think so.

The time spent with these men was a blessing to me. It was good to talk to someone who had grown up in a cult, survived and not lost their hunger for God. We both agreed that seeking God after a cult membership was critical to full recovery. I look forward to more time with these new friends.

Below are links to some more information about WCG.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambassador_College – college info

http://www.wcg.org/ – Website for re-organized Worlwide Church of God.

http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/w/wcog/#news – fact sheet from Steven Hassan

(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. )

Uncategorized, WOFF Don'ts, WOFF Updates

Handout for New (or Present) WOFF Members

March 8, 2010 Admin 2 Comments

Recently, a regular reader mentioned I should publish a “handbook” for WOFF members. Actually, during my stint with the property management company during my days at WOFF; we did have a handbook or handouts for new residents. It was called a “move-in” package. So, the idea is not new. However, before I unveil my efforts; let’s go over a few points. This list is meant to inform only. There is no way for me to guaruntee the total accuracy or completeness since many of the “don’ts” are subject to change or multiplication. Also, my days at WOFF ended in July of 2008, this will not be a complete list. Other “don’ts” have been discovered since my departure. This list is totally illustrative of what could be done with the information known at this time. That is the long way to say this is the “short version”.

Here are some excerpts… ( the numbering is different for these items…)

Don’t wear jeans. (exception may be for construction work..maybe..)
Don’t wear shorts.
Don’t wear sleeveless dresses or tops.
Don’t wear dresses above the knees.

The entire document is here- http://tiny.cc/sYBLc

Yes, there really are that many “don’ts” to remember when you live in “Don’t-dale”.. Does this list make sense? It is the short version of all the don’ts I heard over my years in Greenville and WOFF. Do you think that potential new members would be able to look over this list and still consider joining WOFF? What could be so attractive to allow someone to join a group like this when BEFOREHAND you have the list of “don’ts” and rules?

To many folks, the attraction begins with someone at WOFF providing a job and/or a place to live. How many times did I see a single person or a young couple given a job or place to live conditional on their frequenting the services and learning the “do’s” and “don’ts” of WOFF? Many would come, few would stay for one reason or another. If they stayed, often it was not for long. Could at least one of the reasons be the strict list of “don’ts”? So, WOFF leadership and Jane Whaley; consider using this document or one like it to give to potential members. Cut to the chase and see if any are willing to put themselves through these rigors when they know ahead of time what the routine will be! After all, isn’t that the only fair thing to do? Why wait until the new members have adjusted the job and maybe even the housing; then start increasing the “don’t” therapy?

There were people from many different nations living in WOFF controlled housing. Several worked for the church -member owned property management company that I worked for during my stay at WOFF. I cannot say for sure that all the proper forms were completed when hiring folks from other countries for the property management company. That was not my area of responsibility. In fact, one day between October of 2007 and March of 2008; I was asked to take a deposit for the property management company to the local bank. In addition, I was given a check to cash. It was made out to the son of one of the company’s owners. The teller at the bank made a comment to say I did not look like the owner’s son, but cashed the check anyway. The son of the owner would not get the cash. I was instructed to drop it off to one of the Brazilians working in Spartanburg, SC. He would give it to the young Brazilian for whom it was intended. It was his weekly pay for working with the property management company. Why would this Brazilian not be able to cash his own checks? Did he have proper papers? Or was this a case of something else? “Service” above and beyond? Were there others at WOFF in the same “predicament”? All this brings us to another “don’t” – You don’t ask people from other countries if they are legal? Is that on the “Don’t List”?

(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. )

Uncategorized, WOFF Don'ts

The WOFF “Don’t” List – Part 7

March 7, 2010 Admin Leave a comment

This series has been outlining the conduct rules, or “don’ts” for members of WOFF. Yes, there are yet more “don’ts” to be listed. One “don’t” was for males. Men, as well as young boys down to toddlers; don’t use a urinal in a restroom unless it is completely enclosed, as with WOFF bathrooms. If you have ever visited WOFF and had occasion to learn about the enclosed urinals, then this is the answer. One fellow, who is no longer at WOFF, was called out for using a public urinal in an airport bathroom before he left. He set a “bad example for the younger boys”. He was told “we don’t do that”.

Members of WOFF do not use tanning beds. Now, here is a restraint that could save your life. Why would it be a “don’t” of a church? Good common sense keeps many folks out of tanning beds. Why add it to the list? Many of these “don’ts” speak volumes about Jane Whaley and her desire to control.

Again, another don’t about alcohol. WOFF members don’t go to restaurants that serve alcohol. Well, that was the “don’t”, but if you were in a position that there were no places that did not serve alcohol; then you could eat in a place that served alcohol. Just try not to sit close to the bar. Ask to be put at the opposite end of the dining area, if possible. After a business trip in 1999, I was scalded for eating at a Texas Roadhouse in Georgia. The company I worked for had stopped to have lunch with several clients. Yes, I felt uncomfortable while I was there, but the position I was in did not allow me to dictate the dining options.

One seminar a few years ago, someone complained the Jane that several members had PO Box addresses. What was the purpose? The comment led to a ban on regular members having a PO Box. After all, who could know what mail they were getting in their box? If they got mail at the household where they lived, someone could check it. I kept my PO Box in Rutherfordton after going to someone in leadership and telling them I had a problem with giving it up. Actually, I continued to see other WOFF members picking up their mail from the Post Office. Not all “don’ts” work.

While driving yesterday, I remembered another “don’t”. WOFF members as a rule don’t ride in the back of a pick-up truck. Here is another “don’t” that is for safety. But, why does a church have to tell their members this one? Though I rode in the back of a pick-up truck several times in years past, I would not do it, today.

Admittedly, it is hard to remember all the restrictions and “don’ts” in order. Many of the “don’ts” occur to me as I have been going through my day. A thought or situation or comment by a co-worker will remind me that something was a “no-no”. For instance, yesterday I had to deal with motorcycles. Then I remembered that WOFF members don’t ride motorcycles, dirt bikes or ATV’s. (unless there have been major changes since my time there ended.) It was cited as a safety issue.

You will notice that WOFF men don’t have long hair of any sorts, a don’t rule for sure. Jane Whaley also mentioned that the African American men don’t need to be bald. It looks worldly. So, they began to grow their hair out. Read the rest of this post, we pose more questions… Continue reading The WOFF “Don’t” List – Part 7 →