While the reaction of others has run the gamut, I am thankful that Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) has put up a website. Most assuredly, Jane Whaley approved each picture and page and line of content. It is very doubtful that she had any hand in the actual development, but since her name and reputation were/are at stake, she was/is “involved” for sure. The layout is extensive and the graphics – well done. Finally, the whole world can see a little into this very controversial group. As far as note worthy church groups; WOFF does not rank as one of the largest. I must say, while I was there for many years- it seemed very large. There was in years past, and there is now on the website, talk of needing to expand the facilities. While my memory is not perfect, I see only about a dozen new (unknown to me) folks in the very extensive array of pictures. (Some pictures seem to have been taken a while back) Would that necessitate a new sanctuary? Or does that mean the growth of the membership is not documented on the website?
The school did expand its facilities during last year- but that was not an option. When I left in 2008, there were 34 children under five years of age. Last June 17th, I learned that some students were not yet finished their classes from the spring schedule. I asked, why? The answer was that for many students who helped build the school, they got behind in their assignments as several classes were suspended and they had to finish in the summer. Another person who was there during that time mentioned that much of the wiring was done by two particular students who “were being trained”. He did not say they were licensed. But, it was probably counted as class time for something. One of the teachers is pretty skilled at construction and could have been the “teacher”. That is the flexible nature of private eduction.
Yes, I am grateful for WOFF putting up a website. This shows the world what they believe about themselves. It is as if they are looking into their own mirror and telling us what they see. This effort is definitely their “best foot forward”. It is intriguing to see what they believe about themselves. As mentioned in a previous post, they want to classify themselves using “classical Christianity” as a basis. That does not hold true when you consider their many practices to halt critical thinking and individual expression. (see post http://tiny.cc/zvvuu ) Also, read the posts that compare FLDS to WOFF. There is confirmation in those posts that WOFF practices “imperial Christianity” on a day to day basis. The first post in that series is here.. http://tiny.cc/1e1i0 This is the first post showing similarities.
As with any group, it is more critical to analyze what they practice and not only what may be their stated beliefs. Though there will be much to post about the stated beliefs in days to come, we will also explore what is on the website versus known practices and how, in several cases, the practices betray the stated beliefs. My previous experiences along with other former members will be the main basis for recounting the WOFF practices.
In case you have any technical difficulties with loading the WOFF website- see this link to find out “who is” listed in these very public records as the technical support representative. The basic contact information is required to be available, at this site. here- http://tiny.cc/1yok2 Use the name of the WOFF website for the search. (wordoffaithfellowship.org) Read the NOTICE near the top of the search results. Abide by it. Basic contact information that did not make the contact page on the site is listed here. Obviously, it was just an oversight on their part to leave out this basic information.
Religion consists of a set of things which the average man thinks he believes and wishes he was certain. — Mark Twain
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. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.
(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 84.
People who never went to church there when they viewed the website immediately said, it’s a cult! They can tell it from the pictures and all that is written. Now, these were people who knew nothing about my history with the church. I wanted to get a straw sample of people to look it over. I called many and said check this out! It is amazing most of the people are smiling. I do not remember ever seeing smiles on those faces. I never saw smiles when at the church. The children had to be proded to smile when they were up on stage. Such an unhappy lot. People who would visit the church would comment on how well behaved the children were, maybe TOO well behaved. It made many wonder….Again, these are my memories and recollections.
Remember- Happy, Happy, Happy are the children whose God is the Lord! Where is your “happy face”? This website really is a reflection of what Jane choses to see and what she wants others to see — or not see. I do appreciate all the new material to work with, though I had not run out of previous things – for sure. So many things to write about- so little time.. 🙂