For this post, I will take a slightly different angle from previous posts. In other posts, I have compared the writings of experts in the area of mind control and cults to my observations and experiences inside of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). Looking back, I did not think there would be so much material from experts and survivors of other religious cults that would compare to what happened at WOFF. It has been a sad path confirming what others had believed for years. The first book that started these comparisons was one someone bought for me in January 2010- “Church of Lies” by Flora Jessop and Paul T. Brown (Copyright ©2009 by Flora Jessop and Paul T. Brown- ISBN 978-0-7879-9462-4) The book is an informative read though in some places, the depiction is raw. However, if you are looking for a source to explain Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) and their polygamy practices, this book is a must.  

   My thoughts today have gone in a slightly different direction. Let me first say that most of the post will be from simple observations and questions that these observations has birthed. Also, as I move forward, I am fully aware that there will be those present and former members who may take issue with my conclusions. In answer to that, I encourage comments, responses and dialogue. And yes, I know that up to this point many have kept quiet or talked behind closed doors. Certain WOFF members have excused my posts as “lies, full of lies”. If that is true then assemble a list of contradictions and untruths in my writings and send them to me. Can we then review them and come to some point of agreement- or just feel satisfied that each side has expressed their views? I will publish a list of reported untruths or “lies” that present WOFF members assert, including Jane Whaley, if they are submitted in a sensible fashion.

    This evening, I began to revisit some writings of Andrew Murray. One in particular was a small book which was the reworked from teachings Murray did in 1895 at the Northfield Conference. Murray has been a favorite author of mine and one I continued to read even while in WOFF. The title of this book was “The Master’s Indwelling” (Copyright © 1983 by Whitaker House, ISBN 0-88368-121-8). The main purpose of the book was to promote the knowing and experiencing of the Holy Spirit in His fullness in the life of Christians. As I read this and pondered a hopefully indisputable idea in the life of any Christian; everyone who calls themselves a born-again Christian has to believe in whatever level of understanding which they have- that Jesus has come to take up residence in them.  This belief is what sets Christianity a part from other religions.

  Certainly, Jane Whaley teaches this and it is confirmed on their website. I was familiar with that belief before becoming a part of WOFF. While at WOFF, Jane would also express her ideas about the “Government of God” as mentioned on their website, as an ordinance of the church. I will not discuss my thoughts on that being an ordinance. However, when considering the practices and teachings of Jane Whaley, I realized that her efforts to be the “government of God” and to control her members and keep the world and the devil from them in actuality worked against the purpose of being born again. Let me explain.

   It is not surprise or new information that WOFF members have MANY rules to live by that could and would change according to Jane’s prerogatives and desires. I will admit that staying away from certain activities was not a bad thing. But, with Jane’s self-confessed obsession to keep her people from “sin” (because their sin affects her!), she builds/requires in her members a compulsory restricting dependence on her and not the presence of God that is supposed to be leading a guiding them into all Truth!  She works against her own supposed desires with control and even deception. First, the deception was/is on her that as a “pastor” or leader – she could make enough rules for her members to NOT sin. She may say she does not believe that- but, what do her actions tell us?

   It matters not how rich or emotional her feelings or anxiety are upon her when the thought of a WOFF member being led astray or even out of her group. The truth is by her control she keeps her members from knowing the God they confess to serve. If you doubt, observe and ask a WOFF member if they can hear God or make decisions for themselves? After they think and/or quote John 5:30 from the Amplified, they will think and/or say that “If Jesus could make decisions Himself, how could I? That would be pride” They then will call or run to Jane for her to hear God for them. Does that seem conducive for spiritual growth or long-lasting bondage? Yes, in my opinion, Jane keeps her faithful members captive in a “dungeon” with the finest decor, the best furniture and finest china. No matter how sweet and precious the members are to you or others in the community, they are shackled and kept from personally knowing the Jesus that they profess to serve, love and worship.

  This evening, I also watched a minister on television. He was one I had first watched in 1983 and was at that time taken up with his message. As I watched him teach the SAME health and wealth “gospel” message he was teaching in 1983; I understood that no man or woman, no matter how long they are “working for the Lord”, has the whole counsel of God. Thank God! Contrary to Jane’s actions or confessions, she does not have the entire counsel of God. That is for her good and the good of those who listen to her, if they only knew. The WOFF message is not complete, no matter how many Scriptures are quoted on their website. Among other spiritual truths, the practice of Jane’s message lacks true “freedom in Christ” which is meant to lead His children into a mature, deep personal relationship with Him.

  Could this be true? Could Jane’s obsessive desire to “hear God” and keep her members “from sin” be exactly what the devil uses to keep her faithful members from personally knowing Jesus?

    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.

     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. ) Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 319.