In order to understand this post, please take time to read part one. Also, before I share my thoughts on the similarities between Agape Bible Fellowship and WOFF, let me say that “Battle with the Devil” went on to explore other questions about heavy rock music, prison ministry and even “Hookers for Jesus”. None of which was quite as interesting as their piece on the deliverance at Agape Bible Fellowship in New York. The entire episode can be found searching “Battle with the Devil- ABC”.

   There were so many thoughts in my mind about the two churches and the similarities in their practices that it is easier to start with the differences. Some of the differences will seem too small to mention, but, I want to be thorough. First, Pastor John Goguen had formal theological training. He may have left or modified some of those roots, but, he had the training nonetheless. Jane Whaley has no formal training as far as I know. Another obvious difference was that John is male and Jane is female. That statement stands for itself. Pastor Goguen dressed very casual, he even wore JEANS! Jane Whaley would not stand behind her pulpit to preach in casual dress- and never jeans. Another difference between Agape and WOFF was that the deliverance sessions did not start out in circles at Agape as it did at WOFF. Not every time did WOFF start their sessions in circles, but, most times that was true. Agape did not appear to have group leaders for the deliverance as it appeared only the Pastor led the prayer. At WOFF, there were deliverance group leaders who would lead the prayer and be the one to say what “devils were to be hit”. Higher level WOFF leadership or Jane herself would ultimately approve of the deliverance group leaders. The Agape congregation also appeared smaller than WOFF.

   This next difference may not make some folks happy. But, in my 16 years of attending meetings at WOFF, I never saw someone directly praying over Jane Whaley for deliverance. She was seen in a group of select leaders joining with her to fight the devils attacking her, but, NEVER did anyone touch her hair to help cast devils out of her. There was a scene showing Pastor Goguen with hair ruffled, throwing-up into a brown paper bag. That did not happen while at WOFF. After all Jane has proclaimed “that sin (whatever it may be) does not affect her, since it is not in her”. Translation: she has reached a level of perfection that needs no deliverance or even open admission of or repentance from sin. A former member told me recently that in meetings he attended, Jane had proclaimed her perfection. That statement should stand by itself.

    Now, let’s discuss some of the similarities between the two groups. Both groups appeared to not mind volume or loud noises during the services. Both groups appear to have some basic traditional beliefs according to traditional, Protestant doctrines. Agape and WOFF both have several seminars or conferences a year which are times for “special deliverance” or learning about the next needed deliverance. Neither group had a cross hanging behind the pulpit or stained glass windows. The most pivotal similarity is the foundational belief that everyone has devils and thus needs deliverance. How else could both groups validate their practices than to espouse the belief that everyone needs what they are preaching, teaching and practicing? The signature practice of both groups was/is “deliverance” and the belief that everyone needs what they are selling. Honestly, I don’t believe Pastor Goguen would disagree that his “ministry” was deliverance, as Jane has already been quoted saying about herself. There may not be an exact match in each self- description, but, the main points are the same- deliverance and/or exorcisms. 

    As I pondered the presentation about Agape Bible Fellowship and compared it to my years of experience inside WOFF, several points of interest came to mind. It is from here, I must rely on my observations of Jane Whaley and WOFF to explain what I believe are some of the inherent dangers that are present for members of WOFF – whether the members have been there for years or are new to WOFF. In fairness, I cannot say that Agape was portrayed as a religious cult or practiced the mind control techniques as I have stated were/are present at WOFF. There was nothing in the documentary that revealed that the pastor was controlling the lives of his members to the extreme levels that existed/exist at WOFF.

   As we take what has been written in previous posts about the narcissistic personality traits of Jane and compare that with what Jane says about her “gift” (quoted in the previous post); then it is plausible that the narcissism is being fed by the religious beliefs about the critical importance of her “gift”. Whether you believe that narcissism is self-love or self-hate, it is hard to deny that it is being fed by the laudation of Jane’s gift. That being acknowledged, then what balancing forces are present to prevent enormous growth in the dangerous strength of her narcissism? Who or what is available to temper or reverse the present state that Jane finds herself?

   Another perspective came to mind. In Robert Lifton’s book, “Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism – A Study of “Brainwashing” in China” (Copyright©1989 by Robert J. Lifton, ISBN 0-8078-4253-2) – he writes, “I wish to suggest a set of criteria against which any environment can be judged—a basis for answering the question: Isn’t this just like ‘brainwashing’? … These criteria consist of eight psychological themes which are predominant within the social field of thought reform milieu.” (page 420)

   One of the criteria which can be used to judge is the “Demand for Purity”. He writes about this criterion: “The philosophical assumption underlying this demand is that absolute purity… is attainable, and that anything done to anyone in the name of this purity is ultimately moral. In actual practice, however, no one … is really expected to achieve such perfection… Thought reform bears witness to its more malignant consequences: for by defining and manipulating the criteria of purity, and then by conducting an all-out war upon impurity, the ideological totalists create a narrow world of guilt and shame. This is perpetuated by an ethos of continuous reform, a demand that one strive permanently and painfully for something which not only does not exist but is in fact alien to the human condition.” (page 424 emphasis added)

  Allow me to summarize my concerns. A full discussion of the foundational belief of each group that everyone has devils is one for another day. I will just comment that a “devil” at WOFF was actually any trait or practice or possession that Jane did not approve of. The definition was fluid and some “devils” of the past are now approved practices. Jane believed and lived as if everyone needed her gift since everyone had/has devils. This belief promoted and fed/feeds her narcissism – no doubt. The practice of deliverance must have at its very root the growing belief those extensive impurities exist in each person and that an all-out war is the only course to take. So, it would follow “that anything done to anyone in the name of this purity is ultimately moral.” Thus the gestures, capitulations and restraints seen during deliverance are excused, overlooked or seen as worth the sacrifice in order to obtain “the unattainable”.        

     Yes, at WOFF, many of us received deliverance prayer over and over because we never “got true deliverance” according to Jane. Thus, the “narrow world of guilt and shame” mentioned by Lifton existed as a daily reality at WOFF. Can you see why? Do any WOFF survivors disagree? Did anyone else experience guilt and shame for never getting the deliverance Jane said was available if you would just submit more, pray, believe, submit your heart or whatever was the directive for the day? The “carrot of freedom” was constantly moved as each day would bring a new rule or revelation of a new devil or “sin” which Jane had discovered and thus everyone needed more prayer! Lifton describes this process though he has never been to WOFF.

   That brings me to what is in my opinion the greatest quandary that WOFF members face and have to rationalize everyday they are a part of WOFF. Jane’s “gift” permeates life at WOFF. To deny belief in Jane and her “gift” is a quick ticket out of WOFF- don’t I know? Jane’s lifestyle reeks with the aroma of her own importance and the self-delusion of her own perfection. She claims to have obtained that which in actuality is unattainable- total perfection. The quandary for regular members:  Jane is not really perfect, but, she is in her mind and must be in my mind in order for me to stay and be part of the most holy group of saints on the earth! Once her own imperfection is made so obvious that a regular member can’t deny it, then they must excuse and overlook Jane’s imperfections in their own mind, at least for a time. This quandary has to be quickly washed away by the delusional hope and premise that as Jane walks, so will they – one day, if they “just keep pressing in”! A regular member must keep the obvious inconsistencies out of focus and focus in on the unattainable- human perfection through Jane’s gift of deliverance and submission to her authority. Does this sound like a healthy place to live- under “Jane’s perfection” and authority? Where is the grace of God? Can you see why I call life at WOFF a big sham? It was/is all very sad to say the least.

   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 323.