Recently, I was told that Jane Whaley, leader of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), declared from the pulpit that many would leave the will of God this year. Translated, many will leave WOFF. Okay, the person relaying it to me called this declaration a “prophecy.” For whatever the motivation, for whatever the reason; I must say I agree with the prediction. Last year was a banner year for defections. The list of survivors leaving WOFF seems to be growing by the week. The exact reasons vary I am sure, but many have already, and looks like soon will leave the WOFF kingdom. The unofficial total ranges from 50 upwards to 80 or more in the last 18 months. I am not sure if any of that number includes ones leaving the Brazilian churches.

For the Faith Freedom Fund, this means another busy year ahead. We are not called upon to help every survivor. Some exit-takers find their own resources. However, last year was the busiest year I can remember for helping survivors. I find the work satisfying on one hand and heart breaking on the other. The stories of abuse coming out of that place seem to grow in intensity with each passing month.

When the Matthew Fenner case comes out of the NC Court of Appeals the pace of media attention will increase. I believe it will be harder and harder for Jane and her leaders to control access to the information surrounding this case. This new flood of media attention will cause doubts to grow and former faithful members to go. Where will they go? Staying in the area does not seem to be choice for many. Many have headed for Charlotte. For those parents with school age children, waiting until the Word of Faith Christian School (WFCS) spring term ends may be in their thinking. In order to help with the decision, I have listed a few resources below for parents to review. Some are local, some are not.

Private schools in Rutherford County, NC
Private schools in Charlotte, NC
Private schools in Asheville, NC
Private schools in Spartanburg, SC
NC Division of Non-public Education- home school requirements

Today, an incident was relayed to me about a young male WOFF member receiving very strong correction over the length of his tie. As the story goes, his tie went below his belt. After being removed from his seat by two men and put up against the wall of the sanctuary, Jane took him out in the breezeway or maybe the fellowship hall and dealt with him. She returned to the sanctuary uttering the warning to those watching, “You did not see that.” The meaning was for each of them to forget what she knew many of them had seen and heard. I write this scene today because this is not the first time I have heard of Jane uttering this type of warning. This heavy handed warning from the supreme leader of the abuse laden group fits the evolving motif. The bullying that Karel Reynolds spoke about in Florida during a session of the Holocaust event last spring has become common place inside of WOFF.

Actually, abuse has been there for years. No matter how Jane attempts to rewrite the history of this sad group, memories of abuse will surface and push many out of her clutches. Yes, Jane, many will leave your control this spring and summer, but not because of lies. Many will have the deception about you leave their thinking and see the truth about your true nature and motives. You will blame others, but people will leave because of who you are and who you have become. The sad part is you are so unaware of who you have become and how toxic you have made life for those in your group.

A survivor recently described life behind the WOFF doors with the following words. “…the WOFF culture (is an) addiction to an unattainable fantasy that leaves you hopeless, then they (the leaders) convince you that they hold the keys to salvation.”

After reflecting on this assessment, I found the weight of it so telling. “…the keys to (a) salvation…” which never comes. The ever-elusive carrot of praying more, giving more, doing more, dressing better and never doubting Jane. Hopelessness coming when you are required to repent for things no one should ever repent for such as protecting yourself and your family from the very ones who supposedly were “showing God’s love…” The Christian walk was never intended by God to include the abusive practices inside the closed WOFF subculture. NEVER.

For those who have left WOFF, I hope you find the life you were meant to live. For those still in the valley of decision, may you have the courage to face the drama needed to arrive safely outside the vortex created by Jane and her leaders. Be strong and flee.

Next book signing for “Locked in” will be February 28th at the Great Expectations and More book store at 198 N. Main St. Rutherfordton, NC. We will begin at 1:30PM. Come sit a spell…

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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 561.