Tag Archives: Word of Faith Fellowship

Behavior Control, Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Exclusive Brethren Compared to WOFF (1)

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  A survivor of a religious cult group called –“Exclusive Brethren” (EB) has taken the list of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) “don’ts” that was posted earlier on this blog and reviewed it for similarities.  The survivor who we will call “Paul” has taken the list and commented after every few rules with his observations. The list of “don’ts” can be found here. (WOFF Don’t list from 03 10)  The first post about Exclusive Brethren on this blog can be found here. https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=3198   

    These comments are from an email returned to me from “Paul”. His comments about EB will be italicized after he quotes from the WOFF list. My comments will be after his comments.  

 Comparing the list between WOFF and the Exclusive Brethren– From Paul

WOFF- Do’s-
You will be required to attend every service. If for some reason
unforeseen at this time, you miss a service; you will be required to
listen to the tape at the church. (Death, severe illness and surgery may
be considered excused absences.)

EB- Yes, in the early stages of the cult known as the Exclusive Brethren
which here after will be refer to as the EB, there was a rule of strict
adherence of need to be attending all services .Members risked being put
under assembly discipline by way of separation for a period of time, and
ex–communication for any who were not repentant or those who became
repeat offenders. However, these days these rules have needed to become
relaxed a little, this being because of fear of losing to many of the
youth should these rules be kept as strict as they once were …. (in my
opinion) Public scrutiny has also played a big part in the relaxing of
these rules, the EB doesn’t want to seen as a domineering cult by the
public.    (That is what WOFF needs- PUBLIC SCRUTINY!)

Continue reading Exclusive Brethren Compared to WOFF (1) →

Books, Resources, Uncategorized

“Lord, Save Us From Your Followers”

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    “In the spirit of wondering why we all can’t just get along, filmmaker Dan Merchant takes to the streets to ask the average folks about religious faith and why it seems to be such a divisive force in America’s so-called “culture wars.” (from DVD cover) This film, Lord, Save Us from Your Followers, is produced by Virgil Films and is a Thunderstruck Film, Inc release from 2008. The movie is subtitled “Why is the gospel of love dividing Amercia?” With a title like that how could I pass it up when viewing the Netflix® options?

    This movie has so much content and so many subjects and points to make, it is hard to select just a few and relate them in this post. Admittedly, my perspective after being many years in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) was very limited when attempting to understand all of the references to recent events and folks in the news who had things to say about religion. Why? It should be obvious, while in WOFF the exposure to the news and outside world is LIMITED to none. So, when the movie mentioned Bono and showed a clip of George W. Bush praising him, I did not know who Bono was- still don’t. Apparently he has helped alot of folks.

    The film maker travels to different cites wearing a suit made plastered with different religious or Christian bumper stickers and emblems that may be found on a car. He stops to allow folks to view them, and then he begins asking questions meant to learn how others think of Christians and religion in general. The responses are genuine and sincere which is a definite plus to the richness of the movie. However, not all the people interviewed spoke positively of Christianity or Christians.  The film in rated PG-13 due to some language and subjects discussed. It was hard to absorb the full effect of the movie with one viewing.

     Continue reading “Lord, Save Us From Your Followers” →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults

WOFF Member Sues Clerk of Court (1)

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   Though the suit was filed November 30, 2010, the local newspaper is just now reporting the story. The Digital Courier (www.thedigitalcourier.com) reports Ramona Hall is suing Robynn Spence, the Rutherford County Clerk of Court. Ms. Hall is alleging that she was not re-appointed due to her membership in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF).  The suit also claims Laura Bridges was not re-appointed for the same reason. The claim is based on religious discrimination which violates State and Federal Laws.

   In the suit, WOFF is described as

“…Word of Faith Fellowship (“Word of Faith”), a Protestant, Non-Denominational church, whose members believe in powerful prayer in tongues and do not participate in the celebration of commercial holidays or the playing of secular music ….

     There is so much to comment about concerning this situation; I really do not know where to start. Let’s start with the description of WOFF. As a former member, I am not surprised at the self-description or that it would leave out some vital points. A more accurate description would include that fact that WOFF does not play ANY MUSIC not APPROVED by Jane Whaley. That INCLUDES, but is not limited to Christian music, hymns, and instrumentals of any type. (at least, while I was there.) Yes, I realize that what type of music NOT played is NOT the main point. The point of the description is to outline that for which WOFF feels like it has a right to do or believe and yet, others may not think so or agree with. As having been on both sides of the fence and having great respect for the laws that have allegedly been broken, let me state IT IS THE DEED- NOT THE CREED.  It is what is DONE inside of WOFF that I know violates human decency and good common manners. There are basic rights guaranteed by the same Constitution that Ramona claims was violated; which are denied the faithful WOFF members! In a former post, I have outlined the rights. Here is the first post of relevance in that series… https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=2677

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Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

The Net Effect

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    Many companies or ventures of some type look at the “net” effect or in some cases- the bottom line. Is the company or group producing or providing that which they promised? Granted this view is not always the best assessment of a plan or purpose, but it is a valid one. After spending 16 years either directly or indirectly under the teachings of Jane Whaley, what is the net effect? For those still in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF); what has been the net effect or outcome of that stay? Has Jane Whaley produced in their life that which she promised? Or have there been other effects of WOFF membership that were either unpredictable or unplanned? Or effects that worse yet, were unaccounted for in any previous assessment?

   As an example, one could say that the net effect of politicians has become spending money. Many would argue, spending someone else’s money – quite frequently and quite profusely. Is that the expected or projected net effect of any form of government? What was the original plan of a central or state government? But, alas, this year will be more evident than in years past, politicians “effectually” spend money.

    Closer to home, what does Jane Whaley and her group promise and what do they deliver? What is the net effect of a membership at WOFF, whether that is for a few months or a few years? Jane says in so many words, Jesus came to set us free from sin and teach us how to walk perfectly in Him. How could anyone who has been at WOFF for any length of time- forget? So, do WOFFers live free from sin? If that is the case, why do they frequently hear from Jane how sinful they are and how likely they are to be kicked out and how more likely it is that they are going to hell if they leave her and the WOFF fold? If Jane could deliver on her stated goal to teach others to walk sinless as she does, then why all the countless hours of prayer “to get the devils out”? If she was sinless, then would it seem likely she could teach others to walk in her sinlessness? Well, the student is no greater than the teacher. That is if the teacher is truly teaching.

   Continue reading The Net Effect →

Behavior Control, Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Thought Reform, Uncategorized

What is an “Omen”?

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   The question is a simple one. However, as I pondered the meaning and more importantly, the purpose of many omens, the whole concept made sense – sorta. The first definition of omen is simple: a phenomenon or occurrence regarded as a sign of future happiness or disaster. (found here: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/omen ) Why even bring it up? After recently seeing an episode of the Andy Griffith Show, the question came to me: “Do religious control groups or cults, use “omens”?

   The show was titled, “The Darling Fortune”. It originally aired 10/17/1966 and can be viewed on the CBS DVD series published from Paramount – a VIACOM company. The plot includes the Darlings coming to town to seek wives for the sons in the family. Andy is befuddled as Briscoe Darling announces their intention to seek “city girls” for his sons. While the Darlings are in town, their hopes are doused and they proceed back to Andy’s house to pick up Charlene. As they are leaving, they see an owl perched on their truck! This is where the excitement picks up. Briscoe and Charlene are immediately elated as she repeats the omen, “You see an owl at day time and the next female you see is sure enough a bride for thee.” Aunt Bee expresses her doubt and Briscoe says, “Ma’am, You don’t doubt the omen of the owl!” In order to not ruin the experience of seeing the show, I will stop here in revealing the sequence of events that take place, save one.

   Later in the show, Andy is totally frustrated and says about the Darlings: “If you could just reason with them, but people who live by omens and witchcraft and stuff like that, you just can’t get through to them.” From there, the show continues and the ending turns out satisfactory to all concerned. But that one statement by Andy stuck with me. Why? I could see myself on both sides of the life ruled by “omens”. Let me explain.

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Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

The Appliance Repair Man – Was Right

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   During my time in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), I worked for a property management company owned by a family in the church. This position started after being called into Jane’s office. Jane introduced me to the owners and said they wanted to ask me about a taking a job. She had apparently given her approval. All things considered, I thought it would be a way to keep from traveling so much since at that time I was going back and forth to Greenville, SC, working part time. I was wrong about the travel.

    Soon after that meeting, I started my first tour of duty in late November or early December of 2002. At that time, I began by doing some painting in some properties located in Rutherford County. During the mornings, I worked part-time for a while until a full-time position came open. I was given the position which included renting out houses and apartments in the county as well as collecting the rent and processing the evictions. I had no previous experience in this kind of work. My cell phone had at least four lines forwarded to it at times. The phone rang ALL the time. 50 or 60 calls a day or more came into that phone. I was required to answer it because many were leads to rent out the next apartment or duplex. The phone traffic was a big shock to me. It was very stressful to say the least. At times, I wanted to crawl up in a corner and cry. When I told this to the wife of the pastor who came from Greenville, she said, “Sounds like you are being trained for the ministry.” That answer did not stop the calls or make it easier to answer them. Soon, I learned how to screen some calls and lessen the traffic, a little. But, the stress and pace was quite different from my experience in consumer finance.

    As that job was given to someone else in the church, I was moved. January 1, 2003, I was handed the keys to an apartment complex in Gaffney, SC. (Church members did not celebrate New Year’s Day so; working that day was no big deal.) The owners of the company had just purchased the property from a man in Greenville, SC. He was older and from my perspective now, much wiser. Regardless, I began showing, and renting apartments. I was also in charge of collecting rent, scheduling maintenance as well as managing a group of storage units on the property. As I was handed the keys, I was told, “Call us if you have questions.” The problem was that couple was headed to law school and were busy with lives of their own. My education was really just beginning when it came to managing apartments.

    Continue reading The Appliance Repair Man – Was Right →

Behavior Control, Books, Resources, Thought Reform, Uncategorized

Join Us – Reflections and Comparisons (3)

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     We have provided several posts reviewing material in the movie- “Join Us”. The film is presented by Interloper Films along with Lusitan and was produced by Ondi Timoner and Vasco Lucas Nunes. (Copyright© Third Floor Productions, LLC 2007). The film has a dedicated website with supporting information. The site is www.joinusthemovie.co . I have been intrigued by this film. It is no doubt the most intimate look at real ex-members of a religious cult. This cult was in Anderson, SC and was named Mountain Rock Church. The pastor was Raimund Melz. He and his wife, Deborah, exercised control over their members predicated on the idea that they were “family”. From all indications, Raimund Melz was the one who made the decisions and exercised the discipline.   

    In the second clip from the movie after the trailer (shown below), one ex-member, Tonya, is telling a counselor that the members were unable to know what sin was, the pastor had to point it out. “…You have to have him point out the sin, …because you are a dumb baby, dumb sheep..You can’t see them (the sins)..So, he has to be the one, he hears from God, you are inmature, he has to point them(the sin) out…” And then in a moment of revelation, this ex-member says to the counselor, “You act like you have seen this before?” The counselor answers- “.. This is what we hear all the time…” This exchange started at one minute and three seconds into the clip. I was glued to this exchange. Why? Because, for years while in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), Jane Whaley would be asked by members to tell them – what is sin? Did I do right? What should I have done different? While I was in WOFF, members were continually chided and berated for not knowing what was sin. While in WOFF- Jane ruled and made the determination who did right, who did wrong and what to do about it. She determined who got punished and how.  The only source of the knowledge of sin was Jane Whaley. In reality, Jane replaced the Holy Spirit in member’s lives as apparently did Mr. Raimund Melz. But, from the counselor, we learn this happens all the time- IN CULTS!

    Continue reading Join Us – Reflections and Comparisons (3) →