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Comments
It was a great experience for me for the most part of my 28 year involvement. It became progressively cult-ish as it grew too fast with no checks and balances at the top. The general consensus was that there was way more good than bad. But there was evil behind the scenes at times from the TOP down for decades. I can give you specific names and incidents but there are other sites to find out that information.
Let's not bury our heads in the sand and pretend it was all good. Nor should we justify by saying things like "there is evil in other organizations", "all men have weaknesses", etc., etc., etc. Some people were genuinely hurt and abused by top leadership, period. Some are still not healed. We make their abuse worse by not acknowledging that fact.
Too much Good about God. thnx Dr. V P. teaching us how to rightly divide.
I strongly agree, John. During the past 6 months I have taken the time to read three books: 1. Losing the Way (by Kristen Skedgell) 2. The Cult That Snapped (by Karl Kahler) and 3. Undertow (by Charlene L. Edge). Needless to say, they have given me a lot to think about in terms of the Way International, its founder, and my 13 years of involvement.
On the other hand we should never marginalize our brothers and sisters who were victims of abuse by top leaders, both sexual and spiritual. Saying that a minister was "imperfect" does not magically heal those wounds. An apology would help. But I have not seen many have the courage to come forward and issue one.
And if I never hear the words "get over it" or "move on" in this context ever again it will not be too soon. I'll never speak or even imply those words to someone who has or is suffering. I have a feeling Jesus wouldn't either.
Perhaps thousands of others could say the same thing, Sherry. Here is my Facebook post from October 9, 2015, which I hope you and others might benefit from. God bless you.
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BREAKING NEWS: GOD WORKS WITH IMPERFECT PEOPLE! It has been said many times, but for those who may not have heard, perhaps I should mention that the last perfect man left 2,000 years ago. (Fortunately, he’ll be back). Since that time, there has never once been a perfect church, perfect ministry, perfect minister, perfect organization, perfect movement, or a perfect Christian anything. Why? Because throughout the centuries these have all involved imperfect human beings. That's all that God has to work with. He saves them by His grace and fills them with His perfect gift of spirit, yet they continue to live in a fallen world, battle a carnal nature and even have problems getting along with each other.
There have certainly been many bursts of light through the years, many movements which God undeniably had His hand in. Some of these were short lived, yet brought God's blessings to His people while they lasted.
Have you benefited from a movement of God at any time in your life? If so, why not be thankful for it? Why not dwell on the good, rather than the bad? There never will be a perfect anything in this life, until our Lord returns, but there are countless opportunities to be a part of His Story. As far as God is concerned, the show must go on, the story must be told, the song must be sung. So He continues to work with anyone who has a willing heart, and He continues to fulfill His Word for anyone who believes any part of it. If you happen to be a member of the Imperfect Club, He longs to work with you!
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