An Example of Cult Practice In America

[Anonymous (205.188.117.20)]

An Example of Cult Practice In America

According to J. Gordon Melton, in Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults In America, "considerable confusion exists" in the classification of "cults." For many Americans, when you say the word "cult," people will tend to associate "cult" with "occult". Occultism is associated with hidden or mysterious supernatural powers and man's belief in the ability to control or use them. On the other hand, a cult has "three definitions dominating the writings of social scientists, Christian counter-cult ministries, and secular anticultists"(3). According to Melton, secular anticultists "began to speak of 'destructive cults,' groups which hypnotized or brainwashed recruits, destroyed their ability to make rational judgments, and turned them into slaves of the groups leader". Furthermore, Melton explains that "cults have come to be seen as groups that share a variety of destructive characteristics. While no one group may embody all of them, any 'cult' will possess a majority"(5). For the purposes of this paper, I will describe one of the most widely known cults using the definition of secular anticultists.

From 1977 to 1980, my family held membership in one of the largest American cults ever. Founded by Carl Stevens, The Bible Speaks made it's home in Lenox, Massachusetts. Carl Stevens, actually, was known as Dr. Carl Stevens. Although, I have come to find out that he does not even hold a bachelor's degree. During those three years, my mother recalls hearing about other housewives calling Stevens to get permission to use the bathroom. As mentioned before, these "brainwashed recruits" are typical of a secular anticultist's description of "destructive cults". In 1980, my parents were selected, along with another family, to establish another location of The Bible Speaks in Winston-Salem, N.C.. It was during this time that my parents wised up and called it quits. Apparently, the distance created between Stevens and my parents gave them, what I call, "a moment of clarity". This clarity enabled them to see the fallacy behind Stevens' organization.

Years later, my mother came across a magazine article and sent it to me. In the article, entitled "Strangers Among Us," I learned that in 1982, Betsy Dovydenas, "heir to the Dayton-Hudson department store fortune", was "urged" by Stevens "to leave her husband and two children…and to donate $6.6 million to his group over three years". The article goes on to explain that in "1986 Dovydenas's husband, Jonas, her parents, and a 'cult deprogrammer' managed to pry her away from the group. In 1987 she sued the church for her money-and though she won, it was a moral victory alone, as The Bible Speaks had already declared bankruptcy". These events, eventually, led to a police raid on The Bible Speaks campus that turned up "$60,000 worth of weapons and electronic surveillance equipment"(35). The weaponry seems to be very reminiscent of David Koresh and his cult in Waco TX.

Unbelievably so, Carl Stevens has reemerged as Pastor of Greater Grace World Outreach of Baltimore, Maryland. However, he's no longer referring to himself as "Dr." Carl Stevens. Tom Forehand, in his article, "'Greater Grace' Influence in Nashville?," states that Stevens still practices a "controversial teaching about obedience to one's pastor" called "Shepherding." Forehand defines "Shepherding" as "Christian growth…allegedly facilitated by yielding personal freedoms to a discipler or "shepherd" who controls virtually every aspect of an individual's life"(1). Becoming "slaves of the group's leader" is typical of a secular anticultist's definition of a cult (Merton, 5). This explains why my mother, Lynn, heard the stories of the housewives getting permission from Stevens to use the bathroom.

Michael Gray, "an automotive sales consultant," "stopped attending Greater Grace services after six months, concerned by the 'constant messages that Stevens was being persecuted because he was G-d's man'." Apparently, Stevens often arrived with armed bodyguards. "Gray feared 'what could happen when levels of paranoia reach such a heightened state'. He didn't wait to find out"("Strangers Among Us" 35). This, according to my mother, Lynn, was one of the first things she realized after being away from The Bible Speaks. Namely, how Stevens would refer to himself as "G-d's man" meaning that he was selected by G-d to "shepherd" the flock (congregation).

To conclude, we can see just how destructive a cult can be even though they profess to be a "Christian" organization. Unfortunately, these groups will always be with us. Although, there is one sure way to defend ourselves against them. That is, namely, to learn to, more correctly, interpret the Biblical text. Yes, there will be varying opinions on interpretation of scripture, but common sense can tell us a lot. To explain, I've heard it said, "If it's doubtful, chances are, it's dirty." I could, most assuredly, say that Stevens or anyone like him is not your "shepherd" and has no right to take away your individual freedoms. Furthermore, a pastor should be there to guide you and not to manipulate or control your behavior (i.e. telling you when you may use the bathroom).

Works Cited:

Forehand, Tom. "'Greater Grace' Influence in Nashville?". Aug 1995. Watchman Fellowship, Inc. Nov. 1, 1999. .

Melton, J. Gordon. Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults In America. New York: Garland Publishing Inc., 1986.

"Strangers Among Us." People Weekly 19 April 1993: 34.

[Anonymous (141.154.144.33)]

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[Anonymous (63.27.19.249)]

Stevens' cult

[Anonymous (63.27.24.47)]

(I John 4:1) Entreats believers to "test the spirits."
What does the doctrine of any church say about Jesus Christ?
Do they believe He was God incarnate?
Do they believe Jesus Christ was raised from the grave after His death?
Do they profess Jesus as the ONLY way to salvation?
If a church doesn't follow these basic premises than it is cultic at best!

According to this test GGWO appears to NOT be a cult; however, in my experience at GGWO MORE recognition and glory were given to Stevens than Jesus Christ's work at Calvary!
I constantly heard about: Stevens' persecution, Stevens' vision, Stevens' laid down life, Stevens this, Our pastor/teacher that...etc. etc. etc.
What about the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, God incarnate, our Savior at Calvary? Doesn't he deserve the standing ovations MORE than Stevens? YES!!!!!!

Perhaps the reasons stated above are why the Martin report warned that TBS, soon to be GGWO, was a type of evangelical church BUT the adoration of Stevens made it cultic in nature.

Another warning was given about the LACK of accountability of Stevens. There was a fear that this may lead to abuse of that position; which it apparently has.

Unfortunately, the congregation has been "hood winked" into believing "as they honor Stevens' authority they are honoring God." I am all for honoring God-given authority; but I think the bible was refering to govermental authority NOT pastoral. I believe this is a VERY subtle form of manipulation and spiritual abuse and has been used to the max to keep people "in line" at GGWO.

[Anonymous (141.154.144.33)]

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[Anonymous (68.82.183.197)]

Go and do something satan really doesn't want you to do today and pray instead of spending time on factnet.

[Anonymous (70.16.31.66)]

ha ha ha

[Anonymous (207.96.37.198)]

At least the family of the first writer got out. My whole family is still involved--since 1973! I'm an "outsider" and always believed GGWO was a cult. I got mailed boxes of literature which I use to mail back, got 10 page letters written "in the spirit", had family members request to visit with the "pastahs". When I declined, I got "death threats" yes i was told I would get in a car accident and get cancer....remember all the pryamid schemes they got into---i got approached on several, i got hit up for donations, when I vist family they have these rehearsed evangelist moments when they bring up the "pastah's message today" to impress me. I tell them to stop. When I leave, I find a pamphlet or cassette in my purse. I throw it all away now. The only time i went to the property in Baltimore was to attend family funerals and/or weddings...i was appalled by all the surveillance equipment--Carl actually took us behind the pulpit area to show it to us! He creeps me out! When I learned that he has armed body guards, I refused to go there again. FactNet has confirmed my suspicions about this group. I hope my family can get out....

[Roberta (151.203.157.69)]

Anon 207 I will be praying for you family to get out. Perhaps with all the turmoil and uncertainty now going on they will begin to see the truth. You all will be in my prayers.

[Anonymous (152.163.101.13)]

Anon 207, my experiences are almost identical to yours, with minor variations only.

[Anonymous (69.242.21.100)]

is the armed bodyguards thing legal?
are some of the ushers in these ministries also bodyguards ,they appear to be so..??

[Dave Drago (66.136.186.161)]

Introduction: I had the privilege of speaking with David Henke of Watchman Fellowship, an independent Christian research and apologetics ministry focusing on new religious movements, cults, the occult and the New Age. They serve the Christian and secular community as a resource for cult education, counseling, and non-coercive intervention. David Henke has been monitoring the situation on FACTNet since February and has graciously allowed me to share our conversation on FACTNet.

1. Dave Drago:When we use the label 'cult' what are we really saying?

David Henke: There are two areas we need to consider, behavioral and theological. For instance, the Mormons have many theological
heresies that labels them as a cult. And, behaviorally they are very spiritually abusive, because they teach that a husband will grant deny a wife access into heaven based upon how she serves him. The Universal/Unitarians on the other hand are theologically a cult but behaviorally they are totally benign.

2. Dave Drago:Is there a test we can apply to discern what constitutes a cult?

David Henke: Yes, when I teach at local churches the question I like to ask is, "Do you know what basic math is?"
Dave Drago: What does basic math have to do with cults?

David Henke: Basic math is addition, subtraction,multiplication and division. You can discern a cult using these four patterns.

ADDING TO THE WORD OF GOD
The first pattern apparent in all cults is the habit of adding to the Bible instead of accepting it as the sole authority of one's faith.

SUBTRACTING FROM THE PERSON OF CHRIST
The second and most important pattern to look for is the practice of subtracting from the person of Jesus Christ, usually by denying the fact that He is God.

MULTIPLICATION OF SALVATION REQUIREMENTS
The Word of God plainly teaches that salvation is a gift that God offers sinful man. There is nothing anyone can do to earn it, it is gift to be accepted or rejected.

DIVIDING THE LOYALTY OF THE FOLLOWER
The fourth and final pattern found in the cults is the practice of dividing the loyalty of the follower between God and an organization or individual.

(Author's note: David directed me to his website http://www.watchman.org/cults/sepexpo.htm for a more thorough explanation. I have posted it on the next thread and recommend you read it)

3. Dave Drago: Could you walk me through an evaluation of GGWO based on this four point pattern?

David Henke: Yes, I would be glad to.

ADDING TO THE WORD OF GOD:
GGWO does not add to the Word of God, they accept it as the sole authority of one's faith. Although, the leadership's bizarre and private interpretation of delegated authority and no accountability of leadership is unbiblical, this is an interpretive difference that is problematic but does not constitute a cult.

SUBTRACTING FROM THE PERSON OF CHRIST:
GGWO does not do this. They teach that Jesus is fully God and fully man. This is completely orthodox.

MULTIPLICATION OF SALVATION REQUIREMENTS:
GGWO does not do this. They teach that salvation is a gift that God offers sinful man. There is nothing anyone can do to earn it, it is gift to be accepted or rejected.

DIVIDING THE LOYALTY OF THE FOLLOWER:
GGWO does practice this. This is clearly manifested in the doctrine of delegated authority, the discrediting of those who leave or who disagree, and the one pastor emphasis for every believer.

4. Dave Drago: David, based upon your expert opinion of cults and abusive churches how would you classify GGWO?

David Henke: I would classify GGWO as an abusive church. I base this on their twisted interpretations of delegated authority, lack of accountability, and wake of members who have been clearly hurt by the abuses of their leadership. My advice is to leave and find a healthy church if the leadership will not address their error by repentance and stopping the teaching of delegated authority and no accountability of the leadership.

5. David Henke: Dave, may I ask you a question? What do you hope to see happen in GGWO?

Dave Drago: I hope to see the leadership confess their sins before the church, repent of their sins and forsake their unhealthy teachings of delegated authority, no accountability and put in a place a servant leadership model to prevent this from happening anymore.

6. Dave Drago: David thank you for your time and help in this matter. You have a wonderful and needed ministry. Keep up the good work!

[Dave Drago (66.136.186.161)]

Patterns in the Cults
Cults! The mere mention of the word brings to mind Jim Jones and the Jonestown tragedy, Charles Manson and the Tate-La Bianca murders, and a host of other bizarre individuals and groups.

However, most cults are not that bizarre. Their followers dress like everyone else, work normal jobs, and by and large, are very sincere and honest individuals. As a matter of fact, most followers use Christian terminology very fluently thus making a cult very difficult to spot at times.

The difference between the cult and true Christianity lies in belief. Though the average cult member will confess a belief in Jesus Christ, a reliance on the Bible as his authority, and devotion to God as a lifestyle, in reality, all of the terms have been redefined. What appears on the surface to be Christian deviates greatly from what the Scriptures actually teach concerning the key doctrines of the Christian faith.

Due to this subtle deception, it is imperative that people know what to look for in trying to determine if a particular group is a cult or not. In light of this need, there are four basic patterns which exist in all cults who claim to be Christian.

ADDING TO THE WORD OF GOD
The first pattern apparent in all cults is the habit of adding to the Bible instead of accepting it as the sole authority of one's faith. Throughout Scripture, God warns against this practice. For example, in Proverbs 30:5-6, the Bible states, "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."

However, the cults disregard this warning constantly. In the Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints (the Mormons), they state in the eighth article, "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God." Note the condition placed on the Bible, "as far as it is translated correctly" whereas the Book of Mormon is accepted as Scripture period!! Thus, the Book of Mormon takes precedence over the Bible.

The Unification Church (the Moonies) take a similar stand. In the Divine Principle, the following statement is made, "The Bible, however, is not the truth itself, but a textbook teaching the truth. Naturally, the quality of teaching and the method and extent of giving the truth must vary according to each age...Therefore, we must not regard the textbook as absolute in every detail" (p. 9).

In other words, the Bible is true only in a relative sense, not an absolute sense thus opening the doors for the Moonies to accept any source as their authority whether it contradicts the Bible or not!

SUBTRACTING FROM THE PERSON OF CHRIST
The second and most important pattern to look for is the practice of subtracting from the person of Jesus Christ, usually by denying the fact that He is God. This belief is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and supported by numerous passages of Scripture (John 1:1, John 20:27-28, Revelation 1:17 compared with Isaiah 44:6).

Nevertheless, from the beginning of the Christian Church, there have been those who have distorted the person of Jesus Christ, thus creating another Jesus. In II Corinthians 11:4, Paul dealt with this problem when he scolded the Corinthian Christians for accepting another Jesus, "For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached...ye might well bear with him."

Of all the cults, the Jehovah's Witnesses have done one of the most thorough jobs in creating another Jesus. In The Truth Shall Make You Free, they state, "Being the only begotten Son of God and the 'firstborn of every creature', the Word would be a prince among all other creatures. In this office, he bore another name in heaven, which name is 'Michael'" (p. 49). In other words, Jesus in merely a created being not God the Creator.

They further teach that after his death, God the Father disposed of his body and he was resurrected as a spirit creature (Things In Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie, pp. 211, 354). This is definitely not the Jesus of Scripture who has always existed, created all things, died for our sins and rose again bodily!!

MULTIPLICATION OF SALVATION REQUIREMENTS
In Ephesians 2:8-9, the Apostle Paul clearly stated, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." The Word of God plainly teaches that salvation is a gift that God offers sinful man. There is nothing anyone can do to earn it, it is gift to be accepted or rejected.

Though this teaching is so clear in the Scriptures, the cults constantly pervert it. A perfect example of this is found in the writings of Herbert W. Armstrong, the founder of the Worldwide Church of God which publishes the magazine, The Plain Truth.

In the Ambassador College Correspondence Course, Lesson 8, page 3, the following statement is made, "Most professing Christians think they were 'BORN AGAIN' when they 'accepted Christ' and were 'baptized.' From that time, supposedly, they received the Holy Spirit and have been living a NEW LIFE in Christ." He further states in his book, Which Day Is the Christian Sabbath?, "You shall be saved by GRACE, but God does lay down conditions. You can comply, and receive glorious GRACE - or you can rebel, and pay the DEATH PENALTY - for eternity! (p. 107).

Thus, while teaching salvation by grace, Armstrong has redefined grace to include conditions which one must keep in order to receive eternal life. By doing so, he has nullified the meaning of grace for grace is God's undeserving love which He pours out on mankind.

DIVIDING THE LOYALTY OF THE FOLLOWER
The fourth and final pattern found in the cults is the practice of dividing the loyalty of the follower between God and an organization or individual. Whereas the cult will convince its followers that they are an organization wholly devoted to God, the follower is taught to put his trust in the organization instead of God.

A clear example of this can be found in two issues of the Watchtower magazine released in 1979. The cover of the May 15th issue posed the question, "Is Your Trust in God or in a Man?" By the wording and the graphics on the cover, the writers were emphasizing one putting their trust in God. However, two months earlier, in the March 1st issue, the cover read, "Put Faith in a Victorious Organization."

So, as a Jehovah's Witness, in whom do you trust; God or the Watchtower Society? In all reality, the Watchtower for they are placed before the Witnesses as God's only true organization on earth (The Watchtower, July 1, 1973, p. 402). Thus, while the Witness believes he is trusting God, his loyalty has been divided between God and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Over and over again, this deceptive practice is found throughout the cults as the followers are told to put their faith in God alone but then are commanded to place their faith in the cult! The sad thing is that many cultists are so deceived that they don't see the division and feel that they are fully trusting God.

AN INVITATION
As you have read through this vital information on how to spot a cult, some of the patterns may have sounded similar to some of the practices in a group to which you belong. If so, you are involved in a group which is not based solidly on the Word of God. Due to that, you may have never been told to place your faith in Jesus alone who said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me" (John 14:6). If this is the case, we invite you to trust Him alone as your Lord and Savior.

On the other hand, you may have already made this important decision and are actively involved in a strong Christ-centered church. However, just because you are a believer, don't ever think that you could never be led astray and begin adopting some of these patterns in your own life. Remember, these patterns are presented in a very subtle fashion using Christian terminology and the Bible as a springboard!
© Copyright 2000 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.. All rights reserved. Address all technical questions and comments to our webmaster.

[Dave Drago (66.136.186.161)]

Jack,
I hope you are still online. Thank you for hanging in here. And your honesty. My heart breaks tonight for all those hurt and struggling right now. I try so hard to reach out to all who need healing and help. I wish I could do more.
For Him,
Dave

[Anonymous (152.163.101.13)]

Those patterns are true and good from one perspective but one should also look at it from another perspective also. In order to use your cognative faculities to the fullest you need to also test and ask yourself if the group you are involved in has any of the following traits. By looking at something from different perspecitives it gives you a chance to really think things through and gives you a way to make an informed decision. A chance to not be led and told what to think and believe.

Don't take anyones word for it though. Do your own investigation and make your own choice. Decide for yourself.

Defining a Cult

There are 3 factors to defining a cult.

1. The origin of the group and role of the leader.

This person is typically the founder. He is at the top of the structure. The core of the decision making is his alone. These leaders typically have the following characteristics:
A. Cult leaders are self-appointed, persuasive persons who claim to have a special mission in life or to have special knowledge.
B. Cult leaders tend to be determined and domineering and are often described as charismatic.
C. Cult leaders center veneration (pastor worship) on themselves.

2. The power structure, or relationship between the leader (or leaders) and the followers.

Cults are authoritarian in structure. The leader may delegate some power to a few subordinates to aid in seeing that members adhere to his wishes and rules.
Cults appear to be innovative and exclusive. Cult leaders claim to be offering something new and something that will change all the problems of ones life and the world. Almost all cults make the claim that their members are “chosen”, “select”, or “special”, those who are not members are considered lesser beings.
Cults tend to have a double set of ethics. Members are encouraged to be open and honest confess all to the leaders. At the same time, members are taught that it is all right to deceive and manipulate nonmembers. (Lie to the devil). The overriding philosophy in cults, however is that the ends justify the means.

3. The use of a coordinated program of persuasion (which is called thought reform, or brain washing as it is commonly known.)
Cults tend to be totalistic, or all encompassing, in controlling their members’ behavior and ideologically totalistic, exhibiting zealotry and extremism in their worldview.
Cults expect members to devote increasing time, energy, and money or other resources to the professed goals of the group, stating or implying that a total commitment is required to reach some state of enlightenment.
Cults tend to require members to undergo a major disruption or change in life-style.
Cults promote black -and -white thinking, an all- or- nothing point of view.

Not all cults are alike. There are cults that are live in and live out. They vary in levels of membership and degrees of involvement. For example members on the edges of a group are not privy to the costs, contents, and obligations of the inner group members and have little knowledge of the real purpose of the group and the amount of power wielded by the leader. Even within the same cult, rules, restrictions and requirements may change. This may happen year to year and from location to location depending upon outside pressures, local leadership, and whatever the leader desires.

In a live in cult every detail of ones life is scrutinized. There is a dress code, food restrictions, and relationships are governed. Members live together at the headquarters or at a specified location around the country or overseas. They often work for cult owned companies.

In a live out cult the devotees appear to remain active in quite a few aspects of the outside world. They earn a living, own homes, have families, etc. But for all practical purposes these individuals also live under the rules governing their personal life as the people with whom they associate with, how they spend their money, the way they raise their children, where they live, etc.

What is a cult?

Generally, it is a group that is unorthodox, esoteric, and has a devotion to a person, object, or a set of new ideas.

New Teaching - has a new theology and doctrine.

Only True Teaching - often considers traditional religious systems to be apostate and it alone possess the complete truth.

Strong Leadership - often an individual or small but powerful leadership group holds control of the group’s teachings and practices.

Asset Acquirement - often requires tithing and/or property transfer to the religious system.

Isolationist - to facilitate control over the members physically, intellectually, financially, and emotionally.

Controlling - exercises control over the members. Sometimes this is through fear, threatening lose of salvation if you leave the group. Sometimes through indoctrination.

Indoctrination - possesses methods to reinforce the cult’s beliefs and standards where opposing views are ridiculed and often misrepresented.

Apocalyptic - to give the members a future focus and philosophical purpose in avoiding the apocalypse or being delivered through it.

Experience - various practices including meditation, repetition of words and/or phrases, and ‘spiritual’ enlightenment with God are used as confirmation of their truth.

Depravation - sleep and food deprivation which weakens the will of the subject.
This is uncommon, though practiced by more severe cults.

Persecution - predictions of being persecuted and often combined with claiming any opposing views demonstrated against them as a form of persecution.

Many have a non-verifiable belief systems.
For example, they would teach something that cannot be verified. A space ship behind Hale-Bop comet Or, that God, an alien, or angel appeared to the leader and gave him a revelation The members are seeded angels from another world, etc.

Often, the philosophy makes sense only if you adopt the full set of values and definitions that it teaches. With this kind of belief, truth becomes unverifiable, internalized, and easily manipulated through the philosophical systems of its inventor.

The Leader of a Cult Often charismatic who is considered very special for varying reasons: The leader has received special revelation from God.

The leader claims to be the incarnation of a deity, angel, or special messenger.

The leader claims to be appointed by God for a mission

The leader claims to have special abilities

The leader is often above reproach and is not to be denied or contradicted.

Cult ethos Usually seek to do good works, otherwise no one would join them.

They are usually moral and possess a good standard of ethical teaching.

Many times the Bible is used or additional "scriptures" are penned.

The Bible, when used, is always distorted with private interpretations.

Many Cults recruit Jesus as one of their own and redefine him accordingly

Cult groups vary greatly. From the ascetic to the promiscuous.

From esoteric knowledge to very simple teachings.

From the rich and power to the poor and weak.

[Anonymous (152.163.101.13)]

The BITE Model Applied to Greater Grace World Outreach:

Behavior Control:
Regulation of individual's physical reality

Pastor Stevens has a heavy emphasis on members attending the ministry's 30-90 minute services a week, along with at least one or more informal ministry meetings held daily referred to as "rap sessions" or "the rap", which is basically a 20 to 30 minute sermon with a few carefully chosen questions from the congregants so as not to open the pastor up to any legitimate challenging questions on some of his questionable interpretations of the scriptures.

Need to ask permission for major decisions

The need to ask permission for decisions is definitley strongly implied by Carl Stevens. He doesn't come out and state his opinion on a congregant's decision, and says something similar to "I never tell anyone what to do" but has also added within the member's earshot, "...but I know what I would do!" then goes on to suggest what the member should or shouldn't do regarding a personal decision.

Need to report thoughts, feelings and activities to superior

When my wife and I were members living near the church's headquarters, and we were going somewhere, we were expected to tell others within the church where we were going and when we would be back. If we were going to be at all in proximity to any former church members we were always forewarned of the "reasons they left the ministry" and to be very careful.

Information Control
Access to non-cult sources of information minimized or discouraged

If in conversation I let it be known that I listened to and found benefit from another Christian teacher or pastor on a radio program, it was made known to me that there was a certain amount of "error" in that non-member's teaching. As a member of Greater Grace, it is frowned upon to listen to teaching tapes by anyone other than Carl Stevens or the ministry pastors who line up their teaching with Steven's. His heavy emphasis upon the "anointing" and "authority of the pastor/teacher" crosses the line into paranoia if challenged.

Thought Control:
Need to internalize group's doctrine as "truth"; Us v. Them

An "us versus them" attitude prevails behind the scenes at GGWO. It takes on a more deliberate form of good versus evil.

Adopt "loaded" language (characterized by "thought-terminating clichés")

Pastor Steven's sermons or "messages" are replete with loaded language that members are familiar with.

No critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy seen as legitimate

Serious questions about Pastor Steven's past misconduct is outright denied or rebuked as being "from Satan", as I personally witnessed.

Emotional Control
Organizations related to the group:

Several "branch ministries" of 10 to 200 members scattered throughout United States, with some in foreign countries.

[Anonymous (152.163.101.13)]

Greater Grace World Outreach, Carl H. Stevens, Jr., Baltimore, MD: Formerly “The Bible Speaks.” Courts required church to return funds to millionaire contributor for unethical and illegal actions. Allegedly practices mind control and shepherding.

From Watchman Fellowship's List of Cults and Religions

[Anonymous (151.203.157.69)]

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[Anonymous (151.203.157.69)]

WHY GGWO DOESN'T WANT TO BE CALLED A CULT
http://s4.invisionfree.com/Discuss_GGWO/index.php?showtopic=84