So the church turned out to be a cult, or cultic..

[NewbieMisfits]

I indeed have been told of weekly meeting where all "officials" get together and discuss our case and other newcomers.

As for message boards, no idea. Hints of such, but nothing directly. If so then it is what it is.

[n david]

Originally Posted by NewbieMisfits

I indeed have been told of weekly meeting where all "officials" get together and discuss our case and other newcomers.

As for message boards, no idea. Hints of such, but nothing directly. If so then it is what it is.

Wow. I'm really sorry you had to experience that with the first church you found.

I've had a couple friends who have each been in a church where the Pastor was very controlling over vacation or time away from church.

[navygoat1998]

Originally Posted by n david

Wow. I'm really sorry you had to experience that with the first church you found.

I've had a couple friends who have each been in a church where the Pastor was very controlling over vacation or time away from church.

In some it goes much deeper than that.

[Esaias]

Hey Jermyn... you're a democrat, right?



Sorry, couldn't resist...

[kclee4jc]

Originally Posted by navygoat1998

In some it goes much deeper than that.

navygoat...i saw a man that looks quite like yourself in WV this weekend? is this possible?

[navygoat1998]

Originally Posted by kclee4jc

navygoat...i saw a man that looks quite like yourself in WV this weekend? is this possible?

Brother, twas not I. I was in Jacksonville all weekend.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by NewbieMisfits

I indeed have been told of weekly meeting where all "officials" get together and discuss our case and other newcomers.

As for message boards, no idea. Hints of such, but nothing directly. If so then it is what it is.

I guess I'm just the odd man out but, I don't see what is wrong with this.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

What the poster described can all be done in a way of love and care and not in creepiness, if done with prayer.

They see to it you do not miss any services, they keep you in line, they come to your home, they "teach" you the guidelines or the church, they show up at you different times and different places (like when they stalked our Amish friends to cut us off from them), they are those that limit your connection with others in the church, they are those that explain tithing, they are those that tell you to go down front, they are those that control who's in or out, they approve your study bible, they teach your bible study, one who tells you what you need to correct in life, they decide when social shunning is needed, they are your "handlers", and much much more.

I believe there should be people who visit and follow up with new converts. I believe someone should give new converts a bible study. I believe new converts should be taught what the church believes and preaches - aka guidelines. I believe the new convert should be given as much information about the church as possible, so they can know and understand what they're getting into.

However, I do NOT believe any church should be doing what is in bold above. Making sure you don't miss services; keeping you in line; showing up to find you at different times/places; limiting connection to others in church; telling you to go down front; approving a study Bible (!?); telling you what you need to correct in your life; social shunning??!!

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

I guess I'm just the odd man out but, I don't see what is wrong with this.

Based on the above, it's just creepy and wrong.