Melbourne Christian Fellowship – Why I Left It. Part 1

This special three-part testimony is posted to share my experiences within a church organization whose teaching and practice I discovered to be more in line with that of a cult than an ordinary church group as one should expect to find such.

It is not, “The writings of a deeply hurt man,” as is the accusation from people within, (a common cultist-mentality accusation) Revelation 12:10b. It is the writings of a deeply concerned man.

The testimony is posted to inform and encourage any person who believes him or herself to be in a similar situation.

To give you some background to this testimony I recommend you first read my post:  I failed to study that word “free.” 

 

Melbourne Christian Fellowship – Why I Left It. Part 1.

I am prompted to write this testimony as a result of viewing the ABC television program aired on Monday evening June 23, 2008, regarding the serious allegations brought against the Brisbane/Melbourne Christian Fellowship.  I was disturbed, but not surprised to find, that sooner or later, this Fellowship would be exposed in the manner in which it was.

Although all the facts may not have been given, and perhaps as a result, aired out of context on that program, nevertheless, in studying the transcript, I believe truth was expressed by the former members against this Fellowship.  I say so because, in perhaps 4½ of the 7 years that I was a member of the Melbourne Christian Fellowship (1994-2001), I had my own share of negative experiences with these people and that is why I left them.  I firmly believe I was a victim of Biblical misinterpretation and misappropriation of the Scriptures by the leadership, used to support their doctrines, resulting in Scriptural and spiritual abuse. 

I want to declare though that as a people in this Fellowship they were kind, well-meaning, and probably had each other’s best interests at heart.  It is important for the reader to have a proper understanding of that, otherwise there’s a danger of missing the true point of what’s written here.  This is not an attack against the people, but rather, the spirit that motivates the people. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  Ephesians 6:12.

Since leaving the Fellowship, I have spent many hundreds of hours studying Systematic Theology plus Scriptural and Spiritual Abuse, and am now in a better position to inform the reader of my experiences of these abuses during my time as a member among them.

With the aid of these studies and spiritual abuse terminology, I shall dot-point the specific areas where this experience was so for me.

  • An exaltation to almost God-like status of the leadership, both by the leadership and the people, in and over the Fellowship, to Vic Hall (it appeared to me he was God’s man, a prophet of God, whatever he says is so) and Murray Wylie from Brisbane.  A similar status, though to a much lesser degree, to David Hall in Adelaide and Ray Jackson, Richard Kaa, Dan Burkett, Gary Worth, Laurie Holland, Keith Tucker, David Bonham, Geoff Anson and Dan Worth, in Melbourne.  Most of the time throughout my years in attendance it was publicly and privately expressed and implied that these people as leaders, were the voice and messenger of God, and that to disobey that voice and messenger was to disobey God Himself.
  • Absolute authority of the leadership, control oriented, using subtle witchcraft tactics – manipulation, intimidation, guilt, fear, resulting in spiritual abuse and subtle domination of the group.  It seemed to me the more obedient one was to his elder or leader, seeking out his or her advice, where to live, work, who to date, who to marry, the more likely one would be to obtain acceptance from the group (plus the Lord) and the abundant life. The power of the leadership’s control was often demonstrated not so much in words, but rather in expectations.  For example, all the men were expected to attend every men’s meeting or weekend camp, resulting in additional pressure from one’s peers if one didn’t.
  • No real accountability of the leadership to the corporate body with regards finances.  No meetings were held in the local congregation clarifying where tithes and offerings were distributed.  No concerns were expressed for overseas missions or the poor in the local community.  I do not at all suggest anything underhand, but I’m not sure it was a good witness to see the leadership change their cars every 40,000 km’s when many in the Fellowship drove old bombs.
  • A perverted concept of unity, which in reality translated itself into almost total and unquestioned obedience to the leadership.  This outworked itself not so much in dictatorial terms, but rather, more subtle – soft voices, doctrine-speak, with a smile.  One might question, but one soon knew one’s obligations, so to speak.  It seems to me that unity was/is confused with conformity and uniformity to the ultimate extreme.
  • Abuse and misuse of authority in personal dealings with members.  I frequently discerned in my spirit that I was being analyzed as I spoke privately with 2 or 3 of the local Sunbury leaders.  Rarely in my 7 years there, did it feel like we were having a normal conversation expressing the freedom and liberty of the Holy Spirit, as according to 2 Corinthians 3:17.  It was as though they were trying to hunt out sin in my life!  Often they would turn the conversation back to man’s sinful heart, as a result of the message brought earlier.

I regularly sensed “the accuser of our brethren” Revelation 12:10; and his condemnation.  But I also strongly thought that perhaps these leaders were not at all sure of their own freedom and liberty in Christ.  They were a very “sin-conscious” leadership and people.  I can still see the fear on one lady’s face.  She and her husband were leaders at the time.  They left the Fellowship later, in negative circumstances.  I pray they didn’t leave the Lord, but that’s the natural impression one got, it didn’t need to be spoken.

How this must grieve the Trinity of God.  It certainly devalues the Lord Jesus and His precious blood shed on that cross.  Also, in a men’s meeting led by Dan Worth, we had a discussion on fatherhood.  I can’t recall what my statement to his question was, it was around the time God had previously revealed to me where I had failed in that area, and I had already been under His severe dealings and ministry.

Anyway, Dan responded by telling us what a good father should be.  He looked at me for most of it, (that’s not to say he was referring to me alone), but I did experience condemnation as a result, as I had already been through a torrid time on that.  But I was also grieved for Dan, because his children were young and I thought, “My goodness me, Dan, you have no idea what you are saying. When your kids are older you will be tested with those words.”

I wanted to say so to him privately, but in relation to all in leadership, I was always under the impression that one dare not say anything one discerned about a leader.  Also, a wife and mother, experiencing problems was either told or strongly led to believe that Geoff Anson was Jesus Christ to her and the family.  Verbalized or implied, it matters not, it is misuse of a leader’s authority and it is spiritual abuse.

  • Constant indoctrination with a group or family mentality that impels members to exalt the corporate life and goals of the church-group over their personal goals, callings and objectives.  In my opinion, the Fellowship fostered excessive involvement with participation in the programs and goals of the church, wherein members spent the vast majority of their time at church functions and had little time left for themselves or their families.  I am still of that opinion. 
  • Theological incompetency by the leadership, especially with respect to the “rules” of hermeneutics and Bible exegesis employed in the formulation of doctrines, giving license to twisting and adulteration of Scripture in order to provide proof-texts for unorthodox, invented, unproven doctrines.  The results of such behavior were:  increased Scriptural and spiritual abuse by local and visiting leaders when preaching according to their understanding of what was previously taught by an apparent higher ranking leader a week or so before.

Three examples:  Keith Tucker was reading from Luke’s Gospel about Zecharias, and then he stopped and said, “Zecharias was a feminized man.”  He made that statement to fit his preaching on headship/family order.   Geoff Anson read from Revelation re John’s visions.  John was shocked at the revelations, the angel speaks to John and Geoff too stopped and said, “What was he (John) doing getting caught up in that?  John was out of headship order.”  Geoff too made that statement to fit his preaching on headship order.

Dan Worth read from Revelation 1:14 re “….His eyes like a flame of fire;…..” and he then used that Scripture to preach about Jesus’ blazing eyes representing His deep hatred of sin in our lives, and the judgment upon us if we persisted in it.  It brought immediate condemnatory abuse to my spirit; even his wife was in tears, sobbing.  I spoke to Dan after the service, took my Bible to him and explained that he preached out of context.

I asked him to read the Lord Jesus’ words in Revelation 1:17, “…..Do not be afraid;……”  Dan dismissed me sharply.  With all of those who preached from their understanding (their interpretation of the apparent higher ranking leader’s interpretation) of the doctrines, I was not left convicted, but rather, condemned – made to feel unworthy – not measuring up.  No edification, no exhortation, no comfort, as according to 1 Corinthians 14:3; but much Scriptural and spiritual abuse.

Continued Part 2 

Related Posts for additional reading and study:

Published by Roger Williams

Himself, music and alcohol were his gods for the first part of his existence. Then 38 years ago he had a dramatic encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. That experience changed his life and led him into Community ministry for 3½ years. He's been a radio broadcasting presenter of the Gospel for 30 years. Streaming on the Internet www.radiorevelations.com Roger can be heard every Sunday morning at 8:00 AM Australia EST. Simply click on 'Links' at the bottom of page: 'World Clock -Time Zone Converter' and 'Radio Revelations - Good News on the Radio.'

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29 Comments

  1. Glad you are taking the time to post this. In my opinion, almost all the churches I hear about inflict bondage upon their sheep to some degree – it is the nature of what the church system/structure has become. You made a great point that I have felt very strongly the past couple of days – the battle isn’t against flesh and blood, but against the rules of darkness in the heavenly realm – it is there true believers must fight with prayer. Satan’s war is against the saints. I believe, according to God’s Word, that the church system will be taken over by Satan as judgment, wrath and to some refinement. But for those whose foundaiton is truly in God and not the church system they will be protected. God is their hiding place. We are in a war and from what I read in your experience it demonstrates the war that is upon us.

    Rachel

  2. Yes, I agree with you Rachel. Your recent post “The True Church” on your website tells us what Christ’s really is and how sad it is that too many of God’s people settle for less. The war is upon us and the more one presses in to God the more intense that war is. I am greatful for all that God showed me from that experience. Thanks and bless you heaps.

    Roger

    1. i was looking up that Church seeing i haven’t been a regular in a church for 20 Years then i saw this page The Lord is my Shepherd Not man just lets not Forget the devil is only allowed to do so Mutch to the Believer The Spirit Of God will raise Up a standard against him. it’s ok i understand Yous have been in some spiritual abuse.

  3. You should thank God that you only got caught up in the latter days of the movement and were not in it from the earlier times( before the great purge.) Everyone had to confess their sins before the elders and were then dealt with according to their “wisdom”. A church full of all sorts it was – from gays to child tampering of which I was a victim!!!!!!!!

    1. Hi Warren

      Thank you for visiting. I do pray that you read some of my other posts on what the true Lord Jesus did in people’s lives. He will bless you, affirm and re-affirm to you who you are in Him. Also, keep an eye open for my post: “The True One True Church.” It’s coming up in 4 weeks time.

      Roger

  4. What to say! Oh Boy, They have just planted a Church here in Wallan. I went on sunday night. I certainly don’t need any more damage’ Just had some of that, concernibng my property, yes what an easy target I was, a Widow battling to keep up the Mortgage Repayments, this was a Fellowship in Melbourne, (not MCF), but any way I’m just one of a few this particular church tried to get property from. Hence I’m noticing the congregation walking away, & withdrawing Tithes etc. How did I come to look at your blog, I ran into a friend tonight who informed me. Please let me know when you post your blog the true church, because I’m disillusioned big time. Thanks. Regards wendy

    1. Hi Wendy

      Thank you for sharing your experiences.

      Stick close to the Lord and embrace His word every day even when you don’t understand it and if you can’t find a church to encourage you, stay home. We are living in end times and you can expect more “churches” to rise up such as you have described. Try and stay in touch with your friend even if it means only by telephone or email.

      My post: The True One True Church is right here for you and may God bless you as you read it.

      We can be disillusioned by “churches” but never by Jesus, Wendy.

      Roger

  5. How do I leave this church, I have been constantly getting the same vibes from Murray Wylie, Richie Kaa and Garry Worth. I have been warned but many people, but I have been constantly defending this church for years, but I am starting to realize the strong focus on obedience and preaching out of context. What can I say in order not to feel judged not only by the elders but the entire fellowship. I feel as though I have been misled for the entire course of my time at the church, I also feel that in a sense they make up their own theological doctrine and disregard any view that is not their own.
    I love the people their dearly,
    But for the sake of my own walk with the father son and holy spirit along with my family, I have been thinking about leaving for a long time, and I want to find the courage to stand up for myself as a worthy human being and leave the church.
    Let me know what you think, because I am in desperate need for advise.

    1. Hi Jon

      Let me encourage you by making some suggestions:

      One: The constant vibes you’ve been getting are coming from the Holy Spirit. It is He who is revealing Himself to you and showing you the doctrinal errors & over-emphasis.

      Two: Doctrinal error & over-emphasis are designed to mislead … they can never lead you to truth. They can’t lead you to righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit either, which is what the Kingdom of God is Romans 14:17. If you’re not experiencing those, then you have to ask yourself whose kingdom are you in? Whose Kingdom do you want to be in – God’s or religious man’s? I know you know the answer to that.

      Three: With regards to feeling judged by the elders & fellowship. One day we’re all going to be judged by the Lord, Jon, and He’s going to do it according to truth, not according to what others thought about you. Besides, have a good look at the Lord and the apostles – they couldn’t care less what others thought about them. That’s the place that the Lord wants to bring all His people to in any fellowship, but most will not go there … fear of man is a more powerful motivator than the fear of God Proverbs 29:25.

      Four: When it gets down to the guts of it, Jon, your walk with the Trinity of God is really all that matters – and blessings of all blessings, it is They who will give you the courage to stand up for yourself and empower you to cut yourself loose from the fellowship.

      Five: You’re already a worthy human being.

      Bless you, Jon. I have a contact page on the blog so feel free to email me privately if you have other concerns.

      Roger
      PS You might like to read this too The TRUE One True Church

  6. So deceived… this fellowship where the LORD planted me, has helped save my life! You are so bitter and offended that you can’t even see straight. His word of truth and life are growing so fast in this place and all you can do is be stuck in the past. Get over it, we all have. No one is perfect, no even you Mr Williams. Jon Doe you will never be truly happy unless you resolve all the issues that are sitting in your heart. You can change venues, but you can never change the issues. Don’t run away, face them in faith, I did and I have never been so free in my entire life! It has nothing to do with control or people, just Gods faithfulness and love, and my obedience to HIS word.

    1. Dear Free,
      I believe Roger has been able to do what I could not. I had been bitter from being really hurt and my anger was not correct. I think Roger has reflected on his experiences in a professional way, using scripture to back him up. He has written this testimony out of love so that others who are still at the church or are considering going to that church can make an informed decision. Roger believes that this church has false doctrine and commits spiritual and scriptural abuse, it would be unloving for him not to share this.

  7. Roger, I was most interested reading your testimony in three parts. My wife and I with others linked up with BCF in 1989 and I was in leadership till August, 2011. Murray Wylie told my wife and I that we needed family care and arrangements were made for a daughter and her husband in the Blue Mountains to provide this, although Murray tried to hasten the procedure. We later discoveered that, in fact, we were being thrown out for ‘going in a different direction’. I’d like to say a lot more, but I’d prefe to contact you on a personal level rather than on the web.
    The Lord bless and lead and encourage you, Raymond.

    1. Hi Raymond

      Thank you for your comment. It confirms my testimony.

      We later discovered that, in fact, we were being thrown out for ‘going in a different direction’

      Keeping my response to the Ephesians 6:12 level, that is how the serpentine spirit works … so different from the Holy Spirit.

      The serpentine spirit talks a lot about the need to be open-faced but it never opens its own face. It wants to open yours so to manipulate, intimidate and control you. He’s very successful with that tactic.

      But praise God for you, Raymond. It doesn’t matter how you got out; you’re out, that’s the main thing. Stay close to the Lord and Him only.

      Feel free to email me privately anytime.

      God bless you and your wife’s future

      Roger

  8. Dear Roger. Can you tell me about these four things. The manchild. The bride. And their connection with the end times? Also do think that the rapture will have all Christians called immediately heaven?

    1. Hi jarrat … thanks for your questions.

      In the primary sense, the ‘man child’ refers to the Lord Jesus. “And she brought forth a man (male, a son) child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne” Revelation 12:5 and Psalm2:7-9.

      According to Psalm 2:2 the nations will not willingly submit to the Lord at His return at the end of the great tribulation, so He will subdue them forcibly Revelation 19:15.

      In the secondary sense, it also applies to all those who genuinely believe Jesus to be their Lord and Savior Revelation 2:26-27.

      ‘The Bride’ is one of the names for the church. It refers to all whose sins have been washed in the blood of Jesus and who live for Him John 3:29, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 21:9; 22:17.

      Their connection to the end times: The end times began when Jesus ascended to heaven. He has been preparing His bride since that time.

      The words caught up in Revelation 12:5 are the same words Paul used in connection with the rapture of believers: “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them (the dead in Christ) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so we shall ever be with the Lord” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

      It would appear, therefore, that the ‘man child’ includes both the Lord Jesus and all who are redeemed by Him.

      It is my firm belief that the Rapture takes place before the great tribulation. After Revelation 3 there is no mention of the church (the bride, the body) being on the earth; it has been raptured before God’s tribulation judgment starts … the age of grace is finished.

      All who reject Christ this side of the tribulation will go through the tribulation, including all who turn to Christ during that horrific period.
      The anti-Christ will be ruling and he’ll murder all who don’t give their allegiance to him. There will be multitudes of Christian martyrs during that time.

      Further on the rapture: There are multitudes of people associated with churches presently who are not spiritually born again; they’re not blood-washed. They will not be raptured. Some will turn to the Lord during the judgment time, others will curse Him.

      There are no prophecies to be fulfilled before the rapture; it could take place any time.

      I pray this answer helps you, jaraat … but please take it to the Lord in prayer too. Endeavor to avoid haste in embracing what others tell you.

      God’s best blessings to you

      Roger

  9. Thank you Roger for your quick response.
    I wanted to ask though, about the rapture a bit more if I may.
    You say all who are redeemed and truly saved will be raptured before the great trials, yet I can’t help but notice that the scriptures you gave me in regard to this are for the overcoming church. I can say from personal experience in regards to myself, in that I am not yet an overcomer, and of course could we really say that the all the church has overcome, in this case could we really say that all Christians will be raptured? For instance could a married Christian who had just fallen to adultery, right at the moment of the rapture, be raptured?
    Further I would ask is Christ really the manchild when he already ascended and lives forever more? It seems to me that perhaps the manchild is the remnant of the church that truly are overcomers?
    I have heard too, and do believe that the rapture won’t occur till halfway through the tribulation, then taken out of the earth so that there is no restrainer of the antichrist.

    I hope I’m not being a nuisance in asking this.
    God bless you Roger.

    1. Hi jarrat

      It’s never my policy to get into Scriptural “battles” so here’s my response without quoting chapters and verses.

      The overcoming church: All who are washed in the blood of Jesus are overcomers through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. They are new creatures.

      I am not yet an overcomer: Who says so? Your personal experience is not the issue; your faith in the finished work of Christ is the issue. Is Jesus your Savior and Lord? If so, He is your hope, as is the gospel, not you. ‘Hope’ means ‘assurance’ ‘confident expectation’.

      All Christians will be raptured? Only Christ knows those who are His; you and I don’t, therefore, it’s not for us to judge who is and who isn’t a Christian.

      Adultery: Only God knows the heart of His people … the Scripture speaks of loss of rewards for what is done in the body, not loss of rapture or salvation.

      The manchild: How else can it be satisfactorily explained? If Christ is not the one who rules with a rod of iron, where do we get our authority from?

      The rapture: There are three theological viewpoints – pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib. I stand on pre-trib. We will have to agree to disagree.

      Above all, jaraat, if you are a member of the above fellowship, I fully realize that this clashes heavily with what you’re being taught.

      I encourage you to daily study the Scriptures for yourself with the intention of reading systematically from Matthew to Revelation. Embrace the plain-sense meanings of Scripture. It is only when you do that do you see these things in their right context, which brings the Holy Spirit’s intended spiritual liberty to you. Looking at Scriptures in isolation brings spiritual bondage.

      I would also encourage you to read Genesis before reading Revelation. Doing so will give you greater insight into Revelation and you’ll understand the symbolism much better.

      The books of the Bible are in unity with one another, not in isolation.

      God bless you in your search. Keep at it.

      Roger

  10. Thank you again Roger. My questions are satisfactorily answered. I appreciate your taking the time with me, and respect your view. And no sir I am most certainly not a part of that cult nor shall I ever be. Thank you very much again.
    Jarrat.

    1. Hi Jarrat … I always thought j should have been J but one never knows these days!!

      I’m glad to be of help; we have a gracious, merciful God.

      Hold on to 2 Corinthians 3:17; we’re going to need it in the days ahead.

      Roger

  11. The “elders” who oversaw this church clearly showed signs of Narcissistic personality disorder…eg: Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements) Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions) Requires excessive admiration Has a very strong sense of entitlement, e.g., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations Is exploitative of others, e.g., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own
    ends Lacks empathy, e.g., is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her Regularly shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

  12. I wish no one has to go through what I was put through there I am now 20 years of age I left when I was 15-16 I was told I was going to hell (Richard kaa & Steve holland) and was excluded from the teen camp due to a facial piercing I’m so confused as to what the religion as a whole is what I’ve taken from over the years of thinking about what took place is church is ment to be a place of happiness and security…
    Everytime I walked in those doors I felt judged I was there when they started in wallan I was constantly upset at that place I’ve been left in a sticky spot just so clueless now and not sure what is the “right” way because everything I’ve learnt is a lie?

    1. Hi Dylan

      Thank you for taking the time to comment.

      I get no indication however, that Jesus Christ is your Savior and Lord, so let’s address this most vital issue first by looking at what the gospel of Christ is and what action is required from you to become a recipient of it.

      For I delivered to you first of all that which I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

      A person must believe this truth otherwise they have no legitimate claim to Christ. Do you believe it, Dylan?

      If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation Romans 10:9-10.

      Have you done that, Dylan? If so, it means you no longer live for you, you’ve surrendered your whole life to Christ and He’s in charge from now on. That’s what Jesus means when He tells us to repent. It’s more than just being sorry for your sins. Lots of people are sorry but they don’t surrender to the Lord. No surrender means, no eternal life, only eternal death – hell.

      Your comment: I’m so confused as to what the religion as a whole is

      The gospel of Christ is not confusing. Repent and believe Mark 1:15. That’s it. Then right away get baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit.

      Too, For God is not the author of confusion but of peace… 1 Corinthians 14:33.

      Confusion comes when we listen to men more than we listen to God. They are not one and the same in spite of what you may have been told. If they were one and the same, Jesus and the apostles would not have given the extensive warnings they do give about making one’s self aware of and staying clear of false teachers and their false doctrines.
      In practice, that means everything we hear from preachers and teachers, whether from the pulpit or home group studies, must be checked for its biblical accuracy.

      Your comment: Every time I walked in those doors I felt judged.

      True. You were seen by them as not measuring up. That’s the reality in such places where the greater emphasis is placed upon religious men and their doctrines and not on Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures in their right context.

      Too, people whose emphasis is placed upon religious men and their doctrines are unsure of who they themselves are in Christ. That’s why you’re judged (and analyzed) when you’re in their company.

      Your comment: church is meant to be a place of happiness and security…

      Get that from the Lord Jesus, Dylan. That requires serious commitment from you, but if you do so the Lord will honor your efforts.

      Your comment: I’ve been left in a sticky spot just so clueless now

      Jesus’ comment: If you abide in My word (read it daily, study it in context and live it out), you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free….. If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed John 8:31-32, 36.

      The Person of Jesus, the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus and the word of God are the antidotes to all in sticky spots who believe Satan’s lie that they’re clueless.

      Jesus is the right way, Dylan and whilst He can be hard to find in a church these days He is never hard to find in the Scriptures. As well as the New Testament Scriptures, read the Psalms and Proverbs and it won’t be long before the Lord gives you a grand understanding of Who He is. Then at some point He’ll show you Himself in the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi.

      Ask the Lord to release you from your bad experiences and for the power to forgive all involved.

      Thanks again, Dylan. Feel free to make contact anytime.

      Roger

  13. Thank you. I left Immanuel many years ago some time after Brer fell from his pedestal. I’m 73 years old now and occasionally miss the music and worship. Did so this weekend and gave into an impulse and googled Immanuel Church, Melbourne. Found Mark Connors blog, the 4 Corners program , and others. Spent the last couple of days coming to grips with it all. A cult, no less. I was at Calvary Bible College when it was starting to fall apart. So I have been crying and grieving and hugging my cat. I was really glad to find your site. Has helped very much to get my balance back. So thank you again.

    1. Hello Joan

      Thank you for reading and commenting.

      Has helped very much to get my balance back.

      That’s one primary purpose for writing this 3-part post. Continue to stick close to the Lord and His Scriptures, testing everything you hear and read according to them and you’ll be okay. John 10:28-29.

      God bless you, Joan.

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