THE WORD on The Word of Faith (a GroupBlog)

Is Your Church Free from Cultic Tendencies? A checklist for Responsible Christians

The following checklist of cultic tendencies by Charles Lesser was published in the October, 1991 Spiritual Counterfeits Project newsletter. They are typical of a number of aberrational cultic groups and churches on the scene today.

• Is your pastor fully accountable to a board of elders, presbyters, etc.?
• Is loyalty to Jesus and to one’s own calling placed before loyalty to pastor and church?
• Does your pastor encourage questions and suggestions? Is he approachable?
• Does your pastor give equal attention to all kinds of people in his congregation?
• Does your pastor readily admit his errors?
• Does your pastor avoid boasting or hinting at a “special anointing”?
  Is your pastor truly humble?
• Are the sermons based on clear Biblical truths, not on “original revelations” or ax-grinding?
• Does your church interact with other churches?
• Does your church staff avoid secrecy?
• Is power shared in your church (rather than preempted by a hierarchy)?
• Does your church see itself as just one organ of the Body of Christ, and not the main one?
• Is your church truly friendly?
• Does your church emphasize ministry to people rather than church programs?
• Are especially needy people cared for lovingly in your church?
• Are church members encouraged and loved even when they leave?
• Are relationships with former members encouraged or allowed?
• Do the pastor and congregation avoid attacking and using as object lessons, former members or those who disagree?
• Are families encouraged to stay together and spend time together?
• Does your family worship Sunday service include children, at least for part of the service?
• Are you encouraged in your own calling?
• Are pleas for money rare and unemotional?
• Are your children happy to attend church?
• Are you happy to bring unsaved friends to your church?
• Is there a diversity of classes, races, dress styles, ages, and occupations in your church?
• Are people encouraged to hear from God for themselves?
• Is there a single behavior standard for all people in the church?
• Are all types of people considered welcome at your church?
• Is the joy of the Lord present in your church?
• Are you free from fear in your church?
• Do you think more about God and Jesus than you do about your pastor and church?
• Does your pastor include himself in any calls for repentance and forgiveness?
• Are you clear that the pastors and elders never exaggerate or lie to make themselves look good?
• Is your group encouraging of each other and free from gossip and rumoring?
• Is there a humility of doctrine that points to the grace of God and His mercy for sinners?
• Are you encouraged to serve in ministries or missions outside the local body?
• Is there ever any pressure put upon members to give or lend money to leaders for their personal or business use (exclusive of church business or projects)?

http://www.batteredsheep.com/checklist.html

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