One definition of a cult-like church is that there is spiritual abuse. Spiritual abuse also needs to be defined because that is a strong term. Spiritual Abuse is when the agenda of the church or the pastor overrides the needs, gifts and calling of the person.
Unfortunately that is a very abstract and general definition. Unfortunately most institutions calling themselves 'Churches' will tend to fit into that definition to some extent. Unfortunately, most churches exist to some extent, for their own sake or to benefit the pastor more than they exist to nurture, encourage and equip the Christian to live out their life in their home, community or workplace in victory.
Let be more specific in guidelines or markers. An unhealthy church does not leave you feeling encouraged and built up but you leave the Sunday worship service feeling burdened or guilty.
Jesus said "come unto me you that are burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest." If the service ministers that Jesus then you will find relief from guilt and pressure to perform 'religious' duties and encouraged and empowered to live your life with Christ in you and the Kingdom of God invading your places of home, work and study. This will happen without striving.
Freedom is present where Christ is present for he came to set us free. What that looks like in the local congregation is that everyone is expressing themselves in their own unique way. People dress different. You can look around and see many different ages, colors, genders, dress, financial levels. The people are not all dressed the same.
In some churches there is a drift toward a 'deliverance' ministry or to 'spiritual warfare.' It is a danger sign if the focus of prayer, preaching and song is on attacking evil, binding demons and naming different powers of darkness. Flee such a place because they are attracting demons by giving them so much attention.
Are people in leadership so 'super spiritual' that they do not manage their everyday affairs well. It is unhealthy to be so focused on 'saving the world' that you neglect your family. It is unhealthy to be so focused on 'spiritual things' that you neglect your earthly responsibilities. You need to feed your rabbits, take the dog for a walk and have food in the refrigerator for the household. Practical stuff, believe it or not, is spiritual stuff.
A healthy church will have healthy small groups. People will be able to study the bible and not always the sermon notes from the pastor's sermon. There should be some personal sharing and getting to know one another. If you can sense a healthy refreshing sense of freedom and encouragement.
As a church becomes more controlling it comes closer to being an unhealthy church or a cult.
- The teaching suggests that other groups are wrong and you would lose out by leaving this church.
- More extreme, the teaching suggests you are lost from salvation if you leave this church.
- The pastors speaks and teaches that bad things happen to those who leave the church.
- The pastor or others pray negative prayer (curses) against those who leave their church.
I have talked about 'exit control' in another blog. These are some guides as to whether you are in a healthy or unhealthy church or a cult. Learn to discern and to trust your gut feeling.
