Saturday 11 July 2009

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

LAST WEEK, I said that I might say a little about CULTS. A cult is usually a practice or way of life built around a personality. There are Christian Cults, and there are cults built around other 'personality teaching' across all religious thought, and even other.
CULT practices often resemble those of legitimate religious organisations.   For example, people who experience religious conversion often have dramatic changes in their lives. However, these changes enrich lives and help the individual toward their goals rather than changing them to meet a prescribed mold laid down by another individual. Of course, I am talking about Personality Cults that take us away from God and from following Jesus in particular. Christian Cults. There are new ones rising up almost every day. Some more dangerous than others.

I am concerned about those that tend to replace the Lordship of Christ with their own Authority and 'lordship', and that enlist their followers into their own particular little army, to be regimented into a different gospel. RECENTLY I came across something called THE HEBRON COMPANY. This seems to be a close and singular company of men dedicated to 'expressing manhood to the earth'. It is attached to an organisation known as 'The Elijah Centre' based in Trinidad under the Leadership of a man known as Senior Elder NOEL WOODROFFE, who founded it. It is already a world body, and growing fast. Mr. Woodroffe seems to be widely accepted in many areas of the Christian Church. The Hebron Company has begun to be known in Kenya, and is now making itself known in Eldoret. BUT is it really a CULT?
Here are a few possible guidelines to determine if a particular organisation might in some way be cultic in its effect -
1) Watch out for detachment. New cult members separate themselves from their friends, family and acquaintances.   This kind of distancing happens gradually with encouragement from the cult leader.
2) Observe any change of behaviour. Be especially attentive if someones personality and interests are significantly changing to match the group leader.
3) Cults also often seek to gain control of their members finance. Members can be asked for cash, and encouraged to give free labour.

HEBRON have a Senior Elder structure which is pyramidal. Each group's purpose is to come together and to make the S.E. 'king' of the group, devoting all their energy, support and skills to this end. Each family head in the group must introduce and bring their family to know and submit to the 'king' the Senior Elder of the group. HE is the one to be followed to the letter, and HIS words are the ones to be obeyed as if God spoke. HE, the Senior Elder, has the 'words of eternal life'. He, the Senior Elder, is to be protected, encouraged, supported in every way by all Members. HE is the DOOR into God's Presence. The Senior Elder is the LAMP of the Church - its guide. Of course there is 'Scriptural' authority for all this, but it is very definitely miss interpreted, and twisted. It is heresy - a teaching that replaces Christ as Lord and King.
Reading an article by David Howe of Living Waters Fellowship, England it was interesting to see his remarks on what was once called 'Heavy Shepherding -
"Some are saying in the Church today 'that leaders/teachers must be obeyed without question. Aren't we supposed to test all things by the WORD? Accountability in some places is used to control people. They say you have to be accountable to them, but to who are they accountable? When asked they would say God, but we are all accountable to God I say. They would say we hear God better than you, that's why we are above you.
HEAVY SHEPHERDING - a strange thing has happened in the land. Many shepherds have set themselves above the people, and the people seem to like it that way. Many (shepherds) are placing themselves in front of Christ, acting as if they are 'christs' or 'gods' in front of the sheep.
In other places they 'mentor' disciples, where all they do is make clones of the people - make them into robots...."

We must be WATCHFUL - in the last days false prophets / pastors will arise from your midst - YES they will arise OUT of the midst of Christianity, out of the body of Christ - Wolves in Sheep's clothing are they......... TRY / TEST every spirit - every WORD - every life example against the WORD of God as it is both written, and also DEMONSTRATED in and through Christ. And remember Christ Jesus is the First and the LAST, there is no extra or NEW revelation beyond Him who is the Truth, The Life and the WAY.
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THE RAIN has tapered off. NONE for three days again, and what we had was very minimal.
With 150 resident on our compounds, and some 600 children coming in to school daily, we wonder what will happen if the water supply ceases!! And of course we DO wonder. God on the other hand knows very well, and has all the answers. We caught site of one possible answer in today's NATION under the caption -
'WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE'
thanks to one old MUZUNGU!
It seems an 86 year old Canadian - Lex Lutherford - a water diviner. He is apparently here in Kenya and has formed a Company known as Swallow Waters International Management (SWIM), a voluntary organisation, set up to discover water on farmsteads. Mr. Lutherford is reported as saying - 'You have to believe that this process (of discovering water) is God driven.'

Well if WE could discover water on OUR land here in Eldoret it might would surely be an act of God. It has started us thinking, and who knows maybe this man can help us. Keep praying.

John and Esther

35 comments:

Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

I am a Trinidadian and I am currently investigating this group - one of the most dangerous things is to encounter a group that presents truth and error mixed in so precisely together - I am very close right now - listening and observing and my doubts and questions are mounting.

29 October 2009 19:22

Anonymous said...

I haven't looked for a while..because of a heavy heart, but I wanted to see if there was anything new on EC. I too..was close as you can get to someone that was fairly new in the "community". I attended a "camp" gathering and really started to question some of the ideas and philosophies of this outfit. When I presented legitimate questions, I was given canned answers until the point I was so annoying I was directed to a "Senior Elder". It ultimately led a wedge being driven and the end of a 4yr relationship with the woman I was intended to marry and make my wife. Distancing yourself from anyone who does not agree with the commune..seen it. Being instructed by "elders" to leave jobs, make life altering decisions to free up time..and I mean every free moment for seminars, " classes", discussions every thing for the Church..been a part of that. It goes on and on. I was told that I cannot have Salvation from my "God" because I am not in this commune. It was such a burden and I still have guilt that I should have done something..or more..but I had no power over a group as one man. There is A LOT of things happening here to people, young intelligent people that have no direction and are really grasping at straws I think looking for a feeling of belonging purpose. I never judge a book by it's cover..but I have read enough of this group to say be very , very careful.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
They came into my church in Belize, and now it is divided. The church went from a 200+ congregation to 15. I know they are a cult. I don't need a man to go between me and God, the veil is torn. I can acess God for myself.
24 April 2011 19:02
Lowkey Liesmith said...
so really I would have to say that these top guys at congress have created a money maker for jesus but they are still a power tripping bunch of clever deceivers who are not really doing anything more than the textbook make a cult formula. Scientology pyramid scam anybody? the gullibility test is always free guys!
7 August 2013 11:09
Anonymous said...
Could not get it all in one response....here's the rest of what I needed to say...
This is the first time I have written or really spoken my heart on this matter. This is MY experience with Congress & one of their "churches". Much like the shepherding movement a few years back, it is set to control, manipulate, and intimidate. The leaders on a local level are arrogant & deceptive and demanding of total allegiance. (and are not perfect, but are liars, thieves, etc....as we all have that potential to be) The next level holds the same position or dominance, but it is held over the local leaders. They encourage men to "lead" their wives...because they are women & are much too emotional & unable to understand these spiritual things(seriously?) so men must take the head & they will follow...like a horse when you jerk the reins? In marriage according to scripture the two become one so how can one "lead" the other? We are one. Equal & uniquely created to fit together. Making life decisions together utilizing each one's God given gifting & perspective, experiences and understanding. Wholeness and trust. This place undermined that trust by the very thought that men must set themselves above women.
Services are spent watching "the Apostle" on the big screen (who needs a Bible) & the next few weeks are then spent with your local elder repeating the information over & over from every direction(if you say it loud enough & long enough...)so that you absorb it(understanding it is not necessary, just trust us, right?) Then another hour or more is spent giving "feedback", repeating what Doc said, or the pastor said. It does not matter so much that you "GET IT" or if it was relevant, but can you spew it back out of your mouth to prove to those in your community that you are assimilating? UGH! And there are workbooks, and MORE workbooks & groups....more meetings are required than if you are in AA or NA..seriously!
I can attest to some of the life/business/relational practices these folks have & just like every other religion - we all fall FAR short of the "righteousness" we claim to walk in.
I would advise anyone interested in a CWBN community to do their homework, talk to people who have been there & left. Talk to people who have contact with members of a community. Talk to people who are there now & listen, ask questions, be alert. And keep your personal discernment up. If it smells like POOP, it's POOP, ok? Don't ignore that still, small voice, those niggling doubts...that is the voice of God in YOU. Yes, IN YOU!
If you are in a CWBN & are not sure you should be...try to leave. That should answer a lot of your doubts. Trust the Holy Spirit. May wisdom, peace, love, joy, grace, discernment and every other good & perfect gift the Father gives be yours in abundance! Choose LIFE
26 February 2014 01:46

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
We had been a part of a Congress group for several years(I can't call them a "church") we left there over a year ago. It's funny, in a way, to me that in a fast perusal of the comments here in this blog, I can SPOT the "community" people by their terminology in a flash! Such confusing double-speak & twisting of words & confusing "new" verbiage. Defending, always defending. God does not need us to defend Him, His Word or His chosen leadership. Jesus never defended Himself.
This place CWBN demanded our "submission", wanted to control our private lives in decisions/areas that are none of a church leaders business, required that nearly every moment of our time be spent "in community", set husbands & wives in direct opposition to one another - nearly causing disastrous results to our 30 years of marriage! From the pulpit we heard these words "that if you're not 100% in, or if you leave this this community, I question your salvation" REALLY? How dare you? Salvation comes NOT from a man, but from God! It is a gift, freely given & as such, irrevocable as ALL of God's gifts are.
So glad to be free of the manipulation, deception, and the controlling influence of this "church"! I ache for the friends we love who are trapped by the fear of leaving this place. Fear of losing family, losing all connections with friends, business associates(most of them will not frequent our place of business)and being treated as less-than because of the arrogance of believing they are the "one man" God will look through to see us/the rest of the whole world of believers (how special)& it will be because of their long & faithful obedience that God will return, wrap this thing up & bring it all to an end. (I am using a lot of direct quotes of folks we associated with there) If you choose to leave there, you know you will be totally isolated & rejected. If you question them, disagree or admit to being confused by the teachings, you are accused of not trusting God. Submission is demanded & you are required to undergo "RTF" sessions, restoring the foundations (brainwashing) to get you to conform & be in agreement with the rest of the community.
Their leader, Dr Woodruff says "God is looking for a man to hasten Jesus' return. And if not now, when? If not us, who?" If we fail(and I quote Dr. Woodruff))"POOR GOD!" Really? Poor God? His plan for all of mankind is dependent on US - on CWBN? This statement alone requires much contemplation. Consider how this thinking affects a person's "hedgemon". (another wonderful word misused by the community - look it up)
I do not want, nor do I need any man to stand between God & myself. Respectfully, we are not to follow you, Dr. Woodruff, or your Senior Elders, as YOU follow Christ. We are to follow Christ. The believers in the New Testament, hearing the words of the apostles saying to "follow them", were Jews still keeping the old law & had not yet grasped the gospel of GRACE & how "it was finished" on the cross! Jesus fulfilled ALL the law & the prophets. ONCE For ALL.
Jesus IS the Way, the Truth & the Life. Always was, always will be.
Jesus The Christ of Nazareth Himself is the ONLY way to God.
I must work out my own salvation with fear & trembling. Daily. As we each must. No man will stand before God with me on THAT day for me to say...."Well Pastor so & so said...or Dr. Woodruff taught us that..." I alone will give an account. I am ready for that day. I own my faith. And I am assured of my salvation through His word & His Son.
26 February 2014 01:48

Unknown said...

The issue is keeping all these comments to yourselves and not informing them what your going through and feeling!

Unknown said...

at least give them insight on what your feeling..going through..if they wont listen..thank God hes always listening.. remember: ignorance is darkness! so make them aware

Anonymous said...

been in ministry for 24 years , Evangelical and Baptist , last 2 years in the Congress and God has been so gracious ... Our family Stronger and unified ... and our SE and wife most humble people , And Always Pointing to Christ as the HEAD... and not to Dr N. Woodroffe .. go and study the Congress - if Jesus is Not the Head of the Church in Any Demonination it is a CULT.. I am blessed to say that We are in A Sanctuary Amidst the Darkness...

Anonymous said...

We were just told today by a family member that because we are not on the same "journey" as them, that we do not have a relationship with them. WE are FAMILY! Siblings!! WHY?? We are so hurt by them. I'm just sayin... our family is not stronger because of this "ministry", It has only divided us. No ministry/church/organization should ever come in between family. We were once a tight, close family and today... we were told that we never were close. I'm pretty sure this family member has been brainwashed to think that. I hate the day that we ever came into contact with this organization. We love them and will continue to love them, they are our family and can only pray that they leave this group.

Anonymous said...

Jesus christ is the head of the Church
Congress is fully committed to him

Anonymous said...

I was involved with planting a new CWBN church, therefore the training we received was intense. It's interesting that the 5 years I was there the Pastor never gave an alter call! Dr Woodroffe had everyone convinced that we were more mature and it was our job to intercede for those who were not. It is the burden CWBN has to bear at any cost. We were told we could not listen to or read any other material then what was provided by CWBN.
Once the Holy Spirit began to stir in my spirit I had to make a decision whether to ignore the truth or stay out of fear of leaving. Within the year after I left several other leaders did as well. Some who had grown up in the church and raised their family's in the CWBN doctrine.
Isn't it funny that the Christians they profess to be are so far from showing the love of Jesus. After leaving what I thought were my friends, no one has called me to this day to either ask about my decision to leave or just to say hi? I thank God every day that I was excommunicated!

Anonymous said...

We have a family member caught up in this. Where does the money go? How can we get more info on this group.? They seem to be able to hide anything negative that is said about them?

Anonymous said...

I was attending their gatherings and far-to-frequent meetups for about two years. I loved the integrity, healthy relationships and marriages they all seemed to have in their community.

What I first became uncomfortable with was that while the bible was used, there was so much business jargon, leadership theory and systems language interwoven into the teachings to where it was no longer useful or palatable to regular people (ie, the lost).

The biggest red flag was this: the gospel was never really preached. There was never an altar call. They never did any outreach to widows or orphans. They never really talked about sin or repentance. They never really did anything of their own accord EVERYTHING was based on some directive by the apostle.

They remained an isolated, secret club you had to be invited into. Til this day, you cannot visit their gatherings or watch their sermons without having special access code nor do they publish their address for most locations online. Why?

It seems to be an elite network for only the highly educated professional (and of course, these types are usually most-financially stable) who will become part of their cadre of warriors who will infiltrate governmental and business systems with their agenda. Unfortunately, their main objective was NOT to seek or evangelize the lost. They feel their objective is of greater importance.

Kingdom, dominion, and similar topics were always the focus of most teachings. They occupy so much of your time with the various weekly activities you have no time left for family, friends, hobbies, unless those things or somehow intertwined with their community. As I lived far away, this became far too overbearing and time consuming.

While the leaders and the members are seemingly lovely people, they have far too much control over their members lives, and for all of the aforementioned, I no longer believe they are a part of the true church.

Ifeoma niger said...

Great place to be. Dr neol woodrooffe iis the most transparent leader I have seen. I listen to his message frequently. It does nothing but energize me to continue to serve the lord Jesus better. He is a true apostle.has never asked me for money.

yavlemdan said...

The commentary has many assumptions that seem not grounded in fact. Rather than look for what is,a cult and what is not look to your own salvation "with fear and trembling" the scripture says. YOU earnestly seek to get closer to God. YOU ask God to guide you. YOU seek His heart, His wisdom, His understanding, His mind and He will guide you, shape you and direct you in the way that you should go. Read the WORD of God to get direction not blogs.

yavlemdan said...

Your family is divided because that family member is clearly unwise not because of "church rules". In every place you'll unfortunately have extremists. I am Christian, my immediate family comprises Muslim and various other Christian beliefs - Catholic and Jehovah Witness and some who don't even "go to church". We are as close as we were before I came to Christ and still are, as a matter of fact even closer. One can only hope and pray that people have enough sense to make wise decisions.

yavlemdan said...

"...were told we could not listen to or read any other material then what was provided by CWBN." Really? Who was told this, the general congregation, the leaders? I must have missed that session. Strange that it hasn't been said since. Or I must have missed those sessions, too?

yavlemdan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
yavlemdan said...

The comments here, both positive and negative confirms this resolve: get to know the Lord for yourself, not meaning leave your church or don't go to church, keep going, wherever ever you are. And if you choose to leave then go elsewhere where you will get nourished where you will continue to grow in Christ. But get to know HIM that is the important thing: search the scriptures, call on the Lord, that's what David did, not so? And God responded. And ultimately do what is right. Start there and God will take care of the rest.

Anonymous said...

Luke 12 :49 - 53

Anonymous said...

Free yourselves people! These men and institutions will take you nowhere! Paul warned us of men who would teach "another" gospel, to take disciples for themselves and not Christ! - Acts 20:30 He also warned us not to listen to those who say "Here is the Christ, there is the Christ....." - Matt 24:23-26 he asked us not to follow them for the Kingdom of God is within! - Luke 17:21. He also told us "time is coming when they will neither worship here or in Jerusalem...." - John 4:21-24 meaning God stopped being locational, he disguised as the worshipper! Your inner self is God himself! Your human experience is the disguise he wears! - Gal 3:20.....

Anonymous said...

Before I begin, I must emphasize my love for Jesus CHRIST and my commitment to FOLLOW HIM.

I was a member years ago and left because of similar reasons outlined. My sister however remained. We did have our share of ups and downs as a result
but forgiveness was learned though the process. I visited various churches and learned so much and was able to give so much as well.

I am not a member of EC at present but I must say that inspite of what is said, Dr. Woodruffe does have a strength of spirit that quickens mine every time I hear him speak... not in a cultish manner but there's a clear anointing on his life. He does speak of CHRIST and also is very clear of CHRIST being the door to salvation.

What i think many is adversed to is the lack of tolerance for sin. We all are not perfect but there are decisions that must be made by Choice.

As scripture says, we all have gifts and calls, maybe EC is not meant to be evangelistic in nature. Maybe their role is specialized for such a time as this?

Do not be quick to cast aspersions but allow God to deal accordingly and pray for the leaders.

Now is the time to arise and put aside all foolishness. If you are not meant to be there, just leave graciously. Find the place where your Father wants you to be. Ask Him for direction and function.

The times ahead are not going to get better. It will require inner strength and ability to navigate the technology both spiritually and in the natural.

The kingdom of darkness has ramped up their technology and tactics, we must to by following the Spirit of God.

So stop this nonsense and do what you have to do! Time is short! He who has an ear, let him hear!

Unknown said...

Couldn't be said better!

Unknown said...

In each gathering or church you will find issues. God while he is gracious and has sent CHRIST as our salvation hates sin. There is forgiveness but it shouldn't be used as an excuse.

So do what you must and allow God to transform us. He's coming for His bride who is supposed to be spotless.

The Mashburn's said...

I am the one who wrote this comment about our family... just yesterday I spoke to one family member we who is still with congress but is leaving tell me that it is true about not speaking to us family members who are not in community. Our belief systems are different and therefore it is highly encouraged to not make family who is not in Congress a priority. If you’re thinking about joining this SYSTEM... you better count the cost! Congress has wrecked our family and it is one of the most toxic systems out there! I’m so thankful that some of our family’s eyes are being opened to this nonsense!

Godsbeloved said...

Thank you very much for your comment, am greatly encouraged that there's hope for someone like me whose husband has been with congress our entire married life. The issue of who takes priority is very true, my husband choses congress meetings and prayers at the expense of our own prayers and devotion as a family. I pray God opens his eyes.
This group is not just toxic but evil, I can't go into details what I have been through as a result of his involvement with congress but all I can say, for some of us it's a spiritual war fare on a daily basis. God have mercy on your children who are stuck in congress WBN. God bless you all.

Unknown said...

Thanks a lot

Anonymous said...

Can the OP of this site and anyone else with testimonials and cwbn and Hebron please email me noirancientfate@gmail.com. THEY COMMITTING ACTS OF CULTIST ABUSE! And I need help building a case. Please, please someone help me

Anonymous said...

Hello. Can we talk? I am currently investigating them myself in a different country as someone I love is being abused in a branch of that church. Maybe we can help each other by comparing notes? My email is noirancientfate@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hello. Can we talk? I am currently investigating them myself in a different country as someone I love is being abused in a branch of that church. Maybe we can help each other by comparing notes? My email is noirancientfate@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hello. Can we talk? I am currently investigating them myself in a different country as someone I love is being abused in a branch of that church. Maybe we can help each other by comparing notes? My email is noirancientfate@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hello. Can we talk? I am currently investigating them myself in a different country as someone I love is being abused in a branch of that church. Maybe we can help each other by comparing notes? My email is noirancientfate@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hello. Can we talk? I am currently investigating them myself in a different country as someone I love is being abused in a branch of that church. Maybe we can help each other by comparing notes? My email is noirancientfate@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hello. Can we talk? I am currently investigating them myself in a different country as someone I love is being abused in a branch of that church. Maybe we can help each other by comparing notes? My email is noirancientfate@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hello. Can we talk? I am currently investigating them myself in a different country as someone I love is being abused in a branch of that church. Maybe we can help each other by comparing notes? My email is noirancientfate@gmail.com