What makes a group a cult?

WHAT MAKES A GROUP A CULT?

Religious groups who differ from mainstream beliefs and practices may be referred to as cults. There are a number of terms commonly used to describe these groups, such as "secretive, closed, controlling," and the like. Below is a checklist to indicate if your group is cult-free.

Crossroads Online

ISSUE #4 (SUMMER 1997)

Church Checklist: Is Your Fellowship Cult-free?

         Philip Arnn of Watchman Fellowship shared this list of questions with me
         that he found in a SCP (?) newsletter (16:2). It is simply a guide, and
         clearly no fellowship will be completely without problems. If the majority of
         the answers are yes, praise God for a healthy church home. If 10 or fewer
         are yes, pray for guidance on your situation.

1. Is your pastor fully accountable to a board of elders, presbyters, et cetera?

2. Is loyalty to Jesus and to one's own calling placed before loyalty to
pastor and church?

3. Does your pastor encourage questions and suggestions? Is he
approachable?

4. Does your pastor give equal attention to all kinds of people in his
congregation?

5. Does your pastor readily admit his errors?

6. Does your pastor avoid boasting or hinting at a "special anointing"?

7. Is your pastor truly humble?

8. Are sermons based on clear biblical truths, not "original revelations" or
ax grinding?

9. Does your church interact with other churches?

10. Does your church staff avoid secrecy?

11. Is power shared in your church (rather than preempted by a
hierarchy)?

12. Does your church see itself as just one organ of body of Christ, not
the main one?

13. Is your church truly friendly?

14. Does your church emphasize ministry to people rather than church
"programs"?

15. Are especially needy people cared for lovingly in your church?

16. Are church members encouraged and loved even when they leave?

17. Are relationships with former members encouraged or allowed?

18. Do the pastor and congregation avoid attacking, and using as "object
lessons" former members or those who disagree?

19. Are families encouraged to stay together and spend time together?

20. Does your family worship together in service (including children, part
of the time)?

21. Are you encouraged in your calling?

22. Are pleas for money rare and unemotional?

23. Are your children happy to attend church?

24. Are you happy to bring unsaved friends to your church?

25. Is there a diversity of class, race, dress style, age and occupation in
your church?

26. Are people encouraged to hear from God for themselves?

27. Is there a single behavior standard for all people in your church?

28. Are all types of people considered welcome at your church?

29. Is the joy of the Lord present in your church?

30. Are you free from fear in your church?

31. Do you think more about God and Jesus than you do about your
pastor and church?

32. Does your pastor include himself in any calls for repentance and
forgiveness?

33. Are you clear pastors and elders never exaggerate or lie to look
good?

34. Is your group encouraging of each other and free from gossip and
rumoring?

35. Is there a humility of doctrine that points to God's grace and mercy for
sinners?

36. Are you encouraged to serve in ministries or missions outside the
local body?

         37. Is there ever any pressure put upon members to give or lend money
               to leaders for personal or business use (exclusive of church business or
               projects)?

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Updated 8/21/2003