If the Worldwide Church of God says they have changed and have thrown out legalism, then why don't I go back? My biggest reason is: There isn't the room for me to grow--spiritually, emotionally, or individually.

The WCG is not encouraging its members to read and study other Christian literature, listen to other Christian ministers, listen to Christian radio, go to Christian seminars or Bible studies, or associate with other Christians and get to know them. Could it be that the leaders of the WCG are still allowing their followers to think that they have the purest of the truth and members should still isolate themselves from involvement with other Christians?

The members are treated as children and are told what to think and what to do. The fear of leaving the WCG is created by telling them if they are not meeting regularly, they are removing themselves from the "vine" and will wither and die. Therefore, they should keep attending services. Yet the Bible says that the Vine is Christ, not the WCG.

Guilt and blame are placed on the members by telling them that they (the members) suffered for years and years because they believed they should do things that were neither wise nor required. Yet if they don't do as they are told today, they are accused of "complaining," "criticizing," "rebelling," and "not submitting to authority."

Disfellowshipping is still used to control. And if it is a minister that is disfellowshipped, his name will be printed in the Worldwide News, almost as a "warning" of what will happen to anyone else that causes trouble by holding on to the old ways. No one can speak out if they disagree, no one can challenge the organization in any way, and no one can be free to leave and to be different.

I don't attend the WCG anymore because I wish to discover for myself what Christ's true nature is really like and not have to experience it falsely through the way Tkach and his ministers are portraying it to their flock.

By D. W.
June 8, 1995
Exit & Support Network™

Update: Today WCG, in their race to become accepted by mainstream Christianity, has embraced a potpourri of belief styles; i.e., tongues speaking, charismatic services, disciplining methods, the ecumenical movement, new evangelicalism and the church growth movement.

WCG Getting Into the Toronto Blessing (letter to ESN)

Is Worldwide Church of God Still Holding on to Some of Herbert W. Armstrong's Doctrines? (updated)

"Because thou shalt forget thy misery,
 and remember it as waters that pass away:"
  ~ Job 11: 16

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Index for Personal Writings About the WCG Experience