Organizations & People Dealing With Cults and/or Spiritual Abuse

The inclusion of any site on this page should not be considered as an endorsement from me. It does not indicate I endorse any of these web site's activities or other material they may produce. Rather, they are listed solely for your information. You will need to examine the available evidence and form your own opinions about these people and organizations.

Christian sites dealing with apologetics and/or spiritual abuse

Personal Freedom Outreach- They are "a non-profit, non-denominational group with three goals: to educate Christians about the dangers and heretical doctrines of religious cults, to use the Gospel of Jesus Christ to reach members of those cults and to warn Christians of unbiblical teachings within the church itself." Offers a quarterly publication as well as other resources. P.O. Box 26062, Saint Louis, MO 63136 (314) 921-9800

The Watchman Expositor - They are "an independent Christian research and apologetics ministry focusing on new religious movements, cults, the occult and the New Age. We serve the Christian and secular community as a resource for cult education, counselling, and non-coercive intervention." Offers a quarterly publication and resources. P.O. Box 13340, Arlington, TX 76094. (817) 277-0023 Fax: (817) 277-8098

Christian Research Institute- Offers a quarterly publication and resources. A "parachurch organization committed to defending historic Christianity against theological heresy." (949) 858-6100 Fax: (949) 858-6111 Christian Research Journal, P.O. Box 7000, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-7000. 888-7000-CRI

Let Us Reason Ministry- An apologetic ministry based in Hawaii with info on many groups. Also a section on Trinity/Oneness and Pentecostal issues. P.O. Box 860683, Wahiawa, HI 98786

Apologetics Index - From the Netherlands, their aim is to "provide Christians with apologetics resources on cults, sects, others religious movements, doctrines and practices- for research and ministry."

Spiritual Abuse- Site run by Jeff VanVonderen, co-author of "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse". He runs a second site as well. He offers books, audio tapes and video tapes on the subject.

Spiritwatch Ministries- "Spiritwatch Ministries, formally called the Tennessee Valley Bible Students Association (TVBSA) are an effort at providing Christian discernment ministry. We have been commissioned by the Holy Spirit since 1993 to serve the Church and the world by countering the influence and spread of spiritually deceptive and religiously abusive groups that exist in the Tennessee Valley. Our two-fold mission is to redeem and restore the spiritually deceived, and to edify and equip the Church in the Eastern Tennessee region to do the same." P.O. Box 5445, Cleveland, TN, 37312 (423) 559-8195

............

Acts Eighteen- Web site run by Jason Young, former UPC member. "Standards advocates believe that the Bible teaches a specific dress code for Christians. While we certainly agree that Christians should be conscientious of their attire and appearance, we believe that we should only teach what the Bible actually teaches. Because of this conviction, a large portion of our web page is dedicated to refuting this particular area of extra-biblical teachings."

Recovering Pentecostal- Run by a former UPC and Word of Faith member. "I've known many people who walked away from Christianity when they walked away from Pentecostalism. As a former Pentecostal, I didn't want to be like that. I just wanted to get back to basics, to rediscover a genuine relationship with God that wasn't based on performance, emotion, ritual, or pretending. I wanted to be an ex-Pentecostal, but not an ex-Christian."

Midwest Christian Outreach- Has a main focus on Jehovah's Witnesses & Mormons. They are "an apologetics and Counter-Cult ministry." Offers a bi-monthly free publication as well as other resources. P.O. Box 455, Lombard, IL 60148-0455 (630) 627-9028 Fax: (630) 627-6829

Evangelical Ministries to New Religions- An umbrella group for evangelical Christian ministries to the cults and new religions which offers resources. 913 Huffman Road, Birmingham, AL 35215 (205) 833-2858

The Christian Sentinel- Covers the alien issue, other religions, and areas of Christian error. Offers a publication.

Inner-City Christian Discernment Ministry- Run by the Liichow's of Michigan. Deals mainly with Word of Faith, Toronto, Benny Hinn & the like. Pentecostals will disagree with their views on the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. P.O. Box 15639, Detroit, MI 48215 (313) 823-8070 Fax: (313) 824-1350

REST Ministries: Recovering from Experiences of Spiritual Tyranny- Run by Ron Henzel. Has several writings with regard to spiritual abuse.

Apologia Report- Free quarterly newsletter plus weekly e-mail updates and a hotline are available. Post Office Box 63422, Colorado Springs, CO 80962 (719) 277-0069

The Alpha & Omega Ministries- Affiliated with James White. (602) 973-4602

Spotlight Ministries- Operated by Vincent McCann of England, the site has a main focus "on matters relating to cults, spiritual abuse, and occultic deception."

............

Thinkman- The main emphasis is not on this issue, but sometimes aspects are covered. "Scripture thoughts for Christian thinkers."

Gospel Outreach Ministries Online

Spiritual Healing for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse- Dee Miller, author and nurse, discusses various aspects of clergy sexual abuse.

Spiritual Counterfeits Project- Distributes a newsletter and journal and has other resources. A "ministry confronting the occults, the cults, and the New Age movement and explaining why they are making an impact on our society." P.O. Box 4308, Berkeley, CA 94704 Hotline: (510) 540-5767 Phone: (510) 540-0300 Fax: (510) 540-1107

Yahoo & other groups

I'd like to issue a word of caution concerning Internet groups. If you are a Christian, understand that everyone operating an e-mail list or bulletin board type group may not be a Christian or they could promote aberrant teachings or encourage people toward atheism or being agnostic. Use caution when joining groups.

Christian-Koinonia- A support group for both former and current UPCI/apostolic members. We also consider those who were involved in similar church organizations as well as family members and friends of current or former UPC/apostolic members who are seeking help. Current UPC or apostolic members must be contemplating leaving their organization and/or be questioning the validity of UPC/apostolic teachings. Founded by Lois Gibson and affiliated with this web site. This is not a debate group. For additional information, click here.

Abuse in other religious groups

Mormon Alliance - "The purposes of the Mormon Alliance are to identify and document ecclesiastical/spiritual abuse in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church), to promote healing and closure for its survivors, to build more sensitive leadership, to empower LDS members to participate with more authenticity in Mormonism, and to foster a healthier religious community." Lavina Fielding Anderson, 1519 Roberta Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 (801) 467-1617

Amish Deception - "Amish Deception is solely base on the Swartzentruber Amish Culture and in no way implicates the numerous less conservative sectors of my Amish Culture." David E. Yoder, 14909 Freedom Rd., Kimbolton, OH 43749 Fax: 740.492.0397 Phone: 740.492.1030

Oneness sites not emphasizing non-biblical standard teachings

Global Network of Christian Ministries - A merger of two groups, one being the Network of Christian Ministries. The latter was formed mainly by ex-UPCI ministers. All ministers in the group may not be apostolic/oneness. Several former UPC ministers belong to this ministerial association. P.O. Box 154747, Irving, Texas 75015 (Phone: 972-253-4797 ext. 203 - Fax: 817-424-1796)

Secular organizations dealing with cults and/or spiritual abuse

International Cultic Studies Association- Information About Cults and Psychological Manipulation- Holds conferences and workshops, has numerous resources and publications. Wishes to "be of assistance to those who have been adversely affected by a cult experience." In 2005 they formally changed their name from AFF (American Family Foundation) to ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association). The change was made to reflect the organization's growing international dimension and to make its general area of interest clearer. P.O. Box 2265, Bonita Springs, FL 34133 (239) 514-3081 Fax: (732) 352-6818

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ReFOCUS Network Home Page- Ex-member support- International network of referral and support for former members of closed, high demand groups, relationships or cults. Offers a quarterly e-mail newsletter, but this is sometimes issued infrequently. P.O. Box 2180, Flagler Beach, FL 32136-2180 (386) 439-7541 Fax: (386) 439-7537

Cult Information Service in New Jersey- Holds conferences and meetings. Tries to "educate the public about the danger and harmful effects of mind control used by destructive cults." P.O. Box 867, Teaneck, NJ 07666 (201) 833-1212

............

Cult Information Centre- England- They are "concerned about the use of deceptive and manipulative methods used by cults to recruit and indoctrinate unsuspecting members of society."

Nurelweb Home Page- "Sources for the study of cults, sects, new & contemporary religions."

The Cult Hotline and Clinic, Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, 120 W. 57th St., NY, NY 10019-3371 (212) 632-4640 (24 hour hotline)

RETIRN Counseling Against Coercion, 9877 Verree Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19115 (215) 698-8900 Offers support group, information and referral network.

The Leo J. Ryan Education Foundation- (formerly the Cult Information and Resource Center), P.O. Box 700, Bridgeport, CT 06601-0700 (203) 338-9776 Fax: (203) 338-9738 A newer organization, hoping to fill the void left by the loss of the Cult Awareness Network. Holds annual cult conferences.

Bill & Lorna Goldberg's Web Site- Bill and Lorna Goldberg have been working with former members of abusive groups for many years. They have monthly support group meetings in New Jersey. They are clinical social workers.

Links to Thought Reform Consultants & Exit Counselors

The above link leads to the ethical standards for thought reform consultants. Those who have signed this agreement made a commitment to refuse involuntary counseling, as well as agreed to a set of rules and regulations which will govern the manner in which they practice their profession. To find other consultants who have signed but do not operate a web site, write to Carol Giambalvo.

Carol Giambalvo- Thought Reform Consultant Joe Szimhart- Thought Reform Consultant

............

Others who work in this field:

Steven Hassan- Exit Counselor Rick Ross- Exit Counselor

Below is a video of a talk Steven Hassan gave in 2003 about his approach to helping those in unhealthy groups.

............

Things to consider about exit counseling and deprogramming:

Deprogramming and Exit-Counseling: Are They For Christians?- Very good article, covering the differences between deprogramming and exit-counseling and giving an overview of what occurs in an intervention. Though geared to those in Jehovah's Witness groups, much of what it discussed would apply to any abusive group.

Deprogramming, Exit Counseling, by Michael D. Langone and Paul R. Martin



The inclusion of any site on this page should not be considered as an endorsement from me. It does not indicate I endorse any of these web site's activities or other material they may produce. Rather, they are listed solely for your information. You will need to examine the available evidence and form your own opinions about these people and organizations. *Christian sites dealing with apologetics and/or spiritual abuse* Personal Freedom Outreach- They are "a non-profit, non-denominational group with three goals: to educate Christians about the dangers and heretical doctrines of religious cults, to use the Gospel of Jesus Christ to reach members of those cults and to warn Christians of unbiblical teachings within the church itself." Offers a quarterly publication as well as other resources. P.O. Box 26062, Saint Louis, MO 63136 (314) 921-9800 The Watchman Expositor - They are "an independent Christian research and apologetics ministry focusing on new religious movements, cults, the occult and the New Age. We serve the Christian and secular community as a resource for cult education, counselling, and non-coercive intervention." Offers a quarterly publication and resources. P.O. Box 13340, Arlington, TX 76094. (817) 277-0023 Fax: (817) 277-8098 Christian Research Institute- Offers a quarterly publication and resources. A "parachurch organization committed to defending historic Christianity against theological heresy." (949) 858-6100 Fax: (949) 858-6111 Christian Research Journal, P.O. Box 7000, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-7000. 888-7000-CRI Let Us Reason Ministry- An apologetic ministry based in Hawaii with info on many groups. Also a section on Trinity/Oneness and Pentecostal issues. P.O. Box 860683, Wahiawa, HI 98786 Apologetics Index - From the Netherlands, their aim is to "provide Christians with apologetics resources on cults, sects, others religious movements, doctrines and practices- for research and ministry." Spiritual Abuse- Site run by Jeff VanVonderen, co-author of "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse". He runs a second site as well. He offers books, audio tapes and video tapes on the subject. Spiritwatch Ministries- "Spiritwatch Ministries, formally called the Tennessee Valley Bible Students Association (TVBSA) are an effort at providing Christian discernment ministry. We have been commissioned by the Holy Spirit since 1993 to serve the Church and the world by countering the influence and spread of spiritually deceptive and religiously abusive groups that exist in the Tennessee Valley. Our two-fold mission is to redeem and restore the spiritually deceived, and to edify and equip the Church in the Eastern Tennessee region to do the same." P.O. Box 5445, Cleveland, TN, 37312 (423) 559-8195 ............ Acts Eighteen- Web site run by Jason Young, former UPC member. "Standards advocates believe that the Bible teaches a specific dress code for Christians. While we certainly agree that Christians should be conscientious of their attire and appearance, we believe that we should only teach what the Bible actually teaches. Because of this conviction, a large portion of our web page is dedicated to refuting this particular area of extra-biblical teachings." Acts Eighteen- Web site run by Jason Young, former UPC member. "Standards advocates believe that the Bible teaches a specific dress code for Christians. While we certainly agree that Christians should be conscientious of their attire and appearance, we believe that we should only teach what the Bible actually teaches. Because of this conviction, a large portion of our web page is dedicated to refuting this particular area of extra-biblical teachings." Recovering Pentecostal- Run by a former UPC and Word of Faith member. "I've known many people who walked away from Christianity when they walked away from Pentecostalism. As a former Pentecostal, I didn't want to be like that. I just wanted to get back to basics, to rediscover a genuine relationship with God that wasn't based on performance, emotion, ritual, or pretending. I wanted to be an ex-Pentecostal, but not an ex-Christian." Midwest Christian Outreach- Has a main focus on Jehovah's Witnesses & Mormons. They are "an apologetics and Counter-Cult ministry." Offers a bi-monthly free publication as well as other resources. P.O. Box 455, Lombard, IL 60148-0455 (630) 627-9028 Fax: (630) 627-6829 Evangelical Ministries to New Religions- An umbrella group for evangelical Christian ministries to the cults and new religions which offers resources. 913 Huffman Road, Birmingham, AL 35215 (205) 833-2858 The Christian Sentinel- Covers the alien issue, other religions, and areas of Christian error. Offers a publication. Inner-City Christian Discernment Ministry- Run by the Liichow's of Michigan. Deals mainly with Word of Faith, Toronto, Benny Hinn & the like. Pentecostals will disagree with their views on the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. P.O. Box 15639, Detroit, MI 48215 (313) 823-8070 Fax: (313) 824-1350 REST Ministries: Recovering from Experiences of Spiritual Tyranny- Run by Ron Henzel. Has several writings with regard to spiritual abuse. Apologia Report- Free quarterly newsletter plus weekly e-mail updates and a hotline are available. Post Office Box 63422, Colorado Springs, CO 80962 (719) 277-0069 The Alpha & Omega Ministries- Affiliated with James White. (602) 973-4602 Spotlight Ministries- Operated by Vincent McCann of England, the site has a main focus "on matters relating to cults, spiritual abuse, and occultic deception." ............ Thinkman- The main emphasis is not on this issue, but sometimes aspects are covered. "Scripture thoughts for Christian thinkers." Gospel Outreach Ministries Online Spiritual Healing for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse- Dee Miller, author and nurse, discusses various aspects of clergy sexual abuse. Spiritual Counterfeits Project- Distributes a newsletter and journal and has other resources. A "ministry confronting the occults, the cults, and the New Age movement and explaining why they are making an impact on our society." P.O. Box 4308, Berkeley, CA 94704 Hotline: (510) 540-5767 Phone: (510) 540-0300 Fax: (510) 540-1107 *Yahoo & other groups* I'd like to issue a word of caution concerning Internet groups. If you are a Christian, understand that everyone operating an e-mail list or bulletin board type group may not be a Christian or they could promote aberrant teachings or encourage people toward atheism or being agnostic. Use caution when joining groups. Christian-Koinonia- A support group for both former and current UPCI/apostolic members. We also consider those who were involved in similar church organizations as well as family members and friends of current or former UPC/apostolic members who are seeking help. Current UPC or apostolic members must be contemplating leaving their organization and/or be questioning the validity of UPC/apostolic teachings. Founded by Lois Gibson and affiliated with this web site. This is not a debate group. For additional information, click here. *Abuse in other religious groups* Mormon Alliance - "The purposes of the Mormon Alliance are to identify and document ecclesiastical/spiritual abuse in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church), to promote healing and closure for its survivors, to build more sensitive leadership, to empower LDS members to participate with more authenticity in Mormonism, and to foster a healthier religious community." Lavina Fielding Anderson, 1519 Roberta Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 (801) 467-1617 Amish Deception - "Amish Deception is solely base on the Swartzentruber Amish Culture and in no way implicates the numerous less conservative sectors of my Amish Culture." David E. Yoder, 14909 Freedom Rd., Kimbolton, OH 43749 Fax: 740.492.0397 Phone: 740.492.1030 *Oneness sites not emphasizing non-biblical standard teachings* Global Network of Christian Ministries - A merger of two groups, one being the Network of Christian Ministries. The latter was formed mainly by ex-UPCI ministers. All ministers in the group may not be apostolic/oneness. Several former UPC ministers belong to this ministerial association. P.O. Box 154747, Irving, Texas 75015 (Phone: 972-253-4797 ext. 203 - Fax: 817-424-1796) *Secular organizations dealing with cults and/or spiritual abuse* International Cultic Studies Association- Information About Cults and Psychological Manipulation- Holds conferences and workshops, has numerous resources and publications. Wishes to "be of assistance to those who have been adversely affected by a cult experience." In 2005 they formally changed their name from AFF (American Family Foundation) to ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association). The change was made to reflect the organization's growing international dimension and to make its general area of interest clearer. P.O. Box 2265, Bonita Springs, FL 34133 (239) 514-3081 Fax: (732) 352-6818 ............ ReFOCUS Network Home Page- Ex-member support- International network of referral and support for former members of closed, high demand groups, relationships or cults. Offers a quarterly e-mail newsletter, but this is sometimes issued infrequently. P.O. Box 2180, Flagler Beach, FL 32136-2180 (386) 439-7541 Fax: (386) 439-7537 Cult Information Service in New Jersey- Holds conferences and meetings. Tries to "educate the public about the danger and harmful effects of mind control used by destructive cults." P.O. Box 867, Teaneck, NJ 07666 (201) 833-1212 ............ Cult Information Centre- England- They are "concerned about the use of deceptive and manipulative methods used by cults to recruit and indoctrinate unsuspecting members of society." Nurelweb Home Page- "Sources for the study of cults, sects, new & contemporary religions." The Cult Hotline and Clinic, Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, 120 W. 57th St., NY, NY 10019-3371 (212) 632-4640 (24 hour hotline) RETIRN Counseling Against Coercion, 9877 Verree Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19115 (215) 698-8900 Offers support group, information and referral network. The Leo J. Ryan Education Foundation- (formerly the Cult Information and Resource Center), P.O. Box 700, Bridgeport, CT 06601-0700 (203) 338-9776 Fax: (203) 338-9738 A newer organization, hoping to fill the void left by the loss of the Cult Awareness Network. Holds annual cult conferences. Bill & Lorna Goldberg's Web Site- Bill and Lorna Goldberg have been working with former members of abusive groups for many years. They have monthly support group meetings in New Jersey. They are clinical social workers. *Links to Thought Reform Consultants & Exit Counselors* The above link leads to the ethical standards for thought reform consultants. Those who have signed this agreement made a commitment to refuse involuntary counseling, as well as agreed to a set of rules and regulations which will govern the manner in which they practice their profession. To find other consultants who have signed but do not operate a web site, write to Carol Giambalvo. Carol Giambalvo- Thought Reform Consultant Joe Szimhart- Thought Reform Consultant ............ Others who work in this field: Steven Hassan- Exit Counselor Rick Ross- Exit Counselor Below is a video of a talk Steven Hassan gave in 2003 about his approach to helping those in unhealthy groups. ............ *Things to consider about exit counseling and deprogramming:* Deprogramming and Exit-Counseling: Are They For Christians?- Very good article, covering the differences between deprogramming and exit-counseling and giving an overview of what occurs in an intervention. Though geared to those in Jehovah's Witness groups, much of what it discussed would apply to any abusive group. Deprogramming, Exit Counseling, by Michael D. Langone and Paul R. Martin
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