This discussion fellowship began February 22, 2004.
As of this morning (1/6/2014 6:33AM PST) this thread is at reached 554 pages.
Some reflections on Rick Ross's list of characteristics of a potentially unsafe group or leader
The group/leader is always right.
This makes it hard for persons harmed by the leader to obtain a hearing. Result is that the fellowship gets only the leader's side of the story.
Who leaves? People who feel harmed, exploited - and who can point to sources of evidence. But they are regarded by the leader as evil, members are forbidden
to talk to them, so again, only the leader's side of the story gets a hearing.
Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances
Here and there someone may experience only love, joy and healing from a leader or group. But what if very many others are experiencing pain, loneliness and harm? If one person has only good experiences, does this cancel out the collective experiences of those who have felt pain?
As of this morning (1/6/2014 6:33AM PST) this thread is at reached 554 pages.
Some reflections on Rick Ross's list of characteristics of a potentially unsafe group or leader
The group/leader is always right.
This makes it hard for persons harmed by the leader to obtain a hearing. Result is that the fellowship gets only the leader's side of the story.
Quote
There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.
Who leaves? People who feel harmed, exploited - and who can point to sources of evidence. But they are regarded by the leader as evil, members are forbidden
to talk to them, so again, only the leader's side of the story gets a hearing.
Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances
Here and there someone may experience only love, joy and healing from a leader or group. But what if very many others are experiencing pain, loneliness and harm? If one person has only good experiences, does this cancel out the collective experiences of those who have felt pain?
Quote
Re: The Living Word Fellowship, The Walk, John Robert Stevens
Posted by: Reepicheep
Date: December 22, 2017 10:04PM
By Rick Ross, Expert Consultant and Intervention Specialist
Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader.
•Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.
•No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
•No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.
•Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.
•There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.
•Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.
•There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.
•Followers feel they can never be "good enough".
•The group/leader is always right.
•The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.
Sounds familiar, right? These signs were evident under JRS, G&M, and are still apparent today. Thank you, changedagain, and so many others for posting your thoughts and experiences about TLWF over the years. You have helped many, including me.