10/13/2026
I saw this on a FB group today and it brought back to memory a discussion I had at the Feast.
They wrote: This group is for anyone who grew up or was at anytime a member of Worldwide church of God or any of their offshoots to share your experiences and give and receive support from those who's lives were distroyed as a result of trying to live up to the rules of the biblical laws that were taught were the only way for salvation in God, "true church."
Share your stories and with us.
There are so many things wrong with this short piece, but here are a few.
1. First, this FB group only wants to hear the 'bad news' stories from 'hurting' former members/children. And they don't want to hear from anyone who might still associate with or appreciate the many churches of God and the wisdom they gained through their teaching. This group seems to forget Paul's message about thinking on these things: the true, honest, noble, lovely, worthy of praise etc.
2. They state as fact that the WCG taught that keeping the law was the 'only way to salvation.' This is false.
Here they really missed the key message that was taught by faithful ministers and church literature. It was the core message of forgiveness, God's mercy, and our loving obedience as a response to God's love for us. The law is a lamp and a light, and we are following our Saviour, our Great shepherd ,on his path of righteousness.
3. I sat in many years of church services and would appreciate a dollar for every time I heard, "Don't believe me, believe the bible."
We were always encouraged to be 'Bereans' checking what was taught against the scriptures.
4. 'Lives were destroyed' If this was the case for some then I am sympathetic to their plight,. However, where is the personal responsibility of the individual brethren in this statement? When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ (if you still think this is a possibility) then will he accept our excuse that we failed to follow him because we followed misguided leaders - or even false prophets - contrary to scriptural teaching? What do you think? Who is responsible for your life?
5. Painting whole organizations with a broad black brush for the sins of the few lacks godly insight and justice. Where is the accountability of individuals who may have misused their position of leadership and made unrighteous judgments? Paul warned the brethren that there would be faithful ministers and there would also be those who would make merchandise of them. It was the task of the brethren to discern so they could support the godly teachers and avoid the tares and the hypocrites.
If you were someone who views your former life in the church of God as the 'bad old days' I'd suggest you re-evaluate your past, your beliefs, your decisions, how you reacted to being treated poorly, and consider a 'sola scriptura' approach to life as you move forward.
I could recount the 'betrayals' we experienced among the churches of God, but I'd rather look at them as cautionary tales, and 'aversion therapy.' I do not need to share them with the world. And, I consider that what we've endured does not reflect poorly on all the church of God or all the brethren but only on those who were unable to fulfill their roles in the body of Christ with justice, mercy and humility.
God tells us to judge righteous judgment, and to forgive if we want to be forgiven. Holding and sharing bitterness and rancour does not fulfill God's will in our lives.
