The Facts on Mt .Tabor Church of God

The thing that concerns me about Mt. Tabor is not their standard but their attitude. Their pastor led a split amongst their own group of ministers when they signed a letter stating that if they disagreed on a simple scripture in Revelation 12 that they were not invited back to their campmeeting.
At that time that group had around 50 ministers and churches all around the country. NOW I believe that the Mt. Tabor group has 4-5 churches around the country. Sad to say alot of good Church of God people were hurt when the pastor of Mt. Tabor and his buddies signed that letter cutting part of the others off. Since then Mt. Tabor has had several splits.
Amazing enough everythime that there is a split they say it's prophecied in Revelation. Oh, not to mention they hold to the rule that if any of these other Church of God churches want to come back in fellowship with "them" then they would ALL have to go the way of the ALTAR.
The main doctrines that they teach is Justification-Sanctification & Unity. They teach unity stronger than most groups but practice division more than most.
The people in that group are good people that are saved but under such bondage. God help them and the rest of their splits.
pagest_98us@yahoo.com

Just curious who you former Mt. Tabor people. My dad (and 30 other ministers) were thrown out of that group backin 1985 when your pastor and his friends signed a letter telling them if they disagreed on a simple scripture in Revelation 12 that they were NOT WELCOME back.
The 30 went on and grew.
Mt. Tabor fellowship MIGHT have 5 churches now.
They have an exclusive sectish spirit.
It is sad.
If I said my name you former Mt. Tabor people would know me because of my father. Write me direct if you want.
pagest_98us@yahoo.com

Scared Mom, I was not asking to expose him. I used to attend and have family that goes to that church and I was curious to know who this young boy was. Maybe all he needs is someone who was caught up in their cult and by the grace of God was able to find their way out. I might add, it is much harder for those such as myself who were raised in the church, and knew nothing else. When I left, I was scared, persecuted by my family, looked down upon, and scorned. Some of these so called saints will do nothing but start rumors about you behind your back, or if you don't follow their rules to a T, you are publicly humiliated. That was not the life for me. I respect those who do want to attend, but for the life of me do not understand why they continue to attend, except for fear of the unknown. Your son wasn't raised in that church so it is possible that all he needs is someone to talk to who has "been there and done that" so to speak...I guess what I'm trying to say is it should be relatively easy since his roots aren't deep. All the best.

Those who have been in the Mt Tabor group and have been able to break free of the "cog trap",usually have quite the stories and experiences to tell.That's why this forum is so necessary, to try to warn others and to help them to avoid getting involved in some religious system as this, then seeing the need to leave it, and find out it's quite difficult to do so. The brain-washing is scarey..the mind control is scarey..the scare-tactics they use are scarey. The people telling their stories on here that did get out...know what they are talking about.......

Whoops, scary

Your agenda is scary. We don't care. Everytime you think this topic is over someone from IL is bringing it to the front page again. Give it a rest will you please. Get on with your life and quit cramming this stuff down our throats. Truly it is pathetic to waste your time and our's going over this again and again and....That's whats scary. AM I wrong? Is anyone else tired of this topic?

Soylent Green wrote:

Your agenda is scary. We don't care. Everytime you think this topic is over someone from IL is bringing it to the front page again. Give it a rest will you please. Get on with your life and quit cramming this stuff down our throats. Truly it is pathetic to waste your time and our's going over this again and again and....That's whats scary. AM I wrong? Is anyone else tired of this topic?

Soylent Green,
I don't know who the other person is from Illinois that is posting - But I am thankful there is someone else in this state that has seen the light!
Why should we give this topic a rest? I feel that the ones that escaped the COG - Have a right to share their story. I strongly feel they have a responsibility to warn others and help free others from this man-made religion. Being able to talk about their hurts, confusion and abuse is also a necessary form of healing.
I don't see the Church of God giving their crazy ways and abuse a rest - that is why this is a popular forum. People are reaching out for help, and trying to warn others about this spiritual abuse!
I am not going to try to cram anything down your throat - That is what the Church of God does! It is either the Pastor's way and views, or else you are wrong and out of the fellowship.
I really don't feel people are tired of this topic. I know there are many other web-sites that deal with this same issue: It is a needed ministry!

Here is a web-site that might be helpful to ones recovering from Spiritual abuse: http://www.dtl.org/cults/article/abuse.htm

Blessings,
ThankGodIAmFree

This group is not a cult. Check out the meaning of a cult. People can come and go when and how they want. I don't attend. Come on - chill out. Some of you people should be on the Jerry Springer Show with all of your WILD IDEAS. This is America - they can worship God according to the dictates of their own heart. I might not agree with them but I will dies protecting their rights. And if the people that they win are happy with the strict disciplined way of life then os be it. It's better than going the other way like some of the larger denominations and letting anything go on. Check out the UMC group and how sodomites are being ordained etc.. CHILL OUT!

SPW,
Let's take a look at the definition of a cult -
Cult: followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices. followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.
I was raised in this church, I could tell you story after story of cult like activity in all of the Church of Gods all over the country. You see being a cult doesn't mean you live in a gated compound, or you are forced to drink purple Kool-Aide.
I can clearly remember camp-meeting time at Mt. Tabor : One pastor got up and said "People think we are a cult" and he begin to chuckle. He said, "We're not a cult - You can leave anytime you want, you won't be right with God, but you can leave..." He then went on to say, "We don't bury our dead out back, why would they think we are a cult?" And the congregation would nervously laugh.
Here are some warning signs to recognize if you are involved in a religious organization that is cult-like.(every point refers to the way the Church of God handles things...)
According to: http://www.letusreason.org/cults.htm
Are you told not to question what is being taught because the leaders are honest and want the best for you so you must trust them. Has someone replaced your own choices in life.(Church of God pastors have complete authority - They can preach and counsel from personal convictions and make it "The Gospel" - They have no acting board to help make decisions... Each individual pastor of each church all control that congregation.'Most of them are a little different in standards: Some can have Christmas trees - The others can't even hang Christmas lights. Some can curl their hair, others must leave it straight with dead-ends the way God made it! Used to be a battle over rather internet was allowed. There was almost a split because of this issue.)
Are you told not to ask questions why anyone left, you're to accept the answers the leaders give you such as: they fell into sin, they didn’t receive correction, they weren’t open or they had a bad heart and didn’t want to be saints(I was always told from the pulpit,'There is a wrong and right way to backslide'... The wrong way is to leave and talk bad about our church to the community, family and your friends. The right way is just to leave and not say anything... Scary thought - There is a reason they would preach this! They don't want anyone leaving their affiliation and prospering - Because others might look on and realize there is life after the Church of God!)
CONTINUED IN FOLLOWING POSTS…

Are you told that you must be with their certain church or group to be saved and not by Jesus Christ.(They all worship the thought or ideal of the Church of God, and D.S Warner - Never really just worshiping God. They must have a relationship with God through the pastor! If they need to get an answer from God - They normally counsel with the pastor to get his opinion. If he tells them it isn't God's will - They don't do it. I can remember members being told they weren't allowed to buy a new car - Or they needed approval to start dating - or to get married. It's all through the particular church's standards - NOT GODS)
If you want to leave are you being told there is no other church that practices truth, you will go to hell.(This is a no-brainer. They feel there is NO truth outside of their small organization that only covers 1,000 members in the whole nation. Every else is bound for hell without the truth! And they twist the bible verse that says, "We are a peculiar people" and "few there be that find it..." They think because it says "few" it must mean them!
Are you made to feel your failures, that your performance is not up to par for the bibles standard.(I can remember hours of counseling - being rebuked. Being made fun of because of my failures and shortcomings...)
Are you being rebuked for things such as the way you say hello or how you respond to being asked to do something for a pastor or leader. Do they tell you its a matter of the heart how one complies.
Are they putting down other church’s and building themselves up. Do they sometimes use people as examples of what you are to be doing and others on what you are not to be doing.(They publicly make fun of other churches that are not in their fellowship. They are constantly talking about 'babylon' and using Revelation 18 - like it is only their verse. Talking about coming out of her my people, and coming to the Church of God! Because we are the only ones with 100% of the truth - Everyone else is doomed!)
Do they bring attention to what they do, and ignoring others that may be doing the same things outside their church.(Do you realize that none of the Church of Gods do community activities as a church. I can never remember putting together "Thanksgiving baskets" for needy families. They would never give money to a charity to help the poor. As Christians this is one of our main commandments - to help the needy, poor, the widows and orphans. I can never remember them reaching out to the hurting community financially.)
Do they put down others to make themselves look better, calling themselves righteous and others unrighteous
Do they call those who leave fall away’s and enemies, backslider or dogs returning to their own vomit?
Do they stop you from reading anything negative about themselves calling it spiritual pornography or recommend you not to read it for your own spiritual protection.(This forum is preached against at the Church of God. They don't want their members on here reading and finding out things against them... Of course not! So if you are a member, you probably shouldn't be on this site...)
Do they recommend for you to be around their people expecting you to be at all the group activities. If not you're spirituality and dedication are questioned.(members normally have to request to go on vacation. They normally have to report to the pastor why they will be gone, and where they are going. Sometimes they aren't allowed to even visit other congregations - because of problems or disagreements. I can remember one pastor not allowing some to miss a Sunday to go see family in another state - talk about control!)
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Do they defend all that they do even though it can be harmful or wrong.(Covering up abuse - Sweeping things under the rug!)
Do they operate by humility or are they arrogant and demand you to obey if you are considering otherwise. Or is it done subtly by manipulating you into obeying by statements such as, real Christians obey their pastors or if you were following Jesus you would see what I’m saying is right. true disciples did not question Jesus.
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As you can see there are many definitions of being involved in a "cult" -
There is a GOD outside of the Church of God - He is not exclusively at only certain locations! He is everywhere! And HE is bigger than this small denomination.
You mentioned another church, being wrong. I am not posting this defending that every church out there is 100% right. I do believe there are churches that are off the path, and not following the bible. But, who am I to judge these people. Salvation is between God and the person - NO ONE ELSE! It is a personal experience and relationship. It doesn't need to involve the pastor's view or direction. A pastor is there to facilitate worship, teach from the bible, encourage, admonish - But never to take complete control of your spiritual life. Putting your soul in the hands of a twisted - self taught - self appointed - non-qualified man is dangerous!
I am not bitter - Just FREE! I now have a voice that I never had before: I pray this post has been helpful.
After reading this - maybe next time you won't be so quick to defend them. Take it from an individual that bears scars from this organization.
God bless you all,
ThankGodIamFree

I share your frustration. How long did you attend there? Did you attend there before the "woman in the wilderness" split? If you did I probably know you. I do NOT live there but attended there at some of the campmeetings before 1985 with my late father.
I don't want to judge you as being bitter but I will say that you are close to it. Best thing is to move on. You and I BOTH know that you will never change these people by fighting them.
The fact remains that God sill has 7000 that has not bowed their knees to baal. That's a whole lot more than attends Mt. Tabor.
I am very familar with:
-Manassas Camp
-Alabama Camp
-Escondido Camp
-Lakeland Camp
& more
God is causing a shaking in the Church of God. They've gone through some times but I believe the cream will come to the top. The controlling dictator pastors will have to God. That does not take away from some of the precious truths that are taught.
Can you write me direct? I'd like to introduce myself to you and make a new (possibly old) friend? pagest_98us@yahoo.com

SPW wrote:

This group is not a cult. Check out the meaning of a cult. People can come and go when and how they want. I don't attend. Come on - chill out. Some of you people should be on the Jerry Springer Show with all of your WILD IDEAS. This is America - they can worship God according to the dictates of their own heart. I might not agree with them but I will dies protecting their rights. And if the people that they win are happy with the strict disciplined way of life then os be it. It's better than going the other way like some of the larger denominations and letting anything go on. Check out the UMC group and how sodomites are being ordained etc.. CHILL OUT!

It may not be the textbook definition of a cult, but it is the next best thing. They are controled.

Jir Cough wrote:

<quoted text>
awesome post.

Okay now I know I'm in love with you. Are you married?

Bellecenter Mama wrote:

<quoted text>
Okay now I know I'm in love with you. Are you married?

awww shucks. No, but I am on a long term lease.

Thank God I am Free - I completely agree with you.
As for those who claim we are bitter, I don't agree.
We are allowed to share our thoughts and maybe, just maybe, it will have helped someone who reads this.
I shared some of these thoughts with my Mother about things I had heard from this forum (people leaving etc) and she got agitated and started nervously saying she didn't want to talk about it. Now whenever I bring up something I hear, she sticks her nose in the air and asks in a high and mighty manner if I had read it on this internet forum.
The people who attend cannot talk about their church with "sinners" and like I said before get skiddish, secretive and rude when you start to talk about them.
As far as not giving money to the community, I again agree. They try to say they "help" the saints in need but with the offerings they take up every church service and the members being asked to tithe 10% each week of their earnings...I know the church Mt Tabor is sitting on thousands if not millions.
My mother sometimes invites me to go with her to her friends homes for different events like their scrapbooking, stamping and Home and Gardens shows. I know these people very well so that's why she invites me. But she is always sure to add, "You won't be allowed in if you don't wear a skirt";
I then proceed to tell her that one of the many reasons I left was so that God could be my judge and not man.
There is so many things I could say. That church and affiliates are just so messed up. I pity those who attend. Respect their decisions...but pity them for being so brain washed and afraid to leave.

Also, the woman isn't allowed a Job, but the Pastor's wife actively works in the church as well as the grounds keepers, who's wives both get paid to work on the grounds and clean the church. Both of whom get special priviliges and get to live on the church grounds as well in their own homes.

I have a question. I know the women are not to cut their hair or wear make up. But we have several Mt Tabor women who come into the salon to have their eyebrows waxed (shaped) How is that any different than the make up? It's doing something to enhance their look. Just curious.

MMM..... I know of a baby boy who`s all grown up now feeling all full of testosterone and leading a mt tabor-like church now over in Ill, lost ur Daddy-o a few months back..........trying to cover tracks?
Point blank, the hell hole is a cult SPW, ur an idiot !

Ivory,
that was a very cheap shot. I thought you would have more class.