To My Kids…

A Spiritually Abusive Group Will:

Claim a Superior Status With God

Focus on the Leaders Position of Authority

Provide No Accountability For Leaders

Try to Control Your Time and Sources of Information

Close You Off From Outsiders

Put You on a Performance Treadmill

Emphasize Conformity to Legalistic Rules

Use Fear and Guilt to Manipulate You to Comply

Blame Misfortune on Lack of Faith

Wound People Spiritually and Emotionally

Shut Off Discussion About Forbidden Subjects

Label Those Who Dissent

Label Former Members as Unspiritual

Dear Jonathan, Sarah, Josh and Christina,

I haven’t written since July of last year. Your dad told me if I would not write, the pastors of Calvary Temple in Sterling Virginia would let me have contact with you all. I have waited. For any communication from you or the pastors of CT. Nothing. But after learning of Joshua’s new baby, I talked to dad, and he said I deserved to be put away, broken, and that Pastor Scott’s wife Greer had called him to find out if indeed I was talking to your dad. 

I guess that woke me up. This is an abusive church. Run by wolves. They have lied to me, to you and to the public. They break apart families. They steal young people. I have stated in the past, I will stop writing (forever), if you kids stop isolating from myself and your whole family. Until then, I know you are being lied to, and controlled. But with God’s help you can be set free from the wicked leaders of Calvary Temple of Sterling Virginia. 

And I will continue to light the path for your safe return, by writing and calling and texting. 

Love you with all my heart, Mom