Does the WMSCOG Practice Deceptive Recruitment?
In recent interviews with the media, Michele Colon has been very vocal against the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG). The following is one of the accusations Michele Colon makes against the Church:
“They don’t tell you what they are all about upfront, because if they did, no one would join them,”
This statement from Colon is influenced by our favorite characters in this show—the “cult experts.” “Cult experts” teach that one of the characteristics of the groups they label as “cults,” is that these groups do not tell you what they believe in up front and they hide it from you. You do not find out what the group really believes in until you have already been “brainwashed.” “Cult experts” call this practice “deceptive recruitment.”
We should ask ourselves the following question: Does the World Mission Society Church of God practice “deceptive recruitment?” Through this article we will find out that once again the answer to this accusation is:
Jesus Christ Also Deceptively Recruited His Disciples
If we are going to accuse the World Mission Society Church of God of “deceptively recruiting” its members, then we must also accuse Jesus of deceptively recruiting His disciples. When you look at the account of Jesus calling His disciples, you do not see much explanation of what Jesus is actually calling them to do.
Matthew 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
John 1:43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”
When we look at the biblical accounts of Jesus calling His disciples, we never see him explaining in detail everything they are going to face in their life of faith. According to “cult experts,” in order to not deceptively recruit His disciples, Jesus should have said the following:
“Follow me, but let me warn you. You may face jeers and flogging. It’s possible that you could go to prison and remain in chains. You will be stoned; you could be sawed in two; you could be put to death by the sword. You can be shipwrecked; spend a day and a night in the open sea; you will have to constantly be on the move. You will be in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from your own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brothers. You will have to labor and toil and often go without sleep; you will know hunger and thirst and will often go without food; you will be cold and naked. Besides everything else, you will daily face the pressure of having concern for all the Churches.”
This is the life the disciples had to undergo as they followed Jesus. But since Jesus did not tell them all those things from the beginning, according to “cult experts,” Jesus deceptively recruited them. It wasn’t until after Jesus had them fully indoctrinated that Jesus finally told them about the difficulties they might face.
John 21:18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”
If we go by the standards of “cult experts,” and individuals like Michele Colon, then we must say Jesus was a deceiver who did not tell His followers up front what they would go through as a result of following Him. But we know that is not the case. The truth is that Jesus first had to show them the evidence of why He was the Christ and, through His works and teachings, let them come to the conclusion themselves.
Who can explain the whole Bible in 15 minutes?
No one can explain nor understand the Bible and its history in a 15-minute conversation. The fact is that our Christian faith is derived from the teachings of the Bible and we believe in Christ because of the prophecies He fulfilled, as recorded in the bible.
John 5:39-40 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus clearly said that the scriptures (the Old Testament at the time) testified about Him. This means that, at that time, for us to understand why Jesus is the source of eternal life, we would first need to understand the Scriptures. Understanding these scriptures is what led His disciples to follow him.
John 1:44-45 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
Due to their understanding of the scriptures and the prophecies about the Messiah, the disciples were able to recognize the Christ. But what do you do when a person doesn’t believe the Bible? You would first have to teach him why the Bible is true. Then, teach him why he should believe in Jesus. Then, he could learn about God’s commands and how to keep them. Finally, he could understand about Second Coming Christ and God the Mother.
The WMSCOG does not deceptively recruit members.
I have been a member of the World Mission Society Church of God for some time now, and I can say with certainty that the Church does not hide its beliefs. In fact, we are very open about it.
When we look at the following videos of the WMSCOG being recognized by different state governments, we can see that the recipients were very upfront about what the Church believes in.
The videos below show the Resolution Ceremony granting awards to our Church in different city halls of the United States, as well as interviews with Church members. As you can see, the members clearly testify to our faith in Christ Ahnsahnghong and Heavenly Mother.
You can also see a copy of the welcome message form the Church website. Here, you will find that Christ Ahnsahnghong founded the Church and that we believe and follow God the Mother.
On the same page, you will find a link to the Church’s introductory video. This video clearly shows the Church’s beliefs as well as the history of the Church. As you can see the evidence, the Church does not hide its beliefs and these are easily accessible for anyone to read.
The WMSCOG is not what they make it out to be
The problem stems from the critics’ misrepresentation of the Church. They have their own opinion about how the Church should teach its theology. The truth is that everyone who studies the Bible at the Church of God comes from a different background. Everyone’s experience in studying at the Church of God is different. However, critics twist and misinform the public about the Church’s theology and beliefs.
Let me give you an example. What if a Christian came to you and said the following:
“Come to our Church. We believe that a Jewish carpenter in his 30’s, who was single, hung around prostitutes and tax collectors, spoke against the religious leaders, was crucified (but whom we believe came back to life), promised us life in another place if we eat his flesh and drink his blood, and claimed to be the king of a kingdom we cannot see right now. We believe this man is God.”
All the things above could be said about Jesus Christ and they are true. But without having a good understanding of the Bible, they will not be able to understand why these things make Jesus God. In the same way, those who speak against the Church of God expect that when Church members meet someone for the first time, they say things, which, first of all are not true, and second of all, are an inappropriate way to teach the scriptures.
Let us not be influenced by the mischaracterization created by “cult experts” and their side-kicks, but instead let us believe the Bible. Visit your nearest World Mission Society Church of God. All your questions can be answered through a Bible study.
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Thank you for the very helpful information.
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I really don’t know what these people are talking about saying that the Church of God isn’t fully upfront about their beliefs. Every study I did from the beginning on showed how I can have salvation. They told me how Passover gives me eternal life and forgiveness of sins and that I could also know God through keeping the Sabbath Day. Seeing as how I am a believer in God, it seems kind of crucial to know what to do to go to heaven. Since all these teachings have been in the bible since it was written 2000 years ago yet no one was following it, things became clear to me. The Church of God follows God according to God’s will, not according to convenience or personal preference. Since the word of God testifies you can recognize Christ through the law, how can I get mad that the first thing they show me is about God’s law?
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Beautifully put 🙂 Thank you for uploading the videos as well, the members of the Church of God are proud of and thankful for the truth we have received. I clearly remember that even before stepping foot inside the church, my friend was ready to answer all of my questions and always through the bible. Although she was eager to show me, I, myself realized that I wanted to learn step by step.
Seriously, do you sign up college courses and learn everything in day, a week, even a month? Not even in a crash course do you fully understand a subject!
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The Church of God does not deceive anyone, but instead is open to all questions that one may have when studying. There are numerous studies that testify to the beliefs that anyone can study, at any time.
Naturally, nothing can be understood all at once-whether it’s a new skill, new job, new role…everything takes time to get a bigger picture and understanding. The same goes for studying the bible-please be assured that the Church of God actually TEACHES the bible upfront, and are open to all questions.
Please come and see for yourself! 🙂
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This is a very thorough explanation of why this claim is none sense. I have no interest in the opinions of Colon or her friends, the “cult experts” because they are the very people who would’ve defamed and blasohemed against Christ 2,000 years. If any Christian would boldly say I don’t care about what the Pharisees had to say then they should agree – Colon and the “experts” and I have nothing to talk about.
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I am not sure why someone would claim the church of God uses deceptive methods when the beliefs of the church are evident for everyone to see. This article really puts it into perspective. Only when you look at things in perspective can you understand that these “cult experts” are doing the same things the teachers of the law did 2000 years ago.
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This is just getting better how many lies this girls is saying about the church of God . So sad for her !!!!
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Um, Last I checked the website we introduce people to the most is Zionusa.org. Through this website we can find so much information about the church and its beliefs. info about Father and Mother is there, all the Feasts of God, and an amazing section about all the community services our church is involved in around the world. Please do NOT listen to these slanderers who have nothing better to do with their time and join us for a bible study where all your questions can surely be answered through the Word of God (bible). In the meantime, go to Zionusa.org and enjoy the many helpful informative sections teaching about the WMSCOG! 🙂
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NO information is hidden in the Church of God, and in fact, if we could tell people in a short period of time (when we first meet them) all that we are about , I am sure that a lot more people would join us!!!
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I love this article. It clearly shows how ridiculous are all of these labels that these so called “cult experts” are putting on the WMSCOG. Deceptive recruiting? Get real! Seriously every time I hear something else from these phony cult experts it seems they are just judging Christianity in general and using our church as a scape goat.
Besides isn’t it written?:
““But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.”
Matthew 16:15-16, 20 NIVSounds to me like Jesus used information control and deceptive recruiting!
Why don’t these phonies just confess that they are atheist who don’t believe Jesus is Christ and just tell people they want them to join their new found ” cult expert” religion where Hassan and others will guide you into the way of marketing and profit making.
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Its a very ludicrous statement to say church of God hides their beliefs, especially when the first phrase that comes out of our mouth when we speak about our faith is “God the Mother”. So much so that some know us as the ” God the Mother” people. From our official website to our introduction video we never deny our faith in Christ Ahnsahnghong and heavenly Mother. Of course, it is difficult to explain the great depth of the Bible in on sitting hence why the Church of God offers such an abundance of studies but this is the same with every aspect of life. It is unrealistic to expect it to be different when it concerns the understanding of the bible. I urge to study in the WMSCOG so you can understand how every single prophecy in the BIBLE has lead to the Spirit and the Bride.
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As a member of the World Mission Society Church of God, I am truly thankful to God because, even before I sat down to study, my wife told me that someone had asked her if she had ever Heard of God the Mother. This is the truth inside every Word of God. Since the first day I became a member I have enjoyed studying the word of God. This is the only thing that is trustworthy. Because it is the only way I will ever receive salvation because I believe in God.
In conclusion, I am truly thankful to God for this precious truth. And I will continue to follow God, and hope that this article is helpful in exposing the deception of these non believers and so called “cult experts” who in reality are simply NONE BELIEVERS! -
Job 22:2-3 “Can a man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise person benefit him? What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he gain if your ways were blameless?
God does not need to recruit members to His church. By studying God’s words in the Bible, we can realize that activities in the WMSCOG are joyfully carried out with the understanding that God will bless us. The Church of God is not deceiving people so that they can suffer but is teaching about the opportunities to do what is good in the eyes of God. No teachings are hidden, and they are revealed continually to those who will listen. -
How can we train a baby who is just born to walk, to work and to do things that only an adult will do? It is just not common sense. In the same way, a spiritual baby who is just born need to study God’s words step by step through the Bible, slowly realizing the will of God. Only after realizing the will of God, can the person follow his/her own heart to do the will of God. Please come to the WMSCOG to study through the Bible, how the Bible testifies to the Saviors in this age of the Holy Spirit, Heavenly Father Christ AhnSahngHong nim and Heavenly Mother New Jerusalem, instead of listening to groundless rumors made by slanderers who did not even come to our church to study but just judge our church hastily with false information. This is concerning YOUR SALVATION. Please judge whether something is right or wrong only from the Bible’s point of view and not rumors that are out of point (not from the Bible). God bless you!!!
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How do we hide what we believe when the first question most people are asked when they meet a church of God member is “have you ever heard of God the Mother?” Of course if someone has questions, it’s better to show through the bible. There may be some questions that require a more in depth answer, which is fine. But why does the church have to explain everything to everyone within the first 15 minutes of meeting them? That makes no sense. Learning the bible takes time. We’re not a church that teaches about only having faith and that’s it, but we ensure that people understand the way to follow God correctly. Everyone has their own pace and learns differently.
But the fact that the church considers that is an
issue to these slanderers?? That’s very sad. I hope
people are able to see for themselves about the
church of God
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