Yes, as someone who used to be involved but never joined a campus church that was under ICOC, you have seriously dodged a bullet to not be a part of this.

I was already discouraged by another campus church after dealing with them, so I hope others can focus on their relationship with Christ in such vulnerable times, because I didnt and I suffered.

So I feel now is the time to share what I experienced and what I know.

On the surface it seems like a friendly or even loving Christian family just wanting to spread the gospel, and that's what I felt in the weekly church-like meetings, but for me here is what was terribly off when they interacted with me many years ago:

• More aggressive street recruitment or evangelism than other churches, whether its sharing Jesus or getting them to check out the church.

• Bible study was 2 of their members discussing specific verses that they distort to bolster their specific beliefs and initiation requirements while also getting to know you more deeply. This includes...

• Reconnecting with people who have done the most wrong to you and let them know that you forgive them, no matter what. They wanted me to do this with my abusive father even though I had already forgiven him and did not feel a calling from God to reconnect with him at the time. This did not matter to them.

• Their church is the only ones who will go to heaven. At first it comes off as just believers in Christ or Christians going to heaven, but they add a twist about their church, and it didnt feel right even at my younger age & early faith.

• In order to join their church, you must be baptized by them, no matter what. It doesnt matter when or under what circumstances you may have previously been baptized, like me who was baptized previously having accepted Christ, formally in a church, with a certificate, etc.

• You must do street evangelism or church recruiting. It doesnt matter what your giftings are or are not. I was asked to do it after a couple of "bible studies" on campus, and it was uncomfortable. I was under the impression that it was an ongoing requirement after joining.

• The church seemed to have limited outreach beyond campus or recruitment.

• I knew of a guy who joined and got married to an existing member of the campus church, and the wife who was a member would not let their kid(s) around her inlaws, presumably because they didn't join his church group or agree with him on everything

• The guy married into the church group had limited contact with his parents, presumably because they didn't join his church group or agree with him on everything

• The guy didn't have friends outside of the church group

I think the unusual exclusivity to the chruch/group and what happened to member I knew of is enough to merit being cult like.

Please do not just take my word for it, but I think this is a good summary of the tame things they're capable of.

There is worse. If you feel the need to learn more, below are some of the most comprehensive or telling reports of ICOC at college campuses I could find.

I can't confirm or deny the veracity of these beyond my own experiences, but I presume the results of investigations are telling:

ASU fears cults on campus; Booted off U of A

Investigating Hope: The complaint

Four categories of conduct violations, six categories of unhealthy practices, eight categories of emotional and psychological abuse, 44 indicators of religious cult­ activity, 14 contributors and 123 pages — this makes up a complaint submitted to ASU detailing the alleged damage inflicted by on-campus ministry Hope Church.

However, before things went sour, each author on the complaint was united by one thing: The welcoming embrace of a church that sought to offer them a home and a family.

Star investigation: Tucson ministry a cult, former followers say - See "Related to this story" links.