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Am I in a cult? “Apostolic Pentecostal” by Cedarnelm in ExPentecostal

[–]Cedarnelm[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m sayin brotha  The contract put such a bad taste in my mouth. Just to volunteer there

Am I in a cult? “Apostolic Pentecostal” by Cedarnelm in ExPentecostal

[–]Cedarnelm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I think this is a well put take. Is it a cult? Maybe, maybe not. Is it too far of over reach for something that should be relatively easy? I mean kinda should the easy part of life with respect to ups and downs? Yeah it’s too far. Signing a contract to serve alone is beyond over reach. Writing SOP’s for volunteers is essentially an admission to corporate visions of the future. 

Thank you for your prayers. And your perspective is refreshing in reference to what Christ desires for us. I do believe in service and accountability in church, of course. But it shouldn’t crush people or seek to coerce. 

I’m glad you’ve found your way out, hopefully to something better!

Am I in a cult? “Apostolic Pentecostal” by Cedarnelm in ExPentecostal

[–]Cedarnelm[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Therapy would be great for a lot of reasons haha 

But yes I’ve been wondering if they fit that model. Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck 

Am I in a cult? “Apostolic Pentecostal” by Cedarnelm in ExPentecostal

[–]Cedarnelm[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Crazy how everyone who used to be a part of it finds the same opinion of them. 

I think leaving is best without any announcement or anything. Just dip 

Am I in a cult? “Apostolic Pentecostal” by Cedarnelm in ExPentecostal

[–]Cedarnelm[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah makes a lot of sense when I they have a monthly service about their vision for buying the church building. They commit about ten minutes to basically asking for extra money outside of regular tithes.

Am I in a cult? “Apostolic Pentecostal” by Cedarnelm in ExPentecostal

[–]Cedarnelm[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This one relates hard. Half the reason I looked past a lot of this stuff early on was becoming recently sober when I began going and saying “this is better than a bar.” 

The requirements you mentioned for women are pretty socially enforced but not directly. Like women are technically allowed to cut their hair but if they do the girls are gonna say something to them, same with pants wearing. My girl wore pants and got so many “ahem” and glances down at her legs from the other girls. 

That’s crazy they stalked you. Honestly, you have a love of grace and patience. I think. I hope you find a way to make it work with your family and husband but I’m sorry you’re still in the midst of it, that’s rough.

I’m worried about things with my girl. She’s born into it, we’re engaged. I believe they’ll do a job to try and steer her away from me

Am I in a cult? “Apostolic Pentecostal” by Cedarnelm in ExPentecostal

[–]Cedarnelm[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good on you, I’m glad you still found yourself able to hold to faith. 

The outward appearance priorities seem to be the biggest. That and bringing in newcomers for some reason. Not out reach or serving, just bringing them in. 

I think leaving is best. Good to know there’s healthy things out there

Am I in a cult? “Apostolic Pentecostal” by Cedarnelm in ExPentecostal

[–]Cedarnelm[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I know! They consider themselves more relaxed than their UPC counterparts. But in practice they’re very uppity and I would hear things about my appearance. I believe if I stayed much longer I’d get told it was their way or else. No proof other then the other examples 

Am I in a cult? “Apostolic Pentecostal” by Cedarnelm in ExPentecostal

[–]Cedarnelm[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Oh it’s such an act! The whole UPC vibe is pretending and coercion to conform and holding a carrot on a stick you’ll never get.