Please read part one first. 1. The number ONE sign of a cult is that it opposes critical thinking. The leaders at Word and Worship have always promoted the idea that you should search out the truth yourself. Whenever you hear a new teaching, take it to the Word and take it to God. This doesn't sound like the opposition of critical thinking. Also, the pastor isn't pushy or strict with what his members choose to believe. In fact, he loves discussing different views and will sometimes even mention the variety of views there are on a particular topic. 2. Isolating members and penalizing them for leaving. This doesn't happen at Word and Worship...not in my experience. ...read more

Please read part one first. 1. The number ONE sign of a cult is that it opposes critical thinking. The leaders at Word and Worship have always promoted the idea that you should search out the truth yourself. Whenever you hear a new teaching, take it to the Word and take it to God. This doesn't sound like the opposition of critical thinking. Also, the pastor isn't pushy or strict with what his members choose to believe. In fact, he loves discussing different views and will sometimes even mention the variety of views there are on a particular topic. 2. Isolating members and penalizing them for leaving. This doesn't happen at Word and Worship...not in my experience. 3. Special Doctrines outside of scripture...Pastor Ed doesn't mention any special doctrines. The Bible is the only source of truth for Word and Worship. ...read more

Please read part one first. 1. The number ONE sign of a cult is that it opposes critical thinking. The leaders at Word and Worship have always promoted the idea that you should search out the truth yourself. Whenever you hear a new teaching, take it to the Word and take it to God. This doesn't sound like the opposition of critical thinking. Also, the pastor isn't pushy or strict with what his members choose to believe. In fact, he loves discussing different views and will sometimes even mention the variety of views there are on a particular topic. 2. Isolating members and penalizing them for leaving. This doesn't happen at Word and Worship...not in my experience. 3. Special Doctrines outside of scripture...Pastor Ed doesn't mention any special doctrines. The Bible is the only source of truth for Word and Worship. 4. Seeking inappropriate loyalty to its leaders -- Pastor Ed respects everyone's freedom to make their own decisions. Obviously loyalty can be very important in a healthy and unified church, but loyalty is never forced. Also, our loyalty should be to God primarily. After all, God is the head of the church. ...read more