Questions to ask before joining Pastor John's House.com

Perhaps you’ve been introduced to the ministry at Pastor John’s House (www.pastorjohnshouse.com), via the internet or otherwise.  If you’ve attended a few of their meetings, you’ve probably been treated with kindness and respect (not uncommon as this generally is a loving group of people).  On the surface, things may appear normal and healthy enough in this ministry.

If you are considering joining them, you might want to first ask some questions (preferably of the leadership).  This group requires much from its members (both in terms of time and financial resources), so it may be a good idea to ask some questions now, before you find yourself in a situation that you later find regrettable.

Here are a few questions you might ask:

- Apparently, many families have broken up while involved with your ministry.  How many families would you say have split here, and can you share with me the circumstances surrounding these break ups?

- You all have treated me with love, kindness and respect - is there anything that could possibly change that in the future?

- Is there a possibility that you will ever ask me to leave?  Under what circumstances have you asked people to leave in the past?

- Am I free to come and go to church meetings as I please?  Is there an attendance expectation that I should be aware of?

- Am I free to contribute my financial resources if and when I want?  If I don’t feel led to give at any time, am I permitted to continue attending your services and/or participate in other church-related activities?

- Should I ever expect to feel any kind of pressure from your members or the leadership?

- Must I agree with everything that is taught here?  If no, in what areas can we differ in our opinions/interpretations of things?

- Does this group communicate much with or have many quality relationships with "outsiders"?  If no, why not? 

- Do you preach fear in your ministry?  Do you ever use it as a tool to control and/or manipulate others?

- The incidence of people under your care who have gone clinically insane is alarmingly high. Can you please share the circumstances surrounding each of those cases?