Articles and Resources

"If I have prophecy,
   and fathom all mysteries
     and all knowledge,
  and if I have faith
     to remove mountains...

...but do not have love....

...I am nothing."

Sunrise breaking through ragged low clouds...

In 1970 George and Betty Geftakys launched their Assembly ministry in Fullerton, California, in the wake of Chuck Smith’s burgeoning Calvary Chapel. The Assembly was based on early Plymouth Brethren concepts, and fueled by the enthusiasm of the Jesus movement and the spiritual awakening that was sweeping across America.

The ministry imploded in 2003 after George was excommunicated from the Fullerton Assembly for serious moral lapses. George's fall exposed underlying problems that opened people’s eyes to abuses in the Assembly system. Understandably, there are many former leaders and members to whom these revelations have not been welcome. They had made a huge investment of their lives in this ministry, believing it to be "God's best".

This site archives the history and character of the Geftakys Assembly and the impact it had on lives. It provides help and resources for recovery from the abuses and the spiritual betrayal. See About Us and This Site for a more detailed explanation of how this site began, its purpose, and who runs it. Site Help discusses printing, browser settings, and other technical stuff.

There are many aberrant Bible-based groups that exhibit cultic* elements of control and legalism. Information in the sections on Elements of Spiritual Abuse, Spiritual Abuse Recovery, Biblical Correctives, Abuse in Christian Families, Resources and Faith Afterward is relevant to many situations.

Children who grew up in the Assembly were perhaps the most deeply affected. The section on Assembly Kids, MK's and PK's brings together material particularly relevant to them, as well as to missionary kids and "preacher's kids" from other Christian backgrounds.

For visitors who have an interest in the Assembly but don't know much about it, there is a brief Introduction to the Assembly Ministry of George and Betty Geftakys - how it began, what it was like, how it ended, and the impact on members. The glossary explains peculiar Assembly terminology ;-). One key Assembly term is "chapter summary Bible study", a Navigator inductive Bible study approach that was co-opted by George and implemented in all the Assemblies and outreaches.

The "What's New" home page introduces new articles, links, and other items of interest as they become available. Current Assembly Status reports what is known about continuing Assemblies, George and Betty Geftakys, and other former leaders. The editor's blog, "Post-Assembly Musings", posts thoughts related to the Assembly experience.

*Note: The word 'cult' is used on this website in the sociological sense, referring to the practice and conduct of groups, not their beliefs or doctrine. For more about the use of this word, read here ».

The "Assemblyboard" is a separate entity from this website, having no administrative connection. It is run by Brian Tucker, formerly of the Charleston Assembly in Illinois.


New Song at 1970's tent meeting

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