Links

Links
These websites and blogs are chock full of life-changing information and insights, but in some cases there are also things we do not endorse. Be discerning.

Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals	Many excellent articles on theology and issues in the church, (includes articles from Modern Reformation magazine). Take a look at their new online magazine, Reformation21. A former Assembly member recommends another resource for sound teaching: "Monergism is a great Reformed website that has tons of articles and MP3 sermons of people who have taught on the cross from a Reformed viewpoint."
Apologetics Index	The Dutch webmaster was involved for seven years in an abusive evangelical church group in the USA, and now lives in Holland. This is a huge Christian site packed with good information. They also have a new site devoted to the subject of Grace and Mercy--scroll to the bottom and click "Start Here" to read some encouraging chapters from the book, Grace Plus Nothing, by Jeff Harkin.
Battered Sheep	"The purpose of this ministry is essentially twofold: to educate, and to encourage Christians regarding authoritarian and abusive churches." One brief and insightful article is How a Religious CULTure Is Created.
Carol Giambolvo's Cult Information and Recovery	Carol Giambolvo, former cult member, president of reFOCUS (recovering former cultists support) has her own webpage. Many great articles, such as Coping with Triggers, a problem for many former Assembly members.
Christ Reformed Church website	Website of Steve and Margaret Irons' Reformed church in Anaheim, CA. Listen to Sunday sermons online via streaming audio and download lectures from the Friday night Academy in MP3.
Church of the Open Door bookstore	This is a charismatic Christian and Missionary Alliance church in Minneapolis. We don't necessarily recommend all their teaching, but they have a heart for those who have been spiritually abused. Jeff Vanvonderen teamed with Pastor Dave Johnson here for a Spiritual Abuse Conference, available on tape from their online bookstore. Other tapes/CDs available: Marks of False Spiritual Leadership; Deception Exposed; Fortifying the Family; How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth (by Greg Boyd); Marriage Enrichment; Spiritual Abuse Seminar; Wounded by Shame Healed by Grace.
Cognitive Impairment In Thought Reform Environments	Ron Burk's PhD. dissertation for the University of Ohio, 2002. "This work and all my publications to this point, are dedicated to those to whom the words of a pastor, guru, mentor or spiritual master have become wounds to the soul." Ron and Paul Martin were both long term members of the Discipleship Movement. Ron was a counselor on staff at Wellspring for several years.
Cult Awareness and Information Centre	Mainly a recovering Jehovah's Witness and ex-Mormon site, but has a lot of good general information as well. It's creepy, by the way, how similar the Assemblies were in some ways to the JWs--going door to door, shunning those who leave, not celebrating Christmas or Easter, and on and on....
Ex-Cult.org	Lots of links and several good articles.
FACTNet	Lots of general cult information, links, book recommendations, cult news. Also a discussion board. Lawrence Wollersheim, the director, was personally mentored for 20 years by the late Dr. Margaret Singer of UC Berkely, one the world's foremost authorities on thought reform.
Freedom of Mind	Homepage of Steve Hassan, former leader in the Moonies, now a clinician and author of Combatting Cult Mind Control and Releasing the Bonds, two excellent books on recovering from cultic groups.
Geftakys Assembly Bulletin Board	The Bulletin Board is a separate entity from this website, having no connection other than a common background in George and Betty Geftakys' ministry. Posts in 2003-2004 have a lot of valuable Assembly information and support. Be prepared for anger and opinions you don't agree with. Much of the discussion in 2005 degenerated into rudeness and manipulation. Mark Campbell has started an insightful series of profiles (anonymous and composite) of various post-Assembly folks. The site is hosted by Brian Tucker of Charleston, IL.
How Cults Work	Excellent brief easy-to-read overview about cults, that gives a lot of good basic information and dispels many misconceptions. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a link to the parent organization, Cult Watch (same URL). One of the best features is the "Mind Control Toolbox" under the "Cults" tab.
International Cultic Studies Association website	ICSA is the premier secular research organization worldwide on the subject of cults (formerly known as the American Family Foundation). There are links on their homepage to articles, the Cultic Studies Journal, and their excellent bookstore. ICSA hosts an annual conference, as well as workshops around the country, where presenters include all the major cult researchers and authorities, as well as clinicians, including Dr. Paul Martin and Dr. Ron Burks of Wellspring Retreat. The history of AFF/ICSA is very informative.
The Internet Monk	Thought-provoking blog by a middle-aged guy who grew up Southern Baptist, and whose spiritual journey has been away from legalism and hyper-commitment toward a spirituality of integrity. Take a look in his Archives. You won't agree with everything he says, but he will challenge you and give you some new ways to think.
The Jesus Movement	"A pictorial history and a place where you will be able to find information on what many regard as one of the most intriguing facets of contemporary church history."
National Association for Christians in Recovery website	This site offers substantial help for recovery from trauma and spiritual abuse, as well as addictions. A goldmine of good articles. One example is an interview with David Augsburger, Forgiveness and Its Imitations. Very clarifying.
Out of the Cocoon newsletter	Although published by a former Jehovah's Witness, this newsletter contains helpful general information for those from other cults. Distributed as a PDF file.
The Plymouth Brethren	This is Miles J. Stanford's page on the Brethren. Here is Wikipedia on the Brethren. Someone formerly with the Exclusive Brethren said, "The similarities [between the Geftakys Assemblies and the Brethren] reach right down to the style and language of the meetings, and, of course, to the rank immorality of the leader and the orchestrated cover up." Peebs is a site critical of the Exclusive Brethren. SimpleGathering.com is a forum of young Open PB's that has the following goals: 1.) creating meaningful dialogue about a group of churches known as Plymouth Brethren, Bible Chapels, Gospel Halls, etc. 2.) discussing how these assemblies are dealing with the complex issues of the 21st century 3.) how the next generation of young people in these assemblies will assume the leadership in these churches 4.) a place online for open spiritual discussion, inclusive of those who would call themselves atheists, agnostics, seekers, etc. The Geftakys Assembly is even mentioned!
Upper Register	Lee Irons' website. Quite scholarly, but a good resource for recovery from a narrow legalistic interpretation of Scripture. Here is Lee's blog.
Post-Assembly Musings	Editor's blog, mostly Assembly-related
Recovering from Spiritual Abuse	"G’day! My name is Henry Sheppard and I have constructed the Recovering from Spiritual Abuse website for three reasons--therapy (after suffering years of spiritual abuse, this exercise has played a major role in my personal recovery program), encouraging others, and a contact point for other victims."
Reveal website	An organization of former members of the International Churches of Christ (ICC), also known as "Crossroads" and the "Boston Church of Christ". REVEAL stands for research, examine, verify, educate, assist, and liberate. Many lifestyle similarities between the Geftakys Assemblies and the ICC, and many of the same adverse effects on people's lives.
Rick Ross	The most comprehensive site on cults, including the most comprehensive information on individual groups. There are many articles and short pieces about the Assembly that have been submitted by former members. There was also an article on Jan. 21, 2003, on Rick Ross's "Cult News" about G. Geftakys' excommunication.
Right Cyber Up	Another site for recovery from the International Churches of Christ (ICC). Click on the button at the top of the page labeled "A Cult?" then click on the button at the left of the page labeled "Is the ICC a cult?".
Spiritual Abuse	A very comprehensive Christian cult recovery site, primarily for former members of the United Pentecostal Church. Many good links and resources on this site.
Spiritual Abuse Recovery Resources	Jeff VanVonderen's website provides resources and support for people recovering from spiritual abuse. Jeff is one of the authors of The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse (the best book on the subject, in our opinion) and one of the main speakers on the "Spiritual Abuse Conference" tapes (see Church of the Open Door above).
Watchman Fellowship, a ministry of Christian discernment	A Christian counter-cult and watchdog ministry since 1979, with a mission to educate and equip, and to evangelize the cults.
Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center	Brian Steele, formerly of the Santa Barbara Assembly, has been to Wellspring. He says: "I left the Assembly about 10 years ago. My experience, and yours I'm sure, is common to everybody who leaves an abusive, manipulative group. I had nightmares for years, seeing a particular leading brother in my dreams. I also ached for others still in. There is a whole host of spiritual, social and psychological baggage that we bring with us when we leave. It takes years to work through the issues. I was helped tremendously at a counseling center for cult victims called Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center in Ohio. A number of ex-Assembly members have gone there and can also testify to how helpful it is. The people who run Wellspring are ex-cult members themselves so they have a personal knowledge of what you are going through. They have tremendous resources in-house: professionally trained and educated psychologists, brilliant Biblical scholars, and internationally renowned cult-experts. I can't overstate their qualifications to help you. Please sincerely consider attending Wellspring. At least give their website a look to see what they have to offer."
White Horse Inn	Lively radio talk show on Reformed theology and the contemporary church. Hosts are Dr. Michael Horton, Dr. Kim Riddlebarger, Rev. Rod Rosenblatt and Rev. Ken Jones.
Working Psychology	Website of USC professor Dr. Kelton Rhoades dedicated to the scientific study and application of social persuasion. There is a section devoted to cults and mind control, under the topic "Introduction to Influence." The influence of high-demand tactics is examined from the perspective of science, in a presentation that is very accessible to the non-scientifically minded reader. Also available for download in PDF format is a lengthy propaganda analysis of Michael Moore's film, Fahrenheit 9/11.
Old Fashioned Christian Radio	Highly recommended by Bob Anderson, former Assembly Worker on the east coast: "It is 100% music that is 90% old hymns ranging from solos to large choirs. Just thought I'd mention this to you as its become a daily staple of encouragement to me."

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Readers Comments

July 3, 2008 from Anonymous: "I would really like to help people from the Assemblies by directing them to some Reformed resources. There are many bloggers who have great insight...Josh Harris (who wrote the article The Room that is linked on this site), Albert Mohler, John Piper, Mark Dever, CJ Mahaney, Bob Kauflin ...these are all HUMBLE men of God whose blogs I can strongly recommend. Also Girltalk is a great blog for ladies! I have tons of books I could suggest.. and there are lots more. I also highly recommend Sovereign Grace Ministries.