In the realm of Christian faith, spirituality and worship play a central role in people’s lives. However, not every church or faith community adheres to the wholesome principles of Christianity. In this post, we’ll delve into the key signs to spot cult-like or McChurch behaviours within your faith community. It’s vital to address this because safeguarding our spiritual journey should be of utmost importance.

#1. Excessive Control Over Members

Excessive control within a church or spiritual group often manifests as an unwarranted intrusion into the personal lives of its members. Leaders might dictate everything from what you wear to where you work, undermining individual autonomy. This overbearing control can extend to decisions about education, relationships, and even personal finances.

However, this level of manipulation can be deeply unsettling, eroding personal boundaries and infringing on the core tenets of free will and personal agency. It’s important to recognize that genuine spiritual growth thrives on a foundation of choice and self-discovery. When control becomes oppressive, it truncates the whole essence of the church being a safe space. This is a red flag and should not be overlooked as it implies the church is about external interest.

#2. Discourage Members Against Engaging with Non-Christians

Isolation, when taken to extremes within a faith community, can lead to profound spiritual and emotional consequences.  It is not uncommon for churches to discourage their parishioners from dating people outside the faith. It becomes a cult-like behaviour if they try to control your social life. Healthy spiritual growth often occurs when individuals engage with diverse perspectives and experiences. Paul says in 1 Cor. 5:9–10 that we should work with non-Christians, and he discusses how to do so in 1 Cor. 10:25–33

#3. Financial Exploitation

Exploitation within a church or spiritual group can take various forms, from coercive tithing to deceptive fundraising. It’s a different situation if a church sells books for spiritual growth and prints pamphlets for evangelism. But when there is a whole pastor-brand line of promotional materials, holy oils, or other expensive products whose gains go back to the church pocket, that’s not a good sign. Members are pressured or manipulated into giving substantial amounts of money, often far beyond their means, with promises of spiritual rewards or blessings in return.

Recommended: 5 Key Signs you are Drifting from God

#4. Fear-Based Doctrines

Teaching doctrines that impose fear, especially if not rooted in the scripture, can be emotionally and psychologically damaging. In such environments, individuals are constantly reminded of the consequences of straying from the faith or failing to adhere to specific rules and rituals. Besides, this instils a constant sense of fear, guilt, and anxiety. Fear-based teachings can undermine genuine spiritual growth by suppressing questions, doubts, and exploration.