Leaving the World Mission Society Church of God

Since I started this blog (and even before) many people have written to me, and I always ask if they will share their story.  How did you (or your loved one) get involved in the World Mission Society Church of God, and what finally prompted you to leave?

Even though personal details vary, ex-members of the World Mission Society Church of God have many similarities in their stories.  I've found 5 main reasons former members have shared with me in their stories.  Here they are, in no particular order:

• The teachings of the WMSCOG contradict the teachings of the Bible.  For example, they take verses out of context and distort their meaning, and misinterpret other verses whose meaning is clear.  Here are a few specific examples.
• The behavior of the people (especially leaders) in the WMSCOG contradicts the teachings of the Bible.  For example, even though the church claims do what the Bible says, they find their leaders promoting lying, divorce, gossip, and such.
• The teachings and practices of the WMSCOG contradict themselves.  (I call this "internal evidence.")  For example, they keep the feasts of God incorrectly according to their own requirements, and they deny some teachings of Ahnsahnghong himself.
• They realize the church's behavior lines up with destructive mind control tactics.  For example, they weren't told about Ahnsahnghong or Zang Gil-Jah until after joining, and there was a heavy demand on their time and money, to the exclusion of their other God-given responsibilities.  Check out more stories of personal experiences in the WMSCOG.
• Lastly, some were pushed out (or kicked out).  For example, they couldn't live up to the expectations of the WMSCOG, either in behavior or giving (tithing).  These seem to have had the hardest time, feeling condemned for failing, until they realize one or more of the other, above reasons.  Then they feel blessed to have been "rescued" despite themselves.

Here is another list that shows more specific reasons, Top 10 Reasons People Cease to Believe in the WMSCOG, which you can find on the website Examining the WMSCOG.  It's well worth your time to explore that website, especially since it has the perspective of an ex-member (who writes many of the articles).

No matter which was the main reason for leaving, members who leave continue to share similarities in what happens next in their stories.  They must go through a healing and recovery process.  And the longer they've been in the cult, the more difficult the process is.

If you are going through that currently, please know that there is help out there.  There are cult counselors who can help you in person.  There are also pastors at your local churches who can connect you with the help you need.  There are books that can help you in your healing (such as "Releasing the Bonds" by Steven Hassan).  And there are places like our facebook group, where you can talk to other former members and help each other.  You don't have to do it alone.

News and a Challenge

Ahnsahnghong was the founder and pastor of a church while he was alive.  I've often wondered what happened to his church after he died in 1985, especially since the World Mission Society Church of God's doctrine does not quite match the teachings in Ahnsahnghong's books.  Thanks to a recent commenter, now I know, and I've got to share it with you all.

There is another church in Korea, called the New Covenant Passover Church of God, which also claims to be founded by Ahnsahnghong.  Except, the New Covenant Passover Church of God (NCPCOG) prays in the name of Jesus (not Ahnsahnghong) and does not believe in a "Heavenly Mother Jerusalem."  Neither do they accept Zahng Gil Jah as "Mother God."

It turns out that there was some turmoil in Ahnsahnghong's church after he died, and it split.  The NCPCOG kept to the teachings of their founder, while the WMSCOG developed the ideas of a "Jerusalem Mother," male and female gods, and the deity Zahng Gil Jah.

The website for the NCPCOG has lots of information, but it's all in Korean.  Some friends and I are working on translating it, and I'll keep you all posted on new developments.  For one thing, it would greatly improve my opinion of Ahnsahnghong if he were merely a misguided Bible scholar instead of a self-proclaimed Christ.

This brings me to another point...

In all my reading of Ahnsahnghong's writings, there are two things I've never come across: 1) Ahnsahnghong claiming to be God, the second coming of Christ, and 2) Ahnsahnghong mentioning a "Mother God."

I challenge WMSCOG members to show me where Ahnsahnghong said either of those things.  I'm not asking for the verses and prophecies and explanations that your church uses.  Show me where Ahnsahnghong himself teaches these two things.  Which book?  Which chapter or page number?

There haven't been any WMSCOG members commenting here in a while (since February, I think).  I really do want to hear what you have to say.  I know WMSCOG members support their church by commenting on other sites.  Why not this one lately?
--Is it because you've been told to avoid my website?  Why?  Are your leaders worried about what you'll find?
--Is it because you don't have any good response for the issues I've raised here?  Doesn't that make you concerned that something is wrong with the WMSCOG?
--Is it because you don't think I'll listen to you?  I can't post every comment because I can't edit personal information or rude words in them very well.  But I do read and consider them all, and you can always send me a message by email.

The WMSCOG said what? On an official form?

Did you know that when an organization applies for tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), those forms become available to the public?  All you have to do is request them from the IRS (and wait for them to come in the mail).

That's what "Hailey" has done and recently posted about on the Rick Ross Cult Education Forum, and I've been able to examine the forms as well.  What I find shocking is that the statements made by the World Mission Society Church of God on these official forms do not line up with the doctrine they preach!
In the forum, Hailey points this out.  I'm going to write about some inconsistencies here, but you should definitely read her posts too.  I'll include pictures for your convenience, but remember--copies of these documents are freely available for the asking from the IRS.

This set of forms was filed with a California address in 1999.
I won't change any spelling, punctuation or capitalization, but I will bold the words that stand out to me.

Here's an excerpt of what the WMSCOG said on page 2 about their church activities:
"1. (a) Prayer services to strengthen the faith of the members in the works of the saviour Jesus Christ."
"2. (a) Baptismal Services, to set the devoted members into holy communion with their LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ."
"3. (a) Funeral Services, to escort those members of the church who have been called upon by the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to join him on high."
"4. (a) Bible readings, to enhance commitment of the spirit to ways of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

On Schedule A, page 11, in regards to other religious services, besides worship services, the WMSCOG stated:
"The church will perform BAPTISM in the name of Jesus christ, baptism, and a host holy feasts for the lord."


And concerning requirements and qualifications needed to be a minister, they said on page 12:

"Must be baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST.  Must study the bible for 6 months intensely.  Must experience Gospel Ministry for 3 years and attended worship for at least 1 year."

I've searched the entire form and there is NO mention of Ahn Sahng-Hong or Zahng Gil-Jah ("Mother Jerusalem")--not even in their statement of the history of their organization!
Here's their brief history from page 11:

"The World Mission Society Church of God, was founded by the founding father, Pastor Joo Cheol Kim in or about 1998 as a result of divine revealation from God.."


Knowing how very important the new name of Ahnsahnghong is to the WMSCOG, and how they believe Ahnsahnghong is the savior of this new age and the age of Jesus Christ has passed away, and how they insist that those who cling to the name of Jesus will not be able to be saved...

Why do they continually use only the name of Jesus in this document?!  Why NO mention of the "saviors" they preach about--"The Spirit and the Bride," "Father Ahnsahnghong and Mother Jerusalem"?  Why not write the true story about their founding?
Why?!  That's my question.
Here's a possible answer... Secrecy is one characteristic of a cult.

(A big thank you goes to Hailey for all her work in tracking down these forms!) 

UPDATE!
Another website has written about these forms with more details.  Check it out:
World Mission Society Church of God IRS Tax Exempt Application Los Angeles, CA