I'm sorry but I have a major problem with this website that calls out the CoW. As much as I think the CoW is in error, I also see the people behind the website in error.

Instead of genuinely reaching out to these young folk (who in their zeal have wandered into extremes) and try to understand where they are coming from, they are just pushing them further into a corner with an extreme reaction and disassociation, shouting 'cult'.
The other thing is, this website makes a big issue out of the fact that the CoW believes you can loose your salvation. So they are just pushing their 'Reformed' position and claiming that anyone who believes differently is heretical. There are many men of God (even featured on this site) who believe the scriptures warn repeatedly about the possibility of loosing salvation if you do not continue in Christ. So are all of us who hold that position a 'cult' too??

The other big issue I have is that some 'preachers' who are loud in their condemnation of the CoW are the very ones who preach the strong messages that can so easily be taken to extremes by young zealous people. These 'preachers' should have been looking to reach out and take some responsibility for some of their hard line preaching that may have contributed to this situation, rather than just distancing themselves from them. I wonder if it is just self preservation for fear of being associated with a group that may end up doing something really stupid.

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Dave

I saw Paul washer put out a statement on twitter a few weeks ago. I thought it was curious. What's their deal?

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Jimmy H

Heydave,

I live 20 minutes from the Church of Wells.

Brother Greg would be in the wrong if he were bad-mouthing them and maligning them; however, to point out error is not wrong.

Paul did it in Galatians in regards to Peter--he even told the exact circumstance and who was involved. Would you be telling Paul that he was wrong for pointing out Peter's error to the church in Galatia?

Obviously Brother Greg would like to see them restored to Orthodoxy and all the members of that Church to follow the Lord, our True Shepherd.

Heresy is a real issue and we have grown childish in our understanding of the word of God and how it is to be applied--to the point that we are almost incapable of discerning what is truth and what is heresy. There is a truth and it is right, which means everything that does not conform to the truth is a lie.

havok20x,

I think you misunderstand what I am saying. I am not accusing Brother Greg of anything. What I disagree with is the CARM website and I don't think Greg is behind that.

I agree with you that error needs to be pointed out and I in no way endorse the Church of Wells. However as I understand it, it is not a matter of doctrine per se. It is more the fact of how they have interpreted and applied doctrine and a spiritual pride.

My issue is that there is a degree of hypocrisy in ones who have preached very strong messages that appear to have influenced this group, now are quick to condemn them for taking it to an extreme they never intended. There should be some accountability for what we preach and it is easy to over emphasise a point to the degree some may take it too literally.

Here's something from the website that I think is way off beam.
In establishing that they think that the CoW believes in salvation by works they say:
"Anyone who seeks in any way to be made right with God by keeping the law, which includes loving God (Deut. 6:5) and loving your neighbor (Lev. 19:18), is cursed."

So according to the CARM website loving God and loving your neighbour are works of the law. In this regard they are diametrically opposed to the teaching of Christ, who stated that these are the greatest commandments and are expected to be the fruit of true Christians. This is typical of the over emphasised reformed teaching of salvation by faith alone. They cannot see that you cannot separate faith and works produced by faith. That's why Luther did not like the book of James, he didn't understand it.

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Dave

Does anyone have a list or know which specific beliefs held by this group are considered to be heretical? I know nothing about them and it is not clear from the linked website what strange things they believe.

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Todd

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the clarification. I agree with most of what you have written and you know these people, I don't. I suppose I just don't like the tone of that website.

Regarding the CoW,in these types of set ups it is normally one particular individual leader that is the main controlling influence. I have my feelings as to which one that is based on things I have viewed about them and I expect you may also have thoughts on this. It would be good to pray that the Lord breaks the hold this one has and opens the eyes of the others to see what the reality is.

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Dave

My 2 friends have been captured and are still bound by the church of wells teaching. My friend Taylor has never responded to any of my texts or emails ever since I rebuked him for his error and pleaded with him to reconsider. My brother has been in contact with Taylor but reasoning from the scriptures with him is virtually impossible. He's "perfected" his faith and is not able to receive from anyone other than the church of wells. Everyone who disagrees with COW is "walking in darkness" and won't "come to the light."

My brother believes that the COW theology is based upon hebrews 10:26 and you are kept in a state of constant fear of your salvation. My brother told me that when he spoke with Taylor that he stated the doctrine of eternal security is heretical and doesn't allow you to properly "fear God." This church has slipped into satanic teaching and only the Lord can set them free.