A man wrote a LONG, boring post trying to convince people that I am a cult leader. Michelle Lesley used his post to support her claim that I am a false teacher. So, I want to ask you if you think I am a cult leader? Many accuse Bill Gothard of being a cult leader, too. Some of you may wonder why I even bring up Gothard’s name since most seem to despise him. It’s because he was the first one who taught me about modesty, the value of marriage, children, and being a keeper at home, and warned us about secular music and television. I was 17 years old. My family attended his week-long conference. It was a breath of fresh air. I was not being taught these things anywhere else.

It’s the same reason I defend the Pearls, whom many call a cult, too. Debi’s book transformed my marriage at the age of 45. Michael’s Bible teaching taught me Scripture as no one else had, and who I am in Christ. Both of these were life-changing. I appreciate them greatly. When Bill Gothard was giving his conferences, it was in response to the 60s revolution. I lived the results of that wicked movement through high school. It was ugly and destructive to many, so to hear what he taught excited me. I didn’t hear anything more about the truths he taught until I read Debi’s book.

A woman on YouTube has made a bunch of videos seeking out the truth about the accusations against Bill Gothard and IBLP. One of the videos examines the accusation of Gothard being a cult leader. I don’t believe any accusations about others unless the accusations are backed up by the accused person’s own words and in context. (You would understand if you had as many false accusations made about you as I do.)

So, do IBLP, Gothard, and I fit all of these characteristics of being a cult leader?

Gothard was charismatic just as Billy Graham, Charlie Kirk, and many others who weren’t cult leaders. I sure wouldn’t call myself charismatic! So let’s give Gothard a yes on that one.

Did IBLP have dictatorial control over the people whom he taught? No, IBLP had a board that could overrule him at any time, and they did. So, he gets a no on that one. I sure don’t have control over any of those who learn from me, either. I simply teach what God has commanded me to teach.

Did Gothard require isolation from family and friends not involved? No, he never required that, and neither do I. Another no.

Did he have no tolerance for questions or criticism of cult practices? No, in fact, the woman in the video has a clip (proof) of Gothard encouraging those who were learning from him to be a Berean and search Scripture to make sure that what he taught was scriptural, that it matched with Scripture. I have encouraged women to do the same with what I teach. Another no.

Was there unquestioned adherence to the leader’s dictates? He taught women to dress modestly, but it was then the parents’ decision how their daughters should obey this command from God. Parents were to decide if their children watched TV, listened to rock and roll, and everything else. He didn’t enforce anything. He taught his convictions from Scripture, as I do. Some children were given strict boundaries by their parents, who enforced what they taught, but these were their own convictions. Other children were not given such strict boundaries. (She played a video of two people who grew up under IBLP. One had grown up in a stricter home than the other.) We had strong convictions with our children and always tried to back up those convictions with Scripture. As you know, I dictate nothing to nobody! Another no.

Were there punishments for leaving the group? Families could come and go as they pleased in IBLP. There was no punishment or being excommunicated from the group. I sure haven’t punished anyone for stopping learning from me either! I do ban those who are cruel or constantly harassing me.

IBLP had no boundaries where the families could live. Gothard encouraged that families live together as husband and wife with children. He certainly didn’t take all of their money and assets. And contrary to popular opinion, he was not a rich man. The only money I have collected from some of you is from my books, and we give that to a local prolife organization. So, we both get three nos on these, too.

In conclusion, Bill Gothard, even the Pearls, nor I are cult leaders. It simply seems to be a way to criticize and try to destroy our ministries. Do I agree with everything Gothard and the Pearls teach? No. We all must search the Scriptures and come to our own convictions. We’re just trying to lead people away from worldliness and towards godliness as imperfect people. Thank you for reading.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:11

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