What challenges do churches face today? One significant challenge is the "infestation of heresies." This article aims to outline common methods heretics use to lure followers and how churches can respond effectively.
Offering small favors
A pastor from a deaf church mentioned that the church had been severely impacted by the heretical group "Jehovah's Witnesses" and had lost one-third of its members. The staff of the heresy established relationships with the deaf believers, offering small favors to win them over. The deaf believers invited to their gatherings felt better cared for and decided to stay.
Providing loving care
A pastor from Northwest China recounted how some heretics helped grassroots church members harvest crops in the busy farming season and lured some believers.
A retired intellectual living alone in Hunan experienced the caring attention of the heretical group "Mentuhui" (or Three-Redemptive Christ sect). Although he eventually cut ties with the group, the help the group provided during his difficult times left him with a lasting impression. For instance, when he was struggling, several female members of the group came to help him, cooked for him and regularly cleaned his house.
Deceptive invitations to preach
Heretics often use familiar relationships to invite pastors to offer pastoral care. One pastor, who was deceived, was held captive by the "Eastern Lightning" in a remote area for nearly 20 days. After escaping, it took him two to three years to recover from the ordeal. His enthusiasm for service diminished, and the local church split. Some believers continued to accept his pastoral care, while others lost respect for him, believing he had surrendered to the heretics.
Seduction
A single pastor, once very capable in pastoral care, was exploited by "Eastern Lightning," which targeted his vulnerability. Initially, they invited him to preach, tricking him into their organization. Once inside, a female person established a relationship with him. After being rescued, he continued to keep in touch with her and wanted to return to the heresy. With the help and supervision of his family, he gradually severed ties with her.
Inviting believers to Bible study
This is a common tactic used by heretics. Some approach Christians directly, near or even inside churches. After services, they strike up conversations and invite people to their study sessions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when believers couldn't attend in-person gatherings, the Korean cult "Shincheonji" persistently invited people to study the Bible online. Once they had a believer’s contact information, they would keep in touch for a long time, trying to get him to join their study. Even if a member left the city, they would inform him about their gatherings in the new city. It is challenging to resist continuous contact if one's resolve is weak.
Nowadays, their online activities include attractive posters and enticing topics, which make it hard to recognize them at first glance. According to some pastors, many believers were recruited by heretics through online meetings during the pandemic.
Churches' respond to heretical disruptions to protect believers
The most common methods include informing believers how to identify heresies through bulletin boards, Sunday sermons, lectures, and small group activities. Some churches have installed facial recognition equipment to alert them to suspicious individuals entering their premises.
In a northeastern church where many believers were recruited by a core church member who was induced by heresy, the pastor continually sought to reclaim those who had been led astray. Whenever suspicious gatherings appeared, whether in person or online, this pastor would investigate to determine if they were heretical, thereby protecting believers.
Reviewing the heretical recruitment methods mentioned above, it is evident that some address areas that traditional churches might overlook, such as caring for believers in distress and providing opportunities for Bible study. Therefore, churches need to help believers build their foundation of truth and faith, protecting them from heretical cults through effective pastoral care and attention.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
