FYI: The “International House of Prayer” denomination, of which Mrs. Deaton and her husband and murderer was a part of, is considered by some to be verging into a cult...
Christian “cults” can be categorized as groups with more or less orthodox Christian teachings, but with strong central leaders, and a LOT of personal control over members, and often with writings or teachings outside of the Bible given equal (or greater) weight than the Bible itself. They also tend to be exclusivistic—(i.e. they believe that their little group alone are the ONLY Christians in the world...).
The (Boston)International Churches of Christ, and the 7th Day Adventists would both be groups which could be called “Christian cults”, that is groups where the gospel is still there.....but, are so eccentric and exclusivisitc, as to be considered fringe groups. Some independent fundamentalist-Baptists are the same way...(though most don’t fit the parameters above).
I know the International House of Prayer is to be found in inner city areas, and often has odd-looking cherubim statues out front. Other than that, I really don’t know all that much about that group.
I’m familiar with Christian Cult like groups. I’ve worked with and studied them for twenty+ years. I’m very familiar with the charismatic groups, the horse & buggy Amish & Mennonites, and the Messianic Jews.
Much of my research in mind control was based upon observing them first hand from inside the groups.
When sexual promiscuity is part of the group leader’s actions, you can bet it is trouble.
IHOP is definitely a cult.
Just like the Children of God - whatever they call themselves now
Ya think the ubiquitous pancake restaurant is really a front for recruitment?
I've heard that in the past carpet-cleaners have tried this ploy.