At the second congregation, there was no financial accountabilty or a system of elders holding the leader in check. I helped a few people form a new congregation. I received a phone call later that week banning me from ever returning to that congregation or any of its associated events.
A recent series of episodes from Apologia Studios about a member from Bethel Church who defected got me thinking about my own experiences with cults. The number one way to identify a cult is that either the Gospel of Jesus is not preached of a different Jesus from the one presented in the Gospel is preached (2nd Corithians 11:4).
Paul warned the Galatians that they should not listen if even he or angels preached a different Jesus (Galatians 1:8).There are hyper-grace Jesus and legalistic Jesus. Some Wiccans believe in a pagan Jesus. Messianic Jews believe in Rabbi Jesus, but do not talk about God incarnate Jesus. Jehovah's witnesses believe in the angel who became the son of God Jesus. There is the signs and wonders Jesus that certain charismatic congregations like to preach, not the crucified son of God Jesus. In order to avoid the mistakes I have made, you need to read the Bible daily and get involved with a Biblically sound church.