-Kristen Noel

I used to “suck it in” as I would say, before “Church” started. I was always wondering—what was it going to be like today? Challenging each other (or being challenged) became the main focus—which was not “Church.” It was destructive and detrimental as a whole. I did not want to be a quitter, but there […]

I’m honestly so relieved this site exists. It’s clear, it’s well-researched, and it’s exactly what people need—both for those who decided to leave (or were kicked out), and for anyone who might be on the edge of getting pulled in. Reading through all the stories and Q&As, I keep wondering: what would current members feel […]

Reading the narrative about the “hot-seat” used in OI meetings brought up painful memories for me. It was a brutal and deeply humiliating experience — not just for me, but for many others I witnessed. Grown men and women were reduced to tears, often in front of young children, under the intense emotional pressure of […]

Looking back on my years in OI, I feel a deep sadness. I joined with genuine hope — believing I could make a meaningful difference for God. I was led to believe I had a special calling on my life and was persuaded that my previous church lacked authenticity and spiritual depth. I accepted the […]

I watched part of the TEDTalk when Dr. Hassan talked about going through a deprogramming. I wish members of OI would allow themselves to be subject to a deprogramming—even if merely to prove the uprightness and infallibility of OI (in such a scenario, the deprogramming would have no influence over them). I believe their cultural […]

Upon my exit, I was told that if I did decide that I wanted to resume fellowship, that we’d have to talk about me “not holding back” and that I would need to bring all of myself to our meetings. I had brought all of myself to our meetings and I wish they knew me […]