Vol. 7, No. 5, 1990

Articles on Other Religious Topics

Watchman Fellowship is a missionary ministry providing a Christian response to the cults through training Christians and reaching out to cultists with the true Gospel. The ministry began in 1979 when it was founded in Columbus, Georgia by David Henke who now serves as President. The ministry has grown to include a staff of 21 with offices in eight states, South Africa, and annual missionary presence in the Caribbean.

Watchman Fellowship operates as a counter-cult ministry to achieve three crucial objectives.

First, to awaken the Church to the spiritual dangers of the cults and to equip believers to witness effectively (Acts 20:28-31).

Second, to carry the gospel directly to cultists with a heart of compassion for their need (Jude 22-23).

Third, to alert the community to the presence of spiritual counterfeits so they will not be so easily misled (Matt. 5:14-16).

The following is a brief description of some of the ways Watchman Fellowship meets these objectives.

Edifying The Church

The ministry's first objective is to be an asset to the Church. Jesus warned Christians to "Beware of false prophets" but how can one Beware unless he is Aware. By edifying the Church we indirectly accomplish our other two purposes. Christians are thus equipped to Evangelize the cultists at their doors, and Educate their neighbors against deception. This is accomplished through:

Teachings Watchman staff travel throughout the country speaking each year in hundreds of churches as well as in colleges and universities on the subject of cults. Numerous lectures and teachings include everything from basic introductions to practical "how to witness" topics.

Films The ministry uses a number of Christian films that dramatically convey the nature and scope of the danger of cults.

Expositor Christians are offered a FREE subscription to this newspaper, which acts as a monthly "seminar in the mailbox" giving them the very latest news and vital information on cults. Cult apologetics and "witnessing tips" help Christians in all fifty states and a number of foreign countries to "earnestly contend for the faith," (Jude 3).

Sentry Individuals expressing interest in further study are directed to this in-depth training course. Upon completion, they are certified by Watchman Fellowship as qualified to teach others. They then become a specialized resource for their pastor within their own church for the protection of the flock.

Counseling Individual help is given to those struggling with cult-related problems affecting their personal relationships.

Evangelizing The Cults

Each year Watchman Fellowship fulfills its second objective by taking the gospel directly to those who are in cults. Efforts include passing out tracts and witnessing at Mormon temple openings and pageants, annual mission work in Utah, witnessing at Jehovah's Witness District Assemblies, and various New Age functions. The ministry always seeks to work together with local churches and other reputable ministries in these important mission events.

The ministry also shares with cultists directly in homes and through various "dial-a-message" ministries containing pre-recorded telephone messages.

Educating The Community

The third objective is to reach the unchurched community. The distribution of literature throughout neighborhoods via mass mailings, radio and TV broadcasts serve to alert the general public to the dangers of the cults and to the difference between their teachings and the true Gospel.

A Christian Response

"Something should be done about the cults!" This is the response of many Christians when they recognize this vast needs. The good news is something is being done! Watchman Fellowship joins other ministries and concerned Christians in reaching out to the cults - a body of people once called, "America's largest unreached mission field." Watchman Fellowship encourages all Christians to join in this important outreach. By developing a knowledgeable, Biblical response guided by love for those lost in the cults, untold thousands lost in darkness can hear the vital truth they so desperately need.