Has anyone any information about this organisation?
I'm seriously concerned about the effect it seem to be having on some members of my family.
Thanks

Hi Holly!

I hadn't heard of this organization before so I looked it up. Did you mean Congress WBN (World Breakthrough Network)? If so, Noel Woodroofe is founder of Congress WBN and the Elijah Centre. Just skimming through some articles, it looks like Woodroofe is involved with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and considers himself an "apostle" of God. The NAR was coined by C. Peter Wagner--a professor of Church Growth at Fuller Theological Seminary School of Missions for approximately 30 years, I believe. The NAR is of Charismatic/Pentecostal background and holds to the belief that there are God-appointed apostles today that receive new revelations, prophecies, visions, etc..for the purpose of bringing in God's kingdom on earth (transformation of the world). Of course, they (the apostles) will be in charge, so to speak, and they definately don't like being questioned or criticized. Wagner even talks about buying up cities in his book, Dominion: How Kingdom Action Can Change the World. Wagner and other self-appointed apostles promote the use of occult meditation, visualization, guided imagery, and are intertwined with the Emergent movement (just another name for New Age spirituality). I just published a book entitled, Missions, Mysticism & Magic: A Closer Look at the Missionary Organization, Adventures in Missions. The leaders of this movement combine concepts from the New Age/Emergent movement and various Charismatic/Pentecostal streams. In my short (80-page), easy to read Kindle (Amazon.com) book you will learn how young people are being lured into Eastern mysticism, the occult, and socialism. Various practices, beliefs, and symptoms that are found within the NAR and other movements include "listening/contemplative prayer," "holy laughter," spasmodic jerking, being glued to the floor for hours, howling like wolves, oiking like pigs, pogoing (jumping up and down continuously), "soaking" in the Lord, transference of the Holy Spirit, acquiring all the powers Jesus had--including raising the dead, spiritual mapping, prayer-walking, etc. Even becoming divine (gods) is on the list. They believe demons inhabit everything and need to be conquered. The only problem is, their using practices God condemns (Deuteronomy 18:10-14, etc.) to help them in their quest (which, of course, never works).

Don't know if Congress WBN is what were talking about for sure, but it sounded like it. Would you care to share what effects this organization is having on your family? That might help clarify and be useful information. I haven't gone through all of this website yet, but it looks like Rick Ross has some good information on key players within these movements as well--as do many discernment ministries.

Claris

Hi Claris,

Just wanted to ask, what else could you tell me about this Congress WBN? A friend of mine goes to a church where they talk about it, and other program called GLI (Global Leadership Interlink). The thing is, I know him from a long time ago and he has changed positively in some things, but he also does weird stuff like fast in the morning for weeks or talk about being single until old. I really wanted to ask you about this, and some other strange practices, 'cause the GLI page doesn't say a thing about that or even about being related to religion. Thank you.

David

Hi David,

Global Leadership Interlink is "a Sector of Congress WBN and was founded in 2001 by Dr. Noel Woodroofe" of Congress World Breakthrough Network "GLI is a global network of thousands of professionals and university students committed to transformation in society through the development of values-based leaders (see [www.glinetwork.org]). This is most definately religious in nature! However, they (like so many in churches today), may be borrowing and using leadership skills, beliefs and practices taken from New Age/Emergent global futurists who are working towards a one-world order & one-world spirituality (transformation of the world). These are the business management and organizational experts like the late Peter Drucker, Peter Senge, Jack Canfield, Ken Blanchard, and others. Packed in between the business aspects of their many books that are recommended reading for leadership training and development, you'll find what's known as the systems theory. This theory is based on the concept of holism where God is seen as a universal energy force or consciousness that permeates all of creation, therefore, everything and everyone is interconnected- ALL is One (Eastern/occultic mysticism). From the smallest of particles to animals, humans, earth, the Universe--all are part of the greater whole. New Age futurists see humans as needing to evolve into gods in order to save ourselves and the planet--resulting in a "Christified" world. How do they become gods? Through the use of SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES. Fasting is one of them. But it is the use of occult meditation (rather than Biblical meditation-simply pondering on something you've read in Scripture), that is the essential key to supposedly becoming your Higher, Divine Self. Deep breathing techniques are used in this type of meditation in order to still the mind and listen to God's voice. This is a form of self-hypnosis which can be very dangerous both physically, mentally, and spiritually. You put yourself into an altered state of consciousness (as seen in transcendental meditation and yoga). Occult meditation comes under many names--contemplative prayer, listening prayer, centering prayer, etc., so it can sound Christian. In reality, any voice you hear using occult practices can not be from God since He condemned all occult beliefs and practices (see Deuteronomy 18:9-22, etc.).

David, are you from the U. S.? Also, could you please describe some of the other strange practices you've heard your friend talk about or seen him do? This would possibly help me identify just what's going on with your friend. As far as him talking about staying single until he's old--that could have something to do with wanting to be an "apostle" for God. His only focus then would be doing God's work. He wouldn't have to deal with a wife and family (just a possibility).

I don't want to try to sell you something, but I think you might learn alot from my book, Missions, Mysticism & Magic. You may recognize some things your friend is into. I describe many of the beliefs and practices that are being taught within the Congress WBN. The book will give you a good clear picture of how so many young adults are being lured into Eastern/occult mysticism and socialism through similar leaders. It's only 80 pages, easy to read, and very inexpensive. If you don't have a Kindle, just go to amazon.com and look up the title. There is a free application for Kindle you can download onto your computer. Then buy the book ($2.99), and you can read it on your computer. In the meantine, I've printed out alot more info on Global Leadership Interlink and Congress WBN that I want to sift through. Please write back and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!

In concern,

Claris

I am in a church that is a part of Noel Woodroffe Congress WBN. And being a part of it has positively impacted my life. There teaching and the way they instruct on how a church should function is quite biblical and has rendered positive results. For instance this is the only church where I noticed all the youth are very passionate about God, first time I witness both husband and wife. This is different to the many churches I have been to, maybe only the mother attends and the children look like they wish they didnt have to be there.

A lot of their teachings has opened my eyes to the way in which the bible should be read and has lead me into a greater relationship with God. But recently I have been made aware of certain believes, for instance I didnt know that Noel Woodroffe is claiming to be an Apostle, and some of his recent teachings has cause a lot of confusion for me. Well I was confused until I learnt the name of the doctrine by searching online, the KINGDOM NOW doctrine or DOMINION theology.

I read your post CLARIS and you are spot on in terms of pointing out they believe in NAR and Kingdom now theology. However you wouldnt really find much weird things other than that going on.

I am not sure what to do now, I dont want to go because it really is the best church I have ever been to. But I am aware that this Kingdom now theology is false.

Hi Kingcaid!

I read you post and thought I'd just write a note to remind you that just because the youth are (or seem to be) very passionate about God at that church, doesn't necessarily mean that's a positive result--if it eventually leads them to a false Christ and a counterfeit gospel. Sometimes, false teachings can sound so close to the truth--yet they will end up leading you in the exact opposite direction of what Scripture teaches. Also, while some "weird" things may not be happening at that particular church (at least, not yet), you need to do further research on Peter Wagner, John Wimber, Rodney Howard Browne (Holy Laughter movement), and more. Every pastor, of course, is different. Some may hold to some of the more "weird" teachings and others may not. Does your church have a library? Check out what books they believe are helpful to the Christian faith. Take note of who they endorse, then research that author or speaker, etc. As always, test everthing against Scripture. Pray for God's wisdom and discernment!!

It's very difficult to leave a church. I had to do so after being a very involved member of a particular church for 14 years and of the denomination for 40 years. Occult teachings were being promoted and endorsed as Christian both by the pastors and eldership, as well as by other leaders within the denomination. It took me 4 years and a whole lot of research, pain and struggle to find all of this out. Never be afraid to question your leaders--but be prepared to be called negative, divisive, unloving, slanderous, Satan's helper and possibly more. If you are targeted in this way for simply asking questions, red flags should fly high!

I hope and pray God will give you wisdom, discernment, comfort and strength in the days and weeks ahead

Claris

Claris there was no doubt in my mind why I should leave, I was trying to post the following on a blog questioning the teachings of Noel woodroffe but some how it would not let me post so I decided to post it here.

Why is Congress WBN a cult?

Noel Woodroffe claims God appeared to him and asked him "Can I trust you?" Noel Woodroffe claims he has been selected by God to lead the church as it is today into something brand new. (isnt it strange that Woodroffe says that God has put his trust in him)

Noel Woodroffe is claiming to have much higher spiritual authority than all believers. He is claiming to be closer to God than all. He is claiming to be an Apostle like Paul maybe even greater.

With this Claim all challenges to his interpretation of Scripture are denied. No matter how much he twist scripture the followers must believe in it.

If that is not enough to scare you well he has some doctrine that is just blasphemous. For instance he is teaching his followers that God is looking for a man (a collection of believers) to mature fully into the stature of Christ, this is even beyond sinless perfection, it is absolute perfection the full measure of Christ himself; so that they may represent the whole body of Christ before the Father so that Christ could return. That is why so many churches are abandoning the Great Commission and chasing after this the full measure of Christ(delusion). They do not believe that it is Christ who will supernaturally transform the church when he returns.

All cults are built around a personality claiming to have unquestionable authority.

The doctrine of Representation by Noel Woodroffe along with other heresy are a straying from the foundational teachings of the Real apostles from the Bible.
Ephesians 2:20 (the Church) having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.

Galatians 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

I was a part of Congress until my eyes were opened to what was really going on. With Woodroffe and his unquestionable authority it is only a matter of time when he will introduce more heresy and scripture twisting and applying all sorts of meaning to Old Testament stories unto himself and Congress. To say he is subtle is a gigantic understatement.

My advice to those stuck in Congress WBN read the New Testament all of it. Read it to find out what the writer is communicating to the reader not reading it to confirm the beliefs planted there by Woodroffe.

Isn't Christ the Son of God and therefore fully share in the nature of the Father? Isn't he unlimited in grace, unlimited in age, unlimited in power, unlimited in knowledge, unlimited in anointing. The reason Christ could take the wrath of his father is because he is unlimited. The wrath of the Father was unlimited and so only Christ who is also unlimited could take it upon himself. Christ didnt just pay the penalty for sin simply because he was perfect it was also because he has no limits, no boundaries.

Now my question to Congress WBN followers is this; how many believers will it take to measure up to an infinite God?
The only way you can even think that you can measure up to him by your own efforts is if you think of Christ as a finite being. Woodroffe (maybe unknowingly) is altering Christ, although it is indirect it is still an altering that is necessary in order for his doctrine to make sense.

My church joined this Congress about 6yrs ago. It has previously been a prayerful church. Now, in addition to all that was mentioned about Congress before, the church is no longer allowed to pray. Intercession is cancelled. The church can only worship and pray when the are led by a video of this Woodroffe. Most Sunday the pastor does not preach but plays a DVD of Woodroffe preaching. Tha main concern is that the pastor is always angry and threatening the church, that he will kick those who question the Woodroffe way of doing things out of the church. It is now scary. I have no option but to leave the church because now every Sunday I come back depressed