Anyone heard of this woman or about her ministry? I'd just like a little info before going to her site and reading the "propaganda".

Thanks to any responders.

Mary Banks is the founder of many churches and schools under the banner of Bible Teachers International, a division of Mary Banks Ministries, Inc. She is “The Bible Teacher,” an international speaker, minister of the gospel & author of many books & courses that have brought a sure word to the Body of Christ.

Mary Banks is also the founder & president of Lifesavers International, a Christian Evangelistic Recovery Program that reaches out to the lost at their points of need. She has been instrumental in the salvation, recovery & development of many who had previously been bound by drugs, damaged emotions and other powerful captivities! Many who have been set free through her Recovery Programs are now operating Lifesavers Clinics, Online Internet Counseling Forums and classes internationally.

She received the Martin Luther King Award in 1996, which was presented to her by the governor of Florida in recognition for her contributions and teachings throughout the State of Florida. In addition, she received a “Proclamation” from the Dade County Board of Commissioners in Miami for her spiritual and cultural contributions to society.

The teachings from Bible Teachers ae scriptural. Put them the test. Scripture is always the final authority on what is or is not a cult. This ministry is definitely not a cult.

It is also very important to look at the way a ministry is set up and how its leaders behave and influence others around them.

See [www.culteducation.com]

[b:efc0629001]Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader.[/b:efc0629001]

Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability. Are there elected boards and democratic church government with checks and balances?

No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.

No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.

Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.

There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.

Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.

There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.

Followers feel they can never be "good enough".

The group/leader is always right.

The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.


[b:efc0629001]Ten warning signs regarding people involved in/with a potentially unsafe group/leader. [/b:efc0629001]

Extreme obsessiveness regarding the group/leader resulting in the exclusion of almost every practical consideration.

Individual identity, the group, the leader and/or God as distinct and separate categories of existence become increasingly blurred. Instead, in the follower's mind these identities become substantially and increasingly fused--as that person's involvement with the group/leader continues and deepens.

Whenever the group/leader is criticized or questioned it is characterized as "persecution".

Uncharacteristically stilted and seemingly programmed conversation and mannerisms, cloning of the group/leader in personal behavior.

Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.

Hyperactivity centered on the group/leader agenda, which seems to supercede any personal goals or individual interests.

A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.

Increasing isolation from family and old friends unless they demonstrate an interest in the group/leader.

Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.

Former followers are at best-considered negative or worse evil and under bad influences. They can not be trusted and personal contact is avoided.


[b:efc0629001]Ten signs of a safe group/leader.[/b:efc0629001]

A safe group/leader will answer your questions without becoming judgmental and punitive.

A safe group/leader will disclose information such as finances and often offer an independently audited financial statement regarding budget and expenses. Safe groups and leaders will tell you more than you want to know.

A safe group/leader is often democratic, sharing decision making and encouraging accountability and oversight.

A safe group/leader may have disgruntled former followers, but will not vilify, excommunicate and forbid others from associating with them.

A safe group/leader will not have a paper trail of overwhelmingly negative records, books, articles and statements about them.

A safe group/leader will encourage family communication, community interaction and existing friendships and not feel threatened.

A safe group/leader will recognize reasonable boundaries and limitations when dealing with others.

A safe group/leader will encourage critical thinking, individual autonomy and feelings of self-esteem.

A safe group/leader will admit failings and mistakes and accept constructive criticism and advice.

A safe group/leader will not be the only source of knowledge and learning excluding everyone else, but value dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.

moderator

Thanks for the great info. I'm going to share it with people who are struggling with leaving an abusive group presently. Many of the points speak directly to issues I've struggled with, and helped me with some current decisions.

tmt

Thanks for your info, but for me it seemed "canned". I don't know if that was intentional or if that's your style of writing, but it seemed to be a script rather than coming from your heart. Again, this is my own appraisal. I don't mean to be offensive, just honest in my discernment. Also, just because a teacher uses Scripture in a lesson DOES NOT mean they are not cultic or abusive. I've seen more than one pastor take verses out of context and build weird lessons and doctrines from them. Many things go into discerning whether a teaching is from God or not, including an inner witness from the Holy Spirit and backing up the verses (taken in context) with other passages of Scripture as confirmation. Just mho.