Hello everyone. I am new to the forum and I suppose that I should start out by introducing myself. I live in the PAC NW and first happened upon this site by way of a video on youtube about a local church that I used to live near called Turning Point. I joined this site not with the intention of trying to create my own personal witchhunt against christianity, but I would like to hear some of your opinions and experiences with unscrupulous churches and dangerous cults.

I have read a little bit of the thread about the ROC church in Richmond VA, (where I also used to live, VA Beach actually) and also briefly made sporadic visits with friends who were trying to get me to attend another church in the Hampton Roads area called "Wave Church". I never felt any sort of divine presence there and actually attended a 'camp getaway' about 5 yrs ago that they sponsored. I'm 23 now and this place never felt right the few times that I had been there when I was 18. I have a lifelong childhood friend that I've known for years that is a devout Christian and about a year or two ago he left the Wave Church. I asked him why he left out of pure curiosity, and he has ignored me since. I plan on apologising to him, but I didn't think that this question would be off limits. I can't even remember what he said because he was so incredibly vague.

The church is very geared towards the counter culture lifestyle ex. hip hop, skateboarding, surfing, the beach, all things that are very popular with kids in VA Beach. Although I don't think that these are technically cult tactics, I do think that they are using a smokescreen to gain supporters and eventually money.

Here is their website.

[www.wavechurch.com]

as a heads up googling 'wave church' yields the result 'wave church cult'.

Hey

Never heard of the church before now but visited the website and well .... yeah they are kinda big on giving aren't they. The website has no less the FOUR separate ways to give. There is a 'Give' link on the navigation bar. Then there's an ' Access your 2010 giving statement' link at the top right and a 'giving' icon on the bottom left. These both lead to the same page that outlines numerous ways of giving. These guys are so kind that they make it easy to (and I quote) "remember if you gave this month or send in your offering checks when you are out of town." On top of this there is also the shop.

Don't knowif that qualifies it as a cult but it seems abundantly clear from the website that they are VERY interested in what you have (sorry - HAD) in your wallet.

Well after perusing their site a little more I discovered that the pastor Steve Kelley was associated with another church in Australia, prior to coming to America called "Hillsong".

Here's an article that talks about some shady dealings this church was allegedly dabbling in, or maybe not, I don't know enough but will continue to look for more information.

[imspeakingtruth.wordpress.com]

I always thought it was very weird that this pastor from Australia saw an 'oppurtunity' in Virginia Beach, VA. Right in the thick of the bible belt. I loved Virginia Beach and it makes me sad and angry that this organization is essentially taking over what was an awesome beach town. I remember when they weren't there and now it seems like they've made it their personal objective to take over Hampton Roads for "Christ".

This church has expanded alot since 2004-2005 when I was last there. And even then the sheer size of the building and the amount of equipment they had amazed me.

[hamptonroads.com]

The post that I made before this one includes a link to an article that was written about 3 yrs ago. Apparently the city of Virginia Beach forced Wave Church to discontinue shipping their pastor from one service to another via helicopter.

Hello!

This church, which is pastored by Steve Kelly, certainly has my vote as a destructive church. My former church was heavily involved with this one, and part of its "Wave Network" (and still is). When my former pastors were discovered to be lying and documented evidence was introduced (misappropriation of funds, adultery, dishonesty, manipulation of people's lives for financial gain, shunning those that disagreed, etc.), Steve and his staff ignored the evidence and also came and reprimanded the church for speaking out against its leader. They then took our former pastors on a 6-month sabbatical (during which time they were still paid). Our former pastor got to travel with Steve Kelly to Europe and abroad, go out with him on his fishing boat, speak at several services and leadership seminars and more (all while he was supposed to be undergoing "counseling" and "discipline").

Meanwhile, we were told (by Wave Network) not to speak about any of the issues and, if people asked about the pastors, to tell the newcomers that the pastors were on an extended vacation.

I was personally present at one time when Steve and his wife visited the church to help with a conference. During the down time, my wife and I joined the pastors as well as Steve and his wife for a trip to a shop at a casino in Atlantic City, where he spent an exorbitant amount of money (money that, mind you, came out of my pocket in some offering prior) on a $300+ glittery shirt. We also put him up in a nice hotel and the works to "impress him".

Steve requires that, to join his network, you listen to and subscribe to a CD of his called "Your Destiny is Connected to Your Leader". The title alone should scream "cult", but we all bought it—hook, line, and sinker. Essentially, the teaching shows that you do whatever your leader wants, and you make his vision happen, and THEN God will fulfill yours (the only exception being if your leader is failing to follow his own vision).

I have a significant story on the website regarding my former church (www.disconnectchurch.com), but since this post is about Wave Church, I'll let you read that in your leisure. :)

You can make your own assessment, of course, but I have more than enough first-hand and personal evidence to tell me to stay away from any network or churches affiliated with Steve Kelly. He is a dangerous teacher who amasses wealth and fame by telling people how "prosperous" their lives will be if they just... well... obey Steve Kelly.

In Christ,
Frank