A Man's Journey to Orthodoxy, to Cult Church, Back to Orthodoxy

Abstract

Josh Bodden’s paper recounts the spiritual journey of John Bernhoft, who transitioned from the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) to the cultic Worldwide Church of God (WCG), and ultimately returned to orthodoxy in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Raised in LCMS during a time of doctrinal turmoil, Bernhoft drifted from faith in young adulthood. He later joined the WCG, attracted by its strict rules and seemingly biblical teachings, but eventually recognized its heretical doctrines. Through personal study and encouragement from reform-minded members, Bernhoft rediscovered the gospel of grace. After leaving WCG, he found a church home in WELS, where he now actively serves. The paper also includes Bernhoft’s insights on cult outreach, emphasizing respectful dialogue, careful presentation of doctrine, and the importance of Scripture—especially Galatians—in revealing true grace. His story illustrates the power of God’s Word to reclaim and restore. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)