You are new to an area. You are invited to their
fellowship.
People appear to really love your presence.
You have lots of instant "friends".
There are lots of meetings.
Many experiences with them are not logical.
They hide what they teach..
Members fake friendship, until you do not obey their counsel.
There is a not-to-be-questioned leader, who is revered with almost worship, by the other members.
You are told that you are rebellious if you do not submit to their "leadership".
People seem to be inordinately happy and enthusiastic, constantly.
You find you are being told who you can or cannot talk to or associate with.
They act as though they are the only true group, or the best, so why go anywhere else.
Members are encouraged to watch out for "struggling" brothers and sisters and report what they see to leadership. Often information given in deepest confidence is quickly reported to leadership.
Cult members offer friendship in times when you are vulnerable
Some cults believe that women are easier to recruit, and the husband or partner will follow.
Cults discourage, and often forbid input from family and friends that are outside of the cult's sphere of influence.
People in a position of authority have time for frequent one-on-one meetings.
The cult leaders will claim authority to control almost all aspects of your life.
Character assassination is used to help create guilt in you, and guilt will be used to control you.
Confessions made in the strictest confidence will be publicly used to control & humiliate you.
THESE ARE BY NO MEANS ALL OF THE SIGNS, BUT THEY ARE THE
MAJOR ONES!