Gerald Flurry and Only Fans

Gerald Flurry, the self-proclaimed savior of God's other one true splinter group (the Philadelphia Church of God), is utterly convinced he's got the divine cure-all for every single one of society's woes—if only the ungrateful world would finally shut up and listen to him. Of course, like every other COG cult leader scrambling for relevance, he brings zero originality to the table, just endlessly recycling Herbert W. Armstrong's dusty old teachings and outdated rants.

Now, he's generously offering the ladies a wholesome 'alternative' to those sinful women on OnlyFans, raking in cash—because, as we all know, not a single soul in the entire hyper-pure Philadelphia Church of God has ever dared peek at a video on that site! LOL, yeah right—we all know that's a bald-faced lie. Heck, even his own devoted followers barely crack open their own church literature.

Anyway, as Bob Thiel loves to pivot with, let's move right along to the Philadelphia Church of God's fabulous 'gift' to the world of OnlyFans.

Americans are paying millions of dollars every day for amateur pornography on the website OnlyFans. The independent aggregator OnlyGuider reports that over the first 11 months of the year, Americans spent $2.6 billion on the site, which has become infamous for providing young women a means and a monetary motivation for selling themselves online. 

 

America’s creation and consumption of pornography is more than just an embarrassing societal issue: It’s a clear and present danger to U.S. national security.

OnlyFans does not publish statistics on its users’ content or location, but independent journalists estimate that roughly 70 to 90 percent or more of posts are pornographic, and more than 1 million users who publish material to the platform are American. The OnlyGuider report states that 15 of the top 20 cities for consuming the site’s content are in the U.S. 

• New York City alone consumes more than some small nations. 
• Last year, the most active city, Atlanta, spent the equivalent of more than $50 per man, woman and child.

So what is the amazing resource that the PCG is offering? One of Armstrongism's least read books after the Wonderful World Tomorrow, The Incredible Human Potential, and Mystery of the Ages, a book written to entice Loma to have more sex with Herbert.

Crackpot Prophet: You May Be A Laodicean If You Believe Any Of These Things

 

One thing that's always been painfully obvious about Armstrongism is how it struts around like the divinely anointed king of the Christian hill, smugly lording its "superiority" over all those poor, deluded, Sunday-keeping heathens who dare call themselves believers. It gets even worse for members—if you're a hapless Church of God member who commits the unforgivable sin of having a doubt or—perish the thought!—asking a perfectly reasonable question, you're immediately excommunicated as a filthy, backsliding traitor, a worthless pile of spiritual garbage utterly unfit to bask in the glory of the One True Faith. That makes you a Laodicean!

That's exactly why "Laodicean" became the ultimate scare-tactic buzzword, swung around like a flaming sword to terrify the sheep into lockstep obedience and keep everyone nicely controlled in their little pen of fear.

Just today (or whenever the Great Bwana deigns to drop his latest revelation), the self-anointed, His Magnificance, the Great Bwana Bob Thiel—dream-certified prophet extraordinaire, apostle, chief overseer, and undisputed Great Bwana, sovereign lord of all legitimate spiritual insight, prophecy, and double-blessed dreams—has bestowed upon us a video featuring one of his devoted acolytes. This loyal minion piously warns the trembling faithful to steer clear of any dreaded Laodicean "characteristics" listed below. Because, clearly, if you're one of those pathetic, lukewarm backsliders who dares to believe any of these so irrelevant notions, you're basically spitting in the face of Bob Thiel's divine appointment. How dare you refuse to bow down and acknowledge him as the infallible fountainhead of all truth? That is literally what this all boils down to. People not acknowledging Bob and his church as correct.

The audacity! 

Repent, or face the wrath of the one true end-time overseer!

55 things Laodicean backsliders may believe

(I removed the names of the various COGs he attached ot each accusation below, 

and it highlights the complete absurdity of this list.)

Many COG groups do not officially teach and/or do not believe in the idea of Church eras

Many COG groups do not believe that the Gospel of the Kingdom of God still needs to be preached to the world as a witness per Matthew 24:14 , do not really make that a high priority, or do so in less than truly loving the truth, hence do not have the real Philadelphian work. As only the Philadelphians are promised to be protected from the hour of trial that will come on the whole world, they will not understand when Matthew 24:14 is fulfilled or when to flee per Matthew 24:15. Hence they do not have or lead the Philadelphian work. Only the Philadelphians are promised to be protected from the hour of trial that will come on the whole world

At least three groups misunderstand the Gospel and COG doctrines so much that I question if their top leaders are actually converted members of the COG. The leaders of those groups have had major predictions be proven false.

Many, if not most, COG groups do not realize that the Great Tribulation begins with the King of the North invading the USA. UK, and/or their Anglo-Saxon descended allies

Many COG groups misunderstand the identity of the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43),

Some teach that there is no biblically-required King of the South

Some have insisted that the final King of the South will be from the nation of Ethiopia. This is partially based upon a mistranslation in the KJV version of the Bible as well as a position that the late Herbert Armstrong once held. However, he changed his position in the 1960s and 1970s to an Arabic-Muslim confederation.

Several COG groups clearly misunderstand Daniel 9:27, the second half of which ties in with Daniel 11:31 and Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:15. Those who misunderstand it will not have a proper pre-warning of what is happening nor likely know when the Great Tribulation will begin

Various COG groups have so many areas of undefined prophecy that they will not know what certain events will mean

A couple of groups, have been repeatedly proven wrong about their dates for the start of the Great Tribulation and the return of Jesus Christ. Those who rely on the leaders of those groups really do not understand biblical prophecy.

Certain groups teach improper interpretations of the 1335, 1290, and 1260 days of Daniel 12 or have other problems with that that they will not understand when the Great Tribulation will start.

Most COG groups fail to understand Habakkuk 2:2-8 and hence are not properly getting the warning out to the USA and UK

At least one group (LCG) is no longer certain that France or certain other Israelitish nations will support the Beast power

Many COG groups have various ‘Elijah heresies’

Some think that either there is no Elijah to come

Some independents and some groups insist that the late Herbert W. Armstrong was the final ‘Elijah to come’ despite the fact that he has been dead since 1986, and that death disqualifies him according to his writing about that

Leaders of at least two groups who once insisted publicly that Herbert Armstrong must be the final Elijah, now falsely claim that they hold that role.

At least one group has confused the final Elijah with the return of Jesus

Many groups do not understand the differing persecutions (and other matters) to come in Daniel 7:25, 11:30-39, Matthew 24:9-22, and Revelation 12:14-17, hence when the prophesied wave of persecution initially hits the Philadelphians primarily (and not them), they will not see this persecution as evidence that the Great Tribulation is about to begin.

Most groups that came out of groups once led by the late Garner Ted Armstrong do not seem to teach that there is a physical place of safety (despite what Revelation 12:14-16 teaches), hence they will not be inclined to flee towards one just prior to the start of the Great Tribulation

One CG7 group has the place of safety as the 'sea of glass' and before the Bible says Christians will be there.

Most ‘independents’ do not believe that they need to ‘gather together’ prior to the time to flee despite what Zephaniah 2:1-3 teaches, hence it is not likely they will be inclined to flee together when a group they are not part of does just prior to the start of the Great Tribulation

At least one group misunderstands the final Prince of Rosh. Those who insist on a pre-return of Jesus Christ for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 will be disappointed as that is in scriptural error

At least one COG group basically teaches that most of the events of Revelation have already taken place and no one needs to be concerned about coming persecution as none supposedly is coming

At least one COG group erroneously believes that the abomination of desolation of Daniel 11:31 occurs after the King of the North invades the King of the SouthAt least one group totally misunderstands various prophecies in Haggai and Zechariah and have expected a type of COG reunification that is not prophesied. Those who rely on this and other misinterpretations will not know when the Great Tribulation will begin.

At least one group erroneously teaches that the ‘Falling Away’ warned about in 2 Thessalonians 2 has mainly to do with the world and Protestants and not the Church of God

Some groups teach that the man of sin who sits in the temple of God (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) is the Antichrist/false prophet, not the Beast of the Sea. Yet, it is this Beast of the Sea, the final King of the North (Daniel 11:35-36). So, when this happens, those who hold to the wrong position will not understand its prophetic ramifications. The Beast identity of the ‘son of perdition’ (cf. Revelation 17:7-11) is important to understand in the end times.

At least two groups teach that the ‘man of sin’ is (or could be) Joseph Tkach, Jr.

At least one group has improperly declared Satan will enter a COG leader to make him the man of sin

A few teach that a Jewish temple in Jerusalem must be rebuilt before Jesus returns

At least two groups teach that the Beast power will consist of 10 or 11 current nations in the European Union

Some groups teach that the ten kings are to be in charge of ten regions around the world as opposed to being a primarily European power

None of the Laodicean or Sardis COGs seem to teach that the "strongest fortresses" in Daniel 11:39 refers to the USA--but it does

At least two groups seem to teach that the first verse in the Daniel 11 sequence relating to the beginning of the Great Tribulation is Daniel 11:40

The leader of at least one former group has claimed that the Great Tribulation could begin within a year for the last dozen or so years.

One group (CGF, a PCG split) claimed that the Great Tribulation would begin in 2023--but that was too early

At least one group has publicly claimed that God has no prophets today and will not have any until the two witnesses are empowered.

At least one group teaches that the Beast power is not European.

At least one group teaches that the European Union will collapse like the old Roman Empire.

One group erroneously teaches that Vladimir Putin is the Prince of Rosh of Ezekiel 38

One group taught that Hillary Clinton would be President of the United States by now; whereas one strongly asserted that Donald Trump would remain in office and Joe Biden would not assume office.

One group erroneously taught that half of the Laodiceans would die before April 30, 2021

At least two groups assert that the three angels of Revelation 14 are (or may be) humans, not angels

Two groups have falsely asserted that the restrainer in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 was Herbert W. Armstrong.

At least two groups have taught that a US president is the King of the North or could be the Antichrist.

Many groups do not teach much about prophecy

Although one group was told in 2004 that Daniel 11:30 involved the USA having a naval confrontation with Europe, it does not teach it.

Many groups wrongly assert that Benito Mussolini was the sixth king of Revelation 17:10 that "is," but that was too long ago

Nearly all COG groups and independents do not accept that God has been fulfilling prophecies of Acts 2:17-18

Laodicean groups often say the end is near, but do not have a history of explaining when each of the first three seals of Revelation 6 may have been opened, or at least an ante-type of those has been happening.

One group has published, without retraction, that Russia is/may be one of the two legs of Nebuchadnezzar's vision.

One group has published that Ukraine may be the leading nuclear force against Europe. Ukraine, however, has no nuclear weapons

Most groups have no teaching about Iran and Isaiah 22:6-9 or teach wrongly about it, hence this is another area that are lacking knowledge in

Most groups do not teach that Gaza will end up with terrritory that Israel now dominates

Gerald Flurry: It Was A Crap Shoot When God Sent Jesus To Earth, Because If He Sinned Then God Was Going To Be Lonely

 

Oh, bless their little cotton socks, another day in COGland, where the bar for batshit craziness gets raised higher than Gerald Flurry’s bar tab. At this point, you’d think we’d all be numb to the nonstop clown show put on by these self-anointed apostles, but nope, every sunrise brings a fresh opportunity for one of them to strap on the red nose and oversized shoes.

You see, God the Father apparently works the night shift, frantically beaming “new revelation” straight into the pickled brains of His favorite franchise owners. Bob “Dreamy McProphet” Thiel gets herbal-tea-fueled nightmares, Dave Pack’s imaginary Jesus has been stuck in Wadsworth traffic for three straight years because even the Second Coming can’t find parking, and then there’s His Royal Tipsiness, King Gerald Flurry, who’s built a whole compound in Edmond, Oklahoma, because obviously that’s where the New Jerusalem is landing (sorry, Independence, Missouri, better luck next apocalypse).

But today Gerald Six-Pack Flurry, spiritual heir to a throne polishers everywhere, has outdone himself. Fresh from the bottom of whatever bottle inspired this gem, he has solemnly declared that Jesus Christ could have sinned while on earth. That’s right, folks: the same Jesus who was supposedly God in the flesh apparently had a very real shot at blowing the whole salvation plan by, I dunno, coveting His neighbor’s donkey or flipping off a Pharisee one too many times.

And if that had happened? Poor God the Father would’ve been left all alone up there in the starry void of the “northern heavens” (the part of space that’s mysteriously missing stars ever since Lucifer redecorated during the Great Heavenly Bar Fight of eternity past). Just one lonely Dude, sitting on an empty throne, swigging celestial whiskey, muttering, “I should’ve gone with Plan B… or literally any other son.”

Truly, the theological brilliance pouring out of Edmond these days is staggering. Herbert W. Armstrong is surely looking up from wherever he is, nodding proudly and saying, “That’s my boy, completely hammered and making it up as he goes, just like I taught him.”

Thank heavens Armstrongism isn’t the only crazy cult on the block, or we might actually have to take this nonsense seriously.

A God from the northern heavens came to Earth and became flesh and blood, risking the loss of eternal life. FAILURE WOULD HAVE LEFT THE FATHER AS THE ONLY REMAINING GOD FOREVER.

Spend more time and ponder what failure would have meant to our Father—the rest of eternity spent as the only God in the universe! Then you can better comprehend the kind of love He has for His creation

Can we fathom this loving sacrifice by God? This universe-shaking truth challenges our imagination. We are the recipients of this unparalleled act of love.

An “eternal life,” which was God, the Word, came and died for us. This ought to excite mankind beyond anything we can imagine. It was the beginning of what will probably become billions of sons in God’s Family.

BECAUSE WE TEACH THIS GOD-ORDAINED MESSAGE, WE ARE ALMOST GLUTTED WITH NEW REVELATION! THIS SHOULD SHOW US WHAT THIS MESSAGE MEANS TO THE FATHER AND THE SON. Revelation comes because we honor our Father and Husband.

Flurry coninues with this:

The goal of our work is to bring all humanity into fellowship with the Father and Son! Please read that again.

The Ephesus Church members quit doing God’s work because they lost their first love. The Laodiceans today stopped doing this work because they became blind to this vision. Anybody who fails to see why we do this work is blind!

We are the very elect of the firstfruits. Soon the whole world will be filled with second-fruits from the fall harvest. All mankind will have one mind, one faith, one love and one hope. Each person will be a witness for God!

Than this:

Herbert W. Armstrong College is here to get this message to the world. This message is for the whole of mankind. It produces the opposite of the negative fruits you see in Satan’s world.

The Laodicean Church members broke down in this area. Satan destroyed their desire and strength to be witnesses. Then they no longer wanted to declare the Father’s message.

We are declaring John’s message as quickly as we can. The job of our ministers is to help get our people 100 percent behind God’s work—so we can complete this work as speedily as possible. We are in THE LAST HOUR! We must work while we can, BEFORE this world is plunged into the Great Tribulation.

We must see that this message is everything to a dying world! It must be declared now—in this “last hour.” It is a message from the Logos, who was with the Father.

God sent an Elijah to restore all things. It was an astounding message not heard around the world for almost two millennia!

And from the early college days to the end, Mr. Armstrong had outstanding, God-inspired spokesman clubs. There were research and writing classes. The students were not there just to learn the message. They were also taught how to deliver it, both in this age and in the Millennium.

In Herbert W. Armstrong College, our students are taught how to write and speak like kings and priests. We have a message that must be communicated to all humanity!

Receiving God’s message is just half of the responsibility. The second part is communicating it. And what a communication job! This message must be delivered to every person ever born!

What good is the message if it is not declared and taught? What a failure if we don’t deliver our Father’s message! What a calamity. Now is the time to be a witness for God.

The world is full of violence and ready to explode into nuclear warfare. And America’s strongest messages to the world is the filthiest, Satan-inspired trash ever seen and heard!

At the same time, we ignore the Creator God who prophesies throughout His Word that He punishes for such despicable sins. Even the most violent terrorists can see and are offended by our unparalleled immorality. Surely we must believe that God would also be offended. But our people don’t care. We have descended into a kind of spiritual madness. Only the worst kind of punishment can ever awaken us. The Great Tribulation is going to be the worst suffering ever. The punishment fits the crime. Never was there a greater need to awaken!

More proof that these morons have no concept of what Jesus accomplished. 

The magnitude of the opportunity offered by our unparalleled technology makes our nations’ failure to take advantage of it incomparably disastrous. The whole world suffers mightily because of that failure. Never has there been a greater need for God’s message of hope.

We must give this world the only message that really matters. We will show them how to use the media.

Years ago, when the Soviet Union was strong, the Japanese were asked who they feared most. They answered that they feared Russia most militarily, but they feared America most culturally. (If only we could see ourselves as others see us.) And they had good cause for that fear. Today the Japanese are saturated with America’s vile culture. Our culture is destroying us and other nations morally and spiritually. We prate about how good we are and sing “God Bless America”—but God is cursing America, Britain and the Jews in the Middle East. He will continue to do so until we see our black sins and repent.

The Philadelphia Church of God has bought and paid for 170 acres and all of our buildings. What is it all for? We are getting ready to help Christ rule this world and the universe!

God has blessed us mightily. Now He wants to fire our imaginations to see what a marvelous, mind-staggering future this world has. We have the greatest, most complete message God has ever given to declare!

It is like these COG leaders deliberately mock Bob Thiel as the irrelevant fool that he is and his worthless message. 

Like John, we must never lose this awesome vision of love! Then we must be a witness for God. This is what the world so desperately needs.

Nothing screams “Philadelphia Church of God = Era of Brotherly Love” quite like the warm, fuzzy kind of love that rips families apart faster than a Black Friday sale at Walmart.

It’s the special, patented Gerald Flurry brand of love™ that heroically severs parents from children, grandparents from grandchildren, and spouses from each other, because apparently the quickest path to godliness is making sure nobody ever speaks to their blood relatives again. Who needs holiday dinners when you’re excommunicated for sending a birthday card to your disfellowshipped daughter, right?

And let’s not forget the cherry on top: that same suffocating, guilt-drenched “love” has been so inspirational, so life-affirming, that it’s driven more than a few precious PCG sheep to the ultimate escape hatch: suicide. Because when you can never, ever measure up to the ever-shifting, booze-fueled standards of King Six-Pack and his revolving door of “new revelation,” what’s the point of sticking around for another sermon about how you’re a worthless Laodicean worm?

Truly, the Philadelphia Church of God is a shining beacon of agape love, the kind that leaves shattered families, empty chairs at Thanksgiving, and fresh graves in its wake. 

So yes, by all means, keep spreading that signature Edmond-style love, one “mark and avoid” letter, one disfellowshipment, one funeral at a time. Truly heartwarming stuff.

And when the final trumpet finally blares (assuming Dave Pack’s imaginary Jesus ever figures out the correct Wadsworth exit ramp), God the Father can kick back in those lonely northern heavens, crack open a cold one, and enjoy the silence. Because thanks to the PCG’s stellar track record of turning potential “mini-gods and godlets” into estranged wrecks and suicide statistics, that celestial family reunion is going to be standing-room-only for exactly one Dude.

Just Him, an empty throne room, and an echo whispering, “Should’ve gone with the Mormons; at least they let you keep your kids.”

Well played, Gerald. Well played. The only thing you’ve successfully birthed into the Kingdom is a support group for traumatized ex-members and a waiting list at the Edmond liquor store. Cheers to that legacy.

 

Gerald Flurry: Apologize to me for ignoring my awesomenss

 

Why is it that so many ministers and particularly church leaders think they are elevated to almost adoration status, and when the sheeple don't slobber up to them, they get their royal knickers all tied up in a knot?

Exit and Support Network had this appalling letter up about Gerald Flurry doing this exact thing:

GF Demanded an Apology Letter From My Sister:
November 18, 2025 

 

This is something I have wanted to write about but haven’t until now. 

 

Years ago when I and my sister were in our early 20’s, my sister used to write letters to Gerald Flurry like many people did. She would hear a message and write and thank him for the sermon, etc. She worked in the PCG office at the time. 

 

One time Gerald Flurry visited our country during PYC [Philadelphia Youth Camp]. We were all told not to overwhelm the “prophet” when he came here and let everyone have an opportunity to speak to him. Well, there were no big line ups of people waiting to talk to him for fear they would be taking up his time. This included me and my sister and many others. However, Gerald flurry must have felt he had a connection with my sister, or something weird. So he told the regional director at the time that he was not happy she didn’t even come and say hello to him and he demanded an apology letter. So she, like a naughty child, had to write an apology letter to him. That should have rung alarm bells back then. My whole family thought it was weird but brushed it aside. Crazy looking back. 

 

GF also told my father, who was a minister at the time, “In the real world, you and I would never be friends.” My dad was gutted. This is a man of God over His people? Doubtful. Years of evidence shows GF is all about himself. 

 

Thanks for the opportunity to write and expose. –[name withheld]

Armstrong International Cultural Foundation: Is It Really A "Humanitarian" Organization?

When Gerald Flurry decided to split off and start his own splinter group, reportedly to "preserve" the perfect words of Herbert Armstrong, little did we know just how hilariously he'd imitate HWA. Oh, his preaching style evolved into a spot-on mimicry, complete with yelling and bombastic threats from the pulpit—because nothing says "divine inspiration" like a good old-fashioned rant. Then he went all out building a college campus with its own "House of God," in a desperate bid to cosplay the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. How original!

Lawsuits started flying faster than you can say "copyright infringement" after Flurry began publishing HWA's books, booklets, and articles without so much as asking permission from the Worldwide Church of God. Found guilty—shocker—he ended up shelling out over $3,000,000 for the rights to a myriad of those sacred tomes. Not long after, the PCG "discovered" some major issues between HWA's interpretations and the oh-so-revelatory messages Flurry was getting from his god. Flurry's blatant disregard for his followers, coupled with his stunning lack of transparency and accountability, led him and the Philadelphia Church of God to edit the "divinely inspired" words of Armstrong whenever they clashed with Flurry's divine ego trips.

Armstrong's writings were the icing on the cake for them—until they decided to erect their mini-me Ambassador Auditorium as a gleaming monument to Herbert Armstrong himself. Then, when the WCG decided to sell off items from the real Ambassador Auditorium, Flurry pounced like a kid in a candy store, snagging one of the Steinway pianos and those two Baccarat crystal candelabras from the lobby. He then proceeded to imitate every little thing the WCG had connected to the Auditorium. He started a concert series (because who doesn't love recycled culture?), launched the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation (AICF—how utterly original), and claimed to spearhead humanitarian projects around the world. And that's about as "humanitarian" as they got: some buildings, concerts, and a few thousand dollars tossed overseas into a couple of projects that no one's ever heard of or even pretends to care about.

Exit and Support Network has an excellent article about how "humanitarian" Flurry and the Philadelphia Church of God really are, and it's exactly what you'd expect—pure gold for anyone who enjoys a good laugh at hypocrisy.

Does the Philadelphia Church of God have a humanitarian work?

First, let’s define our terms. Merriam-Webster defines humanitarian as “a person promoting human welfare and social reform.”

Visit the PCG website, and at the bottom you’ll see an image with the word “Humanitarianism” superimposed over it. Click on that and you’re introduced to the wonderful world of PCG humanitarianism, all of which is framed under their “Armstrong International Cultural Foundation” and Armstrong Auditorium.

The PCG gives the following context to their lofty humanitarian activities under the foundation:

The two-pronged concept behind all of the foundation’s goals and activities is: 1) that man is a unique being, possessing vast mental, physical and spiritual potentials—the development of which should be aided and encouraged, and 2) that it is the responsibility of all men to attend to and care for the needs of their fellow men, a precept professed by the vast majority of religions of the world—appropriately summed up in three biblical words: ‘Love thy neighbor.’

Oh, "Love thy neighbor"—what a bizarre, utterly alien concept for any COG group to actually grapple with, right? The tired, worn-out mantra they trotted out as their go-to excuse for ignoring their neighbors was, "Why waste money now when God will fix everything in the Kingdom?" Because, you know, divine procrastination is totally a thing.

Garner Ted tried this noble little outreach in the Pasadena area, using the Student Center as a kitchen to feed the homeless and destitute. Oh boy, did the crap hit the fan on that one—big time! Another minister even teamed up with other Pasadena churches to start a program for people battling addictions. But Herbert slammed the brakes on that real fast. After all, never forget that alcohol was basically the church's second god—priorities, people!

The ESN post continues:

One wonders about all spiritual AND physical aid and help they’ve provided to the impoverished, needy, homeless, widows and orphans! Let’s dig in to see how they are serving their community. 

 

Quick refresher: the PCG headquarters is in Edmond, Oklahoma, in the United States.

Surprisingly, a quick review of the page is startlingly bereft of humanitarian efforts for actual neighbors. Here’s some highlights: 

• they did some archeological excavations in… Jerusalem 
• they refurbished a Liberty Bell in… Jerusalem 
• ah yes, back in 1996 they helped some handicapped children in… Jordan 
• they “lent support” to the Petra National Trust (whatever that means) also in… Jordan 

You have to keep reading for the real juicy humanitarian efforts, though:

• in 1998, (wait for it) they sponsored a small concert series that attracted tens of thousands of guests
• in 2004 they “obtained some of the treasures” from an old auditorium (you read that correctly) 
• in 2010 they completed construction of a new auditorium to house these treasures!

It should be mentioned that they participate in an archaeological dig in Jerusalem at this time, but not as a humanitarian project. 

ESN continues:

They incompletely quote this passage: “ ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 

 

Absent in this “humanitarian” endeavor is mention of a single dollar, outreach program, or volunteer effort that serves the physically needy who comprise the actual Edmond-based neighbors of the PCG. That’s because they don’t actually do any of that. They don’t donate to food pantries, visit the elderly or sick, provide for those impacted by floods or storms, etc. They don’t help the homeless, victims of domestic violence, or the widows and children of dead soldiers. They give away a LOT of printed propaganda, but they don’t even give away FREE Bibles. I know, because I used to be a member. 

 

One thing that Joe Tkach Sr. had going for him was that he actually donated to various organizations and helped those in need locally in Pasadena and elsewhere, much to the chagrin of some pearl-clutching church members. 

The United Church of God does some good works through Vic Kubik's organization, which surprisingly helps non-church members, too. So, hey, there are a few COG groups that do love their neighbors—unlike the four oh-so-elitist COG groups that couldn't care less: the Philadelphia Church of God, Continuing Church of God, Church of God Preaching the Kingdom, and Restored Church of God.

Perhaps they didn’t read James 2:16:

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 

 

The entire PCG humanitarian “work” is a facade for building their own fame and reputation. Sure, they host a lot of high-class, quality musical performances, but not for free. You have to buy a ticket. And those performances don’t fill hungry bellies, provide shelter from cold and rain, or pay the rent of recently widowed mothers. 

 

Even based on their own standard, the PCG is failing to live up to the biblical principle of “love thy neighbor.” 

 

They are the same as every other grifting church, transferring wealth from the rank and file members to the elites of their gated Edmond compound under the guise of ‘good works’, and even invoking the Bible to do so. 

 

I can only imagine what Christ actually thinks about the PCG. 

 

By Ivan (former PCG member)
July 17, 2025 The Humanitarian Side of the Philadelphia Church of God 

 

Why Do COG Cult Leaders Brag That God Took Their Wives Away So That They Could Focus Upon The Work?

Oh, what a profoundly inspirational spectacle it was, all of us glued to our seats in rapt adoration as the magnificent Herbert Armstrong babbled endlessly after his poor wife's oh-so-convenient exit from this mortal coil. Eagerly hanging on every word as he smugly announced that the Almighty Himself had snatched her away, all for the noble purpose of letting Herb hyper-focus on his oh-so-vital "work"? There we were, brilliant as a herd of enlightened lambs, nodding along like this was the pinnacle of divine logic, straight from the heavens. The hilariously overlooked reality? Good ol' Herb couldn't be bothered to greenlight a basic, no-brainer procedure to unclog her bowels and save her life. But wait, there's more genius: he pirouettes like a pro and slaps the blame for her demise—and those stubbornly blocked innards—right onto us, the hapless church peons. The whole congregation was mired in glorious stagnation, rotting away like yesterday's compost, and naturally, it was entirely our brilliant fault. Bravo!

And lo and behold, stepping into the spotlight as the self-crowned kingpin of Herb's laughably majestic empire is none other than Gerald Flurry, yet another delightfully deranged pint-sized despot, eternally overinflating his ego with bombast and fake machismo to distract from his... adorably compact frame. After graciously allowing his first wife to wither and expire sans any real medical intervention, he too trots out the divine alibi: his all-merciful god mercifully bumped her off so he could sharpen his laser-like devotion to "the work." How utterly original!

Even the incomparable Dave Pack hopped aboard this oh-so-crucial apostolic thought train, snatching up a second wife for himself—who, by pure divine coincidence, just happened to be the nurse caring for his first wife—all to supercharge his utterly mind-boggling preparations for Jesus's glorious return to the sacred hotspot of Wadsworth, Ohio. So far, he hasn't summoned the holy guts to unceremoniously dump her like the rest of these spiritual superstars.

These paragons of humility and self-sacrifice—bless their narcissistic hearts—each proceeded to lasso in spry young brides, spinning it to the flock as an absolute necessity for propping up their earth-shattering, awe-inducing ministries with some fresh-faced vigor. Then, in a plot twist so predictable it hurts, each dumps his perky partner like yesterday's news and declares with pious flair that singleton status is the only way to truly crush it for the cause. Church of God faithful? Oh, what razor-sharp visionaries we are—veritable geniuses of discernment, or should I say, the fluffiest, most bamboozle-prone flock of dimwitted sheep to ever grace a pasture!

Exit and Support Network has this:

Members Forget What GF Said After His First Wife Died:
November 7, 2025 

 

This letter is in regards to Gerald Flurry’s second wife leaving him. 

 

The PCG is, and always has been, about a man. 

 

However, much like the liberals that they excoriate all the time, PCG members have a short memory. I know because I used to be one. 

 

I can clearly remember when Gerald Flurry said from the pulpit, shortly after his wife, Barbara, died, [September 5, 2004] “Brethren, I believe God took my wife away so that I can focus on the Work.” Likely, none of them remembered that when he took his now-ex, second wife. 

 

You can bet that the PCG is sparing no expense for Flurry’s medical care, likely administered privately at home without much fanfare. Meanwhile, “church” doctrine and counseling for members is to trust God to heal and eschew medical care. 

 

PCG members will have to do some deep reflection when Flurry dies. Their firmly held convictions about Flurry’s role and self-proclaimed offices will all vanish in the wind, just like Stephen Flurry’s high-pitched voice. –Former PCG member [Note by ESN: Read 6-11-20 letter: “Stephen Flurry’s Voice Bombards Your Senses.”] 

 

HWA Likewise Said He Could Focus More on the Work
November 8, 2025 

 

Regarding the previous letter. HWA likewise wrote that he later came to realize that one reason Loma died and was not healed [she died April 15, 1967] was so he “could focus more on the Work.” I wasn’t a member yet but receiving all the co-worker letters, Plain Truth, and other literature. I don’t remember which it was in, but I clearly remember standing in my living room reading those words that Loma didn’t like to fly and he would have to do a lot of flying now because of new radio doors opening up overseas. –[name withheld]

Crackpot Prophet: Unlike Me, Most COG Groups Are Too Stupid To Understand Daniel 11

Bow down and tremble before the all-knowing prophet, the absolute pinnacle of prophetic genius to ever bless the Church of God since Abel, Enoch, and Abraham deigned to show up on the scene. Some folks dare to whisper that Abel and Enoch were the original prophets, even if they weren't officially labeled as such in the divine HR department. Then along comes Abraham, getting direct hotline chats from God about future events, casually spreading his profound message and his, ahem, prolific seed across the globe like it was no big deal.

And let's not forget the legendary Samuel, whom God oh-so-conveniently used to drop some harsh truths on Eli about his utterly corrupt kids and the impending doom of those pesky Philistines swooping in to conquer Israel and snatch the Ark of the Covenant like it was a Black Friday doorbuster.

Fast-forward to this glorious year of 2025, and aren't we just utterly blessed—nay, dumbfounded—to be graced with a veritable parade of real, live prophets? I mean, we've got heavyweights like Dave Pack, Ron Weinland, Gerald Flurry, Alton Billingsley, and, drumroll please, the crowning jewel: our very own self-appointed, self-aggrandizing crackpot who's yet to cough up a single prophetic utterance that's even vaguely acquainted with reality. But hey, why let a little thing like zero accuracy cramp your style?

Alas, such trifling failures have never deterred the Great Bwana from smugly trashing his fellow so-called prophets and those pathetic Church of God splinter groups as a bunch of deluded, puppet-like morons too dim-witted to grasp scripture with the razor-sharp insight he alone possesses. Ah, the unparalleled perks of snagging your theology degree from that prestigious Indian diploma mill, conveniently housed in a luxurious double-wide trailer somewhere in the subcontinent. Who says God doesn't have a wicked sense of humor? Clearly, the Almighty's rolling in the aisles!

Today, this divine gift to humanity and the Churches of God decided to unleash his righteous fury on COGWA, United, and assorted other COG outfits, branding them as hopelessly ignorant fools who couldn't interpret Daniel 11 if their eternal salvation depended on it—which, according to him, it totally does. He proceeded to ridicule their interpretations as laughably shallow and utterly vapid, so disastrously wrong that they'll be blissfully clueless when the real moment arrives to hightail it to Petra, Pella, or whatever godforsaken dustbowl in the Middle East where the Great Bwana plans to lord over his flock like a desert despot.

He proclaims, with all the humility of a peacock on steroids:

Nearly all who are part of claimed and real Church of God (COG) groups such as the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG), United Church of God (UCG), COGWA, and Living Church of God (LCG) believe that their leaders understand end time prophecy.

Yet, the reality is that on many prophetic points the teachings of those groups are confused or otherwise in error. Some of their errors have to do with Daniel 11.

While many are aware of Gerald Flurry’s incorrect identification of Iran as the final “King of the South,” some may be surprised to realize that PCG, UCG, COGWA, and LCG do not understand the proper sequence of Daniel 11 nor the timing of the attacks by the King of the North.

I'm not about to inflict all of his twisted, labyrinthine interpretations that he hurls at each group like verbal grenades, but the crux of his eternal tantrum? He's still seething—positively boiling—that Rod Meredith had the audacity to ignore his brilliant insights. How dare he!

For years I tried to work with LCG on this point as they had a publication written by John Ogwyn that agreed with the sequence that I have taught–that the King of the North invades the USA and Anglo-Saxon nations prior to the invasion of the King of the South. John Ogwyn and the rest of the then LCG Charlotte-based evangelists all told me I was right about that. Yet, LCG has continued with two differing sequences that are in contradiction–which is confusing.

The Great Bwana doesn't stop there; oh no, he even takes a swing at Herbert Armstrong and the old Radio Church of God for their supposed ignorance:

Notice that Herbert Armstrong has Daniel 11:31 first, then the USA and UK getting attacked (Daniel 11:39). While it is true that the old Radio Church of God misunderstood the sequence originally, it changed decades ago–yet some (like in the leadership of PCG, UCG, and LCG) never have understood the change and still prefer to rely on an overridden tradition over the Bible.

But wait, plot twist! He then concedes that good ol' Herb eventually got it right:

From no later than 1979 until the time of his death, Herbert Armstrong correctly taught that the Great Tribulation first begins with an attack by the European King of the North, not that the King of the North first invades the King of the South.

Yet he can't resist circling back to savage LCG one more time. Ouch, that lingering butthurt must sting like a swarm of biblical locusts!

I tried to work with LCG on this for many years, and although their top evangelists agreed multiple times (and at least once it was agreed in a meeting by one of their leaders that WCG had changed its view by the 1970s to the biblical view I was advocating; they never changed their publications to reflect this.

The undisputed king of all narcissists then drops this gem, desperately wishing LCG would finally bow to his wisdom:

Since I was unable to get LCG to change while I was with it, despite agreements by its leaders to fix LCG’s errors on this point, hopefully pointing this error out again will assist them to correct it. Otherwise, this will be another area where those in LCG will misunderstand prophecy.

And for his grand finale, the Great Bwana unleashes his all-time favorite doomsday threat on every Church of God group under the sun:

One to consider is that unless they change their positions, NEITHER PCG NOR UCG NOR LCG OR OTHERS IN MANY COGS WILL REALIZE WHEN THE GREAT TRIBULATION WILL BEGIN AND THEIR SUPPORTERS WILL NOT FLEE TO BE PROTECTED IN A PLACE OF SAFETY IN THE WILDERNESS (Revelation 12:14-16). Their positions will be proven to be false.

But fear not, mere mortals! The Great Bwana swoops in like a caped crusader to rescue the day; he and his pint-sized cult alone clutch the sure word of prophecy and hoard all the truth. Prostrate yourselves before his overwhelming awesomeness, why don't you?

We in the Continuing Church of God strive to always rely on the Bible over tradition: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).

Remember, boys and girls, if and only if you repent and grovel at the feet of the one true Philadelphian church, you'll be doomed to never know the actual time to flee to Petra—where you'll endure a torturous 3 1/2 years of listening to the Great One drone on with his utterly fantastical, make-believe interpretations of Scripture. What a blessing!

UPDATED: Is The Wedding Of The Century Over? Flurry Clan Kicks Vicki To The Curb

 

Gerald Flurry's wedding announcement October 30, 2020:

Special announcement

Dear brethren: I have been meeting with Vicki Barreiro for one year. It all started with ministerial counseling. We both developed feelings for each other in that process. We have been dating exclusively for the last four months. We plan to marry in a private wedding with only our immediate families on November 16.

—Pastor General Gerald Flurry. 

See: The Wedding Of The Century! King Gerald Flurry Is Getting Married!

Now, jump to 2025, and the wedding bliss is no longer blissful. Vicki woke up from her blindness and set herself free, with a little help from the vindictive Flurry family. Try and find a photo of King Gerry and Vicki together; it is next to impossible. PCG has scrubbed her photo from their sites.

From Exit and Support Network 

UPDATED Vicki Barreiro Has Left Her Husband:

November 2, 2025

It was announced yesterday that Vikki Flurry has left her husband, Gerald Flurry.

The sermon was by Stephen Flurry, and included long clips by Herbert Armstrong, and Gerald Flurry, haranguing about supporting “God’s true church,” and then horrible Laodiceans. Much yelling–which I could hear from the other room. It was entitled: “Fight, Fight, Fight.”

I hate gossip, as I have been a victim of it’s abuse, and I try to stay far away, but it is the truth and people should be warned. Also, those who still have family in the gulags of the PCG need to know what is happening to our loved ones.

The only way I can see my way clear of this mess is to accept the grace of Christ, and pray, and read the Bible without their booklets.

By the way, there is another revised version of the Key of David book, which I cannot read. It sickens me greatly (an understatement, to say the least) to read or hear them. –[name withheld]

UPDATED: No Queen at PCG Headquarters? 

November 3, 2025

This is just me speculating, but I am guessing Vicki bailed when she realized she wasn’t going to be queen after all. What a shame.

But honestly. Can you just imagine marrying Gerald Flurry in his current condition and trying to become one with that? Clearly Satan has deceived him into believing he is a king to God. Imagine his nutso-mindset attacking her every minute of every day with wackadoodle nonsense. Poor thing. She clearly didn’t think the results of her marriage-decision through.

No wonder Stephen is upset. His hands are always full inheriting and explaining his dad’s mess. –[name withheld]

And then this:

Vicki Evidently Pushed Out When She Could No Longer Be Controlled:
November 3, 2025 

 

I have a bit of a different take on the situation with Vicki Flurry. 

 

If you’ll remember, it all started when GF was counseling her about her husband. She was told to divorce him! Not precisely sure how long the “counseling” went on for but it would be more accurately described as transference in the psychology world. (“Transference is a psychological phenomenon where a patient unconsciously redirects feelings, desires, and expectations onto their therapist.”) He took advantage of her very fragile state! [Note by ESN: Read: Special Announcement where GF tells about that ministerial counseling with Vicki.] 

 

She no doubt thought she was entering into a safe, peaceful, righteous and God-fearing family. She was totally deceived. Behind closed doors that family is just as full with back stabbing, bickering, jealousy, jockeying and manipulation like any others. What a shock it must have been for her to see their true colors slowly seep out. 

 

With GF’s health deteriorating rapidly, the awareness of a very flawed and fake family, and waking up every morning to a gross, old, failing mean old man, carrying on everyday as his caretaker/maid, would quickly pull the blinders off allowing someone to process the situation for what it is–a fraud.
No doubt, knowing their Dad is nearing death, the “kids” watched her every move and attitude and when they noticed she was no longer blinded to their facade, they began to push her out! Same MO they use on members whom they can longer control. They likely made her life miserable until she couldn’t take it anymore. Because one thing is for certain, Stephen, Laura and families aren’t about to give up one penny of GF’s inheritance to that woman! 

 

I hope one day she’ll reach out to ESN and tell her side of the story and heal from the awful situation she was apart of. I can only imagine the stories she has to tell and the abuses she witnessed. –Former PCG member [name withheld]

Philadelphia Church of God Destroys Another Family Due To Vile No Contact Rule

 

The sickness that permeates the Philadelphia Church of God gets worse by the day. Their vile "no contact" rule that breaks up families, marriages, and relationships has contributed to another suicide.

This was on the Exit and Support Network PCG page:

October 27, 2025

My youngest son killed himself 9 months ago.

One of the reasons is because he never got over losing his older brother and sister to the PCG’s “no contact rule.”

He lost his mother when he was 12. Something he took very hard.

Then when I was put out of the PCG, he lost his brother and sister who remained in the “church” and quit contact with me and him. Toward the end he talked about them a lot. He could not understand why they would not contact me, my other daughter that is out of the PCG, or him. He wanted to go visit them but thought they would not welcome him unless he was in “the church.”

But, he wanted nothing to do with that “church.”

Even though my daughter Elise is in the PCG and under the “no contact rule.” Under penalty of being cast into the lake of fire by Gerald Flurry, she did text me, call me and sent me a picture of her son, my little grandson, who it turns out she had named after her brother, my son Sterling, that had just killed himself. And she told me she was going to have another baby, a girl.

So not only did I lose my youngest son, I lost my other son, my daughter, a grandson and a granddaughter.

How much longer will God allow this evil group to continue? How many families have been destroyed and lives lost?

I hope you post this and use real names. –Dan Moffett (Former PCG member)

PCG and Cal Culpepper Recoil In Fear After Threat Of Lawsuit Regarding Grandparents Rights

 

The Exit and Support Network has an interesting letter up about grandparent rights when it comes to PCG members keeping grandchildren away from them due to the vile Philadelphia Church of God teachings. 

This should be used by anyone who lives in a state that allows for grandparent rights.

It is always fun to watch Cal Culpepper cower in fear at the threat of a lawsuit. He runs his mouth off and says absolutely batshit crazy things and then runs like a little whimpering puppy with his tail between his legs.

A former PCG member had this to say about Culpepper

Cal Culpepper is a very evil and arrogant man. His wickedness has destroyed many lives and families. Anyone that has personally dealt with him or ministers like him in this group have been left damaged. His dirty deeds are kept secret from members, as I am quite sure that there are great offenses that Flurry himself is unaware of. Cal is a narcissistic sociopath and Flurry allows it, giving him great power, materialism, trust and authority. The members fear him. He is a demon possessed Diotrephes. One day coming, he and the PCG band will be dried up, withered in time by the hand of God himself, as membership continues to steadily decline. God is watching. He will judge him, Flurry, and his branch. The vengeance solely is His. The true and only absolute Hope in our lives is in Jesus Christ our Savior, our King. Cal Culpepper Continues His Trail of Destruction in the Philadelphia Church of God

Back to the lawsuit: 

Lawsuit to See My Grandchildren:

October 1, 2025 

When God delivered me from the PCG I still had children in the cult. 

 

One of my children had a child but they were forbidden by “King Flurry “to let me see my grandchild under penalty of them all being cast into the Lake of Fire. 

 

However, my state has a “grandparents right law” that says grandparents have a right to see their grandchildren. 

 

I contacted an attorney and he sent my child a letter telling them about the law and warning them of a lawsuit if they refused. 

 

They took the letter to their minister Cal Culpepper and asked the “church” for assistance. Culpepper told them the “church” could not help them. They were on their own in a lawsuit.
So my child and their family left the “church” (PCG) and invited me to see my grandchild.
That cult only takes from members, never gives to them. 

 

I am making plans of taking another child of mine to court and they will be getting a letter from my attorney. –Former PCG member [name withheld]

Check out the Grandparent Rights Organization for up-to-date resources to assist grandparents. 

Facebook Support: https://www.facebook.com/grandparentsrights.org/

 

Philadelphia Church of God and Their Mystery of the Ages Con Job

 

For some insane reason, the Philadelphia Church of God is going into overdrive lately to promote the most useless book the church has ever published, Mystery of the Ages. 

Gerald Flurry makes this absurd claim:

Mr. Armstrong said, “I feel I myself did not write it. Rather, I believe God used me in writing it.” Those are inspiring and frightening words. If they are true, then those words flowed right out of the mind of the living, all-powerful God! Anybody who reads and studies Mystery of the Ages would surely have to agree.

Mystery of the Ages sums up God’s Work through Mr. Armstrong. Surely Christ must have personally directed and inspired such a critical, end-time message.

This kind of nonsense is reminiscent of the Mormons, who claim their Book of Mormon is a "new" testament that sits alongside the Bible. Both are needed to understand the Bible. Without either of these books being used, believers are too dumb to understand the Bible. Enlightenment and truth only come from Herbert Armstrong or Joseph Smith.

Both cults also make the same claim that Gerald Flurry makes:

I believe our greatest shame today would be rejecting that book!

Flurry goes on to claim that the most important thing the PCG can do today is to get MOA in the hands of as many as possible. Forget that inconvenient dude called Jesus and anything taught and accomplished with his death and resurrection! He is just some wimpy Israelite that stands in the way of the greatest truth teller to live, even greater than Bob Thiel, Herbert W Armstrong.

Mr. Armstrong wanted it to reach “the largest audience possible.” If you comprehend the message of that book, this has to be God’s desire also.We must let God use us to get this book to “the largest audience possible.”

I believe “the largest audience possible” should become our battle cry today! Now is the great moment for God’s Philadelphians. This is our most critical hour. We must pick up the dropped baton and finish the gun lap! We must stretch and strain to win the greatest race we will ever run!

This must be God’s supreme goal for His Philadelphian elect today. He inspired those words, “the largest audience possible.” That expression came from God’s own mind! You can see that clearly if you truly understand Mystery of the Ages. We must not fail God. So much hangs in the balance—even reaching into the universe and living for all eternity.

Then, Gerald Flurry, not to be outdone by Herbert Armstrong and Bob Thiel, has to promote his own writings as equally important to understand the Bible with:

My book Malachi’s Message was mainly revealed for Church members and those familiar with what Mr. Armstrong taught. So you can see how, suddenly, we now have a message for billions of people, not just a few hundred thousand!

Our work now is to get a final warning trumpet blast to every person on this planet, which is plunging headlong to its death! It will take a supreme effort from each member of the very elect to achieve God’s goal for us.

If God’s message is to be thundered around the world during the Laodicean era, the Philadelphia Church of God must do it! Nobody else will!

If we do, exciting and majestic miracles will accompany this work and your individual life. Remember, God says, “I am with you always.” The harder we work, the more powerful are God’s miracles. 

If Christ personally dictated to Herbert Armstrong, Joseph Smith, and Gerald Flurry everything they have all written, why have each of them or their church edited words out and added their own words to these sacred texts, completely changing the meaning of the original texts?

No one, and I mean absolutely NO ONE, needs to read any of these three books. None of them contains anything necessary for salvation. None of them can save you or create a relationship with Jesus that normal Christians understand.

Flurry ends with this complete nonsense:

In the midst of the Earth’s greatest suffering, we get to announce the return of Jesus Christ. If we properly do our job, our reward will dazzle God’s Family for all eternity!

The greatest single gift we can give to the world is Mystery of the Ages. Let’s think and work like God and give it to “the largest audience possible”! 

 

PCG Celebrating The Most God Aweful Book Ever Written - Mystery of the Ages

 

The Philadelphia Church of God is trumpeting today about how 40 years ago, Herbert gave his book to the sophomore class at Ambassador College in Pasadena.

Never has the church published a more useless and awful book than this!

Oh, wait, let's not forget those other brain burners like: 

The Incredible Human Potential, 

The Missing Dimension in Sex, 

Tomorrow's World: What It Will Be Like,

and that ridiculous US & BC book.

Did anyone ever actually read these books?