In 1993, Jeffrey was a 23-year-old struggling to find his place in the world. Penniless, jobless, and living with his parents, he felt isolated from his siblings. So, when his sister and brother suddenly began showering him with attention and affection, he couldn’t help but wonder why. What Jeffrey didn’t realize at the time was that his siblings were no longer the people he once knew; they had become agents of a cult—The International Churches of Christ (ICOC).
The Cult’s Divide-and-Conquer Tactics
Cults have a sinister way of breaking down individuals into two identities: the person’s true self and their cult-altered persona. For Jeffrey, his sister and brother had become “Cult Andrea” and “Cult John,” manipulated into becoming “sold-out soldiers for God,” as the ICOC liked to call their members.
The ICOC, founded by Thomas “Kip” McKean in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1979, started as an offshoot of the Church of Christ. By the time Jeffrey’s siblings were recruiting him, the movement had fully evolved into a controversial cult known for its aggressive and manipulative tactics.
A Coercive Invitation
At the time, Jeffrey didn’t know much about the ICOC, but something felt off. His brother, John, offered him a place to stay—but with a catch: Jeffrey had to attend the ICOC services. If he refused, he would be left homeless. Feeling desperate, Jeffrey reluctantly agreed, but his first experience was jarring. The pastor screamed at the congregation, and the deacons tried to trap him in the service. When Jeffrey refused to return, his brother abandoned him in a dangerous part of town during a blizzard. This callous act was entirely out of character for the real John, who had always been kind and loving. The cult had taken over.
The Relentless Grip of Indoctrination
Despite his initial resistance, Jeffrey found himself attending the ICOC’s services a few years later. This time, the cult’s indoctrination methods took hold. The ICOC used “Bible Studies” as a tool to manipulate prospective members into obedience. These studies were designed not to enlighten, but to control. Members were pressured into dating only within the cult, obeying a “Discipling Partner,” and revealing intimate personal details, all to tighten the cult’s grip on their lives.
On October 30, 1996, Jeffrey was officially inducted into the ICOC. He immediately regretted it but stayed for twelve long years, knowing that leaving would mean losing the only community he had, even if that community was a facade.
The Pain of Isolation
Jeffrey’s fears were confirmed when he finally left the cult. He received just one call from a former member, not to reconnect, but to ensure he wasn’t suicidal. After that, silence. His sister and brother only contacted him to pressure him into rejoining the ICOC. When Jeffrey refused, the communication ceased entirely. The people who once acted as his friends disappeared as if he never existed. The emotional toll was severe, and only through trauma counselling was Jeffrey able to start healing.
A Life Reclaimed
Today, Jeffrey is a happy and productive member of society, free from the chains of cult control. He acts with self-discipline and has rebuilt his life on his terms. Meanwhile, Thomas McKean and several high-ranking members of the ICOC are now facing lawsuits for multiple crimes, including sexual abuse against minors and women.
Jeffrey’s story is a powerful reminder that people don’t willingly join cults—they are recruited through lies, coercion, and manipulation. His journey highlights the importance of understanding the true nature of cults and the devastating impact they can have on individuals and families.
Conclusion
Jeffrey’s courage in sharing his story serves as a beacon of hope for others who have been affected by similar experiences. It’s a reminder that, despite the darkness, it is possible to break free and reclaim your life.
Stop Mandated Shunning is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of cults and the harmful practices they employ, such as mandated shunning. If you or someone you know has been affected by a high-control group or cult, know that you are not alone. There is help, and there is hope.
Thank you, Jeffrey, for sharing your story. Together, we can make a difference!
If you have a story to share or need support, please reach out to us.