Is There A Darkside to Megachurches? [VJR]

America is home to around 1,000 “megachurches” — churches that draw more than 2,000 congregants each week. Many flourish on TV, Radio, and online. But is there another side to some megachurches that many just don’t know about?

Welcome to the Vipp Jaswal Report.

The report that asks insightful questions and gets revealing answers from people whose lives are faced with dilemmas and challenges beyond the ordinary.

In this podcast, I discuss the megachurch culture as reported by an insider, Pamela King Cable. Ms. Cable has just penned a new novel titled Televenge, which centers around a suspicious local televangelist. But Ms. Cable’s intimate real-life knowledge of –and experience with– megachurches is the compelling fodder for this latest edition of the Vipp Jaswal Report.

Audio clip:

20 Comments

  1. Lili Richey Willard

    November 9, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    I love this book! I enjoyed the interview. Pamela King Cable is right about alot of things. We must be careful who we listen to, who we believe, and it is up to us to make sure that what is being preached/taught is truly the Word of God. Many are taken in by those who are simply out for personal gain. I don't believe Ms Cable thinks ALL large churches are like the one she wrote about, but that we need to be watchful, because there are many examples of abuse of one sort or another. I enjoyed the interview, and again, I love the book!

  2. Nancy White

    November 9, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    Thank you so much for introducing me to Pamela King Cable's book, Televenge. Like many other listeners, I've always wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the televangelists' world. I can't wait to check out this insightful look to the world of religious entertainment!

    Nancy White
    Spencer, North Carolina

  3. Gail Cauble Gurley

    November 9, 2012 at 4:12 pm

    Pamela King Cable is a dynamic personality, devout Christian and phenomenal writer. Her work leaves me breathless and hungry for more. She paints a portrait with her words and I’m pulled into the pages, living what she so eloquently presents. I loved TELEVENGE as well as SOUTHERN FRIED WOMEN and look forward to many more Pamela King Cable novels in the future. I recommend her work to everyone! She touches the soul and makes us look at ourselves and those we follow with a more discerning eye and careful heart. We must be certain we are following God, not some leader who professes to be from God. History teaches us the danger in that trap. Look at what happened when millions followed Hitler. Millions of others died as a result of that madman and the people who followed him. TELEVENGE is a powerful work of literature!Gail G, Granite Quarry, NC

  4. Listener

    November 9, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    When a woman is willing to lose her family and her business, you know that she is putting everything on the line for what she believes. You may or may not agree with her, but if you listen to the interview you will get a little more insight into Pamela King Cable.

  5. Kathy Atlanta, GA

    November 9, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    I was also raised in a “Mega church”. As an innocent child, I had a numbing fear for the pastor, the church and it's teachers. Where was the warmth, love, leadership? Why was an innocent child taught to fear God? It took me many adult years to realize and understand the answer to that question. The more you fear, the more you attend. People are searching for a ticket to heaven. Unfortunately they sometimes confuse the man on the pulpit for God himself. God is not to be feared. Not the loving God I have accepted as an adult. Read this truly amazing book! Wonderfully written by Pamela King Cable. Let it open your eyes, answer your questions. Keep the faith!

    • LMB

      November 10, 2012 at 11:11 am

      The fear of God is right and healthy as long as it is taught correctly. God does not owe us anything. He can do as He pleases and no one can challenge Him. Isaiah 46:9-11. We should have a healthy fear of Him. But fear that is based on some Hollywood horror flick is not what the child of God should believe is in store for them. God is love and most of all He is Holy, holy, holy. He is merciful today if we turn to Him in surrender. But if we reject the Lordship and rule of Jesus Christ we will face Him as the Judge who will at that time condemn us by our own choice. Revelation 20:10-15. Accept His love today… John 3:16-21. as respect His power and might with reverential respect in the highest manner possible.

  6. Lynn C. Willis

    November 9, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    Bravo, Pam! Great interview. I truly admire your courage for even broaching such a subject. My God is a loving and merciful God, not one who paralyzes me with fear.

  7. Penny Shreve

    November 9, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    First, let me say that I was hooked on Televenge from the first paragraph! Not only has Pamela King Cable delivered phenomenal writing and story telling, but on a personal level I could relate to Televenge after having been delivered in 1997 from a spiritually abusive church. And it's exactly like she pointed out in this interview: 'When you're fighting a man's perception of God, there's no winning with him.' Money is a big issue in the mega-churches, although it is not so much in little country churches like the one I went to. But the 'charismatic pull' and 'inner circle' she spoke of are very much alive in smaller churches, as well, where disagreeing with the pastor is tantamount to disagreeing with God. "Televenge" hits the nail on the head on so many levels…and it's a story that must be told. BRAVO, PAMELA!

  8. Cindy

    November 9, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    This is a terrific interview with a wonderful author about her excellent novel. "Televenge" is a beautifully written, compelling story. Well done, and I can’t wait to see what’s next from this talented writer. Congratulations, Pam!

  9. Rhonda

    November 10, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    I want NAMES!!

  10. Fran Mingo

    November 10, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    All of these comments sound like they were written by the same person. Same writing style, same voice. Just sayin'.

  11. addy

    November 10, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    What an insightful interview! Ms. Cable was an amazing guest, revealing so much more than the average sound byte. I hope to hear more from her in the future. She has such a refreshing, intelligent perspective.

  12. stepheck

    November 10, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    I left my church earlier this year under happy circumstances (a new job and move) and I was heartbroken to leave my church family. Coming home to them again made life better. I can't imagine how horrible it would be to feel forced to leave under the conditions you faced. A church family is one of God's greatest gifts–I hope you found one that loves you.

  13. Cindy

    November 10, 2012 at 10:51 pm

    Pam's writing is amazing. She is a master storyteller, as evidenced in Televenge. I love hearing about her motivation in writing this beautiful novel and I wonder what's next in store for her fans. Love the book and the interview!

  14. Don Harvey

    November 11, 2012 at 10:18 am

    When a friend suggested I read the book Televenge I was unfamiliar with the inner workings of a Megachurch. Although a cautionary eye-opener, I found this book to be a very good mystery thriller. As the main character Andie battles back from hopelessness and despair to courage and a fighting spirit, the suspense and drama were wonderfully developed. The setting was a Megachurch society, but a great mystery novel is still a great mystery novel. Well done, Pamela!

  15. Donna Samples

    November 11, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    An amazing story told by an amazing woman. The book is definitely a page turner and interesting to a person who has never been involved in a megachurch. Fantastic read and wonderful interview.

  16. Cindy

    November 11, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    Televenge is an excellent book, beautifully written by a talented author. It was wonderful hearing more about this author, and her writing. I look forward to reading more by Pamela King Cable.

  17. Buck

    November 15, 2012 at 10:04 am

    I really enjoyed listening to this interview. Vipp asked many questions that seem to be on the minds of not only those who can't fathom the idea of a church totally running one's life, but also those who are secretly wondering how they have allowed that very thing to happen to them! We will always have the finger-waggers, the self-appointed "you'd better do it my way or else" charlatans who market a vengeful God. I hope people are seeing their posturing for what it is–the need to control, the need to fulfill ego and the need to line their pockets with someone else's cash.
    Pam's experiences sound like an intriguing basis for her book Televenge. I'll definitely read it!

  18. Laine Cunningham

    November 15, 2012 at 11:26 am

    Pamela Cable has written an exceptional novel, and this podcast goes into some of the critical components she works with in the story. The idea that any congregant can stand up against the corruption of the megachurches and still hold onto her faith is complex and deeply nuanced. Thank you for having her on as a guest. This has really added to the experience of reading her novel as well as helped people struggling with the corruption so rampant in so many religious organizations these days.

  19. Guest

    November 20, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    Rhonda. You,want names. Grace Cathedral in Ohio. Evangelist of that church is Ernest Angley.