The sixth characteristic follows naturally. Because abusive churches see themselves as elite, they expect persecution in the world and even feed on it. Criticism and exposure by the media are seen as proof that they are the true church being persecuted by Satan. However, the persecution received by abusive churches is different from the persecution received by Jesus and the Apostles. Jesus and the Apostles were persecuted for preaching the truth.
Abusive churches bring on much of their negative press because of their own actions.
This makes it difficult to witness to a person in such a church for he will see your attempt to share the gospel with him as persecution. This approach often helps in continuing the dialogue with a member of an abusive church who has been brainwashed to believe that all opposition is persecution. Young adults are the perfect age group to focus on because they are often looking for a cause to give their lives to, and they need love, affirmation, and acceptance. Often these churches will provide this, and the leaders frequently take the role of surrogate parents. The eighth characteristic is a painful and difficult exit process.