Some people wonder, “Is the International Christian Church (ICC) a cult?”
It’s a fair question—especially in today’s world, where anything that feels “too serious” or “too different” can raise red flags.
But before jumping to labels, let’s take a closer look. Because often, what people call a “cult” is really just a group that’s deeply committed—like how early Christians were seen in their day.
In other words, what seems “too much” to the world, might actually be exactly right in the eyes of God.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Cult, Really?
A cult is usually a group that:
- Follows a human leader as if they’re perfect
- Controls what members do, think, and believe
- Cuts people off from family and outside relationships
- Punishes questions or doubt
- Teaches things that go against the Bible
A true Christian church should never do those things. In fact, Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans for checking Scripture daily to make sure even the Apostle Paul was telling the truth!
In healthy churches, people are encouraged to think for themselves and study the Bible deeply.
So Then, Why Do Some People Call the ICC a Cult?
Some people misunderstand the ICC because it’s more serious about Christianity than what most are used to. But being serious about faith isn’t cultish—it’s Christlike.
Think of it like this:
- Soldiers get up early, follow orders, wear matching uniforms, and train hard. Nobody calls that a cult—they call it discipline.
- Athletes give up weekends, junk food, and sleep just to compete. That’s not brainwashing—that’s dedication.
- Entrepreneurs will risk everything to build their dream business. We admire their hustle.
So why is it suspicious when Christians give their whole hearts to following Jesus?
Let’s look at the top reasons people criticize the ICC—and compare each one with what the Bible says.
1. “They Expect Too Much From Members.”
What people say:
“They want you at church all the time, giving money, staying involved… it’s too much.”
What the Bible says:
Jesus always asked for full commitment. He said, “Anyone who does not give up everything… cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33). The first church met every day (Acts 2:46), helped each other financially, and lived like a spiritual family.
Think about this:
If a tight-knit family eats together, checks on each other daily, and sacrifices for each other—we don’t call that “too much.” We call it love. That’s how church should be.
The ICC teaches this kind of real family commitment. Not just showing up on Sunday—but doing life together like the Bible teaches.
2. “They Use Discipling to Control People.”
What people say:
“They pair you up with someone who tells you what to do. That’s controlling.”
What the Bible says:
Jesus discipled people one-on-one. He walked with them, corrected them, taught them. Paul did the same with Timothy (2 Tim. 2:2). Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Here’s a picture:
Having a discipling partner is like having a workout buddy. They don’t lift the weight for you, but they spot you, encourage you, and challenge you when you want to quit.
In the ICC, discipling is not about control—it’s about growing together. Nobody forces decisions. People are challenged to follow Jesus, not another person.
3. “They Focus Too Much on Evangelism.”
What people say:
“They always want you to invite people or share your faith. It feels like too much pressure.”
What the Bible says:
Jesus’ last command was to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Paul said, “Christ’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). Evangelism isn’t about guilt—it’s about gratitude.
Here’s the metaphor:
If someone finds the cure for cancer, they’d shout it from the rooftops. They wouldn’t keep it to themselves. Christians believe Jesus is the cure for sin and the hope of the world. Sharing that isn’t pressure—it’s love in action.
The ICC trains and encourages people to share their faith—not for numbers, but because people’s souls matter.
4. “They Think They’re the Only Ones Going to Heaven.”
What people say:
“They act like only people in their church are saved. That sounds cultish.”
What the Bible says:
The ICC doesn’t believe that only members of its organization are saved. They believe that anyone who follows Jesus the way the Bible teaches can be saved.
It’s not about the name on the building—it’s about the life you live. Jesus said, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister” (Matthew 12:50).
Here’s a metaphor:
Imagine there’s only one road that leads to a safe city. That road is Jesus’ way, taught in the Bible.
Different people may take different cars or walk at different speeds—but if they’re on that road, they’re headed to the same place.
The ICC’s mission isn’t to say, “we’re the only ones.” It’s to say: “Let’s all make sure we’re on the right road—the one Jesus laid out in Scripture.”
The goal is not exclusivity—it’s biblical accuracy.
That’s not pride. That’s conviction.
Even Jesus and the Early Church Were Called Names
Jesus was often misunderstood.
In Mark 3:21, His own family said He was “out of His mind.”
In John 10:20, some said He had a demon.
In Acts 24:5, the early church was called a “sect” (a word similar to how we use cult today).
Why? Because they were different. They weren’t casual. They weren’t normal. They were fully devoted to God—and the world didn’t know what to do with that.
So when the ICC gets called names today, it’s nothing new. It’s the same road Jesus walked.
Final Thoughts: What If It’s Not a Cult… But a Real Commitment?
The ICC is not a cult. It’s a group of people who are serious about following Jesus—not halfway, not casually, but all in.
Yes, it might look intense from the outside. But anything powerful usually does.
We admire soldiers, athletes, and business leaders for their drive and sacrifice. Why not admire believers who give their lives to the one who gave His life for us?
The next time someone says, “That church is a cult,” maybe ask this:
What if they’re just doing what Jesus actually asked all His followers to do… and the rest of us have settled for less?
Because sometimes what the world calls “extreme” is actually just faithfulness.
And maybe—just maybe—that kind of faith is exactly what the world needs right now.