Hey everyone!  I got another episode here for the "We Were In a Cult?" Series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast. Today, we dive deep into a compelling and often heartbreaking topic with our episode titled "We Were In a Cult?" In this episode, we explore a story that spans five decades with our guest, Kathi, who began her journey in the 14th Street Church—later known as the Crossroads Church of Christ, the genesis of the ICOC. Kathi was baptized at an early age, but as she got older, she felt the pressure to be baptized again—something many members faced as the church's expectations evolved. In the beginning, Kathi found the church to be an amazing community that she truly loved. It was a place of belonging and spiritual growth. But as time went on, the cracks started to show. Kathi opens up about how the church's culture of control became stifling, where simply asking questions was viewed as an act of rebellion. She shares the pain of being labeled and ostracized by church leaders, and the heartbreak of seeing her own children turned against her. After leaving the ICOC for 10 years, Kathi returned—this time to the ICC. However, to her dismay, she saw the same issues that plagued the ICOC resurfacing in the ICC as well. In this episode, we delve into the difficult emotions of witnessing the church's changes over the years and confronting the same problems in a new environment. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about faith, control, and resilience as Kathi shares her powerful and deeply personal story. If you are a member, were a member, or know someone who was a member of the ICOC or the ICC and would like to share your story of your life in and out of the church and help us maybe get closer to answering the question "we were in a cult?", and maybe find some healing please contact me via email at [email protected] or you can DM via Instagram at the "Clemenz With a "Z" podcast" Instagram page.  As always, thank you for your continued support and if you like what you hear please rate and review!  If you don't remember, I'm just a channel, I ain't the source. If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524 Peace!