Podcast Summary: The Encounter Podcast with David Diga Hernandez
Episode: 5 Signs You’re in a Cult
Date: March 30, 2026
Host: David Diga Hernandez
Main Theme:
A biblical and balanced guide to recognizing unhealthy, cult-like church or ministry cultures—aimed at protecting believers from abuse and spiritual manipulation while distinguishing healthy spiritual leadership from toxic control.

Overview

In this episode, David Diga Hernandez shares candid, scripturally grounded warning signs that a church or ministry may be operating as a cult. His purpose is to empower listeners with discernment, ensuring that their spiritual environments foster health, transparency, and Christlike service rather than fear and abuse. David is careful to affirm his love for the Church and to distinguish constructive, biblical critique from the trend of senseless “church bashing” found online.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Caution Against Church Bashing

• [00:13] David warns against the popular trend of criticizing churches out of narcissism or personal offense.
• Quote:

  “I love the church and I am by no means in favor of the trendy church bashing... I think most of the online church bashing… comes from narcissistic, chronically offended people who use the church as a scapegoat for their own toxic behaviors.” — David Hernandez [00:16]

2. Sign #1: Leaders Who Can’t Be Questioned

• True spiritual authority is scriptural, but in cult-like environments, leaders treat their words as equal to God’s and are above correction.
• Scripture quoted: Hebrews 13:17
• Healthy Leadership vs. Cult Dynamics:
  • Healthy: Leaders have accountability, allow for questions, and value loving correction.
  • Cult-like: Questions are treated as attacks, concerns are suppressed, culture of fear prevails.
• Quote:

  “You’ll notice that in these cult-like settings, even a question is viewed as an attack.” — David Hernandez [02:54]

• Memorable Illustration:
  • Subtle culture of intimidation, where even asking a question makes everyone uncomfortable.
• Scripture quoted: Matthew 20:26-28
• Quote:

  “If you’re in a place where even a question, don’t even question, be quiet… or you start asking questions and people around you start becoming very uncomfortable. Why? Because there’s a culture of fear and intimidation and that’s what you have to watch out for.” — David Hernandez [04:00]

3. Sign #2: “We’re the Only Move of God”

• Cult-like ministries claim exclusive access to God’s power or spiritual truth.
• Symptoms include:
  • Discouraging members from engaging with other ministries
  • Dismissing or subtly attacking other moves of God
• Scripture quoted: Mark 9:38-40
• Quote:

  “Not even Jesus talked like that. And he was the very center. He is the very center of it all. But even he could celebrate other ministries… as long as the agenda was the kingdom of God.” — David Hernandez [06:05]

• Red Flags:
  • Subtle or direct rebuke against connecting with other believers, reading unapproved books, or exploring outside spiritual resources.
  • “If you’re being discouraged from connecting with other ministries… there’s an issue. That’s jealousy; that’s competition; that’s a sign that there is a cult-like environment.” — David Hernandez [06:35]

4. Sign #3: Overworking Members to Exhaustion

• Hard work in ministry is good and biblical, but cult-like environments pressure members beyond healthy limits, tying devotion to human agendas to one’s salvation or value in God’s eyes.
• Difference Highlighted:
  • Biblical service vs. guilt-driven, exploitative labor
  • “Laying your life down at the feet of Jesus doesn’t mean working in the machine that somebody else built.” — David Hernandez [08:23]
• Manipulation Warning:
  • Members are made to feel guilty for rest or questioning; lack of participation is equated with lack of faith or discipleship.
• Scripture quoted: Romans 10:9

5. Sign #4: Isolation Tactics

• Cult-like ministries sever healthy outside relationships:
  • Pressuring members to cut off family/friends who don’t align with ministry views
  • Slandering those who leave, attributing departure to “rebellion” or spiritual failure
  • Creating a “gang” mentality—ostracizing or spiritually “killing” ex-members
• Scripture quoted: 2 Corinthians 6:17, 2 Corinthians 6:14
• Quote:

  “All of a sudden, the people who’ve been there your whole life… they’re now the problem? Think about that. Out of nowhere, they’re the problem. That’s a red flag, this idea of isolation.” — David Hernandez [11:16]

• Notable Metaphor:

  “Some of these churches function like gangs. You leave the gang and they kill you spiritually. They kill your reputation.” — David Hernandez [12:30]

6. Sign #5: Competitive and Self-Aggrandizing Leadership

• Leaders view themselves as God’s sole choice and compete with, belittle, or undermine other ministries.
• Scripture quoted: Philippians 2:3
• Contrast: True humility and valuing of others vs. “delusions of grandeur” and insecurity-fed competition.
• Positive Example:
  • Genuine ministers celebrate and cooperate with one another.
• Quote:

  “That competitive spirit comes from insecurity… They treat other ministries like they’re their enemy rather than… their brothers and sisters who they can call for backup when things get tough.” — David Hernandez [13:16]

• David’s assurance:

  “There are more genuine ministers in ministry today than there are ministers who operate in this way.” — David Hernandez [14:05]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Caring Confrontation:

  “I have to share with you some very uncomfortable truths, but I’m sharing this with you because I care about you and I’m tired of seeing God’s people abused by religious systems.” — David Hernandez [00:15]

• Central Warning:

  “Ask the Holy Spirit for the courage to get out of there.” — David Hernandez [14:38]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:13] — Purpose: Warning about abusive religious cultures
• [01:15] — Sign #1: Unquestionable, uncorrectable leadership
• [04:00] — Signs of intimidation when questions are raised
• [06:00] — Sign #2: Exclusive claims to God’s move and warning about church isolationism
• [08:23] — Sign #3: Guilt-driven exhaustion and confusion of devotion
• [10:22] — Sign #4: Isolation from other believers and demonization of ex-members
• [13:00] — Sign #5: Competitive, self-aggrandizing leadership; genuine examples
• [14:30] — Encouragement to trust the Holy Spirit and exit unhealthy environments

Final Takeaway

David Diga Hernandez emphasizes discernment, biblical balance, and personal responsibility in navigating church life. He wants believers to serve Christ in healthy communities, free from fear, intimidation, and manipulation—always anchored in humility, servant leadership, and the freedom found in the true gospel.

“Be watchful. And if you’re in one of these types of movements, ask the Holy Spirit for the courage to get out of there.” — David Hernandez [14:38]