This podcast is for mature audiences.

It contains graphic violence and adult themes.

Listener discretion is advised.

This is an immersive audio experience, so please wear headphones and watch out,

since sounds may seem to come from above, behind, or beside you. It's not hard to sneak into a cult with weekly services. In my time with the Federal Bureau,

I have attended 492 celebration services at 65 different branches of the Crossroads Tavernacle in 22 states.

I've been to churches in the back of coffee shops, in private homes, and dying malls.

This particular church used to be a fish camp with a 799 lunch buffet.

Now there's basketball courts and two million dollars worth of construction

spilling out the back. There are two working entrances, one set of double doors in front

facing the street, and another set off the annex where the Sunday school rooms are. New attendees

present a conundrum for church leadership. On the one hand, they don't trust you.

On the other hand, you can't be a fishmonger if you don't catch any fish.

A little tip I picked up from my friends in counterintelligence,

if you need to blend in somewhere, carry something heavy.

Oh, let me get that for you.

Oh! Oh, let me get that for you. The tabernacle branches are remarkably consistent.

The first step through the door, someone's going to steer you towards the guest books.

The hospitality committee is working the halls looking for newcomers.

In a big church like San Diego, they have two ushers on every door checking faces. They don't need that in a small town like Chinook. The locals spotted me in the parking lot.

Hi there.

You must be new.

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