Recover From Coercive Control
A note before you read on:
The information on this page may bring up difficult feelings, particularly if you have personal experience with this group. That's a completely understandable response — what many members go through is genuinely harmful.
It's also worth noting that the overall score presented here is an average. Regardless of where a group sits on the scale, a single adverse experience — like being deceived, manipulated, or pressured even once — can be genuinely traumatic and deserving of support.
If you'd like help making sense of your experience, Renée offers specialised online counselling for survivors of high-control groups. Renée's counselling is built around understanding exactly how groups like this operate.
Christian / Political
City Builders Church
Also known as City Builders, City Builders Network, or City Builders Ministries
Founded by Brian & Lynne Heath
1982 -
Founded in Sale, Victoria, Australia
Estimated followers: around 100 to 200
Summary of Beliefs
City Builders Church (Sale, Victoria) was originally founded in 1982 as the Christian Outreach Centre. Leadership was taken over by Brian and Lynne Heath around 1990–1991, and the church subsequently became known as Sale City Church before adopting its current name, City Builders Church. The church also operates in Moe and is connected to the ISAAC Network led by Dr Jonathan David in Malaysia—a movement noted for its dominionist leanings.
The church promotes a contemporary style of Christianity, emphasising personal spiritual growth, empowerment, and active engagement in both church life and the wider community. Services incorporate modern worship practices, and the message often stresses integrating biblical principles into daily living.
However, the church has faced criticism over aspects of its organisational structure, including concerns about financial transparency, resource management, and the level of authority exercised by leadership. Its close ties to the ISAAC Network have also drawn attention due to the network’s dominionist theology, which advocates for Christian influence over political and social institutions.
Despite these controversies, City Builders Church continues to present itself as a hub for community leadership, with a particular focus on politics and social conservatism—framed through the language of spiritual growth and empowerment.
Analysis Using Renée's Cult Ranking
1. Authoritative Leadership
Score: 2
The church is led by senior pastors who exert significant influence over the congregation. The leadership style is authoritative, with clear expectations and directives provided to members.
2. Control Over Information
Score: 2
Information is closely managed within the church, with teachings and interpretations primarily coming from the leadership. Members are encouraged to rely on church-approved materials and sermons.
3. Deception
Score: 2
There is little evidence of outright deception in recruitment or the presentation of beliefs. However, the full extent of the church's involvement in political and social issues may not be immediately apparent to new members.
4. Exclusive Knowledge
Score: 2
The church promotes a belief that its teachings and interpretation of Christianity are unique and superior, fostering a sense of exclusivity among its members.
5. Exploitation
Score: 2
Members are expected to contribute financially and through volunteer work. While these contributions are voluntary, there is a strong cultural expectation to support the church's activities.
6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation
Score: 2
The church uses fear of spiritual consequences and guilt to encourage adherence to its teachings. This includes emphasising the dangers of deviating from church doctrines or engaging with outside influences.
7. Isolation
Score: 2
The church encourages a lifestyle that can isolate members from broader society, including strong emphasis on community within the church and scepticism towards secular culture and outside perspectives.
8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks
Score: 2Members maintain a degree of autonomy in their personal lives, and on the surface it may appear guidance on lifestyle and behaviour, particularly concerning moral conduct and community involvement is purely given in good will. However, there are also reports of people being given stern advice about relationships, in particular who they can marry.
9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours
Score: 2
The church promotes close alignment with its values and beliefs, often monitored through community expectations and peer pressure. This includes active involvement in members' spiritual and sometimes personal lives.
10. Punishment & Discipline
Score: 2
Formal disciplinary actions are rare, but social ostracism and disapproval are used to maintain conformity. Members who deviate from the church's teachings may face informal but impactful social consequences.
11. Thought Reform
Score: 2
The church's teachings encourage members to adopt a specific worldview and lifestyle. The Church opposes homosexuality and allegedly supports gay conversion therapy.
12. Us vs. Them Mentality
Score: 2
There is a strong "us vs. them" mentality, with the church viewing itself as set apart from mainstream society and other religious groups. This is reflected in their teachings and community activities.
Total Score: 24/36
Overall Cult Ranking: 7. Significantly Harmful Cult
The City Builders Church in Sale, Victoria, receives an RCR of 7, indicating a moderate to high level of cult-like characteristics. The church displays significant elements of control and exclusivity, with a strong emphasis on authoritative leadership and community cohesion. The presence of highly coercive tactics is reflected in the church's influence on members' beliefs and behaviours, fostering a distinct identity separate from broader society.
Further Reading
Inside City Builders, the Pentecostal sect with lofty political goals
City Builders, the Pentecostal cult driving the Liberal Party to the far right and beyond
Speaking in tongues, exorcisms and control: Life in City Builders
Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh to oppose City Builders Church members' gay conversion motion
Caring church or crazy cult? The extreme religion praying for power | 60 Minutes Australia
IS IT A CULT?: Response from
City Builders Church
No known response.
Support available for anyone impacted by a high-control groups or relationships, and want to speak to someone who understands coercive control and the road to recovery
These assessments evaluate group dynamics, particularly patterns associated with coercive control. They are not determinations about whether any individual has or has not experienced trauma, abuse, or harm. Personal impact varies widely. Coercive control often develops through an accumulation of influences rather than a single event, though specific moments — such as discovering deception or betrayal — can themselves be deeply distressing or traumatic. If your experiences in a group have affected your wellbeing, support from a trauma-informed counsellor or therapist can be an important step toward understanding, healing, and regaining a sense of autonomy. Assessments provided here are conducted using Renée's Cult Ranking system and reflect her personal opinions, which are based on online sources and personal testimonies. Renée acknowledges that groups can change over time, for better or worse, and that individual experiences within any given group can vary. Renée is open to respectful discussions and encourages diverse perspectives to foster a better understanding of matters raised.