Michael Reid claimed that lots of miracles happened at Peniel 'because of him'. I put the last bit in quotes because he would never actually say that!

Instead Reid built up over time the belief that if anyone wanted a miracle from God then they would have to go to him to be prayed for. No one else would really do.

It was a very clever manipulation of the Gospel. Jesus Christ said 'Come to Me!' Reid made himself part of the process ' It is Jesus who will heal you but come to me for Jesus to do what He does!.

Prayer within peniel was not encouraged, instead people had to go to the leadership for prayer, including prayer for healing.

One example of this was reid getting members to bring new people to meetings. He did not want 'other peoples goats', the emphasis was on people who did not go to church. Members were told not to talk to them about God and to leave that to the leadership, just bring them in!

You do not need any man or woman to help you to pray to Jesus Christ. You do not need any systems or rituals, just pray directly to Jesus wherever you are and whatever you are doing. (But if you are crossing the road then don't close your eyes!)

One result of this was an unhealthy focus on the leadership instead of on Jesus Christ. It didn't matter how many times the leadership 'said' that it was Jesus Christ who answered prayer, by putting themselves in the process people became dependant upon them for prayer and healing.

If any minister makes themselves part of the process of an individuals relationship with God then that is a warning sign that it is a cult! Just to make the distinction clear, ministers should pray for and with people. The danger signs are when people have to get the ministry to pray for them or when only the ministry or 'special' people can pray for others