Question: This may sound like a strange question, but what can you tell me about a low-profile, ...

Question: This may sound like a strange question, but what can you tell me about a low-profile, nameless religious group which hold its meetings in members’ homes and rented halls? The ministers are pairs of homeless itinerants known as “workers.” Actually, I’ve heard it referred to by many names but I don’t think it has a formal title.

Response: Though it denies any name, the organization to which you refer does have a formal title. For Selective Service and other purposes in the US it is registered as “The Christian Conventions.” Internationally, it has other official names. It is also referred to as The No-Name Church, The Two-by-Twos, The Workers, Black Stockings, Irvinites, Gospel Meetings, Go Preachers, Home Meetings, and sometimes Cooneyites. The name Cooneyites, however, is a misnomer, applying specifically to a sect which broke away from the original group. The name Two-by-Twos is used in most of the literature on the group, though the sect produces almost no material itself.

Claiming direct continuation from the times of the apostles, this religious organization (of a half million or more worldwide) was actually started in Ireland by William Irvine about 1900. Its foundational doctrine involves the belief that they alone have the Spirit and the only true understanding of Scripture; therefore, all other churches, pastors, and Christians are false. Salvation is only possible (no assurance given) through receiving the gospel from its itinerant preachers, mostly women, who are called “workers.” Workers exert considerable control over members.

Here are some of their unbiblical teachings which are communicated in ambiguous ways (thereby deceiving many): 1) neither Jesus nor the Holy Spirit is God, only the Father; 2) Jesus is viewed primarily as their example, not their substitute; 3) salvation is earned by self-effort, self-denial, and submission to the workers’ instructions and authority; 4) their gospel proclaims that only through the hearing of the words of truth from the workers and seeing the “gospel” lived out in their lives can salvation be attained; 5) the Bible is viewed as a “dead book” unless it is “made alive” by the words and exemplary life of a worker; 6) strict dress codes, required works, and prohibitions against dancing, television, movies, alcohol, and tobacco are imposed as essential for salvation.

The group attracts those who are displeased with formal, often impersonal and political church organizations and who desire a more intimate and simplified religious experience. While new members initially experience a homey and friendly atmosphere, the inherent legalism of the group soon places one in cultlike bondage. We recommend that you contact Research & Information Services, P.O. Box 1685, Sisters, OR 97759 or http://www.workersect.org/index.html. It is staffed by former Two-by-Two members who can provide you with excellent insights from both the Word of God and their experience with the group.