What is the International Church of Christ?

The International Church of Christ, www.icoc.org, is definitely a cult. The following quotation is taken from Handbook of Denominations in the United States, 12th Edition (2005) by Frank S. Mead, Samuel S. Hill, and Craig D. Atwood, p. 255-56.

Many of its former members describe it in negative terms. It was founded by Kip McKean (1955-) while serving as pastor of the Lexington Church of Christ in Massachusetts...includes intensive recruitment of members...members of the church commit themselves as disciples and to bringing new disciples into the fold. Discipling is based on a strict obedience to the "discipler." All personal decisions, including dating and marriage, are subject to the approval of the discipler. Members are expected to confess all of their sins, which may be recorded for future reference...The ICC...is not congregational in polity. All congregations are linked in a pyramid structure with McKean's Los Angeles congregation at the top. The ICC teaches that believer's baptism by immersion is necessary for salvation. Those not baptized into the International Churches of Christ are considered damned, and members are urged to sever ties with those not baptized.

Some of the above is dated now. McKean has stepped down from his original leadership role, but the troubling requirement of baptism for salvation remains, along with a high degree of control of members by leadership. Further information can be found on Wikipedia.