[Ohio]

I never considered the LC a cult, since so many of her members were precious believers. Their leaders, however, can be controlling and abusive. They also promote several unique, and unnecessary, teachings in order to provide themselves with special identity.

There is a difference whether your girlfriend is serving at LSM or in a LC, and whether she sees it as permanent or just an interim experience on her journey. Some brothers and sisters, however, use full-time trainings to expand their "opportunities" in order to meet a future spouse. Their trainers often operate as matchmakers.

You need to know if your girlfriend is willing to marry outside of her church, or secretly plans on you joining the church, which may or may not happen. Sometimes it is the parents who basically "decide" for her. If her mother is controlling concerning the church, you should definitely know this, and plan accordingly.