Church or cult: how can you tell when you attend an independent congregation led by a self-proclaimed apostle or prophet, or by one consecrated by a "spiritual father", with no affiliation to a recognised union of churches? Drawing on peer-reviewed academic literature, French and Belgian official texts and church documents, this article brings together three approaches. Sociology shows that the word "cult" settles nothing and that the risk lies in charismatic authority without checks and balances (Weber, Chaves, Christerson and Flory). The anthropology of African diaspora churches in Europe shows how institutional isolation and migrant precariousness make leaving costly, without the origin of the faithful being the issue (Mottier, Maskens, Demart, Garbin). The psychology of spiritual abuse describes observable mechanisms of control and coercion (Oakley and Kinmond, Ward, Rodríguez-Carballeira, Saldaña). The author writes from an openly declared evangelical Protestant perspective. He rereads the biblical texts on authority (1 Tim 3; Titus 1; 1 Pet 5; Matt 20 and 23; 3 John; Ezek 34; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1) and the confessions of the Reformation. He examines recent public cases, distinguishing established facts from allegations. Finally, he offers a grid of 24 sourced questions and concrete steps for talking about it, checking, getting help and leaving. His conclusion: no single sign is enough; what counts is a cluster of indicators, and the Bible does not protect a power that refuses to be examined.