Mission-minded believers:
Don’t miss the misreached.
People from over 1,000 hyper-fundamentalist churches in the Four States are being led astray by a distorted gospel.
Although many members see the problems—authoritarianism, spiritual abuse, fear tactics—the thought of leaving their group is overwhelming, even terrifying. All their lives they’ve been taught the narrative, “If you leave us, God will leave you!”
To move to another church would mean losing their friends, community, support system, reputation, ministry, identity—possibly their home, income, marriage, and family. And where would they go? They’ve been taught that every other church is “worldly” and “backslidden.” Most have no connections with Christians in healthy churches.
Your friendship and support could be the difference between them leaving faith entirely and coming to understand the biblical gospel. At the Called to Freedom luncheon, you will be equipped to reach the misreached, and given the opportunity to personally encourage those who are leaving hyper fundamentalism for Christ.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, September 27th, 2025
Time: 11 AM to 2 PM
Place: Joplin, MO (Metro Area)
Exact location will be shared with those who RSVP
Thanks to our supporters and sponsors,
there is no cost for you to attend!
What is Hyper Fundamentalism?
Hyper fundamentalism is a fear-driven distortion of Christianity, characterized by extra-biblical rules (especially regarding dress and entertainment), authoritarianism, tribalism, and elitism.
Hyper fundamentalism arises when decisions that Scripture leaves to individual believers (matters of Christian liberty) are turned into salvation issues. For example, in many hyper-fundamentalist churches, if a man grows a beard he is considered to be “backsliding” and removed from ministry, or if a woman wears pants, she is “living in an abomination” and assumed to be lost.
These extra-biblical rules result in isolation and division from the rest of the Body of Christ—after all, every believer who does not follow group dress codes is “compromised” at best. Depending on the movement, other uncommon, false doctrines may further isolate the group, e.g. requiring speaking in tongues for salvation, requiring instantaneous sinless perfection, or mandating a holy kiss.
Natalie Edmonson (and siblings) while in hyper fundamentalism.
In hyper fundamentalism, salvation is fragile and uncertain. Fear of “missing heaven by an inch,” keeps members willing to follow any dress code, obey any leader, and conform to the group.
Authoritarianism adds to the high-control dynamic. Leaders are often elevated as special “men of God,” and to question or cross-examine their teachings is to “touch God’s anointed” resulting in divine judgement.
Leaving hyper fundamentalism is extremely difficult; many who attempt to do so leave faith entirely.
About the Luncheon
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About the Hosts
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Sponsor the Luncheon
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Volunteer at the Luncheon
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