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!
About the Luncheon
Join us for a Saturday midday full of food, fellowship, and content!
The Berean Holiness team will be presenting on 1) the challenges of leaving hyper fundamentalism/rebuilding faith, 2) how to practically overcome those challenges, and 3) what the rest of the Body of Christ can do to come alongside and support believers throughout this process.
This will be a laid back, 3-hour event with a mix of speaking, panel discussion, group discussion around your table, and free time to mingle and connect (especially before and after).
Thanks to our donors and sponsors, this event is free to you! If you sign up, we’re treating you to lunch. We only ask that you RSVP in advance if you’re able to, use our cancellation form if you can’t make it, and if possible, invite a friend or two or three!
The Called to Freedom luncheon is the first and only event we’re aware of designed to connect you—mission-minded believers in healthy churches—with those who are leaving hyper fundamentalism for Christ.
While gospel-centered ministries to other demographics exist across our four states, people who are leaving cultish churches (over 1,000 in this region) have next to nothing. This is despite the fact that many are actively seeking biblical truth and eager to find supportive Christian friends. Those who find no support among Christians too often find it in the Deconstruction movement, leading to them leaving faith entirely.
This luncheon is your opportunity to not only learn about the need, but to meet it practically by listening to and encouraging those who have been misreached with false doctrine. May this only be the beginning of the Body of Christ showing up for those leaving hyper fundamentalism in the Four State area and beyond!
About the Hosts
Berean Holiness is a nonprofit organization on the mission of guiding believers out of fear and shame and into the gospel of grace. Our goal is to build a bridge of free, faith-based resources (primarily educational content and community support) that lead out of hyper fundamentalism and into healthy faith and faithful churches. We accomplish this through long-form articles, videos, podcasts, social media posts, one-on-one support, community groups (via Zoom), and in-person events.
In under two years, 43 people have told us that Berean Holiness was influential in their salvation/return to faith, 46 said Berean Holiness was influential in their return to church attendance, and over 400 said Berean Holiness helped them to understand the gospel. We’re so grateful to get to be part of what God’s doing!
From Called to Freedom Conference Attendees…
“The Called to Freedom conference has been the most spiritually uplifting fellowship I’ve ever experienced. I was able to be real and develop relationships in a safe place where I didn’t have to be false.” – Tim
“The body of Christ is bigger than I ever imagined! Healing began for me this week & I know I am not alone this journey.” – Cory
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
— Galatians 5:13 —
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.
“One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.“
— Romans 14:5 —
Before and After Hyper Fundamentalism
Sponsor the Luncheon
As a public charity providing all services at no cost, everything Berean Holiness accomplishes is because of our financial supporters like you! If you feel led to partner with us to make this event happen, reach out to [email protected] and let’s talk!
Volunteer at the Luncheon
Do you enjoy making people feel welcome? Is photography your passion? Are you experienced in operating a sound system? Whether you have these specific skills or just have fun jumping in to help set-up/break-down events, you’re a candidate for one of our volunteer positions. Reach out to [email protected] if you’d like to apply!
“The first thing Natalie encouraged us with that ‘You were told that when you left your group, God would leave you. But that’s not true, God is with you.’ I felt so understood in my experience and also encouraged to pursue Christ with renewed hope. Thank you for the intentionality and care I could feel in every aspect of the conference.” – Hannah M.