Explore every episode of Feet of Clay—Confessions of the Cult Sisters
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30 Apr 2023
002 - Revisiting the Book "No Compromise, The Life Story of Keith Green"
Long time cult-sister and dear friend, Sharon, visits Tracey in her home in Knoxville, TN to talk about Sharon's FIRST time (finally) reading through the book, 'No Compromise, The Life Story of Keith Green' by Melody Green.
(Sharon's background story soon to follow on episode #076 of IWATF)
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
20 Apr 2023
001 - Intro to Tracey's Story on 'I Was a Teenage Fundamentalist' (Episode #72)
In this brief intro, Tracey talks to her long-time friend and cult-sister Sharon about the experience of telling her story publicly for the FIRST time on the podcast 'I Was a Teenage Fundamentalist' with Brian McDowell and Troy Waller (March 2, 2023). Listen to Tracey & Sharon's short chat, then CLICK BELOW to hear Tracey's FULL ORIGINAL STORY.
"I Was a Teenage Fundamentalist - Episode 72: Was Keith Green a Cult Leader?"
IWATF Episode #72: "Keith Green was one of CCM’s most revered and loved music superstars of the 1970s and 80s. Spoiler alert! Tracey Phalen thinks he was a cult leader! She was a member of Keith and Melody Green's Last Days Ministries in the 1980s. She joined as a teenage fundamentalist and left after five years of living and serving on the Texas ranch. In this episode, Tracey shares her story and helps Brian and Troy deconstruct Keith Green and Last Days Ministries. "
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
03 May 2023
003 - Intro to Sharon's Story on 'I Was a Teenage Fundamentalist' (Episode #76)
In this short chat, Sharon talks to her long-time friend and cult-sister Tracey about the experience of telling her story publicly for the FIRST time on the podcast 'I Was a Teenage Fundamentalist' with Brian McDowell and Troy Waller (April 28, 2023). Listen to Tracey & Sharon's brief intro, then CLICK BELOW to hear Sharon's FULL ORIGINAL INTERVIEW.
"I Was a Teenage Fundamentalist - Episode 76: Keith Green Arranged My Teenage Marriage"
Correction: In her interview, Sharon said she remained with LDM until 1985 ---- truth is she didn't leave until early 1987. (Perhaps that was wishful thinking on her part?)
IWATF Episode #76: "Following on from Episode 072 Was Keith Green a Cult Leader?, we interview Sharon Madere. She was 'led to the Lord' by Keith and experienced the 'baptism in the Holy Spirit' experience with Keith in the 1970s. She lived at the Last Days Ministries commune in California and later in Texas in the 1980s. In this episode, Sharon tells her stories and claims Keith Green arranged her teenage marriage to Martin Bennett, one of the three elders of LDM."
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
10 May 2023
004 - Just the Facts (Last Days Ministries and Keith Green)
Want a little CONTEXT for all the CRAZY?!?!? Tracey & Sharon summarize the Who, What, Where, and When... but NOT the Why. (Yeah, right.)
Here's a quick reference list to some of the stuff:
***Last Days Ministries (LDM) - Non-profit religious organization founded by Keith Green in 1977; began in Southern California, relocated to East Texas in 1979. ***Intensive Christian Training School (ICT) - 10 week course and recruiting program on-site at LDM ***Youth With A Mission (YWAM) - Non-profit religious organization founded by Loren Cunningham in 1960 ***Keith Green (1953 - 1982) - Best-selling Christian musician, preacher, author, founder of LDM; killed in private plane crash in 1982. ***Melody Green (1946 - ) - Widow of Keith Green, author of book "No Compromise." Married Andrew Seivright in 1999, later divorced. Continues to run LDM as an online ministry / business. ***Wayne & Kathleen Dillard - Leadership couple who met and married (1980) at LDM; Wayne was an elder with Keith and Martin; worked with Melody through 1991; Wayne died in 2010 ***Martin & Sharon Bennett - Leadership couple who met and married (1981) at LDM; Martin was an elder with Keith and Wayne; Martin & Sharon were kicked out of LDM in early 1987 by Melody and YWAM council; divorced in 2005. ***Lindsay & Tracey Reed - Couple who met and married (1986) at LDM; became Directors of ICT; left LDM in 1987; divorced in 2006.
NOTE: Sharon's use of the term "jewfro" was repeating how Keith had referred to his own hair.
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
27 Apr 2023
001-B, Tracey's Interview on IWATF: "Was Keith Green a Cult Leader?"
This is a REPEAT of Tracey’s guest appearance with hosts Brian McDowell and Troy Waller on their podcast I Was a Teenage Fundamentalist, Episode #072: “Was Keith Green a Cult Leader?” (Keith Green Part 1) https://www.iwasateenagefundamentalist.com/
They’ve generously allowed us to share this interview here as a convenience to our listeners. Enjoy!
Don’t miss Tracey’s brief discussion with Sharon, talking about the unexpected feelings she faced after doing this interview on IWATF. Our episode #1 here:
SHOW NOTES FROM IWATF #072:“Keith Green was one of CCM’s most revered and loved music superstars of the 1970s and 80s. Spoiler alert! Tracey Phalen thinks he was a cult leader! She was a member of Keith and Melody Green's Last Days Ministries in the 1980s. She joined as a teenage fundamentalist and left after five years of living and serving on the Texas ranch. In this episode, Tracey shares her story and helps Brian and Troy deconstruct Keith Green and Last Days Ministries.” ---
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
03 May 2023
003-B Sharon's Interview on IWATF: "Keith Green Arranged My Teenage Marriage"
CORRECTION: In this interview Sharon mistakenly says she was with LDM through 1985 - truth is she was there until early 1987.
This is a REPEAT of Sharon's guest appearance with hosts Brian McDowell and Troy Waller on their podcast I Was a Teenage Fundamentalist, Episode #076: "Keith Green Arranged My Teenage Marriage” (Keith Green Part 2) https://www.iwasateenagefundamentalist.com/
They’ve generously allowed us to share this interview here as a convenience to our listeners. Enjoy!
Don’t miss Sharon's brief discussion with Tracey, talking about her experience going back in time and looking at all this crazy shit. Our episode #3 here:
SHOW NOTES FROM IWATF #076: "Following on from Episode 072 Was Keith Green a Cult Leader?, we interview Sharon Madere. She was 'led to the Lord' by Keith and experienced the 'baptism in the Holy Spirit' experience with Keith in the 1970s. She lived at the Last Days Ministries commune in California and later in Texas in the 1980s. In this episode, Sharon tells her stories and claims Keith Green arranged her teenage marriage to Martin Bennett, one of the three elders of LDM. Correction: In this episode, Sharon says she remained with LDM until 1985. She wishes to correct this and state she stayed with LDM until early-1987. Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf You can follow Sharon & Tracey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feetofclay.cultsisters/
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
17 May 2023
005 - Virgins and Volcanos - Purity Culture Part 1
CAUTION! In this episode we talk very vulnerably, honestly and explicitly about sex and our personal experiences. We feel this is not appropriate for younger kids. Regarding teenagers... for those who may have already been influenced by or are struggling with the teachings of "purity culture" and/or fundamentalist principles, our unvarnished real-life experiences may be useful and instructive. Please use discretion.
In this Part 1 we discuss: 1) The "Promise"- remaining a virgin until marriage will give you the healthiest, happiest sex life possible (pssssst - nope!) 2) The "Predicament" - what the heck is a good Christian supposed to do with all those sexual feelings and the decision whether / when to marry, and 3) "Purity Culture" - the packaging and selling of this definitely-NOT-innocuous belief system to unsuspecting young people (and their parents)
NOTES & CORRECTIONS:
Sharon wondered about the publication date of the book "The Joy of Sex"... turns out it was in 1972, so she was most likely 11 or 12 years old when she first perused those pages.
Tracey was right - those home movies in the '70s WERE "Super 8" mm... which means she is also right that Sharon IS F%@*ing OLD!
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
24 May 2023
006 - Virgins and Volcanos - Purity Culture Part 2
CAUTION! In this episode we talk very vulnerably, honestly and explicitly about sex and our personal experiences. We feel this is not appropriate for younger kids. Regarding teenagers... for those who may have already been influenced by or are struggling with the teachings of "purity culture" and/or fundamentalist principles, our unvarnished real-life experiences may be useful and instructive. Please use discretion.
In Part 2 we pick up where we left off last time discussing:
The Preparations - how we, as VIRGINS, navigated our engagements and got ready for our weddings.
The Pain - the disorienting and devastating reality we discovered on our wedding nights, that the fulfillment of all those "Promises" wasn't quite what we'd been led to expect.
NOTES, ADDITIONS & CORRECTIONS
It is NEVER our intention to inflict pain or shame. We did our best to refer to our former spouses without using their names. In two places we slipped, and have "bleeped" over those names with our super high-tech verbal "BEEP" technique. Enjoy.
Neither Tracey nor Sharon had ever had a boyfriend prior to their marriages at Last Days Ministries.
The high-school choir teacher who molested Sharon at age 16 was Mr. J. Edmund Hughes, who taught at Tucson High School. Yep, we are naming names. (Sharon later found out she wasn't the first teenage girl he took advantage of... and we're guessing she wasn't the last.)
Solomon, of the Bible, is believed to have had 700 wives and 300 concubines. The 'daughters of Jerusalem' mentioned in the Song of Songs are considered to be poetic 'cheer leaders' to the love between Solomon and his newest bride.
Tracey misspoke when she said she "could not UNDER-state" the emotional impact that the LDM leadership fractures had upon her - she meant to say should could not OVER-state that impact.
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
I just like, I just opened my mind to the Holy Spirit and this is what came through
Jeah, uh, yeah Set the scene, Follow me now
Bass is bumping and the party is jumping Makin my way through the crowd at a social function Then I see you girl, let me tell you somethin You’re not looking like a snack You’re looking like a whole luncheon
I’m supposed to be walking the line But right now at this moment you are looking so fine And all I can think about is making you mine And now my designs are quite far from divine I look down at my promise ring feeling ashamed Cuz deep down in my body I am feeling the pain You can’t hate the player, you can’t hate the game Cuz in this situation there’s just one thing to blame
Ooo you made me feel like that Oh Ooo you made me feel like that Gurrrrl Ooo you made me feel like that Uh If I get horny, well that’s your fault Ooo you made me feel like that Gurrrrl Ooo you made me feel like that Oh Ooo you made me feel like that
My arousal is your responsibility I should drop to my knees, contemplate divinity Focus on the aspects of the holy trinity Cause ever since the moment that you came in my vicinity I have been rethinking my commitment to virginity Oh wait til marriage that’s how it’s supposed to be But you’re seducing me, and haven’t even noticed me And then your eyes slowly move in my direction I notice you noticing my underwhelming erection Security grabs me, says I’m acting indecently Says I’m “quote-unquote” staring at you creepily This is entrapment, the culprit is you Forgive them Father they know not what they do
Ooo you made me feel like that Oh Ooo you made me feel like that Gurrrrl Ooo you made me feel like that Dang I am not responsible for my C+ boner Ooo... Ooo... Ooo ...
If I get horny well that’s your fault We have free will and this is God’ wisdom Cuz otherwise the universe would be a closed system Omnicient, Ominpresent and Omnipotent Every single thing He sees, knows and controls it Then how could anything that we do be called sinning If God knew exactly what would happen from the beginning And why go to hell to be eternally tormented If an all-loving God could have prevented But if He manifested and ----- us to show it Then we wouldn’t be free agents, we’d just be puppets Right?
So yeah, that’s all His voice, we always have a free choice And without that everything falls apart We can choose to accept Him or choose to depart Everything in the world comes from God and His Son All the sins I commit are my fault except one
Ooo... Ooo... Ooo... I am full of lust and that’s on you O
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
31 May 2023
007 - Virgins and Volcanos - Purity Culture Part 3
CAUTION! In this episode we talk very vulnerably, honestly and explicitly about sex and our personal experiences. We feel this is not appropriate for younger kids. Regarding teenagers... for those who may have already been influenced by or are struggling with the teachings of "purity culture" and/or fundamentalist principles, our unvarnished real-life experiences may be useful and instructive. Please use discretion.
In Part 3 we continue our discussion about how we, as VIRGINS, were impacted by the oppressiveness of Purity Culture, and the PAIN that was sown and reaped in our marriages.
NOTES & CORRECTIONS
It is NEVER our intention to inflict pain or shame. We did our best to refer to our former spouses without using their names. In one place we slipped (actually, TRACEY is the one who blew it!), so we "bleeped" over the name with our super high-tech verbal "BEEP" technique. Enjoy.
TRACEY got her 'E' prophets mixed up, it was EZEKIEL who spoke to the dry bones in Ezekiel 37:5.
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
07 Jun 2023
008 - Virgins and Volcanos - Purity Culture Part 4
CAUTION! In this episode we talk very vulnerably, honestly and explicitly about sex and our personal experiences. We feel this is not appropriate for younger kids. Regarding teenagers... for those who may have already been influenced by or are struggling with the teachings of "purity culture" and/or fundamentalist principles, our unvarnished real-life experiences may be useful and instructive. Please use discretion.
* If you haven't yet listened to the first three parts of Virgins & Volcanos, quit your dilly-dallying and catch up:
It is NEVER our intention to inflict pain or shame. We did our best to refer to our former spouses without using their names. In one place we slipped (actually, TRACEY is the one who blew it!), so we "bleeped" over the name with our super high-tech verbal "BEEP" technique. Enjoy.
OMG we didn't need to make ANY corrections on this episode! Guess we've finally approaching perfection...
... except that we AGAIN had some audio challenges, and quality isn't up to snuff yet. Sigh.
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
Tracey's journal entry, after her first encounter with a man beyond her marriage...
I found myself sitting across the table from a man whose intellectual and spiritual roots ran far deeper than my own; whose composure exuded that rare blend of wild abandon, yet calm stability; whose very essence reflected, without fanfare, the evidence of a rich array of life experiences. You were no "character", but one who stood at the far end of a path I had just begun to travel. And though our verbal communication stayed somewhat shallow and, at times, even a little disconnected, there was an unspoken message coming from you that resonated loud and clear within me.
I was drawn...
You kissed me. And I knew I had a choice to make. Back at your apartment, as I looked out over the skyline, I immediately felt a sense of "coming home" --- it was as though I was being reunited with a part of me that I had lost long, long ago. In the spillover of your quiet strength, I found safety to follow the voice that had been beckoning me for months; the voice that gave me permission to follow my desires. Releasing my sensuality with you came as naturally as breathing, without guilt or fear, shattering once and for all the guise of truth the lies had worn.
No more self-doubt...
You were a springtime awakening in the dead of my winter. A gift --- hand picked by the universe to encourage me forth into vibrant and ... "luscious living". And though I have only skimmed your surface, I will forever be grateful to you for choosing a lifestyle that encourages the freedom of sensual expression, and for sharing even a small part of that with me.
*********************************** Sharon's poem, the first time she felt a sense of emotional, romantic love and connection with a man...
When I awake my thoughts take flight And far across an ocean fly To light upon the love who holds my heart Once cold, once left to die
And as the sun his journey makes My soul is filled with silent song Whispered to this secret love To whom my hopes and dreams belong
And when the stars and moon embrace To gently fade the twilight blue I close my eyes and feel the joy Of knowing, trusting, loving you
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
19 Jul 2023
015 - A New Dawn: Keith Green's Foster Daughter Finds Her Voice, Part 1
When we say "the book," we mean "No Compromise - The Life Story of Keith Green" by Melody Green. If you feel you must read it, get a USED copy somewhere!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
26 Jul 2023
016 - A New Dawn: Keith Green's Foster Daughter Finds Her Voice, Part 2
When we say "the book," we mean "No Compromise - The Life Story of Keith Green" by Melody Green. If you feel you must read it, get a USED copy somewhere!
1) When Dawn said that Keith was already talking about arranging a future marriage for Josiah, we confess we were just a bit dubious, thought maybe she had misunderstood him. But THEN, shortly thereafter, that former LDM guy tells us that Keith was trying to fix him up with Dawn when she was 16! So yep, Dawn, we totally believe it!
2) Regarding the phenomenon of religious leaders having entitled attitudes and disrespectful behaviors towards "assigned household servants" - Tracey vividly remembers what 4-year-old Josiah said to her on the first day she was assigned to drive him to preschool: "I know why you are driving me. Because you are one of my dad's servants." That is a reflection on the parents, not the child. The corrupting indoctrination starts very early.
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
14 Jun 2023
010 - Abigail's Story Part 1 - Childhood in Bill Gothard's IBLP Cult (Shiny Happy People)
TRIGGER WARNING! This episode contains discussions and descriptions of ritualized child spanking, child abuse, spiritual abuse, and more. Listener discretion advised - and please take care of yourselves.
Tracey and Sharon talk with Abigail Witthauer, a courageous survivor of the cult "IBLP" (Institute for Basic Life Principles), led by Bill Gothard, and featured in the new documentary "Shiny Happy People." Shiny Happy People also told the "real" story of celebrities "The Duggar Family."
This episode is the first of a multi-part interview with Abigail. You can also listen to our general discussion of "Shiny Happy People" in episode 009, here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078827/13032097
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
14 Jun 2023
009 - Shiny Happy People, plus the Cult of Keith Green & Last Days Ministries and Bill Gothard & IBLP (could we make this title any longer?)
Tracey and Sharon talk about the documentary "Shiny Happy People" (Amazon Prime), and discuss some similarities between Keith Green & Bill Gothard, and Last Days Ministries (LDM) & the Instituted for Basic Life Principles (IBLP).
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
21 Jun 2023
011 - Abigail's Story Part 2 - Arranged Betrothal & Teen Trauma in Bill Gothard's IBLP Cult (Shiny Happy People)
TRIGGER WARNING! This episode contains discussions and descriptions of arranged teen marriage, spiritual abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and more. Listener discretion advised - and please take care of yourselves.
Tracey and Sharon talk with Abigail Witthauer, a courageous survivor of the cult "IBLP" (Institute for Basic Life Principles), led by Bill Gothard, and featured in the new documentary "Shiny Happy People." Shiny Happy People also told the "real" story of celebrities "The Duggar Family."
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
28 Jun 2023
012 - Abigail's Story Part 3 - Surviving and Thriving After Bill Gothard's IBLP Cult (Shiny Happy People)
TRIGGER WARNING! This 3-part series contains discussions and descriptions of arranged teen marriage, spiritual abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and more. Listener discretion advised - and please take care of yourselves.
Tracey and Sharon talk with Abigail Witthauer, a courageous survivor of the cult "IBLP" (Institute for Basic Life Principles), led by Bill Gothard, and featured in the new documentary "Shiny Happy People." Shiny Happy People also told the "real" story of cult celebrities, "The Duggar Family."
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
The bible story of Zacchaeus is found in Luke 19:1-9, and here are the first few verses: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
In our adorable Christian parenting, we taught our kids a little song about Zacchaeus, and here were the first two lines: Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he! He climbed up in a sycamore tree to see what he could see...
A passage in the bible about head coverings: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
"Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters" is a new podcast hosted by Sharon Madere (Bennett) and Tracey Phalen (Reed), who both worked alongside Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries (LDM). As one-time key leaders in the organization, they go on record about the spiritually traumatic and often damaging influences of the Greens and the multitude of materials (many of which are still available today) published through LDM, including 'The Last Days Newsletter'. Sharon and Tracey each joined LDM as teenagers, where they met and married their respective spouses during those cult-commune years. Both couples independently left LDM in 1987 and moved hundreds of miles apart. They continued in their hard-held beliefs for over ten additional years, yet ultimately divorced in the early 2000s. In this podcast Tracey and Sharon come together to talk about their parallel journeys out of the cult mindset, the long process of unpacking indoctrination and spiritual trauma, and their separate but often co-mingled road to healing and humor. Come join them on the journey!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
YES, we know this episode is LOOOOONG. We tried to break it into 2 parts, but it just didn't feel right. So - listen to what you can at any one time, pause if you need to, then pick it up later. As far as we know, NO ONE ELSE has gone on record about these things... so here it is. What caused the crash that killed Keith Green? A deadly combination of ego, arrogance, gross negligence and spiritual abuse.
CAUTION: Episode includes details about a small plane crash that killed 12 people, including 8 children. Some listeners may find this very disturbing. Please use discretion.
Because time moved so fast at LDM, Tracey "forgot" that she was already on Staff when the plane went down. She was fast-tracked in order to be placed in leadership as a department head. (Sharon says it's cuz Tracey is just so damn smart!)
SPECIAL THANKS to Elizabeth, Paul & Linda for sharing their memories.
Sharon's interview on "I Was A Teenage Fundamentalist," including how Keith led her to the Lord & arranged her teenage marriage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078827/12748728
Documentaries about the NXIVM Cult: “The Vow” on HBOMAX “Seduced – Inside the NXIVM Cult” on Netflix
Need a laugh? "The Righteous Gemstones" on HBO
Book "No Compromise - The Life Story of Keith Green" by Melody Green. If you feel you must read this, please do us a favor and buy a USED copy!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
02 Aug 2023
017 - Chad Harris from "Shiny Happy People" and Bill Gothard's IBLP Cult
TRIGGER WARNING! This episode contains discussions and descriptions of ritualized child spanking, child abuse, spiritual abuse, sexual content and more. Listener discretion advised - and please take care of yourselves.
Tracey and Sharon talk with our new cult BROTHER! Chad Harris is another a courageous survivor of "IBLP" (Institute for Basic Life Principles), led by Bill Gothard. Chad was featured in the Prime documentary "Shiny Happy People." In fact, Chad is the handsome and articulate dude in the black shirt and red tie! In this episode we're also joined by Abigail Witthauer, who introduced us to Chad in the first place. (Go Abigail!)
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
16 Aug 2023
019 - SeXploration with sExvangelicals: Chad & Abigail, Sexuality After Escaping a Purity Cult (Part 2)
CAUTION! Well, duh, we talk about sex in this episode (explicitly!), but we also touch on ritualized child spanking, spiritual abuse and more. Not appropriate for kids. Listener discretion advised - and please take care of yourselves.
How do you find healthy sexuality after the mind-fuck of purity culture? Chad and Abigail escaped Bill Gothard's cult IBLP. Tracey and Sharon slowly emerged from Keith Green's cult Last Days Ministries. Together they talk about the journey to healing and healthy sexuality.
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
09 Aug 2023
018 - SeXploration with sExvangelicals: Chad & Abigail, Sexuality After Escaping a Purity Cult (Part 1)
CAUTION! Well, duh, we talk about sex in this episode (explicitly!), but we also touch on ritualized child spanking, spiritual abuse and more. Not appropriate for kids. Listener discretion advised - and please take care of yourselves.
How do you find healthy sexuality after the mind-fuck of purity culture? Chad and Abigail escaped Bill Gothard's cult IBLP. Tracey and Sharon slowly emerged from Keith Green's cult Last Days Ministries. Together they talk about the journey to healing and healthy sexuality.
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
30 Aug 2023
021 - Remember What We Said Last Week? We've Now Gone Bi . . .
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
06 Sep 2023
022 - Cheers to Leaving with Rachael & Molly (Crossover Part 2)
Is it ILLEGAL to have this much fun?!?!? Our wide-ranging ramble includes sex, is Tracey gay, sex, purity culture, sex, ghost stories, sex, child custody, sex, mental health, sex, abortion rights, sex, the Barbie movie, sex, etc. This is Part 2 of our "crossover interview" with Rachael and Molly from the wonderful podcast "Cheers to Leaving." Listen to Part 1: https://cheerstoleaving.buzzsprout.com/2020672/13502416
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
23 Aug 2023
020 - Tracey Calls for Church Accountability: IBLP Child Abuse Spanking Rituals Embraced by Current Evangelical Leaders!
Sharon asks Tracey how she's doing, and Tracey doesn't hold back. REALITY CHECK - when she says she wants to burn down a church - this is FIGURATIVELY folks!!!! We in NO WAY recommend or condone or support violence!!!!!
Books that promote horrific child abuse, including spanking rituals, all in the name of "raising up a child in the way he should go": Dare to Discipline by Dr. James Dobson God, the Rod and Your Child's Bod by Larry Tomczak The Strong Willed Child by Dr. James Dobson To Train Up a Child by Michael & Debi Pearl PS - if you feel compelled to get copies of these books for your own research, PLEASE find a way to buy used, so that the authors receive no additional royalties! Thank you!
Become a 'No Hit Zone' advocate --https://nohitzone.com/ What is the goal of No Hit Zone? To create an environment of comfort and safety for parents, families, and staff present in every location and facility. A No Hit Zone sets a precedent within the community and establishes a commitment to the promotion of effective parenting techniques by instilling that:
No adult shall hit a child
No child shall hit another child
No adult shall hit another adult
No child shall hit an adult
Tracey mentioned a verse in Psalms, but it actually is in Proverbs. (We take it as a point of pride that we no longer remember every bible reference!) Here are verses in Proverbs, the "wisdom" of Solomon (suggestions?) that justify beating a child: 13:24; 19:18; 20:30; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15. Interestingly, those who embrace these precepts are able to conveniently ignore the absolute COMMAND from God via Moses in Deuteronomy 21:18-21 - if your son won't obey you, you MUST stone him to death! Just one more example of bible gymnastics.
Our episodes that explore how purity culture and ritualized spanking abuse can have a major impact on future sexuality: "SeXploration with sExvangelicals" Parts 1 and 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078827/13365285 https://www.bu
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
20 Sep 2023
023 - Keith Green Acres: Our Crazy Cult Commune "Last Days Ministries"
Lyrics to OUR version of (Keith) Green Acres! KEITH GREEN Acres is the place to be Ranch house livin' is the life for me Texas spreadin' out so far and wide Keep Southern Cal, we're in for a crazy ride God's cause! Our flaws! The Spin! Your Sin! We are Keith's slaves! Die to self and dig our graves! KEITH GREEN Acres we are there!
“DBA” means “doing business as.” - The legal name of the non-profit entity was “Last Days Evangelical Association,” but in all our publications we were known as “Last Days Ministries.”
“ROI” means “return on investment” --- does the time and money spent yield a big enough return (profit) to make it worthwhile? In the LDM farming ventures, that answer was FUCK NO!
The song Sharon sang while working in the prison kitchen grating potatoes: His ways are greater than mine His ways are greater than mine His ways are greater than mine, MUCH greater! Greater, greater, much much greater! Greater, greater, much greater!
“The Burn” - when everyone in the ministry had to work almost 24/7 to typeset, print, collate and mail out our publication, “The Last Days Magazine.”
“Witnessing” - talking to people, trying to persuade them to “give their lives to Jesus.”
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
06 Sep 2023
022 - Bonus: Sharon Did WHAT??? No, Sharon Did WAP!!!!!
Now devil's got ya in his hold, he gonna spank yo tushy God tryin a tell ya just like Moses in the burning bushy Get on yo knees and say yo prayers, don't be so god damned wussy All those angels makin heavin fuckin cushy
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
27 Dec 2023
031 - Tracey & Sharon FLUNK an 80's Trivia Challenge! (Play along if you dare...)
As Tracey puts it, we spent a lot of years in a cult-commune-cave! Enjoy our pathetic attempts to answer cultural questions about the 1980s. You're welcome.
WHAT V&V episode has Top Gun eye cover?
Pee Wee Herman *** RECORD AN INSET FOR THIS?) 16:35
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
04 Oct 2023
024 - A "Brother" from Keith Green's Last Days Ministries Cult: Paul (Part 1)
Paul Kellerman joined Last Days Ministries in 1982. He was a student in the second ever LDM "Intensive Christian Training School," then became a leader in that school, and ultimately part of the cult-commune work-force. In Part 1 of our interview, Paul tells us a bit about his childhood, coming to Last Days, and the set up for what would soon become a major life trauma.
Leonard Ravenhill was an older fiery preacher from the UK who settled in East Texas, and became a mentor of sorts to Keith and the rest of us. Perhaps his most well-known book was "Why Revival Tarries." (And so now you are in on the joke as well!)
You can connect with Paul in the Facebook Group "Confessions of the Cult Sisters COMMUNITY," or by email: daringtobme@gmail.com
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
18 Oct 2023
026 - A "Brother" from Keith Green's Last Days Ministries Cult - Paul (Part 2)
Paul Kellerman joined Last Days Ministries in 1982. He was a student in the second ever LDM "Intensive Christian Training School," then became a leader in that school, and ultimately part of the cult-commune work-force. In Part 2 of our interview, Paul shares about the confusing trauma of being kicked out of Last Days, and the long, difficult road to freedom and healing.
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
01 Nov 2023
027 - We Discuss Two Books: “Counting the Cost” by Jill Duggar & “The Woman They Wanted” by Shannon Harris (Part 1)
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
09 Oct 2023
025 - SPECIAL EPISODE: Loren Cunningham, YWAM Founder (& Cult Leader?) Just Died ... Entanglements with Keith Green and Last Days Ministries
Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), passed away on October 6, 2023. News of his passing was particularly difficult for MANY former members (YWAMers) because he escaped a long-overdue reckoning to account for the years of exploitation, manipulation, and spiritual and financial abuse he designed and presided over throughout the decades of Youth With A Mission’s history. Tracey and Sharon share their own experiences with this systemic model of abuse and manipulation due to the close ties between Keith Green and Loren Cunningham and between Last Days Ministries and Youth With a Mission back in the early 1980’s. Loren Cunningham exploited both youth and nations with a program that functioned much more like a multi-level marketing scheme (MLM) than a true ministry. We share the dark side of his ‘legacy’ that you won’t often hear because Loren Cunningham and other high-level YWAM leaders worked hard to remove and silence people and bury and hide important and heart-breaking stories of abuse and corruption.
References for this episode:
Tyler Morning Telegraph Newspaper article – History of Ministries in East Texas
The Book used by YWAM to emphasize the principle – “Do not come against God’s anointed.”
The Tale of Three Kings– by Gene Edwards
Sharon mentions visiting the home of the Anastasis Ship in 1982: Loren Cunningham had a long-time vision of a ship ministry, which was finally realized in 1979. The first ship, named “Anastasis” (the Greek word for Resurrection), became the first in a fleet to be known as Mercy Ships–a ministry which would provide hope and healthcare to the needy in port cities around the world.
(Note: Mercy Ships is no longer an affiliate of YWAM – it became a stand-alone ministry in 2003)
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
15 Nov 2023
028 - We Discuss Two Books: “Counting the Cost” by Jill Duggar & “The Woman They Wanted” by Shannon Harris (Part 2)
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
29 Nov 2023
029 - A Flamy Grant Christmas (sort of?) - The Hip-Swaying, Shame-Slaying, Chart-Topping Drag Queen!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
14 Feb 2024
033 - We Discuss a Recent Interview with Melody Green (Wife of Keith Green)
“For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20-21)
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
28 Feb 2024
034 - Bro’s and Ho’s..... AKA Our Little Bros Troy & Brian: We Were ALL Teenage Fundamentalists! AKA My Old Kentucky Home; AKA Talkin Bout the Cult of Keith Green & Melody Green; AKA Go Cowboys! AKA The Longest Podcast Episode Title Ever!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
13 Mar 2024
035 - The Demise of Keith Green's Last Days Ministries Cult (Part 1) ... Brought to You By Melody Green and YWAM
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
10 Apr 2024
037 - Our Road Trip Back to the Texas Property of Keith Green's Last Days Ministries Cult (Unedited!)
JAMA stands for "Jesus Awakening Movement for America/All Nations". (Nothing new under the sun...)
The song we were (trying!) singing along to was "Elya" by Silverwind. It came up because we were going to reconnect with one of the members of the trio who was in the area that day.
Grublet's Cafe - an allowable indulgence in an otherwise bleak area of east Texas.
Agape Force - another "ministry" in the East Texas vortex, also plagued with later scandals (weren't they ALL?!?!?!) (But we DID appreciate Grublet's!)
Dukes BBQ off I-20 was great!
Sadly we did not have time to return to the YWAM "Journey Coffee House" - it would have been a LOT of fun to let them witness to us <insert Sharon's devilish grin here>.
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
24 Apr 2024
038 - The Demise of Keith Green's Last Days Ministries Cult - Part 2 - Keith Green Blazing Bright (The First Era)
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
08 May 2024
039 - The Demise of Keith Green's Last Days Ministries Cult - Part 3 - A Tale of Two Letters: Sharon's Confession & Keith's Repentance (The First Era)
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
22 May 2024
040 - The Demise of Keith Green's Last Days Ministries Cult - Part 4 - The Sharon Problem (The First Era)
LYRICS so you can sing along! How do you solve a problem like A Sharon? How do you keep your mind from going down? How do you stop your eyes from always starin’? A suitable elder, wedding date and a gown!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
12 Jun 2024
042 - Nope, NOT Okay!!! Part 2 - We Renounce Our Last Days Ministries' Attack on Gays, with Guest Anthony Venn-Brown
About Anthony Venn-Brown: Anthony Venn-Brown is an author and a respected LGBTQ community leader. In a former life, he was a high-profile Pentecostal preacher, in Australia’s megachurches such as Hillsong. His autobiography, ‘A Life of Unlearning’, became a bestseller and now in its third edition. The memoir details Anthony’s rise to prominence and his several decades long struggle with homosexuality including constant prayer, counselling, fasting, conversion “therapy”, exorcisms and marriage, trying NOT to be gay. A chance encounter shattered the wall of denial he’d built and thrust him through a maze of public scandal, rejection, isolation, and trauma. People often say it’s a miracle he survived.
Since 2004, his book, writing and organisations have been a source of resolution and healing. Anthony has worked with over 4,000 conversion “therapy” survivors and many more individuals experiencing faith/sexuality conflict.
Anthony is the founder and CEO of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International. He has been recognised for his contribution several times, including being twice voted one of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians and in 2020 was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the LGBTQ community.
Another claim to fame is that in 2008, along with Heath Ledger, Darren Hayes and Peter Allen, Anthony was named one of Australia’s Poster Children for Sin by the infamous Rev Fred Phelps from the Westboro (God Hates Fags) Baptist Church.
Much of Anthony’s work came together recently when he worked with survivors and the state government to see legislation pass banning conversion "therapy".
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
19 Jun 2024
043 - Nope, NOT Okay!!! Part 3 - We Renounce Our Last Days Ministries' Attack on Gays (aka Sy Rogers, "The MYTH in the Mirror") - with Guest Anthony Venn-Brown
Anthony's Autobiography https://alifeofunlearning.com/ Can't afford it? We'll reimburse you! Buy the book, send screen shot of receipt to cultsisterspodcast @ gmail and we'll pay you
A few lyrics: When I finally picked up that brush Dragged it through the blush Oh, what a revelation It felt like a salvation When I painted what was inside out Puckered her lips and pouted What a situation I think I found my new vocation
But honey, you said wait Based on my inherited values That I have not investigated This makes me uncomfortable It's such a scandal And it's hard for me to handle And I said great I don't know why you think you're Entitled to a certain presentation from others But I am happy to dismantle it Cause this is not your body ... Stay proud, radiate, only love can drive out hate!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
05 Jun 2024
041 - Nope, NOT Okay!!! Part 1 - We Renounce Our Last Days Ministries' Attack on Gays, with Guest Anthony Venn-Brown
About Anthony Venn-Brown: Anthony Venn-Brown is an author and a respected LGBTQ community leader. In a former life, he was a high-profile Pentecostal preacher, in Australia’s megachurches such as Hillsong. His autobiography, ‘A Life of Unlearning’, became a bestseller and now in its third edition. The memoir details Anthony’s rise to prominence and his several decades long struggle with homosexuality including constant prayer, counselling, fasting, conversion “therapy”, exorcisms and marriage, trying NOT to be gay. A chance encounter shattered the wall of denial he’d built and thrust him through a maze of public scandal, rejection, isolation, and trauma. People often say it’s a miracle he survived.
Since 2004, his book, writing and organisations have been a source of resolution and healing. Anthony has worked with over 4,000 conversion “therapy” survivors and many more individuals experiencing faith/sexuality conflict.
Anthony is the founder and CEO of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International. He has been recognised for his contribution several times, including being twice voted one of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians and in 2020 was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the LGBTQ community.
Another claim to fame is that in 2008, along with Heath Ledger, Darren Hayes and Peter Allen, Anthony was named one of Australia’s Poster Children for Sin by the infamous Rev Fred Phelps from the Westboro (God Hates Fags) Baptist Church.
Much of Anthony’s work came together recently when he worked with survivors and the state government to see legislation pass banning conversion "therapy".
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
26 Jun 2024
044 - Closets in Keith Green's Commune, with former Last Days Ministries Cult Brother Jim York
Come to our Invitation-Only Flamy Grant concert Ocala, FL, Oct 31, 2024! Join our Facebook group "Feet of Clay - Confessions of the Cult Sisters COMMUNITY" for info www.facebook.com/groups/677407940871421
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
10 Jul 2024
045 - 100,000 Downloads Still Can't F*ing Save the World!
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
27 Jul 2024
046 - July 1982 Keith Green Plane Crash - NEW INFO! - Did Keith Grab the Controls?
Join the conversation in our Facebook Community Group - and get details to join us for the October 31, 2024 Flamy Grant Concert Party in Ocala, Florida. https://www.facebook.com/groups/677407940871421
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
28 Aug 2024
047 - Understanding Sex Crimes Against Children, with Experts Dr. Shiloh and Dr. Scott: The Case of Steve Greisen (Husband of "2nd Chapter of Acts" Singer)
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
13 Sep 2024
048 - When Faith Fails: The Child Sexual Predator Crime of Steve Greisen (Husband of "2nd Chapter of Acts" Singer) - Part 1
We love acronyms -- and we aren't afraid to use them! Here are some common ones that we might forget to explain: LDM - Last Days Ministries (organization) ICT - Intensive Christian Training School (at LDM) YWAM - Youth With A Mission (organization) CCM - Contemporary Christian Music
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