Let Us Prey: Growing Up in the IFB Cult

As someone who was raised in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement, watching the docuseries "Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals" was not only an incredibly challenging experience but also a validating one. The series delved deep into the pervasive predation and abuse that occurred within IFB churches, shining a much-needed light on the dark underbelly of the movement. It emphasized how the abusive teachings and power structures of the IFB enabled sexual abuse to flourish.

One of the aspects that struck a chord with me was the authoritarian nature of the IFB. Growing up, questioning authority was not only discouraged but considered unthinkable. I distinctly remember being indoctrinated with the belief that "adults are always right, even when they are wrong." This mindset created an environment where abuse and mistreatment could thrive unchecked. I recall one instance during a church play rehearsal where the director would consistently berate and humiliate the cast members, myself included. Despite my attempts to express my concerns to my parents, they initially dismissed them, believing that the director could do no wrong because she was an authority figure. It was only when another adult validated my experiences that they finally believed me. The lack of validation and support was a recurring theme in my upbringing, leaving me feeling unheard and alone.

Another aspect of this environment was the extensive control over various aspects of your life. This control encompassed your finances, music choices, reading materials, clothing, places you could visit, the people you could be friends with, and the expectation of always being present at the church whenever its doors were open. The pastor's words were seen as God's words, and every father ensured that the rules and standards were enforced in each home.

I grew up attending Gospel Light Baptist Church in Walkertown, NC under the leadership of Bro. Bobby Roberson, who served for over sixty years. My parents unquestioningly accepted his teachings as absolute truth and followed them as if they were divine revelations. As a child, I was bothered by the extent of their devotion to Bobby. They would sometimes become emotional and cry when talking about what an incredible man of God he was. I felt ashamed for not sharing the same level of admiration. I vividly recall a member praying in front of the congregation, asking God to help us become more like our pastor. Despite my indoctrination, I knew this wasn’t right, but I stayed quiet.

At one point in my childhood, many members left the group in droves. My parents said that the former members were not loyal to Bro. Bobby, but we would stay by his side. The members who left were portrayed as lukewarm Christians who desired to indulge in ‘sinful’ activities, such as women wearing pants, listening to music with a beat, going to movie theaters, dancing, and social drinking. The IFB was considered the golden standard of Christianity. If you wanted to be a Christian, you better be an IFB Christian or not at all. The sense of religious superiority is nauseating. While God still loved those who were less devout, we believed that He was more pleased with us because of the strict rules we followed.

The docuseries also brought back vivid memories of the intense and hateful sermons delivered by IFB preachers. The emotional scars left by their shouts, fear-based teachings, and condemnations still linger to this day. As a child, I had many nightmares of burning in hell. When I was awake, I feared I would be left behind if the rapture occurred. The impact of their hateful messages on the LGBTQ+ community still affects me today. Growing up, I was expected to be seen and not heard, with my voice often disregarded and discredited. The emotional manipulation and spiritual abuse that took place during church youth conferences further intensified the toxic dynamics within the IFB.

Another challenging part of the documentary was uncovering the influences behind my parents' involvement in the IFB. They attended First Baptist Church in Hammond, IN, as college students of Hyles-Anderson College, which was closely tied to the cult practices of the IFB. As part of their college experience, they participated in the bus ministry, where they were exposed to disturbing practices, such as swallowing live goldfish. My parents were heavily influenced by Jack Hyles, the pastor (or rather, cult leader) of First Baptist Church. While they haven't spoken much about their time there, my mother once mentioned a joking reference to how strict Hyles-Anderson was, some students did a salute reminiscent of the Nazis in reference to the school. Discovering these unsettling details only further solidified the harmful and militant nature of the IFB movement.

"Let Us Prey" provided a powerful platform for IFB survivors to share their personal experiences and expose the dark realities of the IFB movement. The courage and strength displayed by these survivors in sharing their stories are truly inspirational. I am honored to know one of the survivors in the docuseries, who is Eric Skwarczynski. It’s been incredible to see the work he’s been doing and continues to do. The docuseries serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and supporting all survivors.