Helping ‘Gloriavale’ Members Leave & Rebuild: Liz Gregory: Episode 233
What does it take to help someone leave Gloriavale – and what happens once they’re out?
In this episode, we’re joined by Liz Gregory from the Gloriavale Leavers Trust, who shares the remarkable story of a network of Christians working behind the scenes to help people leave the religious fundamentalist NZ cult: Gloriavale. Through secret phones, late-night conversations and a commitment to sharing the gospel, this network has helped people find a way out and a new beginning. Since the Trust began, they have supported more than 300 people leaving Gloriavale – but leaving is only the beginning.
We talk about the challenges of starting again, learning to make decisions, rebuilding relationships and discovering what healthy Christian community looks like. Liz also shares why it’s so important to understand the difference between genuine biblical faith and spiritual control, alongside her own journey through infertility and the experiences that have shaped her work.
This is a fascinating, moving conversation about freedom, faith and walking alongside people as they rebuild their lives. ❤️
0:00 – Introducing Liz Gregory & the Gloriavale Leavers Trust
1:53 – What Is Gloriavale? Understanding Life Inside the Community
4:50 – Leaving Gloriavale: Liz’s Journey to Helping Members Escape
14:20 – Helping Gloriavale Members: Night Raids, Phones & Evangelism
18:40 – Why More Third-Generation Members Are Leaving Gloriavale
21:40 – Life Inside Gloriavale: Love, Control & Claims of Being the One True Church
26:01 – Life After Gloriavale: Rebuilding Identity, Making Decisions & Finding Freedom
33:33 – How Do People Escape Gloriavale?
36:55 – Has Helping Gloriavale Leavers Challenged Liz’s Faith?
38:30 – Cult Chat, Understanding the Gospel & Recognising Spiritual Abuse
46:08 – Healthy Biblical Community vs Spiritual Abuse: How to Recognise the Difference
48:33 – Church Tribalism, Cults in New Zealand & Warning Signs of a Cult
57:13 – What Encourages Liz? Her Infertility Journey & Working for the Leavers Trust
1:13:42 – The One That Got Away
1:15:13 – Why Do Some Gloriavale Leavers Return?
1:17:12 – What Does Liz Hope Will Change at Gloriavale?
1:21:30 – Deprogramming After a Cult: Helping Gloriavale Leavers Rebuild Their Lives
1:23:20 – How to Help Yourself or Your Child Leave a Cult
1:27:33 – Supporting the Gloriavale Leavers Trust
1:29:10 – How Do You Live Your Faith Outside of Sunday?