Chuck Smith to Potter's House: A Survivor Speaks Out | The Door Church | Podcast Episode 643

John talks with Joel Crosby, a former member of Potter's House / The Door, about growing up inside a high-control religious environment, the pressure to conform, and the painful effects on family, friendships, dating, and mental health. Joel shares how pastoral authority, fear of losing salvation, and group loyalty shaped his childhood and young adult life. Joel also explains how disturbing allegatiodns, church leadership responses, and his own research led him to question the system he had trusted. The conversation explores Potter's House, Wayman Mitchell, Chuck Smith, Prescott, the New Apostolic Reformation, religious control, cult recovery, and how former members rebuild life after leaving. 00:00 Introduction 04:03 Joel Crosby’s Background in Potter’s House / The Door 07:13 Childhood, Bullying, and Trying to Fit In 12:22 Depression, Pastoral Counseling, and Mental Health 17:52 Resenting His Father After Pastoral Manipulation 20:29 Potter’s House, Therapy, and Mental Health Control 23:37 His Father’s Illness and the Lost Relationship 27:54 Realizing the Church Was Not Perfect 32:35 Dating, Marriage Control, and Family Loyalty 35:16 Abuse Allegations Against the Pastor 38:29 Cover-Up Concerns After the Pastor Was Removed 39:23 Transference of Spirit and Leadership Corruption 42:15 Studying Doctrine and Realizing The Door Was Wrong 43:37 The Pastor Tries to Stop Joel’s Marriage 46:42 Leaving the Church and Losing Friends 48:46 Becoming a “Rebel” and Speaking Out 49:39 Escaping the Potter’s House and Survivor Advocacy 53:13 Chuck Smith, Prescott, and the Roots of the Fellowship 56:59 Joel’s Advice to People Still Inside ______________________ Joel's Books: https://www.joelcrosby.com/books ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________ – Support the channel:   / branham   – Subscribe to the channel:    / @leavingthemessage   – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org – Follow on Facebook:   / williambranhamorg   – Follow on TikTok:   / william.m.branham   – Follow on Twitter:   / wmbhr   – Buy the books: https://william-branham.org/site/books