Investigation Discovery is set to premiere the new documentary series Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals on November 24, 2024. The true crime docuseries explores Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) Churches and charts the struggles of victims of IFB’s predatory behavior via interviews with survivors and church defectors.
The first two episodes of the four-part docuseries air on November 24th at 9pm ET/PT. The final two episodes follow on November 25th.
Emmy-winning director Sharon Liese (The Flagmakers) created the series and directs, with ITV America’s Good Caper Content producing for ID.
ID offers this lengthy description of the docuseries:
“Since its inception in the 1950s, the IFB has evolved into one of the dominant religious forces in the United States today with an estimated 8 million believers spread out over 6,000 churches across the country. Let Us Prey uncovers the dark inner-workings behind the IFB’s cheery and virtuous exterior by exposing depraved secrets and violence that have existed within their churches for decades.
Rituals oriented towards ‘breaking a child’s will,’ mind control, and torture are only the tip of the iceberg. Below the surface lurks accusations of rape and physical abuse of members, including minors, at the hands of IFB figureheads.
Anchored by the testimony of survivors who have come forward to tell their stories and seek justice, Let us Prey explores the deep pain and lifelong trauma they experienced. Survivors and IFB defectors Ruthy Heiler, Kathy Durbin and Amanda Householder, among others, share their accounts of abuse at the hands of church leaders and the violence, manipulation and suspected cover-ups of other members.
Also featuring key independent voices, including Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter Sarah Smith – one of the first journalists to uncover IFB’s tangled web of abuse allegations and unregulated teen boarding schools – Let Us Prey offers a deeper understanding of how those within the IFB have continued to operate unchecked for years. Through powerful, emotional testimonies and archival footage, Let Us Prey reveals the sexual abuse of IFB members and the insidious efforts to cover up pastors’ abuse and silence survivors.”
 Churches and charts the struggles of victims of IFB’s predatory behavior.){kind=link}