Lost My Pentecostal Faith Studying Mormonism - Anna Schreyer and the Assemblies of God | Ep. 1993

Feb 17, 2025

Anna Schreyer, who grew up in a Pentecostal family in Utah and spent time as a missionary in Mozambique, shares her transformative journey of faith. She discusses navigating the complexities of high-demand religious environments, detailing her questioning of beliefs as she was shaped by both Assemblies of God and the pervasive influence of Mormon culture. Anna reflects on the emotional challenges of leaving a strict faith, exploring themes of healing, identity, and the quest for authenticity in the aftermath.

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ANECDOTE

Sibling Rebellion and Faith Commitment

Anna's teenage sibling caused heartbreak by rebelling, deepening her commitment to faith.
She vowed never to hurt her parents similarly, reinforcing her religious devotion.

INSIGHT

Emotional Displays and Spirituality

Anna learned that outward emotional displays signaled spiritual depth, regardless of inner feelings.
Public crying was misinterpreted as the Holy Spirit's influence.

ANECDOTE

Speaking in Tongues

Anna felt pressured to speak in tongues and learned to mimic it from a CD.
Her practiced tongues barely changed, highlighting the performative aspect.

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Anna shares her personal journey growing up as a Pentecostal Charismatic in Utah, detailing her experiences within the Assemblies of God (AG) church, and the struggles and beliefs that shaped her faith. Although she has never been Mormon, Anna has a unique perspective of the LDS church as she grew up surrounded by Mormonism in Utah. Anna also delves into her time as a missionary in Mozambique, her eventual questioning of her beliefs, and the emotional journey of leaving the church. The conversation touches on the challenges of leaving a high-demand religion and finding new paths to healing and authenticity.

Show Notes

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00:04:14 Anna’s intention

00:15:35 “Gift of Tongues” vs “Speaking in Tongues”

00:25:43 Both of Anna’s parents are pastors

00:40:00 The belief in “healing” abilities in Assemblies of God

00:56:00 Anna diagnosed with cancer around age two, they thought religion could heal her

01:19:20 Why do “mainstream” Christians not see Mormons as Christians?

01:33:18 Anna was conditioned to believe that expressing emotion shows closeness to God

01:52:08 Anna talks about what it was like to have Mormon parents not want their kids to be around her

02:01:17 Speaking in tongues for the first time

02:16:50 Creating false memories

02:26:45 How are sexual transgressions seen in evangelicalism vs mormonism?

02:38:05 Anna stopped attending church and school because she felt so ashamed

02:40:50 Anna’s connections with the Latter Day Church of Christ or the polygamist Kingston Group

02:52:41 Anna’s time in Mozambique

03:02:45 It took Anna years to adjust back to normal after her work on her mission

03:10:20 Anna felt like God was calling her home to “save the Mormons”

03:21:10 Anna voicing: “I have created an image of myself that isn't real”

03:38:30 Questioning what to do with her life after leaving that mission

03:47:20 Anna began to see red flags in her pastor -he was not financially transparent and sexist

03:52:15 Anna’s pastor gives sermon called “Four Bad Reasons that People Leave the Church”

04:12:04 Anna feels extremely alone now after leaving

04:25:00 Her parents are still not very willing to view things that are critical of the church

04:45:13 Watched Margi’s “Coming home to myself” THRIVE presentation

04:50:08 What are her moments where she taps into beauty or pleasure?

04:53:46 Final questions for Anna

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