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Living Out Freedom Conference
September 12th-13th, 2025
Joined by the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort
$15 Off bE+ SubscribersFri, Sep 12SeviervilleSep 12, 2025, 2:00 PM EDT – Sep 13, 2025, 4:30 PM EDTSevierville, 110 Gary R Wade Blvd, Sevierville, TN 37862, USAJoin us for an unforgettable weekend in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee with world class speakers and life changing lessons to Live Out Freedom.
What is the Living Out Freedom Conference?
What does “Living out freedom” after spiritual abuse look like? It sounds nice, incredible actually…like an iced cold glass of water on a blistering hot Texas day, but how do we do it? How do we move from trauma responses to calm minds? How do we go from an intense fear of the faith to approaching it with curiosity? How do we transition from distrust and disgust of community to a rich life of imperfect yet trusted relationships?
Introducing: The Living Out Freedom Conference.
We can start here.
We can continue on from here.
We can learn prevention here.
We can come alongside others here.
There can be so much grieving, disentangling, healing, and rebuilding ahead of us. We can face so much resistance, so much pushback that dismisses us, blames us, silences us. But there’s a growing presence in the world that is getting stronger, as we root our feet into the ground and change the narrative by getting to know ourselves and our God for real. And these changes, change everything.
It changes our lives.
It changes lives in the next generation.
And it takes the power away from wolves.
So if you’re a survivor of spiritual abuse,
or you’re an advocate for those who have suffered.
If you’ve been on this journey for decades,
or you’re desiring to prevent potential harm.
Let’s take another step in the direction of Living Out Freedom.
Why is beEmboldened creating a conference?
Since beEmboldened was founded in 2020, it has been deeply encouraging to see an increasing number of resources popping up within the context of spiritual abuse throughout the United States and beyond.
As we’ve had the privilege to engage with various support options, we’ve noticed an empty space that we’re hoping to fill: a space for empathy and strengthening in both trauma and in knowledge of the Christian faith. An intersection of the two:
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Who is God, really, and how can we know?
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How does the Holy Spirit interact with us?
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How do I read my Bible…when I’ve been beaten over the head with it?
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Is there room for mental health in Christianity?
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Can doctrine be right, but the approach be wrong, and if so, can I be upset about it?
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Where on God’s green earth is there a healthy church and what does that even look like?
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What’s up with all this forgiveness stuff, because I’m still suffocating over here?
We have experienced trauma and we need to talk about how that affects our bodies, our lives, and our relationships. We also need to talk about the big questions we tend to have about God and the Christian faith.
These practical and important questions typically are not being asked from the place of a clean slate. Instead that slate has oftentimes been shattered and we find ourselves staring at the shards in our skin wondering how to move in any direction without bleeding out.
So, we want to talk about both. We want to provide a place to engage with these questions, coming from an educated lens on spiritual abuse. Because spiritual abuse changes these questions…they sound like the same questions as maybe a new Christian or an Atheist-seeker, but they’re not. These questions are loaded now. They’re pain-filled. And they matter in a new way, a deep way, sometimes a desperate way.
The Living Out Freedom Conference is for these questions, posed from this background. Whether you’re a survivor yourself, you love someone who has suffered, you’re a leader desiring to come alongside others, or you want to prevent spiritual abuse: this event has been designed for you.
Paul Copan (Ph.D., Philosophy, Marquette University) is a Christian theologian, analytic philosopher, apologist, and author. He is currently a professor at the Palm Beach Atlantic University (Florida) and holds the endowed Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics. He is author or editor of nearly 50 books, including the very popular, strong-selling book Is God a Moral Monster? as well as its companion volume, the award-winning Is God a Vindictive Bully? Paul is married to Jacqueline, and they have six children.
Topics:
Reconciling the God of the Old Testament with the God of the New and How to Read Your Bible After it’s been Weaponized Against You
Dr. Paul Copan
A former atheist who came to faith, Mary Jo Sharp has experienced two worlds of American culture: growing up in the postmodern Pacific Northwest and then adulthood in the evangelical culture of the Southern Bible Belt. She first encountered apologetics in her own spiritual search while seeking answers, eventually becoming a professor of apologetics. Mary Jo is now the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry. She has been featured in Christianity Today’s cover story “The Unexpected Defenders” and is an international author and speaker. Mary Jo's most recent written work is, Why I Still Believe: A former atheist's reckoning with the bad reputation Christians give a good God.
Topics:
Orthodoxy, Orthopraxy, and Orthopathy
Mary Jo Sharp
Naomi is the daughter of a pseudo-Christian cult leader. She was raised, yet hidden, within mainstream culture and public school education, where no one knew—or the few with a sense of something, stayed silent. She did not know this was the case until she was 28, from which point she has sought after truth with a questioning mind, adamant to never find herself so lost again.
Naomi holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University at Buffalo and is a licensed mental health professional in the state of Colorado. She also holds a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Denver Seminary. Her areas of speciality include grief and loss, spiritual abuse, including cult abuse, as well as biblical and theological studies.
Topics:
TBD
Naomi Wright
Holly Pivec is a blogger, author, and speaker, as well as a pastor’s wife and homeschooling mom. She has a master’s degree in Christian apologetics from Biola University, where she also served as university editor for nearly a decade.
She has coauthored four books with Doug Geivett about the New Apostolic Reformation, including her two most recent: Reckless Christianity and Counterfeit Kingdom.
Topics:
The Holy Spirit: Disentangling Truth from Lies Part 1
Holly Pivec
Doug is a husband, father to two grown children, professor, author, and speaker. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy from USC and teaches at Biola University and Talbot School of Theology. Doug has written or edited several books and spoken on issues related to the New Apostolic Reformation, Christian apologetics, and the Christian life to audiences all over the world.
Topics:
The Holy Spirit: Disentangling Truth from Lies Part 2
Dr. Doug Geivett
Teasi Cannon is an author, speaker mentor, and lifelong learner who is passionate about helping others cultivate a sound and enduring devotion to Jesus. She holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Middle Tennessee State University School of
Education and Behavioral Science, an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty Theological Seminary, and a certificate in Christian Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary. She is a client mentor and board member with BeEmboldened, a non-profit that provides support in the prevention of and healing from harmful religious experiences.
Teasi lives south of Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and best friend Bill. They have three amazing children who all grew up far too quickly, a wonderful son- and daughter-in-love, and the most precious grandchildren the world has ever seen.For more about Teasi and her books, check out her website at www.teasicannon.com.
Topics:
How to Safeguard Against Revictimization
Teasi Cannon
Alisa Childers is the author of the bestselling book, Another Gospel?, in which she describes the years-long journey she took as she wrestled with questions that struck at the core of the Christian faith and found the truth. Her new book is called The Deconstruction of Christianity, which analyzes and responds to the growing Deconstruction movement.
She is a wife, mom, author, podcaster, and speaker. She was a member of the award-winning CCM recording group ZOEgirl. She hosts The Alisa Childers podcast, and the Unshaken Faith Podcast. Alisa’s story was featured in the documentary, American Gospel: Christ Crucified. You can connect with Alisa online at alisachilders.com.
Topics:
Live Your truth and Other Lies
Alisa Childers
Anna is the Ratio Christi Cults and New Religions Specialist as well as Area Ministry Director over the great state of Tennessee and Chapter Director for the University of Tennessee Knoxville. She is Theological Director over a center specializing in mental health therapies and interventions where she treats victims of religious and spiritual abuse alongside a staff of fellow therapists.
Topics:
Jesus and Mental Health
Anna Kitko
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Conference Presenters
I'm thrilled to take part in the beEmboldened 2025 conference, which is filling a gap for victims of spiritual abuse--exposing bad teachings that hold people in bondage and equipping them to find freedom in the light of God's truth.
Holly Pivec
Spiritual abuse work is so incredibly needed because too many have nowhere to go where they will be understood. It is in places like this where they can be seen and heard and know real community and I am honored to be a part of that.
Anna Kitko
As someone who defends and explains beliefs, I'm drawn to the beEmboldened Conference because it places a strong emphasis on emotional and relational intelligence, recognizing their profound impact on mental wellbeing. In my experience, there's often a greater focus on rational intelligence, sometimes overlooking these critical dimensions.
Mary Jo Sharp
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9am: Session 4
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10am: Session 5
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11am: Session 6
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12pm: Lunch (convenient onsite restaurants available to choose from–not included in conference ticket)
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1:30pm: Session 7
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2:30pm: Session 8
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3:30pm: Session 9
*Schedule subject to change. Presenter timeslots TBD.
Saturday, Sept. 13th
A weekend of amazing content from world renown leaders.
Conference Schedule
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2pm: Session 1
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3pm: Session 2
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4pm: Session 3
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6pm - 9pm Optional add-on: A Special Dining Event, with Special Guests, Dulce and Derek Johnson from the Honest Messy Life
*Schedule subject to change. Presenter timeslots TBD.
Friday, Sept. 12th
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It's a privilege to team up with Naomi Wright's unique and effective beEmboldened ministry, which reaches the spiritually wounded to help strengthen their weak hands and feeble knees and to make straight the paths for their feet so that they might be healed.
–Paul Copan, Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Hotel Information:
Wilderness at the Smokies Resort
1424 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37876
We are so excited to be hosting our first in-person conference at the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort! Having recently undergone a 40-million-dollar renovation, Wild Water Dome, the indoor waterpark, is a fun way to relax or release some endorphins at the end of the day. Each room at the hotel includes 4 waterpark tickets, so bring your family, add on a day to just enjoy, and make a getaway out of it!
To book a discounted room:
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Call 1-877-325-WILD
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Talk to a reservation agent
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Mention Our Booking ID # 60367 at Stone Hill Lodge.
Room must be booked prior to August 12th, 2025 to secure the discounted rate or until rooms run out, whichever occurs first.
Please book early to ensure your room if you desire to stay onsite. You are also welcome to stay offsite at a local hotel, AirBnB, with friends or family, etc. You do not need to stay at the Resort in order to attend the conference.
Hotel Onsite Dining Options: 13 onsite dining options, including quick dining to sit-down, coffee fix to dessert!
Hotel Things To Do Onsite: Mini golf, bowling, painting, an indoor coaster, and more!
Things to Do Near the Resort and Conference Center: The Smoky Mountain region is stunning and offers so many activity options to turn your conference experience into a family vacation, if you desire.
- $15 Off For bE+ SubscribersFri, Sep 12SeviervilleSep 12, 2025, 2:00 PM EDT – Sep 13, 2025, 4:30 PM EDTSevierville, 110 Gary R Wade Blvd, Sevierville, TN 37862, USAJoin us for an unforgettable weekend in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee with world class speakers and life changing lessons to Live Out Freedom.
Who may attend? You! This conference is designed for those who care about the issue of spiritual abuse whether they have personally experienced it, love someone who has, or desire to become more equipped in the area of prevention.
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Will meals be served? No, meals are not included with your conference ticket. For your convenience, there are multiple onsite dining options available for you (a total of 13, actually!).
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Will beverages be served? Yes! Coffee, tea, and water will be available throughout the conference sessions.
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Will the conference be live streamed? No.
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Will it be recorded? Most likely no, but this is subject to change.
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Is the venue ADA accessible? Yes! Full information is available here.
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Is there accommodation for the hearing impaired? We are actively seeking support in order to offer this accommodation, but we cannot guarantee it at this time. If you’re connected to someone who is a trained ASL translator, we would love an introduction!
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Can I pay by check or in cash? We are happy to accept payment by check if that’s best for you. Please keep in mind that the rate of your conference ticket will be calculated based on the date your check is received at beEmboldened headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Please include the name(s) you are registering for and any additional notes ( i.e. dietary restrictions if you are attending the Special Dining Event).
We unfortunately cannot accept payment in cash.
Reach out to us with any questions, or to initiate a check request click here.
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Are there group discounts? Yes, discounts are available for groups of 12 or more. Please email us at hello@beemboldened.com for assistance in registering your group.
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What is your refund policy? All tickets are nonrefundable. Tickets are transferable, just email us hello@beemboldened.com with your registration confirmation and the name of whom you want your ticket transferred to.
In the highly unlikely event that the conference is canceled you will have the option of either a full refund (minus taxes and fees) or converting any funds paid to a tax deductible donation to beEmboldened.
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Where can I find sleeping arrangements? Onsite or offsite, whichever you prefer! The conference center is adjacent to the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort, offering a super convenient lodging option for conference attendees. However, you are not required to stay there in order to attend the conference. Please feel free to look into a hotel, an AirBnB, or staying with friends/family, if that’s a better fit for you!
If you do decide to stay onsite at the Resort, please see the information above for a discount code for beEmboldened’s room block. We recommend booking a room as soon as possible, as rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
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How do I become a sponsor for the Living Out Freedom Conference? Please read our Sponsor Guide and complete the application, found here, and we will be in touch. Thank you so much for your interest!
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What airport should I fly to? Knoxville, TN (TYS) is the closest option (about 45 min from the Resort / Conference Center).
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Where can I park? Onsite parking for both the Resort and the Conference Center will be available, Any other necessary details will be communicated both via email and posted on this webpage as we near the event date.
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Can I buy tickets at the door? No, because the total number attending is due to the venue prior to the event date.
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Can children attend the conference? We desire to create a trauma-informed environment to the best of our ability. Children who are able to sit during the conference sessions are welcome to join. Infants are also welcomed (please note: no separate room with audio/visual will be available).
The Resort adjacent to the Conference Center is very family friendly and each
room booked at the Resort includes 4 daily water park tickets. This is a wonderful place for your family to have fun outside of sessions or for one family member to play with the kids while the others attend the conference!
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Will there be corporate prayer? No. While beEmboldened is a Christian organization, we understand the reality of the ongoing impact from spiritual abuse, which can include a strong physiological response to spiritual practices, like corporate prayer. For this reason, our team will remain internally prayerful, only, throughout the event.
If you desire prayer from the beEmboldened team, please know that you are welcome to approach us with your request and we would be happy to pray with you!
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Will there be worship music? No, due to the same approach as mentioned above (question 17). We will most likely have music between conference sessions, but we'll choose an instrumental genre to remain as neutral as possible.
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Will Communion be taken at the conference? No, also due to the same approach as mentioned above (question 17).
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Will Bible verses be referenced? Yes, we will be directly engaging with conversations on God, the Bible, and Christianity.
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Is this a Christian conference? The Living Out Freedom Conference is being facilitated from a Christian worldview. With this being said, beEmboldened does not exclusively serve Christians. If you are desiring to respectfully explore this worldview in relation to spiritual abuse, you are welcome!
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FAQ
Purchase our Special Dining Event at Checkout to join for this exclusive opportunity with Derek and Dulce Johnson. This event will include dinner, engagement with the Johnsons, and more fun surprises to come! We are very limited in capacity for this Dining Event, so please secure your spot quickly!
Derek and Dulce Johnson left a spiritually abusive church in 2021 after being there ten and nine years respectively. Since leaving they have invested much time and energy into learning more about cultic control, the harm of spiritual abuse, and ministering to victims of other high control organizations.
Dulce is the face behind The Honest Messy Life, an online space where she shares her story of spiritual abuse as a way to bring awareness to the issues many churches face. This platform has given victims comfort in knowing they are not alone, and helped them put words to their experiences. Derek has helped Dulce behind the scenes by creating content, providing guidance, and offering wisdom. They both value taking the time to rightly understand scripture in both its context and application as a way to combat abuse in church and equip individuals to discern right from wrong themselves.
This event will include dinner, engagement with the Johnsons, and fun surprises to come! We are very limited in capacity for this Dining Event, so please secure your spot quickly!
Add-on Event:
Dinner with Derek and Dulce Johnson
- $15 Off For bE+ SubscribersFri, Sep 12SeviervilleSep 12, 2025, 2:00 PM EDT – Sep 13, 2025, 4:30 PM EDTSevierville, 110 Gary R Wade Blvd, Sevierville, TN 37862, USAJoin us for an unforgettable weekend in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee with world class speakers and life changing lessons to Live Out Freedom.
