The Way Down: God, Greed, and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin

A deadly May 2021 plane crash in Tennessee draws public attention to the mysterious Remnant Fellowship Church and its enigmatic founder, Gwen Shamblin Lara. As her bible-based Weigh Down Workshop takes ‘90s diet culture to new extremes, Gwen founds a church that some experts, neighbors and former members believe is a dangerous cult.

In 2018, Gwen marries struggling actor and aspiring country singer Joe Lara, raising questions about the odd couple’s checkered past as well as the church’s alleged misuse of funds. With close ties to Remnant, Joe’s legal team helps wage a bitter custody battle for his young daughter, as Gwen’s grown children take up leadership positions in the church -- and congregants face increasing pressure to shed pounds by any means necessary.

When two Remnant members are charged with the murder of their child, allegations of abuse within the church begin to surface -- along with evidence suggesting that the church financially supported the defense. As one couple struggles to get their daughter out and former congregants recount chilling tales of their experiences in the church, another tragedy forever changes the trajectory of the Remnant’s future.

May 2021. After a plane crash takes the lives of Gwen and Joe, along with five members of their inner circle, the Remnant Fellowship grapples with the legacy and teachings of its once seemingly invincible leader. As Gwen’s daughter, Elizabeth, attempts to fill the void left by her mother’s death, Joe’s ex, Natasha, fights to sever their young daughter’s remaining ties to the church. Then, with newfound national attention on Remnant, former congregants come forward with their experiences for the first time.

2018. Hoping to launch a career in reality television -- and introduce the Remnant Fellowship to the world -- Gwen films a test pilot for Weigh Down South. Years later, the church struggles to control the narrative as former members continue to step forward with stories of heartbreak, betrayal and broken promises.