youtube-video-thumbnail

Art House | ‘Let Us Prey’ Examines Abuse in Baptist Churches

Art House Ep. 5

December 15, 2023  |  John G. McGrath  |  1 min read

Kansas City filmmaker Sharon Liese digs into deeply human stories that expose under-appreciated aspects of life in America.

Her latest work, “Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals,” turns the camera on abuse in Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) churches across the country.

“It is about the abuse that’s hidden in plain sight in the IFB churches across the country,” said Liese, the producer and director of the four-part docuseries. “The series follows a group of women who in real time are seeking justice.”

The series examines the pain of former IFB church members Ruthy Heiler, Kathy Durbin and Amanda Householder. It shares their stories of abuse at the hands of church leaders and the violence, manipulation and alleged cover-ups by other members.

Following its premiere on Investigation Discovery (ID), all four parts of “Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals” are available to stream now on Max.

Watch the attached video to learn more about the series, and Liese’s other award-winning films.

John McGrath is a video producer and host of Art House for Kansas City PBS.

Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.

Nick’s Picks | Ballots, Bribery, Baby and More …

July 20, 2026

The World Cup has left town, some some of the biggest headlines are a man stuck in the toilet of a Porta Potty, upcoming elections, and an alleged scandal in Jackson County.

Related Stories

A basketball arena filled with fans.

Nick’s Picks | March Madness, Jail Opens, St. Paddy’s & More

The Madness Begins ‘Tis the season for buzzer beaters, broken brackets and according to HR experts, plummeting productivity. Welcome to March Madness! The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships tip off this week. KU and Mizzou play their first games late Friday night in the men’s tournament. Missouri State is the only local team to…

Read More >
The small lakes and ponds in the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area are popular spots for beginners to learn how to fish.

Here’s a Summer ‘Staycation’ Guide for Families on a Budget

Summer is officially here, and the kids are already getting bored. Here to help is handy local outdoor "staycation" guide for people on a budget.

Read More >
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes

Kansas Lawmakers to Target Chiefs During Special Session

Kansas lawmakers are pushing to discuss legislation to lure the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri during an upcoming special session beginning June 18.

Read More >