Exploring The Legacy Of Gwen Shamblin: The Way Down Documentary Now Streaming

After six months of waiting, new episodes of The Way Down: God, Greed and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin are available to stream on HBO Max. This gripping documentary series delves into the life and tragic death of Gwen Shamblin Lara, a Christian health guru who founded the Remnant Fellowship Church in 1999. Her story is both inspiring and disturbing, raising questions about faith, leadership, and the impact of personal beliefs on communities.

On May 29, 2021, Gwen Shamblin Lara, along with her husband Joe Lara and son-in-law Brandon Hannah, tragically lost their lives when their private jet crashed into Percy Priest Lake in Tennessee shortly after takeoff. This accident also claimed the lives of several other church leaders, leaving the congregation to grapple with both loss and uncertainty about the future of the church.

With the recent passing of the church's founders, many are left wondering: Does the Remnant Church still exist today? Newsweek provides insights into the current state of the church and the changes in its leadership following this tragic event.

Does The Remnant Fellowship Church Still Exist Today?

Yes, the Remnant Church is still operational today. Following Gwen Shamblin Lara's death, her children, Elizabeth Shamblin Hannah and Michael Shamblin, took over the leadership of the church. The millions of dollars amassed by Gwen Shamblin Lara from the church were also passed on to her children as stated in her will.

Elizabeth Shamblin Hannah, who married Brandon Shannon in 2003, has been heavily involved in overseeing the youth section of the Remnant Church. After her mother's passing, she stepped into the role of leader of the Remnant Fellowship Church, which is based in Brentwood, Tennessee. Under her leadership, the church aims to continue its mission and support its members.

A statement from the church highlighted their commitment to faith, stating, "Our foundation is deeply rooted in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and living each moment to show love for God through our actions." This commitment remains a guiding principle as the church looks to heal and grow as a congregation.

Today, the church reportedly has around 1,500 members spread across 150 congregations globally. Interestingly, members of the church have collectively reported weight losses of over 30,000 pounds, showcasing the impact of the church's teachings on personal health and wellness.

This church was established in 1999 by Gwen Shamblin Lara, who gained fame through her Christian diet program, The Weigh Down Workshop. The program encourages its members to focus on spiritual fulfillment rather than food, aiming to foster a deeper love for God.

Alongside addressing issues like marital conflicts and addiction, the church promotes a traditional family structure where "husbands are kind like Christ, women are submissive, and children obey their parents." Such teachings have been pivotal in shaping the church's community and its teachings.

As the documentary team behind The Way Down was completing the third episode, the tragic plane crash occurred, prompting a shift in the series' focus. Lizzie Fox, a senior vice president at HBO Max, remarked on the need to tell a fuller story, allowing time for thorough investigations and interviews.

This latest installment of the documentary will explore the aftermath of the crash, the investigation that followed, and how the leadership transition unfolded within the church.

The Way Down: God, Greed & The Cult of Gwen Shamblin is now available for streaming on HBO Max, offering viewers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Gwen Shamblin and the ongoing journey of the Remnant Fellowship Church.