PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I love movies about cults, so I jumped at the chance to review Set Free Posse: Jesus Freaks, Biker Gang, or Christian Cult?, the new documentary film by David Trotter (In Plain Sight: Stories of Hope and Freedom), based solely on its title. But the movie that unfolded was not at all what I thought it was going to be, and that was an unexpected pleasure.
Synopsis:
Founded in Anaheim, California, in 1982 by the ever-controversial Pastor Phil Aguilar, Set Free Church was considered to be a cult by many. However, thousands of bikers, addicts, homeless and outsiders have experienced lifechanging results by following Pastor Phil’s passion to reach those who are down and out and install faith into their lives. Although many key figures declined to be interviewed, over fifty people share their experience of the Set Free movement, including unseen archival footage showing how this unique ministry has impacted thousands of lives and continues to do so today. Viewers will be taken on an adventurous and rowdy ride-along with Pastor Phil during an ‘average’ week of ministry in the streets of Southern California.
It’s fair to say that Pastor Phil Aguilar didn’t start out as a pampered man of God. He grew up poor, ran into trouble on the streets with gangs, and like many, ended up in jail. But there, everything changed for him. He became born again, and when he was released, he went to school to become a pastor and ended up setting up his own church: Set Free. But to some, his ministries and drug rehabilitation group homes were seen as too restrictive, controversial, and down-and-out for the mainstream Evangelical movement. It didn’t help, I imagine, that Paster Phil could draw thousands of people to his prayer sermons compared to other preacher’s hundreds. Set Free was attacked in the media, eventually accused of being cult-like. These accusations would lead to their spectacular downfall. But Pastor Phil has been hit before, and he knows how to get back up again.
The film is made up of interviews with not only Phil, but also those his ministry has helped along the way. It was always clear in Pastor Phil’s mind that he wanted to reach those that the more conventional churches overlooked. Bikers, drug addicts, and prostitutes often made up his congregations. They appear on screen, sober, humble, and thankful for the intervention of the Pastor in their lives. More than one has claimed that they would be dead had they not met him. As for the cult accusations? Well… I’ll let you be the judge when you watch.
I was raised to believe that a true believer—in religion or anything else for that matter—walks the walk. You can be Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, or Hindu, and it doesn’t matter to me as long as you practice what you preach and help your fellow man. And say what you will about Phil Aguilar, but he has changed thousands of lives for the better. This is a man who has no problem mixing with the homeless, prostitutes, drug addicts, and the most destitute among us to make a difference, and he genuinely has. It will be interesting to see where Set Free churches go from here.
Set Free Posse: Jesus Freaks, Biker Gang, or Christian Cult? is a riveting, fascinating look at the life of a man passionate enough to make a difference. It’s absolutely a must see!
