We recognize that storytelling is a powerful tool, and we respect the right of individuals to share their lived experiences—even when those stories are difficult or painful.

However, when a television program or documentary chooses to focus on a single narrative, particularly one that casts an entire organization in a negative light, we believe it’s important to provide additional context for the sake of truth and fairness.

The portrayal of Teen Mania Ministries and The Honor Academy on Shiny Happy People tells only one story. It highlights the experience of individuals or a small group but presents it as representative of the whole. That is misleading. The reality is far more nuanced.

 
What Many of Us Experienced

Many of us who participated in or interacted with this organization had experiences that were positive, meaningful, and even life-changing.

We were challenged—yes—but also supported. We formed lasting friendships, developed emotional and practical resilience, and walked away with deep gratitude for what we learned and how we grew.

Thousands of participants over the years have gone on to live lives of service, leadership, and healthy independence. That story deserves to be told, too.

To reduce the entire program to a single, edited narrative is to strip away the diversity of real human experience. It risks creating a caricature that serves entertainment—but not truth.

 
Pain and Growth Can Coexist

This isn’t about denying that pain exists. Some individuals had difficult or even painful moments during their time in the program—and those stories matter and deserve to be heard.

But pain and growth often exist side-by-side. Holding them in tension is a mark of maturity. Sensationalizing one side while ignoring the other doesn’t serve the truth or help us move forward with integrity.

If there are lessons to be learned, let’s learn them with honesty—not headlines.

 
Addressing the “Cult” Label

It’s concerning to see the program labeled as a "cult," a term that carries serious implications about manipulation, control, and isolation.

That simply doesn’t align with what we experienced.

People joined freely.
People left freely.
Alumni pursued a wide variety of life paths—some in ministry, others in business, education, medicine, and beyond.
There was no system in place to isolate us from the outside world. In fact, many of us felt encouraged to think critically, engage with others, and grow in personal responsibility.

 
About the Weekend Challenges

Some concerns have centered around optional weekend challenges that were physically and mentally demanding.

While these events weren’t for everyone, they were always presented as opportunities for personal growth—similar to a Tough Mudder or team-building retreat—not as punishment or hazing.

To single out these experiences and present them as representative of the entire program misrepresents the broader picture.

 
A Call for Fairness

None of this is to dismiss the real pain that some may have felt. If harm was experienced, it should be acknowledged and addressed with honesty and care.

But we believe it’s both unhelpful and untrue to let isolated experiences overshadow the good that so many of us received—and are still thankful for.

We are proud to have been part of something that shaped us for the better, and we support the leadership and staff who poured their lives into this work—not because they were perfect, but because they genuinely sought to build something meaningful, sacrificial, and good.

If you want to understand the full story, we invite you to talk to the many alumni, staff, and families who were touched by this work in deeply positive ways. Their stories matter too.

 
Sincerely,
Thankful Participants and Alumni of Teen Mania Ministries and The Honor Academy