About

Joel E. Crosby (@JoelECrosby) is the author of Escaping the Potter’s House: An Anthology of Memoirs by Former Members. After twenty years in the U.S. Army, his father turned down a civilian position in Brussels with a 10,000-guilder salary to return to the church in Zwolle where he had married Joel’s mother in ’85, hoping his children would experience the revival he had witnessed in the States.

Joel’s childhood and teenage years revolved around the church until his sister confided in him that their pastor had abused her. His investigation uncovered a scandal that was swept under the rug. When he began asking questions, he was ostracized. After being excommunicated by the church, Joel began studying cults, narcissism, abuse, and gaslighting, reflecting on his own experiences. He now believes the church he was a member of for twenty-five years is a cult.

In November 2022, Joel began writing Escaping the Potter’s House: An Anthology of Memoirs by Former Members. Initially, he planned to create a comprehensive account of life within The Potter’s House by combining the testimonies of ten former members with history, doctrine, contracts, and letters from former pastors. His book was finally published in May 2024, followed by the Dutch translation in August 2024.

Now, Joel is dedicated to helping other former members of The Potter’s House through their Facebook groups. He also collaborates with Israel van Dorsten and Jan van der Winden, both of whom have authored books about their own experiences in other cults. Together, they aim to raise awareness about the dangers of cults through speaking events and by equipping organizations that support cult survivors with training and advice.

He currently lives in Zwolle, The Netherlands, with his wife, where he is continuing his writing. Joel especially enjoys collecting coins and banknotes and has an extensive collection.

You can connect with Joel E. Crosby on Facebook at facebook.com/JoelECrosby or on Instagram @JoelECrosby. You can also visit his website, JoelCrosby.com, to sign up for emails about new releases.

Visit him online at www.joelcrosby.com