Influential Woman · Ministry
Candy Gwen Lopitz
Founder, Cult Exit-Counselor, Freedom Beacon MInistries
Spartanburg, SC 29303
Her Story
About Candy
Candy is a ministry founder, public speaker, author, counselor and ordained minister who has dedicated her career to helping individuals recover from cult involvement, spiritual abuse, and high-control religious environments. Drawing from her own experience as a cult survivor, she began her ministry in 2006 with a mission to support those facing the difficult process of rebuilding their lives, identities, and faith after leaving coercive groups. Her personal journey has fueled a lifelong commitment to guiding others toward healing, restoration, and personal growth. To strengthen her ability to serve others, Candy earned an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science, completing internships focused on substance abuse, domestic violence, and adult survivors of childhood trauma. She later expanded her outreach internationally through online counseling communities and support groups that addressed both the theological and behavioral aspects of recovery from indoctrination. As an ordained minister since 2011 and holder of a Doctorate in Ministry, she specializes in helping former cult members develop healthy identities, strengthen critical thinking skills, and navigate life beyond manipulation and control. In addition to her counseling and ministry work, Candy is the author of two books exploring cult dynamics, recovery, and the influence of cultic teachings within mainstream churches. Through her writing, public speaking engagements, podcasts, and educational outreach, she has become a respected advocate and resource for survivors, families, clergy, and mental health professionals. Her work continues to empower individuals to reclaim their independence, rediscover their voices, and move forward with hope, resilience, and confidence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Candy
01What do you attribute your success to?
Possessing the compassion and empathy to not want to see others have to overcome the same obstacles alone like I had to do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Your identity is not the things that happened in your past, but in how you were able to rise above those circumstances. Never be satisfied with being just a survivor; strive to be a victor.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never place another person on a pedestal. It will inevitably lead to disappointment and disillusionment. Church leaders are not exempt in this. Do your research and develop discernment in all things.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Staying abreast of the constantly changing contemporary landscape in various aspects of our culture including the constant barrage of religious false teachers who are not only actively trying to infiltrate mainstream churches but who also command large online followings. Those of us who are pushing back against their false teachings are often branded as divisive by those who value unity at the expense of biblical doctrine, despite the Apostle Paul consistently calling out false teachers, even naming them directly as he combatted their heresies. The unity that Paul espoused was the church standing in agreement upon a firm foundation of biblical doctrine, not unity for the sake of unity itself centered on false doctrine.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being a person of integrity who survivors feel they can come to without the fear of being judged or criticized. Maintaining confidentiality and providing a safe space for individuals who feel disconnected from typical support systems.
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