Trained to Serve Jesus: The Heart and History of Set Free Church and Its Founder Phil Aguilar

TRAINED TO SERVE JESUS: The Heart and History of Set Free Church and Its Founder Phil Aguilar is a compilation of one-on-one interviews by David Trotter with key players in the Set Free Posse documentary film. Founded in 1982 in Anaheim, California, by Pastor Phil Aguilar and a dozen friends, Set Free Church became a haven for bikers, black sheep, and recovering drug addicts seeking to be ‘set free’ from the challenges of life. With a no-nonsense approach to faith and leadership, Pastor Phil and his team started with Sunday services but quickly expanded through karate and exercise classes, free food and clothing distribution, biker ministry, and street outreaches with rapping and hip hop dancers. With thousands attending raucous services each weekend in downtown Anaheim, over 400 Set Free disciples lived in commune-style homes within walking distance of the church. A weekly program was televised on Trinity Broadcasting Network and over 100 independent Set Free churches started around the globe. As the Set Free movement was rapidly expanding, rumors of cultish leadership, sexual misconduct, and financial improprieties emerged among disgruntled members who reached out to Pastor Oden Fong of Calvary Chapel and cult experts across the nation. Through exclusive interviews with the Aguilar family and key historical players, follow the highs and lows of Pastor Phil’s life and ministry as well as the Set Free movement.