Gwen Shamblin was a well-known faith leader and the founder of the Weigh Down Workshop.

She built a massive following by combining weight loss with spiritual teachings. In 1999, she founded Remnant Fellowship Church, which attracted thousands of devoted members.

Her life ended suddenly in a 2021 plane crash, bringing intense public attention to her story.

In this blog, you’ll explore her early life, how she created the Weigh Down movement, the church she founded, and the controversies surrounding her leadership.

We’ll also cover the tragic plane crash and the legacy she left behind.

How Did Gwen Shamblin Die?

Gwen Shamblin died in a plane crash on May 29, 2021. She was traveling with her husband, Joe Lara, and five church leaders when their small jet crashed into Percy Priest Lake in Tennessee. The accident happened shortly after takeoff, and no one survived.

The Plane Crash Incident

On that day, Gwen boarded a Cessna 501 jet departing from Smyrna, Tennessee. The group was heading to Florida for a church event.

Minutes after takeoff, the aircraft went down into Percy Priest Lake. Emergency crews arrived quickly at the scene, but the crash was not survivable. All seven passengers died on impact.

Investigation Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) led the investigation into the crash. Their findings revealed:

• Pilot error was the primary cause
• Spatial disorientation occurred shortly after takeoff
• Challenging flying conditions contributed to the accident
• Concerns about the pilot’s recent experience level
• Rapid loss of control with no time to recover
• No evidence of foul play or mechanical failure

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the Remnant Fellowship community. Gwen’s sudden death brought intense media attention to her life, ministry, and the church she founded.

Gwen Shamblin’s Early Years and Education Background

Gwen Shamblin was born in Memphis, Tennessee. She grew up in a family that valued faith and spiritual living. From a young age, she showed a strong interest in health and nutrition.

She pursued her passion and earned a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Tennessee. This formal education gave her the foundation she needed to understand food, nutrition, and how the body works.

Her background in dietetics served as the foundation for everything she later built.

She combined what she learned about nutrition with her spiritual beliefs. This unique mix would eventually shape her entire ministry and the programs she created.

How Gwen Built Her Ministry: Workshop to Church

Gwen Shamblin didn’t build her influence overnight. It started with a simple idea about faith and food, then grew into something much bigger.

The Weigh Down Workshop Begins

In the 1980s and 90s, Gwen Shamblin created the Weigh Down Workshop, a faith-based approach to weight loss that connected spiritual hunger with physical hunger. Instead of diets or calorie counting, the program focused on shifting dependence from food to God.

The workshop taught people to listen to their bodies and to turn to prayer rather than overeat. This fresh approach felt different from traditional weight-loss methods that focused solely on restriction and willpower.

Core Principles

• Eat only when hungry
• Stop when satisfied
• Replace emotional eating with prayer
• Seek spiritual fulfillment, not food

The message resonated deeply with people who had struggled with diets for years. By the late 1990s, Weigh Down had spread to churches nationwide.

Her books became bestsellers, and Gwen became a familiar face on Christian television and radio programs.

Founding Remnant Fellowship Church

As the workshop grew, Gwen expanded her teachings by founding Remnant Fellowship Church in 1999. What began as a weight-loss ministry evolved into a broader movement centered on disciplined, biblical living.

She wanted to create a community that practiced faith in every area of life, not just eating habits. The church became a place where members were committed to complete spiritual obedience.

Key Beliefs

• Obedience to God in all decisions
• Rejecting worldly influences and culture
• Strong family values and structure
• Commitment to spiritual discipline

The church attracted members from across the country. Many were inspired by the transformation they experienced through the Weigh Down program. Some families relocated to Tennessee to be closer to the church community and participate more fully in its activities.

Gwen’s Public Influence and Media Presence

Gwen Shamblin became a well-known figure in Christian circles and far beyond. Her influence grew as her message reached wider audiences through books, television, and live events.

She authored several books, with The Weigh Down Diet being her best-known work. The book sold thousands of copies and introduced her teachings to people who had never attended her workshops.

Gwen made guest appearances on national television and radio programs. These platforms gave her access to millions of viewers and listeners. She also hosted faith-centered conferences and programs that drew large crowds.

Her charismatic presentation style set her apart from other faith leaders. She spoke with confidence and clarity.

Combined with her disciplined message about faith and self-control, she built a strong reputation as a powerful spiritual leader. People were drawn to her direct approach and unwavering conviction.

Gwen’s Personal Life and Children

Gwen Shamblin married David Shamblin early in her life. Together, they had two children. The marriage later ended, and Gwen married actor and pilot Joe Lara. He became deeply involved in her ministry and church leadership.

Family was central to everything Gwen built. Her children grew up within the Weigh Down movement and Remnant Fellowship Church. Over time, they took on significant leadership roles within the organization.

Family Key Details:

After Gwen’s death, her daughter, Elizabeth, stepped into a major leadership role. The family continues to guide the church and maintain the ministry Gwen established.

Controversies Surrounding Gwen Shamblin

Over the years, Gwen Shamblin and Remnant Fellowship Church faced significant scrutiny. Critics raised concerns about the church’s practices and her leadership style.

Common Points of Criticism

• Allegations of strict control over members’ personal lives
• Concerns over excessive expectations for obedience to church leaders
• Questions about internal discipline methods used within the church
• Claims of isolation from family members outside the church
• Media investigations that examined the church’s practices
• Documentary coverage that brought national attention to controversies

One of the most widely known examinations was the HBO Max documentary series.

It explored her life, leadership, and the church’s internal workings. The series intensified public debate about Gwen’s methods and the church’s influence over members.

Former members shared their experiences publicly. Some described feeling controlled and unable to make independent decisions. Others defended Gwen and the church, saying the criticism was unfair.

The controversies continue to spark discussion even after her death.

Wrapping It Up

Gwen Shamblin’s story is complex and layered.

She built a faith-based weight loss movement that reached thousands of people across the United States. Her Weigh Down Workshop and Remnant Fellowship Church left a lasting impact on many lives.

Her sudden death in the 2021 plane crash shocked her followers and brought renewed attention to her life’s work.

Whether viewed as an inspiring leader or a controversial figure, Gwen undeniably shaped conversations about faith, wellness, and spiritual discipline.

Her legacy continues through her family and the church community she established. The influence of her teachings remains visible in faith-based wellness circles today.

What are your thoughts on Gwen Shamblin’s impact? Share your perspective in the comments below.