PFO was founded in 1975 by M. Kurt Goedelman, and his wife Angela, when it first began publishing witnessing tracts on the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Later, additional tracts, books, and audio-visual materials were published on the Watchtower Society, Mormonism, The Way International, The Unification Church, and other cultic groups and teachings.

In 1981, under the direction of Keith A. Morse, PFO began publishing a quarterly newsletter. In 1988, this periodical became known as The Quarterly Journal. This publication (which is printed four times a year) carries articles and editorials on current cult-related topics, errant teachings within Christianity, book reviews, and brief news items on cults and other aberrant teachers. PFO’s newsletter is said to be “cutting-edge” in its research and reporting and is described as one of the finest apologetic periodicals available, receiving high praise from many apologists and theologians. The Rev. Don Matzat, pastor, author and former host of the syndicated radio broadcast, Issues, Etc., has said, “In a day when many in the Church have moved away from the moorings of Scripture into a sea of heresy and mysticism, The Quarterly Journal is a great asset for the believer. PFO’s newsletter publication is not afraid to challenge the aberrational doctrines and practices of the ‘Christian Superstars.’ Its investigative reporting has greatly aided me in my radio ministry. I highly recommend it!”

Bud Press, of the Christian Research Service, writes, “Personal Freedom Outreach produces The Quarterly Journal, which provides the subscriber with well-written and researched articles, editorials, news updates, and book reviews” and considers its articles on popular women’s teacher Beth Moore, “a must read for those who are concerned about the subtle, fine-tuned deception that is running amuck within the Christian church.”

In 1996, PFO began hosting its biennial discernment conferences which are some of the most comprehensive series of meetings on the significant challenges to sound doctrine and a biblical worldview which face the Church today. The events include renowned leaders who have much practical expertise and a keen interest in the area of apologetics. PFO makes available for purchase audio recordings of all the sessions from these conferences. A complete listing of 2012 conference session titles is available on this Web site.
 

• G. Richard Fisher who served as pastor of Laurelton Park Baptist Church in Bricktown, New Jersey, for over 40 years, from 1968 until his retirement in June 2009. Pastor Fisher also was part of the teaching staff at Central Jersey Bible Institute for over three decades, where he had served as Dean of the school.

• Gary E. Gilley is the pastor of Southern View Chapel in Springfield, Illinois, serving that position for over three decades. Dr Gilley is also the author of five books including, Is That You, Lord?, This Little Church Went to Market, and This Little Church Stayed Home, and is a frequent speaker at Bible conferences.

• M. Kurt Goedelman serves as PFO’s executive director and oversees much of the ministry’s operations including its Saint Louis office responsibilities and production of its resource materials, books, and newsletter publication, The Quarterly Journal.

• Keith A. Morse is PFO’s vice-president and serves on the Board of Directors. Since the inception of PFO’s newsletter in 1981, Mr. Morse has been its editor and is responsible for preparing for publication all the material that appears in this periodical.

• David M. Tyler has pastored churches in Illinois and South Carolina. He holds a B.A. in Theology, a M.A. in Pastoral Ministry, and a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling, all from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Ind. Dr. Tyler is the director of the Gateway Biblical Counseling and Training Center located in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

• Dr. Jay E. Adams is a world-known lecturer at ministerial congresses, and author of over 60 publications including The Christian Counselor’s Manual. Dr. Adams is the founder and former pastor of the Harrison Bridge Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Enoree, South Carolina.

• Dr. Norman L. Geisler is the co-founder and former president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Geilser is the renown author or co-author of over 50 apologetic and theological works, including When Cultists Ask, When Critics Ask, and When Skeptics Ask.

• Dr. Ron Rhodes is the founder and president of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries, a Frisco, Texas-based apologetic ministry. He is the author of over 50 books, including 5-Minute Apologetics for Today, The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations, and the heralded Reasoning from the Scriptures with... series. Dr. Rhodes holds a Th.M. and a Th.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary.