Pacific West Fellowship,13 headed by Steve Sann (who also was once a Limb and Region Coordinator), seems to be the second most aggressive splinter group. This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 44, number 2 (2021). The new policy may reduce The Ways recruitment. The appeal was in its casual nature, balanced with an accessible way to become disciplined in Biblical scholarship. . 2013-08-09T12:10:58-05:00 Sale of assets, reduction of overhead, smaller Corps classes, large numbers of defections (which left more staff openings), staff purges, and the sale of the The Way College of Emporia, Kansas, campus helped make this possible. Still involved. Off-shoot of The Way (formerly Christian Educational Services) 6.3k posts. As a result, many Wayers view Geer as being the true spiritual heir to Wierwille. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. The book asserts that the president and trustees were untrustworthy and spiritually corrupt, did not listen to God or Wierwille, killed Way ministries by neglect, avoided responsibility, were hypocrites, led selfish lifestyles, and so forth. About The Way International has the most comprehensive collection of articles on The Way International found anywhere-- over 110. European Christian Press (which Geer controls) then published it a few years after Wierwilles death. Este artculo es una exclusiva en lnea de Christian Research Journal. I dealt with it as a kid by pretending not to notice the issues in my family and in the cult. The stories which former (and current) Way insiders hear include many more specific charges about shocking events. Lots of people in the world are critical of the ways churches spend money on a building that sits empty six days a week: home fellowships remove that and focus on whats important to them. Prominent ex-Way leaders took with them networks of ex-followers of TWI. The other classes were filmed from February through April of 1995 and are currently being used. You were expected to advance through them, and you typically developed bonds with your cohort in the Foundational, Intermediate and Advanced classes. The creed and The Way are very much one and the same; The Way is just the religion they follow. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. She probably could have just gone and not told anyone because its not like anyone checked your bank account, but her guilt consumed her and a couple days before, she called our fellowship coordinator over and confessed to him that she had debt. The reason I created that thread was initial to gain some more insight. The level to which people beat themselves up for falling short, though, is intense. People were eager to engage, but I dont think answers were ever very satisfying. A name used by Share International. The Way International is a nondenominational Christian ministry based in New Knoxville, Ohio.The followers congregate primarily in home fellowships located throughout the United States, two US territories and in over 30 countries. Offshoots - Splinter Groups : How Many Are There? I am also former TWI. Wierwille credits Stiles with showing him how to receive and manifest the Holy Spirit by speaking in tongues when they met at a Tulsa rally in 1951.7 He took his teachings on evil spirits, definition of humans as body-soul-spirit (with his peculiar exegesis), laying on of hands, and his descriptions and methods of operating the manifestations (gifts of the Spirit) from B.G. If the person refuses to read or hear material which exposes such errors, then take the time to obtain the primary sources which demonstrate them and ask his or her opinion of them. Additionally, ex-members have on file letters and transcripts in which Way president L. Craig Martindale defends sex outside marriage in many situations. The Way International is a shell of what it was during the lifetime of Victor Paul Wierwille. The Way International is a small, fundamentalist, Bible-based organization headquartered in New Knoxville, Ohio, on property that was once the family farm of the founder, Victor Paul Wierwille. CES now wants to be seen as an independent ministry, not just as a Way splinter group, even though its glaring similarity to The Way is obvious to outsiders. Long story long. It has shrunk in size and, as often is the case in cults when the original leader dies, splintered into various rival movements. My story might be pretty different compared to those of you who grew up in the 80's/90's. Boy howdy that was an ear-full. The past two years have been a very unsettling time for Wayers. My sister, mom and I put up with constant abuse from our dad, who was a fellowship coordinator after we moved to Arizona in about 2008. Not even post TWI as a survivor. 5 Christopher C. Geer, The Passing of a Patriarch (Attrincham, Cheshire, U.K.: European Christian Press, n.d.), 34. We ourselves have two articles in our website concerning that movement. At the time Martindale saw the suspension of WOW as the response to an attack by evil devil spirits, but by the summer of 1995 he recast the suspension as a Way victory. A number of people died. What practices are different from the 80s? 2013-08-09T12:10:58-05:00 They assume that honest, objective biblical research and a fellowship of true believers cannot be found among Christians outside Wierwilles heritage of teaching, so they limit research and fellowship to their own narrow circles. No. Homey, reported that 163 sodomiteshad been purged, marked and avoided by January l995.3. Her recent suicide however was as a member in leadership. 14 Letter by Steve Sann, Pacific West Fellowship, 2 March 1988. Wierwille admits going to Alberta, Canada, twice in the early 1950s to hear Leonard teach on the manifestations and get a copy of his syllabus for his use.8 Leonard still teaches in Brownsville, Texas. However, it sucked to consider our loved as anything less than brilliant, observant, and aware. Way followers say the first commandment is the most important: no false Idols before God. TL;DR: the Way seems chill and relaxed on the outside but its pretty intense on a personal level. Word Omg this info about splinter groups is shocking. Groups like the Way Ministry where you are expected to have instant familiarity with and trust for other members (who are practically strangers) by virtue of you all being "like-minded" is an environment absolutely rife for abuse. The termination of the WOW Ambassador program led to the start of the Disciples of The Way Outreach program. I think it may be important for you to identify whether she was in TWI proper or a splinter group. I dont know if any of this is helpful to you. Our dear and sweet beloved friend. 12 Lynn, Overview of Events. I tried explaining to the family member that "reverend" Martindale just advocated for mass murder. "Michael John Rood is an ordained nondenominational Christian minister and Messianic rabbi," according to a brochure Rood produced to promote his seminars which . It is apparent that almost all Wierwille taught he acquired from other men, not from original study of Gods word. Strangely, that means that TWI is responsible for my birth. What do they make members do? The group says that it will hold classes and smaller conferences instead, including a weeklong gathering of 2,000 at The Ways auditorium in New Knoxville, July 20-27. The Corp program was insane and I could write a huge thread just about that experience. I was a Girl Scout as a kid and all through high school, and I devoted myself to community projects my whole life. Children who grew into adults in the Way are another matter because it is hard to go out into the world and maybe get your own place or go to college and have your worldview challenged by people you were taught were lazy, selfish, or had an agenda. Bill Green, who handles some public relations for The Ways New Knoxville, Ohio headquarters, declined to be interviewed about the classes and related developments. As a minister in the Evangelical and Reformed Church (now part of the United Church of Christ), Wierwille developed . Este artculo es una exclusiva en lnea de Christian Research Journal. 2 The Way Magazine, Nov.-Dec. 1994, 26. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. I was isolated from my family physically because they didn't live close, and during private conversations about leadership I was told that my family didn't love me and that they could understand why because I was so horrible, but at least I had them. For the most part this conceptualizing of the world as being on Gods side or influenced but the Adversary makes me roll my eyes. It is not known if Martindales strong stand against homosexuality is in some way related to widespread reports of rampant adultery and promiscuous sex in The Way, including the highest levels of leadership. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. All of these classes are weeks long, have an enrollment fee, and have their own expensive materials (books, binders, etc.) Available from: Capitol Saints/John A. Lynn, 5918 Chesterbrook Road, McLean, VA 22101. Splintering and Subjugating.as night follows day, Remembering a woman of courage, who stood up to a monster. terrified of seeing/interacting with a marked and avoided person because I thought their adversarial ways would rub off on me. 8 Ibid., 67, 68. They use Wierwilles teachings, jargon, and writings, and have drawn off many of The Ways followers by accusing International of authoritarianism, misuse of power, adultery, misuse of funds, spiritual corruption, departure from the Word of God, and denominationalism. There are certain rules Mandalorians must adhere to . that you have to purchase to participate. Martindale openly and vulgarly expressed his contempt for the splinter groups during his Rock of Ages 95 sermons. Splintering of the group since 1985 has greatly reduced its active membership, from a peak of about 35,000 to less than 10,000.1. 35 0 obj <> endobj 60 0 obj <>stream This is where I experienced most of the abuse. She was loved by many, the brightest light and simply someone you could not avoid noticing. The Way To Happiness International. Although Lamsas blemished translation of the Bible appears in Christian bookstores, he held New Thought (Christian Science-like), not evangelical, beliefs.5 Wierwille drew his laws of believing, of tithing, prosperity, mental imaging (imagining good things to bring them to pass), and the more abundant life from Albert Cliffe. Box 18503, Anaheim, CA 92817. In fact, Martindale considers homosexuality to be devil-spirit possession.. Please keep in touch. Beep. 16 Wierwille noted that acquiring young people from the Jesus movement caused the Ways growth (Whiteside, 230-35). The splinter groups made a lot of sense because fellowships (church) was held in people's homes anyway, so they continued to hold them and they all have their own little names like "Harbor Light Fellowship" or "Living Word Fellowship" however they still are Weirwill purists and teach his ideas. Dont get me wrong, we should all have some financial literacy, but the extent to which Believers internalized their shortcomings was heart-breaking. When I was in the hospital, leadership came to see me only twice and forbid anyone else from seeing me. But they are open to friendships and the Bible, and are reevaluating many teachings and practices. Oh! Oral Robertss The Red Thread in his Lifestyle of Gods Word. Could John Lynn be the undisputed king of Offshoot ministries? Many people did not believe in medical care. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I was very moved by that story as a young person, and I remember talking to my mom and my fellowship coordinator about it. I get the impression her experience was exactly as youve shared. The Way, International Profile Your experience brings so many new things into perspective and reflects the things we noted about her 10yrs when we were younger but never questioned because well how much can a teenager really articulate? 3 Victor Paul Wierwille, Power for Abundant Living (New Knoxville, OH: American Christian Press, 1971), 119-20.4 Victor Paul Wierwille, Receiving the Holy Spirit Today, 6th ed. Conveniently situated in the Minh Khai part of Phu Ly (Ha Nam), this property puts you close . He also was a spiritist and claimed, Many of the subjects I have given in my Bible class have been dictated to me by the loved ones long since passed on.6 It would appear that Wierwilles gnostic leanings, healing emphasis, camp/advance (retreat) formats, divine laws, stress on physical exercise, desire to be the best, and even the term The Way itself were derived from New Thought speakers Glenn Clark, Starr Daily, and Rufus Moseley. Homey reported that it liquidated $29 million of debt by mid 1995. Although Wayers project a curt and indifferent attitude toward the many who have left the group, they have undoubtedly been hurt deeply in recent years. And as much I would dislike the idea of looking into my own rear view mirror her close friends and myself would deeply appreciate your vulnerability and transparency. Most still feel hurt from being betrayed by The Way, are suspicious of any new organizations, and hesitate to connect themselves with any Christian church. The crowd of 11,000 applauded the changes, hoping that this would help remedy the severe decline and turbulence of the past 10 years. The class aside (because who cares), can you imagine being made to feel like youre a bad person because of things beyond your control? To me this is the core of the Way: the planting of the idea that its us against them. Over time that can be very isolating considering that there arent that many people in the ministry. A Profile of The Way, International My home life was very turbulent because of TWI. For example, Lionel Recio and Steve Lefevers claim that one woman was gang-raped by several Way clergy and that the Corps residence training was sometimes like a bordello with promiscuity, adultery, orgies, and wife-swapping. Rev. Disciples serve only four months, and The Way plans to send out two waves a year. And we have to consider the times: inspired by peace movements and anti-war efforts. . 4v$gi 3 Highlights of The Way Corps Graduation (June 1995), cassette tape. Making you afraid of other people and afraid of having attention withheld are other classic manipulation tactics. I figured out I was gay in college, and having grown up in a household that called people faggots, fudge-packers, rump-riders and played count the queers when we went to amusement parks, I knew this wasnt going to fly. The manipulation tactics come from many angles. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber They have forsaken the right way and gone astray" (2 Peter 2:1-3, 15). Any time I needed to see a doctor (I've had chronic health issues) I had to do it in secret and lie about where I was going, and have the bills sent to fake addresses so no one would find out. But small IRA splinter groups have continued to launch sporadic attacks on security forces. In 2000, the president of The Way, Craig Martindale, resigned following . Like the new classes and the Disciples, this is a sign that The Way is striving to further restrict access to its activities, purge anyone who questions current Way leadership, increase control, and consolidate. I once broke a bone and had to secretly crawl to my car to go to the hospital. - Nowadays, Finnegan runs another Way splinter group called Christian Biblical Counsel. I was told by a leader that having an understanding of the Word as it is supposed to be understood helps you form opinions. 15 H. A. Ironside, Wrongly Dividing the Word of Truth (Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers, 1938) addresses the relation of the gospel to the church, the Bride and body of Christ, baptism, and related topics. TWI's splinter groups, formed at TWI's implosion in the late 1980's, are bigger than . Ultimately we would also like to provide and seek justice on her behalf. He rightly exhorted them to reactivate critical thought rather than just change from being a Wierwille disciple to a Bullinger disciple. .~?mq3\n7C. I just wanted to paint a picture here of the laid back approach to Christian faith that makes the Way appealing to people. Maybe it will help to read what I experienced. The group's misogyny was deeply ingrained while also being subtle at times. I was born in Sidney, Ohio in 2001 and lived at the Way Headquarters in New Knoxville. (The PFAL classes had been open to anyone who paid the $50 fee.) The Ways security force has become increasingly aggressive, quickly and thoroughly investigating anyone who appears at functions like the Rock of Ages conferences9 or is on their campus without a Way nametag. Can you imagine? application/pdf They have been active and effective at exposing problems in The Way through personal influence and meetings of Wayers around the nation. I think another thing to think about with the Way is that it is in many ways a pyramid scheme. John Schonheits paper on adultery was a thinly veiled accusation that Wierwille and other leaders falsely taught that adultery is a biblically acceptable practice. Just as 100 different Mormon groups all revere the Temple Lot in Independence, Missouri, because of founder Joseph Smiths attachment to it, the many Way splinter groups also revere Wierwilles New Knoxville, Ohio family farm and books. I was left on the bathroom floor for a week because "there's nothing we can do if you're not believing God to heal you." These classes replace the Power for Abundant Living (PFAL) classes by Way founder, Victor Paul Wierwille, who died of cancer in 1985 after losing an eye to the disease and suffering strokes. When I was talking to my mom about climate change she just waved me off with Gods not going to let it get that bad! Oh. 2.) Not that a college degree is by any means the only metric of intelligence, but there arent a lot of college degrees in the faith. Some still in The Way are ignorant of the controversy, while others refuse to listen to the charges, deny them, or rationalize how Wierwille could have done such things without guilt. To address your questions about suicides directly - yes there have been suicides in the past as well as other deaths. I was berated, told I did this to myself because I didn't have my head in the word enough and allowed devil spirits in. Some retain great respect for Wierwille, while a few joke about him. When he first presented it verbally to gatherings of Way leadership (at which, John Lynn reports, he carried a large-caliber pistol for self-protection), it caused tremendous turbulence, and its content was kept out of general circulation. Disgusting. While Believers with a history of Way International affiliation, esp. Many ex-Wayers continue to read Bullinger, as they did while in The Way. Some find it hard to reevaluate the Trinity, perhaps because they heard Way leaders ridicule Trinitarianism so often, and because they themselves also berated the teaching. Since the Martindale faction controls these, it views visits by ex-Wayers as enemy infiltration. The Way not only teaches that Jesus Christ is not God, but also has instruction on tithing, the law of believing (whatever one believes will happen to one, whether bad or good), and the accuracy of the Bible (as translated by Way leaders). Current Way affiliates are more than welcome to utilize . Edited to add: Would anyone be interested in an ex-Way subreddit? Ex-Wayers also charge that The Way teaches falsely on the topics of believing, abundant sharing, tithing, interpretation of tongues, and athletes of the spirit (the belief that every warfare metaphor in the Epistles should be understood as an athletic metaphor instead). They now favor home fellowships which are self-governing, self-financing and self-propagating. This is a reaction against The Way, which governed home groups, received and dispensed their income, and directed all the propagating efforts (which focused on promoting Wierwilles videotaped Power for Abundant Living class). But in reality, women in the Way were valued primarily for sex and as caretakers. haga clic aqu para obtener ms informacin. I'd recently read a secular book and they also blamed that. 14:21-23); stringent laws are done away with when one is born again (Col. 2:20-21); God punished David for killing Uriah, not for having sex with Bathsheba; and the Bibles word for adultery has a spiritual, not a physical meaning. Experiences, questions, observations about offshoots who trace their roots to The Way International, Off-shoot of The Way (formerly Christian Educational Services), Accused sex predator Victor Barnard a victim's story. In my research since leaving in 2013 I have found a number of people who reported that their loved ones died in the way dating back to the 70s. His complaint, however, implies that he realized there were significant errors in PFAL. Nonetheless, many ex-Wayers desire publications, traveling teachers, regional meetings, and a network of fellowships similar to those they had in The Way. Anyways, one summer afternoon on a car ride to grandma's with a Way following family member: the tape deck had one of these Sunday service tapes start playing when they started the car. For Feb 24, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol. Cliffes book Lessons in Successful Living addresses similar topics. Wierwille exercised very little discernment in learning from others, readily accepting teachings from itinerant mystics, Christian Scientists, and spiritists. Like Wierwille, Bergs teachings became the ultimate authority, and when he committed adultery, he reinterpreted the Bible in order to defend his sinful practice. Myself and others are looking to cope and find closure or understanding from a recent loss/death due to suicide. Although Guideposts helped popularize Cliffes writings and he claimed to be Anglican, Cliffe held New Thought beliefs, seeing God as impersonal principle. The kind of stuff people go to therapy for years to get over. The Passing of a Patriarch greatly damaged The Way because it summarizes the accusations Wierwille made against the three trustees who alone are technically members of The Way and who control all assets and policy. Defectors also accused Way leadership of practicing and approving adultery as a godly practice. This thread is like a walk down memory lane - Sunday Service tapes, the Rock of Ages, Athletes of the Spirit, all the lingo others have quoted, and Martindale's violent tirades against homosexuality in the mid 90s bring me right back. Leonard. The Way is considered a cult by many former members, by most mainstream churches, and by certain secular groups. Several thousand followers have severed ties with The Way International as a result of the allegations and evidence they have seen, including the entire state (Limb) of South Carolina in April 1988 and about 80 percent of the Washington, D.C., Limb. This is just awful, horrible and egregious in every way possible. This video covers some of the deaths and suicides of former members. The complexity and overarching theme of shame as well as guilt is much bigger than I ever imagined. An iconic five-star international hotel Our hotel is located in the heart of the city and provides 180 rooms and suites. Nonetheless, hundreds of Way refugees are resisting the new groups' pleas to "join up.". For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And I am glad you are with us. One of the many difficult things about digesting this for us is that her personality and character did not reflect this at all. Last year, The Way Magazine lauded the organizations success at quickly beginning new PFAL classes through street witnessing; but now fewer classes are likely to be held since many recruits drop out of the twigs before attending a full year.

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