I went to a couple fellowship meetings shortly after they took the "foundational class" and wouldn't shut up about it. Allen wrote, I read it and all is true.So I will change to do my best for the man I helped kill.7 They apparently could not reconcile the death of the man of God with their teaching of the law of believing. Since they considered Wierwille the epitome of believing, he should easily have been able to will himself to health simply by believing he was well and free of cancer. Box 18503, Anaheim, CA 92817. I'm pretty sure that "The Word" has quite a bit to say about murder. It was founded by Victor Paul Wierwille in 1942 as a radio program, subsequently becoming The Chimes Hour Youth Caravan in 1947, and The Way, Inc., in 1955. 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. Not something I wanted to read, but something I needed to read. Oh my goodness. I was lucky enough to leave in high school when I was about 16. The past two years have been a very unsettling time for Wayers. Conveniently situated in the Minh Khai part of Phu Ly (Ha Nam), this property puts you close . The 27-storey building hotel is the tallest building in Phu Ly and has been carefully designed for contemporary travellers looking for sleek comforts, simplified luxury and bleisure. They are both prevalent in Ohio. The class aside (because who cares), can you imagine being made to feel like youre a bad person because of things beyond your control? The Way stressed that these gatherings were for committed, faithful followers, unlike the Rock, which was open to anyone. We are talking about a lot of people who fall for get-rich-quick schemes and fad diets. But in reality, women in the Way were valued primarily for sex and as caretakers. And you mentioned twig earlier. Accordingly, several groups have arisen to try to meet these needs. It endured so long largely because members of The Way (Wayers) viewed Wierwille as their Father in the Word, who heard Gods audible voice and taught Gods Word as it had not been known since the first century.. Boop. The Advanced Class was first presented in the fall of 1995. A number of people died. In spite of its name, however, The Way . Geer repeatedly promotes himself as the only man left in The Way Ministry who is fully informed, spiritually adept, and capable of leading the Ministry and stemming its speedy decline. Although the group emphasizes that it does not have members, it keeps very detailed records of its class graduates and donors, which are used as criteria to determine peoples status with the group and their access to some of its functions. 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). Disciples serve only four months, and The Way plans to send out two waves a year. 1987). "Christian Educational Services"-- The nature, strengths and weaknesses of the largest of the Way split-off groups, led by John Lynn. They also feel the need for teaching and fellowship with other believers. Mac OS X 10.7.5 Quartz PDFContext For instance, trustee Donald Wierwille (Victor Pauls son) confessed, I apologize for not having followed my man of God.6. The Cults podcast on Stitcher has a 2-part special on The Way and River Road Fellowship, which was one of the splinter groups. Way followers say the first commandment is the most important: no false Idols before God. haga clic aqu para obtener ms informacin. Their arguments included: women who traveled with Jesus and Paul supplied them with sex because it satisfied their legitimate needs; men have needs for sex with a variety of women and God provides for this; all things are lawful when done in faith (Rom. The Way published three books by Lynn, more than any author other than Wierwille. Leonards book and course syllabus called The Gifts of the Spirit are still in print. Like when life doesnt go like you expect, whether its a health problem or an issue at work. This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 44, number 2 (2021). Bill Green, who handles some public relations for The Ways New Knoxville, Ohio headquarters, declined to be interviewed about the classes and related developments. But thats the thing: the adversary throws you curve balls, and its our job as athletes of the spirit to make smart moves. Wierwille was not the only former minister to draw away young disciples David Berg was one of several others. Eventually someone outside the house stepped in because they knew what was wrong and got me to the hospital. I don't talk to my family that's "in" much anymore though I do see them every so often. She didnt take the class. What practices are different from the 80s? 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. Technically, the group has only three members the trustees who control all aspects of The Way International, Inc. After I had a fight in elementary school, TWI advised him to beat me into submission. I am glad I am not the only one who dealt with growing up in TWI. An iconic five-star international hotel Our hotel is located in the heart of the city and provides 180 rooms and suites. 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. I think another thing to think about with the Way is that it is in many ways a pyramid scheme. I'm way-adjacent. The appeal was in its casual nature, balanced with an accessible way to become disciplined in Biblical scholarship. But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. The logic has more dangerous consequences when people literally think God will cure their Cancer, Lupus, diabetes. x*"fhR*_l*I&mLRQnG.O@o(UU7Wn?\6t]~mak-tX}zn[z,.o,o.*?Y~,vYj8P]w1$'ZfL1sr&E7pc'R7_\veb_ I had been a professional lead singer and performer since I was 16, and although I . Gross, right? Leonard. The reason it was called that was because we imagined the whole ministry all over the world as one big tree. 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. Many have realized that they have also been falsely taught on Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and have turned to evangelical beliefs instead. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. He cultivated an image of being an original Bible researcher and his followers have seen him as such. Spirit and Truth Fellowship International, Out of the Way: The Offshoots Latest Topics. Three editorials which answer misconceptions common among followers and ex-followers of The Way such as distrust of Christians outside The Way and the forming of Way splinter groups. Can any recent survivors provide their reflections if its not to much: What are the manipulation tactics used? Wierwilles stance that the whole Bible was authored in Aramaic, that parts of Scripture have been lost, that many Bible passages in popular translations were deviously inserted by pagans, and his Nestorian-like view of Jesus Christ (which drives a wedge between the human Jesus and the divine Christ) all trace to mystic George Lamsa. 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. So obviously if you're feeling depressed or suicidal you CANNOT tell ANYONE or you will likely be told you're possessed and have to have it cast out of you, at which point you have to pretend to be healed or else it means you're a bad believer and it's your fault you harbor spirits. I dont know if this is still true, but a weird criteria at the time was that you had to be debt free to participate. Boy howdy that was an ear-full. Jun 10, 2009. 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. 17 Rick Lessing, An Analysis and Critique of the Theology of The Way International: An Evangelical Christian Response to Victor Paul Wierwilles Concept of the Trinity (unpublished paper, 1986), makes a case that Wierwille misunderstood Trinitarianism as (alternately) Sabellianism and polytheism, and that when Trinitarianism is properly explained, it is clearly biblically valid and coherent. When The Way International splintered in the years following the death of founder V. P. Wierwille, many splinter groups formed. She was loved by many because she was easy going, fit in with many and different groups - a legitimate interest in others, etc. An Open Letter to You Who Are Disillusioned with The Way Ministry, J. Juedes PFO Journal. 11 Morton and Juedes, Integrity and Accuracy, reveals many of Wierwilles errors in scholarship and Bible interpretation. The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. Michael Rood is a self-proclaimed Messianic preacher who was ordained as a Christian minister in The Way International (TWI).. Rood has continued many of the themes and practices which made TWI theologically a cult of Christianity. 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. My father also advised the members of our fellowship to beat their children. Since then, The Way has sought to purge (that is, totally shun) all who do not tithe or who question Martindale on any issue. The Way began to grow significantly only when Wierwille traveled to California and recruited followers from the Jesus movement.16 Like Eve and the Corinthians, these young believers (and many since the 1960s) were virgins with simple devotion to Christ, but were not grounded in Scripture and thus were easily led astray. Available from: Capitol Saints/John A. Lynn, 5918 Chesterbrook Road, McLean, VA 22101. If you have done your reading about cults, then you are probably familiar with Dr. Steve Hassan's BITE model. A Profile of The Way, International CES includes Wayers who were respected or well known, such as Lynn who had three books published by The Way, more than any author except Wierwille. It's another thing entirely when the leader of a "Biblical Research and Fellowship Ministry" delivers a fire and brimstone sermon threatening to chain gays to the back bumper of an RV and go for a little drive. Wierwilles death certificate lists ocular melanoma, or malignant tumor of the eye, as the underlying cause of death. The level to which people beat themselves up for falling short, though, is intense. About The Way International. John P. Juedes is the pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Highland, California, and has written extensively on The Way International. 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). After all, it is their friends who have left and made accusations of severe error against The Way leadership. Sann distributes a free tape, A Ministry in Crisis: An Editorial on The Way International, in which he asserts that The Way became hierarchical in the 1970s, causing a deterioration of the Ministry in many areas. 7:15). Since many WOWs are in the second year of the Way Corps (leadership training) program, it is likely that many homosexuals were also in the Corps. He taught that Jesus Christ was not resurrected bodily and will not return visibly, and that the Holy Spirit is an influence, not a personal being. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. For example we had fellowship in our home 3 days per week and if I were to miss one I might be interrogated about where I was, or told that I'm unequally yoked with "worldly" people, which is how they describe anyone outside the cult. 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. It's 2am and so I decided to reminisce in Google-land by doing a search on the The Way International; a group I was once affiliated with . Our dear and sweet beloved friend. But they are open to friendships and the Bible, and are reevaluating many teachings and practices. application/pdf 5 Christopher C. Geer, The Passing of a Patriarch (Attrincham, Cheshire, U.K.: European Christian Press, n.d.), 34. Wierwille always told them that they could only go as far as they had been taught, and the new groups demonstrate this principle by organizing themselves in the same ways, and on the same assumptions, which Wierwille used in building The Way Tree. Stiles, a leader in the early charismatic movement. My impression is that BGSU Staff/Administration is unaware that she was a Way member. They have been active and effective at exposing problems in The Way through personal influence and meetings of Wayers around the nation. Eventually, all you have is them and all you know is that they love you and that's why they're abusing you, because they've convinced you you're terrible and you deserve the abuse because it's helping you get closer in your relationship with God. I tried explaining to the family member that "reverend" Martindale just advocated for mass murder. If you weren't in good standing, you didn't get tapes of the way singers or of "reverend" Martindale. Un apologista cristiano responde a la actuacin satnica de Sam Smith y Kim Petras en los Grammy, Connect with the Christian Research Institute. This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 44, number 2 (2021). 2 The Way Magazine, Nov.-Dec. 1994, 26. The false apostles disguises are being pulled from their faces, and the virgins who were led astray are returning to the one true Jesus, Spirit, and gospel, and the church of Jesus Christ. Additionally, ex-members have on file letters and transcripts in which Way president L. Craig Martindale defends sex outside marriage in many situations. I was a Girl Scout as a kid and all through high school, and I devoted myself to community projects my whole life. No. The Way, International, page 2 First, it is helpful to present facts of doctrinal, organizational, and personal error in Way leaders. All of these classes are weeks long, have an enrollment fee, and have their own expensive materials (books, binders, etc.) The foundational class is 36 hours I believe and I can't tell you how many times I took it. Although Guideposts helped popularize Cliffes writings and he claimed to be Anglican, Cliffe held New Thought beliefs, seeing God as impersonal principle. The teachings are framed such as we are athletes of the Spirit and we are always honing our research skills to better know God. Since the Martindale faction controls these, it views visits by ex-Wayers as enemy infiltration. Ancient Aliens and the Bible: What the Popular Television Series Says about Extraterrestrials in Scripture, Famous for Jesus: A Review of Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church by Katelyn Beaty (Brazos Press, 2022), Famosos por Jess: Resea de Celebridades por Jess: Cmo los personajes, las plataformas y los beneficios estn perjudicando a la Iglesia por Katelyn Beaty (Brazos Press, 2022). This is very hard. This is his first book, and the first book produced by this Biblical Research and Teaching ministry in over 10 years. that you have to purchase to participate. 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. Accusations have disturbed many people and strained or broken numerous friendships. I once broke a bone and had to secretly crawl to my car to go to the hospital. Not only is it about reading the Bible and having a personal relationship with God, but there are various levels of classes that you take to be better scholars. Think of an abuser boyfriend who doesnt let you have friendships with other guys or other people, really, because it distracts your attention from him, the most important person in your life. Omg this info about splinter groups is shocking. Wierwilles ideas on sense knowledge, confession, and healing (among others) he found in E.W. nase ahora para acceder a este contenido exclusivo para suscriptores de Journal, http://www.equip.org/christian-research-journal/, To the Cancel Culture: We Respectfully Decline When Believers are Told What We May or May Not Say, Polite Refusal is Called For, Christ or Lucretius: Nature and Natures God in the poems of Mary Oliver. It helps me after hearing some of your stories. He told Corps grads that the Ambassadors had accomplished their mission of getting Gods Word over the world. He called it WOW redefined, but he never explained how reaching only a fraction of a percent of residents of the United States (much less of the world) constitutes completing the mission. Este artculo es una exclusiva en lnea de Christian Research Journal. 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. We were taught that debt was inherently evil and that it made you a slave to the lender. This is to say, you can be you with all your quirks and eccentricities because we are all unique people and can come to have unique relationships with God through his Word. Followers 0. 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. The share and contributions of another Reddit member way help you with perspective and provide some form of comfort or solace as you and your family are ensuring the struggle currently. The Way sent out 138 Disciples to 15 cities during the Rock of Ages 1995 conference, far below a peak of 3,100 WOW Ambassadors it claimed to have sent in 1982. This article first appeared in the in the Ask Hank column of the Christian Research Journal, Feb 20, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol, Feb 13, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol. I'm still dealing with a lot of the trauma. There hasn't been a good gathering place for survivors since the Greasespot Cafe and I think there is a need for one. The Way International fellowships are located throughout the United States, as well as over 30 countries. The largest group seems to be Christian Educational Services, Inc. (CES), which incorporated this fall in Indianapolis.
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Geers book also claims that Geer alone is spiritually able to reform The Way Ministry. Wierwille was always more effective at turning people away from the church of Jesus Christ than he was at turning people toward the Bible or The Way International. Unless you have endless funds to fight in Court for an extended period of time, I fear that battle would only add to the pain you have already experienced. Word Sann, on the other hand, considers people like Lynn to have gone too far in rejecting valid teachings. Instead of it being an isolated incident that sucks from time to time in life, its framed as The Adversary (the devil) is making your life difficult, and as athletes of the spirit we can outmaneuver him. graduates of the PFAL Series (Power For Abundant Living) may find links to fellowship, study, friends, and loved ones, believers and seekers of all congregations or none at all may find wonderful links at this page.