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14 Letter by Steve Sann, Pacific West Fellowship, 2 March 1988. My mom thought God helped her get a good parking space once (Im not kidding). I can remember being a teenager and being intellectually curious and asking a lot of questions. But thats the thing: the adversary throws you curve balls, and its our job as athletes of the spirit to make smart moves. 2 John P. Juedes and Jay Valusek, Will the Real Author Please Stand Up? As well as the original post questions. The Way International fellowships are located throughout the United States, as well as over 30 countries. Youre not going to have to perform penance. Heart-to-heart sharing with those who have . And we have to consider the times: inspired by peace movements and anti-war efforts. They all have been visible in speaking, writing, and leadership positions such as Region and Limb Coordinators and headquarters staff (Region Coordinator is the highest Way position other than Trustee). And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light; therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their deeds. 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. The current turmoil surrounding The Way presents an excellent opportunity for Christians to befriend ex-Wayers and help them discover biblical truths they have forgotten or never known. 7 Whiteside, 205-9. So I dont think youre going to find any one person in her fellowship circle to point a finger at, but I can imagine your friend, as a young, thinking, caring person was having a lot of internal turmoil reconciling her faith with just being a person in the world. terrified of seeing/interacting with a marked and avoided person because I thought their adversarial ways would rub off on me. Moving on: I know a lot of people who grew up in strict religious contexts, but the thing that I always found kind of culty about the Way was how we were always supposed to prioritize people in the ministry to the exclusion of others. 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). Until then I was personally fighting acceptance because I wasnt able to understand and someone else had not articulated a realistic and plausible answer. The leader was arrested recently as he had convinced the fellowship members to give him their eldest daughters which he physically and sexually abused for 9+ years until one girl escaped. Im terribly sorry to hear that feel free to message me privately if it helps. What is The Way International? | GotQuestions.org Except they pretty much worship the bible. It begins to be the only thing you can do and the only people you can see. The Rock had been held annually for 25 years, and had been used to teach, recruit participants for Way ministries, and send out Way Ambassadors. This conflict has increased as ex-Wayers have persuaded many of their friends to leave Martindales group. She was sobbing and apologized profusely that she hid this from them. 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. Because they had women on the Board of Directors and allowed women to lead fellowships, they could espouse their views as progressive. The Way published three books by Lynn, more than any author other than Wierwille. The Corp program was insane and I could write a huge thread just about that experience. The Way founders instruction on how to receive the Holy Spirit by inhaling and the belief that speaking in tongues cannot be counterfeited were derived from J.E. Splinter Cults are WORSE..not better - Out of the Way: The 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. In that same breathe, her sister/siblings believed she was waking up and coming to her own conclusion about her situation and the life she had created with the expectation that she would removing herself as they did during that similar age period of their lives. Former Member: The Way International Biblical Ministry Was Rife With The largest group seems to be Christian Educational Services, Inc. (CES), which incorporated this fall in Indianapolis. I know this is a bit long, but I hope it gives you some insight into what it's like to be inside this group. I think it may be important for you to identify whether she was in TWI proper or a splinter group. She didnt take the class. I remember he looked at her with sympathy but didnt say anything. It has shrunk in size and, as often is the case in cults when the original leader dies, splintered into various rival movements. You were expected to advance through them, and you typically developed bonds with your cohort in the Foundational, Intermediate and Advanced classes. 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. 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. It is common for ex-Wayers to take several years to fully separate from The Way and reorient their lives. TWI's splinter groups, formed at TWI's implosion in the late 1980's, are bigger than . Somewhere in the 90s someone in charge of such decisions recognized that it was probably a good idea to stop calling it twig because it sounds weird to newcomers. Christian can also help (ex-) Wayers through four basic steps of reorientation: 1) expose, 2) emotional reaction, 3) relearning, and 4) reconstruction. To address your questions about suicides directly - yes there have been suicides in the past as well as other deaths. The creed and The Way are very much one and the same; The Way is just the religion they follow. 1987). 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.. The Way To Happiness International. Meanwhile, Way leaders apparently have tried biblically to defend adultery. 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. Sann also circulates periodic newsletters and regularly publishes teaching tapes. 8 Ibid., 67, 68. Homey, reported that 163 sodomiteshad been purged, marked and avoided by January l995.3. We are talking about a lot of people who fall for get-rich-quick schemes and fad diets. 16 Wierwille noted that acquiring young people from the Jesus movement caused the Ways growth (Whiteside, 230-35). Soooo, I guess to answer your question about how she was allowed to do non-Christian activities, I think the thing to remember is that the Way picked up steam in the late 70s when a big wave of evangelicalism was sweeping through the US. 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. And because we were Family Corp, children were added into the mix as well. Second, the doctrine of the splinter groups is nearly a carbon copy of Way . 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. I mention this because in the athletes analogy, theres always an adversary. The figure other Christians might call the Devil the Way often calls the Adversary (lol it looks weird to write it out). The Way stressed that these gatherings were for committed, faithful followers, unlike the Rock, which was open to anyone. What is The Way, anyway? The Mandalorian's religion and - gamesradar Ironside, which addresses aspects of ultradispensationalism.15 It is often perplexing to Wayers, though, that teachers Wierwille respected such as Bullinger, Kenyon, and Stiles staunchly held primary orthodox beliefs which Wierwille rejected, including Trinitarianism. The Cults podcast on Stitcher has a 2-part special on The Way and River Road Fellowship, which was one of the splinter groups. At one point I got sick with an infectious disease that typically kills you within 48 hours. This practice was common back in the 70s-80s as well as taking people's medications away so they could "prove God." Each fellowship was just one small twig connected to a branch, then a limb, then a trunk and so on. I did look your friend up on facebook and we have friends in common from the cult (I should probably just start a new FB to rid myself of them), which would lead me to believe it's a splinter group since the two don't typically mix. This is a big hurdle, because V.P. uuid:d7ca4186-7029-344b-a237-3b86f585aa59 At 29yrs old. Nonetheless, hundreds of Way refugees are resisting the new groups pleas to join up. Second, the doctrine of the splinter groups is nearly a carbon copy of Way doctrine. 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. About The Way International has the most comprehensive collection of articles on The Way International found anywhere-- over 110. I get the impression her experience was exactly as youve shared. The new policy may reduce The Ways recruitment. Update on The Way International and Its Offspring - MarketFaith Ministries The stories which former (and current) Way insiders hear include many more specific charges about shocking events. Like when life doesnt go like you expect, whether its a health problem or an issue at work. Accusations have disturbed many people and strained or broken numerous friendships. 5 Christopher C. Geer, The Passing of a Patriarch (Attrincham, Cheshire, U.K.: European Christian Press, n.d.), 34. International b275 tractor bonnet - gqqa.wikinger-turnier.de Eventually someone outside the house stepped in because they knew what was wrong and got me to the hospital. The apostle Paul warned of deceivers when he told the Ephesians, I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock, and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:29-30). I am glad I am not the only one who dealt with growing up in TWI. When Wierwille wrote, he commonly used these mens writings and copied them, idea by idea and often word by word. The Way International - Wikipedia 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. And they were pretty insistent on saying that the Holocaust did happen but not nearly to the extent that Jewish people say it did, and that their agenda is to make us feel sorry for them and legitimize Judaism over Christianity. Oh, so when I say curveballs I mean it in the figurative sense. 1 See The Way Tree Is Splintering, Christian Research Journal, Fall 1988. Unlike the WOWs, the Disciples program is open only to Advanced Class graduates, and therefore probably consists mainly of members of the Way Corps. All because of "homosexual devil spirit possession" will not be welcome at their festival. The main groups vying for control of rural settlements - including the National Liberal Army (ELN), two rival splinter or "dissident" groups composed of reconstituted FARC remnants, the Gulf Clan and smaller illicit bands - are now the focus of government efforts to pen deals aimed at halting the hostilities. Homosexuals Purged, Wow Ambassadors Terminated, Martindale also hopes the new classes will hinder homosexuals from joining The Way, because he condemns homosexuality. The Way International (TWI) has been on cult watchers' radar screens for decades. Ultimate question, do you think The Way or anyone that endorses the way is worth pursuing as - culpable? 2013-08-09T12:10:58-05:00 (New Knoxville, OH: American Christian Press, 1972), 209, 174, for Wierwilles claim that his book is the most original coverage of the subject, and p. 178 for his claim that God audibly promised to teach him directly and personally. However, it sucked to consider our loved as anything less than brilliant, observant, and aware. But if you fall out of line, you risk being shunned by the people most important to you. Started in the early 1950s by the late Victor Paul Wierwille (1916-1985), the original organization was called the Way Incorporated. John Schonheits paper on adultery was a thinly veiled accusation that Wierwille and other leaders falsely taught that adultery is a biblically acceptable practice. An alarming statement from her the week prior to committing suicide and a recent appearance/presence on social media a few months prior is also what has really shaken everyone. One of the many difficult things about digesting this for us is that her personality and character did not reflect this at all. Your reply was a lot to unpack, digest, snd accept. That made it harder for me to get a centered view on my life. Someone previous mentioned and shared something that we really needed to hear and hit home profoundly, she expressed that (paraphrasing) she was struggling to reconcile with her faith and being a person in the world. 4v$gi While Believers with a history of Way International affiliation, esp. Yeah Um would you look at the time? Making you afraid of other people and afraid of having attention withheld are other classic manipulation tactics. . Many remember current leaders as friends, but at the same time despise them for wrongs they believe they have done or allowed. Oh my goodness. One Scripture passage (2 Cor. They include the Foundational Class (Receive with Meekness), the Intermediate Class (Retain with Conviction), and the Advanced Class (Release with Boldness). I had been a professional lead singer and performer since I was 16, and although I . 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. See also Elena Whiteside, The Way Living with Love, 2d ed. The Way, International Profile Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Many of us were had gotten the impression that she was back. 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. Martindale seems determined to remake The Way and close ranks, which may result in an increasingly cultic mindset. I don't talk to my family that's "in" much anymore though I do see them every so often. 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. The Way Tree Is Splintering - Christian Research Institute 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. Many people did not believe in medical care. European Christian Press (which Geer controls) then published it a few years after Wierwilles death. 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. Sann, on the other hand, considers people like Lynn to have gone too far in rejecting valid teachings. First, the assumptions and structure of the new groups are like The Way International. Cules son las creencias bsicas del budismo? Since then, The Way has sought to purge (that is, totally shun) all who do not tithe or who question Martindale on any issue. 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). One CES leader, with a touch of irony, attempted to distance CES from The Way by explaining that CES would do Christian study, not biblical research (A Way term). Gross, right? Answer. 8 Whiteside, 197-200. The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. In addition, anyone who is well-acquainted with Wierwilles writings and reads Kenyons and Bullingers books is struck by the close parallels, even though one cannot always trace exact word-for-word plagiarism. 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. While accusing the Christian church at large of being divisive, the new groups (like The Way International) practice division much more stringently than most Christian denominations or churches. Way trustees fired Schoenheit for writing the paper and sternly warned Wayers not to read it, ask about its contents, or have contact with those who read it. Although the Way brags that 5,027 people have attended these seminars, that figure actually indicates an average of only about 100 per state. Im not educated or enlightened by any metric, but reading that after your personal experience as well as observation grounded and solidified what you were sharing. TL;DR: the Way seems chill and relaxed on the outside but its pretty intense on a personal level. 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. 5 Lamsa considered himself an apostle and believed in clairvoyance and universalism. The most important change involves the new The Way of Abundance and Power classes by Way president, L. Craig Martindale. "rev" gerry wrenn raises wierwille from the dead! That exes from his life are all crazy.. About The Way International There are less and less full time ministers on the field and in many Regions only one full time couple in the entire Region. While PFAL was used to introduce prospects to The Way, Martindales new classes are open only to people who have attended a twig (home fellowship) for a year and have been taught how to receive holy spirit and speak in tongues by the twig coordinator. Wierwille as father, friend, and teacher, but both the Scriptures and the empirical evidence demand it. Reportedly, a few people have even considered suicide or entered mental institutions. These people were rarely spoken of again, and if they were it was in hushed tones. Here's a copy of. 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? In response, he defends such Way teachings as that on interpretation of tongues.14 Ralph Dubofsky told the May 1988 CES meeting that the reason they like so much of E.W.