Heart-to-heart sharing with those who have . "Christian Educational Services"-- The nature, strengths and weaknesses of the largest of the Way split-off groups, led by John Lynn. The level to which people beat themselves up for falling short, though, is intense. At 29yrs old. 8 Whiteside, 197-200. Almost every one of Wierwilles teachings can be traced to other sources (see sidebar for descriptions of some of Wierwilles teachings). But they are open to friendships and the Bible, and are reevaluating many teachings and practices. 5 Christopher C. Geer, The Passing of a Patriarch (Attrincham, Cheshire, U.K.: European Christian Press, n.d.), 34. 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. Many Wayers have accepted these allegations in part because they explain and confirm previous experiences. Boy howdy that was an ear-full. One of the many difficult things about digesting this for us is that her personality and character did not reflect this at all. Some people were asked to leave the ministry for some big transgression (maybe they were gay, maybe they bucked chain of command in some big way), and they were considered marked and avoided (I think stemming from the Cain and Abel story in Genesis). 2.) 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. 12 Lynn, Overview of Events. Again, thank you for taking the time to provide concise details. 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. . 10 These are actual experiences which Wayers, ex-Wayers, and others have shared with me. This means that we live in the world, but that doesnt have to impact our relationship with God. 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. If you have done your reading about cults, then you are probably familiar with Dr. Steve Hassan's BITE model. To address your questions about suicides directly - yes there have been suicides in the past as well as other deaths. 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. At first I was told how loved and adored I was but quickly that facade died and it was clear I was not loved. This is just awful, horrible and egregious in every way possible. But at this point my goal has transitioned to educating the young and vulnerable population of college students by presenting an unknown and challenging thought. uuid:a0e7d6d5-45d0-8c4c-9602-8d6d3c43e9ff Could John Lynn be the undisputed king of Offshoot ministries? I once broke a bone and had to secretly crawl to my car to go to the hospital. endstream endobj 3 0 obj <> endobj 2 0 obj <> endobj 61 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 21 0 obj <> endobj 25 0 obj <> endobj 29 0 obj <> endobj 30 0 obj <>stream There are certain rules Mandalorians must adhere to . I grew up in the Way Ministry in the 80s and left in my last year of high school in 96. And I am glad you are with us. 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. The Way International has a book value of all assets over $68 million, however believers often pay a facility fee to meet as a State or Branch, or they meet in only "budget" or "free" spaces. People were eager to engage, but I dont think answers were ever very satisfying. 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. Wierwilles ideas on sense knowledge, confession, and healing (among others) he found in E.W. 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. 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. 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. 2013-08-09T12:10:58-05:00 It helps me after hearing some of your stories. 2013-08-09T12:10:58-05:00 John Schonheits paper on adultery was a thinly veiled accusation that Wierwille and other leaders falsely taught that adultery is a biblically acceptable practice. There hasn't been a good gathering place for survivors since the Greasespot Cafe and I think there is a need for one. If youve seen the documentaries about Scientology or even that Nxivm sex cult this is practically a template for revenue income for these religious organizations. John Lynn claims that Wierwille and at least four other trustees had sex with literally hundreds of women, many of whom Lynn and other ex-leaders have counseled personally.9 They also claim the Trustees fired long-time researcher John Schonheit for writing a brief paper summarizing the Bibles teaching against adultery. 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." Geer believes Wierwille actually caused his body to die: There were two points when I felt that he might change his mind and decide to go on living.I am fully convinced that he believed to stop the functions of his body.8 He seems to believe that Wierwille chose to commit suicide, using his spiritual weapon of believing, rather than to continue fighting the spiritual decline of the trustees. My mom thought God helped her get a good parking space once (Im not kidding). Although Wierwille has written against spiritism, he welcomed this spiritist with open arms. 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. Ultimate question, do you think The Way or anyone that endorses the way is worth pursuing as - culpable? The last fatal attack on a police officer in Northern Ireland was the April 2011 killing of Constable . Cules son las creencias bsicas del budismo? I grew up in the Way and drifted from it the year I went to college (though I went a few times reluctantly to a new fellowship in the town where my college was). 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. He cultivated an image of being an original Bible researcher and his followers have seen him as such. I don't talk to my family that's "in" much anymore though I do see them every so often. Growing up, I remember hearing stories about people who had drifted from the Way, and they were always spoken of as dangerous people. Your last sentence though. dagger to the heart ..internal turmoil reconciling her faith with just being a person in the world. TWI now is less than a tenth of what it was in the early 1980s, but TWI was far less than a tenth of what its . When Wierwille wrote, he commonly used these mens writings and copied them, idea by idea and often word by word. While Believers with a history of Way International affiliation, esp. In 1983 I became involved with the cult the Way International or as it is commonly referred to by members, "the Way." I had a B.A. Based at . After I had a fight in elementary school, TWI advised him to beat me into submission. Cules son las creencias bsicas del budismo? The Corp program was insane and I could write a huge thread just about that experience. 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. 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. I was a Girl Scout as a kid and all through high school, and I devoted myself to community projects my whole life. I think some of the main differences between the 80's and now is the infrastructure. This is certainly helpful and appreciated. European Christian Press (which Geer controls) then published it a few years after Wierwilles death. Edited to add: Would anyone be interested in an ex-Way subreddit? The appeal was in its casual nature, balanced with an accessible way to become disciplined in Biblical scholarship. Boop. 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. My splinter group was one of them. That ego had gone to their heads; that the Adversary had gotten to them. Prominent ex-Way leaders took with them networks of ex-followers of TWI. Leonards book and course syllabus called The Gifts of the Spirit are still in print. (St. Louis: Personal Freedom Outreach, 1987), 50 pp. Spirit and Truth Fellowship International. He is a former follower of The Way International, the same group from which I escaped in 1987. The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. 9 John Lynn, Overview of Events, two-cassette series, 1987. Word A Profile of The Way, International Lynn retains all the critical Way doctrines of concern to Christians, such as anti-Trinitarianism, ultradispensationalism, soul sleep, and the belief that speaking in tongues is infallible and essential proof that one is saved. 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. This article only sketches the most prominent and publishable charges. Its current headquarters are in New Knoxville, Ohio; estimates of its membership range from 3,000 to 20,000. We were taught that debt was inherently evil and that it made you a slave to the lender. Stiles, a leader in the early charismatic movement. I cannot stress enough how much the control and fear is internal. This led to Martindales promise that all new Way Corps grads would obtain paid positions, which hadnt been done for over 20 years. 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. There were people who were sexually assaulted while hitchhiking and injured due to accidents. The Way International is a shell of what it was during the lifetime of Victor Paul Wierwille. Geer and trustee Howard Allen apparently believed that the behavior of the trustees, not strokes and cancer, caused Wierwilles death. 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. Lynnes new teachings include the assertions that interpretation of tongues must always be praise to God (never a message to believers), and that believing does not work for saint and sinner alike, but is receiving Gods promises. 3 Highlights of The Way Corps Graduation (June 1995), cassette tape. But in reality, women in the Way were valued primarily for sex and as caretakers. 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. If you weren't in good standing, you didn't get tapes of the way singers or of "reverend" Martindale. Hahahaha. Like when life doesnt go like you expect, whether its a health problem or an issue at work. 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. Many former Way members are flocking to break-off organizations some of which are led by well-known and respected ex-leaders. An Open Letter to You Who Are Disillusioned with The Way Ministry, J. Juedes PFO Journal. 4v$gi It is common for ex-Wayers to take several years to fully separate from The Way and reorient their lives. 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. I think youre absolutely right in that educating others will help with the grieving process. 11:2-4, 13-15) gives insight into the nature of this controversy, Wierwilles work, and his followers: For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, for I betrothed you to one husband, that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. Youve saved me an extensive amount of grieving. Myself and others are looking to cope and find closure or understanding from a recent loss/death due to suicide. As a kid, I was always 1.) This present controversy is serving to alert pure believers that Wierwille and his successors are false apostles after all. Nonetheless, many ex-Wayers desire publications, traveling teachers, regional meetings, and a network of fellowships similar to those they had in The Way. (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. Mostly shame, guilt, separation from anyone but the group, brainwashing. 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. And if the world thought you were a good homosexual it was because you had an agenda to legitimize your perversion (the way Jewish people use the Holocaust to legitimize their ungodly faith). 11 Morton and Juedes, Integrity and Accuracy, reveals many of Wierwilles errors in scholarship and Bible interpretation. Wierwille exercised very little discernment in learning from others, readily accepting teachings from itinerant mystics, Christian Scientists, and spiritists. Cliffes book Lessons in Successful Living addresses similar topics. This is a big hurdle, because V.P. Splinter group of the Worldwide Church of God (WCoG). 7:15). All of these classes are weeks long, have an enrollment fee, and have their own expensive materials (books, binders, etc.) Way followers say the first commandment is the most important: no false Idols before God. Until then I was personally fighting acceptance because I wasnt able to understand and someone else had not articulated a realistic and plausible answer. "Michael John Rood is an ordained nondenominational Christian minister and Messianic rabbi," according to a brochure Rood produced to promote his seminars which . Press J to jump to the feed. 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.. She was loved by many, the brightest light and simply someone you could not avoid noticing. The reason I created that thread was initial to gain some more insight. Para ms informacin o para Join now to access this Journal subscriber only content. 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. Oh my goodness. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. In the weeks leading up to it, she got sick and missed a few shifts at work and ran up a few hundred dollars of credit card debt to cover bills. Juedes is a Lutheran paster who has written extensively on the Way. CES includes many past Way celebrities and clergy such as John and Pat Lynn, Ralph Dubofsky, Robert Belt, Sue Pierce, Tom Reahard, and John Schonheit. 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. Prominent splinter groups include Christian Educational Service (CES) led by John Lynn, Pacific West Fellowship, Great Lakes Fellowship, and The Way of Great Britain headed by Chris Geer. In addition, the account includes several insights into The Way. Many people did not believe in medical care. There are people who spend 7 nights a week at fellowship or taking classes or teaching. First, it is helpful to present facts of doctrinal, organizational, and personal error in Way leaders. Disciples serve only four months, and The Way plans to send out two waves a year. The complexity and overarching theme of shame as well as guilt is much bigger than I ever imagined. 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. 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. Because of the work of splinter groups, in recent years The Way has been marked by heightened paranoia, attention to security, and bitterness. 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. Making you afraid of other people and afraid of having attention withheld are other classic manipulation tactics. This includes Wierwilles plagiarism, approval of adultery, authoritarianism, errors of scholarship and Bible interpretation, and so forth. Leonard. 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. By word, character, and example, show them that there is more-than-abundant life outside The Way International.Dr. When I arrived back home my entire bedroom and all my belongings had been searched for anything ungodly. My Mom got heavily involved in the ministry straight out the gates - going WOW (their outreach program) shortly after taking the PFAL class in the early 80s and then we went Family Corp right after that. Second, the doctrine of the splinter groups is nearly a carbon copy of Way . In short, the Way (though it started much earlier) at its highest participation rates was essentially home fellowships with hippies talking about Jesus. We believe and speculate it was attributed because of the known cult The Way International. John P. Juedes is the pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Highland, California, and has written extensively on The Way International. . She was born into it and her home was a Twig if my verbiage is correct. 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. 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. Followers 0. Sann, on the other hand, considers people like Lynn to have gone too far in rejecting valid teachings. 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. The Ways decisions to terminate the WOWs and PFAL classes are partly due to the damaging influence of Way splinter groups. .~?mq3\n7C. Wierwilles death certificate lists ocular melanoma, or malignant tumor of the eye, as the underlying cause of death. 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. I can't speak much on what the formal organization is doing now but the splinter groups just don't have the financial or organizational power as they did before they split off. After Dr. Weirwill died and leadership was given to Craig Martindale, TWI essentially split into those who followed Craig and stayed in TWI's proper organization, and those who moved into splinter groups. And because we were Family Corp, children were added into the mix as well. Way-Showers. I want to be clear that if you think something nefarious has happened here, go with your gut. The Way, International, page 2 The Way International also claims trademark rights in the following: . This video covers some of the deaths and suicides of former members. We are talking about a lot of people who fall for get-rich-quick schemes and fad diets. I was raised "in the word" as they say, meaning I was a born into the cult. I mention these because these are classic isolating manipulation tactics. The Advanced Class was first presented in the fall of 1995. As well as the original post questions. 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. Fourth, help them through the reconstruction of their Christian lives by introducing them to sincere, Bible-believing Christians, small group fellowships, and churches. The Way To Happiness International. 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. These people were rarely spoken of again, and if they were it was in hushed tones. 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. He added, We have flushed homosexuals and homo fantasizers and sympathizers out of our Way Corps and Staff.2 The Corps coordinator, a Rev. Bullinger is that they had already heard Wierwille teach Bullingers material as his own. The Way International was founded in 1942 by Victor Paul Wierwille as a radio program, then was renamed the Chimes Hour Youth Caravan in 1947. That is to say, other people are nice and fine, but its only the true Believers that are truly living Godly lives. Your reply was a lot to unpack, digest, snd accept. He never credited his sources, in effect lying to his readers by leading them to believe that he originated his teachings under Gods direct tutelage. 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. The past two years have been a very unsettling time for Wayers. This is where I experienced most of the abuse. 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. Scientology front group. Beep. See also pp.38 and 52. 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. For example, Vince Finnegan formed a new splinter group primarily from the block of Wayers he led in New . Omg this info about splinter groups is shocking. 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. 9 In an April 30, 1996 press release The Way announced it would not hold a Rock of Ages festival in 1996. The Way is considered a cult by many former members, by most mainstream churches, and by certain secular groups. I dealt with it as a kid by pretending not to notice the issues in my family and in the cult. Many remember current leaders as friends, but at the same time despise them for wrongs they believe they have done or allowed.