TWI splinter group leader John Lynn wrote a letter in 2008 defending and praising "the old" Way International, proof that the old Way Arrogance lives on as well. Nonetheless, hundreds of Way refugees are resisting the new groups' pleas to "join up.". Can any recent survivors provide their reflections if its not to much: What are the manipulation tactics used? Wierwilles writings on the topics of interpreting the Bible, soul sleep, the distinction of impersonal holy spirit from the Holy Spirit, ultradispensationalism, gospel harmony, and the mystery are all drawn from Bullinger. My story might be pretty different compared to those of you who grew up in the 80's/90's. I think it may be important for you to identify whether she was in TWI proper or a splinter group. "rev" gerry wrenn raises wierwille from the dead! Making you afraid of other people and afraid of having attention withheld are other classic manipulation tactics. Im so sorry for your loss. I think youre absolutely right in that educating others will help with the grieving process. Followers 0. Martindale told his followers at the 1995 Rock of Ages conference that new classes were needed because The Ways opponents had attended PFAL classes and learned how to use this material against The Way. A place for discussion about cults and other new age religious movements. My parents met in the Way in the late 80s through the WOW program. If you have done your reading about cults, then you are probably familiar with Dr. Steve Hassan's BITE model. . What is The Way, anyway? The Mandalorian's religion and - gamesradar He is a former follower of The Way International, the same group from which I escaped in 1987. Off-shoot of The Way (formerly Christian Educational Services) 6.3k posts. I was raised "in the word" as they say, meaning I was a born into the cult. 2.) Boy howdy that was an ear-full. 9 In an April 30, 1996 press release The Way announced it would not hold a Rock of Ages festival in 1996. Wait, it's "The Word of God" and then some other follower will utter "The Word of God is the Will of God" like some sheep bleating "four legs good". She was loved by many, the brightest light and simply someone you could not avoid noticing. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. The most important change involves the new The Way of Abundance and Power classes by Way president, L. Craig Martindale. Many of us were had gotten the impression that she was back. 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. Although Wierwille has written against spiritism, he welcomed this spiritist with open arms. For example, Vince Finnegan formed a new splinter group primarily from the block of Wayers he led in New . His complaint, however, implies that he realized there were significant errors in PFAL. 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. Then there are all the other classes about specific topics. 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. John P. Juedes is the pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Highland, California, and has written extensively on The Way International. The Way used to mail cassette tapes of the Sunday service to those "in good standing". Somehow I always imagined theyd be better than the original TWI. 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. Take The Diary of Anne Frank for example. Still involved. 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. Although Guideposts helped popularize Cliffes writings and he claimed to be Anglican, Cliffe held New Thought beliefs, seeing God as impersonal principle. I thought of myself as a good person, but Id grown up to believe that you couldnt be both good and a homosexual. About The Way International Gross, right? 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. 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. Most ex-Wayers are confused, not knowing where to turn, whom to trust, or what to believe. To address your questions about suicides directly - yes there have been suicides in the past as well as other deaths. Geer and trustee Howard Allen apparently believed that the behavior of the trustees, not strokes and cancer, caused Wierwilles death. Wierwilles ideas on sense knowledge, confession, and healing (among others) he found in E.W. When The Way International splintered in the years following the death of founder V. P. Wierwille, many splinter groups formed. %PDF-1.7 % 2 The Way Magazine, Nov.-Dec. 1994, 26. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. Splinter group of the Worldwide Church of God (WCoG). I want to be clear that if you think something nefarious has happened here, go with your gut. Carol's Story: About The Way Part One The Life and Times of Bruce She was sobbing and apologized profusely that she hid this from them. Im terribly sorry to hear that feel free to message me privately if it helps. My father also advised the members of our fellowship to beat their children. I wouldnt say my experience is at all recent since that was 2001, but I can absolutely say their tactics are manipulative. 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. In addition, the account includes several insights into The Way. 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. 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. Could you elaborate on the manipulation? 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). Additionally, ex-members have on file letters and transcripts in which Way president L. Craig Martindale defends sex outside marriage in many situations. Like Wierwille, Bergs teachings became the ultimate authority, and when he committed adultery, he reinterpreted the Bible in order to defend his sinful practice. There were people who were sexually assaulted while hitchhiking and injured due to accidents. While Believers with a history of Way International affiliation, esp. 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. It helps me after hearing some of your stories. 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. He would beat me for nearly any infraction. 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 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). Some say that the Way International is a cult. 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. This is hard to accept for those who knew V.P. 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. If possible, use Way terminology and address Way thought patterns, or put them in touch with ex-Wayers who can. 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). Could John Lynn be the undisputed king of Offshoot ministries? Current Way affiliates are more than welcome to utilize . And to answer your question, yes, people do commit suicide after being in the cult. A number of people died. https://www.reddit.com/r/BGSU/comments/mlu753/the_way_international_twi/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf. What is The Way International? | GotQuestions.org The Cults podcast on Stitcher has a 2-part special on The Way and River Road Fellowship, which was one of the splinter groups. I don't talk to my family that's "in" much anymore though I do see them every so often. 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. They did not understand that Wierwille preached another Jesus (who was only a man) and another spirit (not the Holy Spirit personally indwelling them). If you weren't in good standing, you didn't get tapes of the way singers or of "reverend" Martindale. As a minister in the Evangelical and Reformed Church (now part of the United Church of Christ), Wierwille developed . Like Wierwille, Berg drew young people from the Jesus movement to form his own group, the Children of God (now called the Family of Love), which uses sexual promiscuity to win new followers. Some retain great respect for Wierwille, while a few joke about him. How do they suffocate you as a person? The foundational class is 36 hours I believe and I can't tell you how many times I took it. It is common for ex-Wayers to take several years to fully separate from The Way and reorient their lives. Homey reported that it liquidated $29 million of debt by mid 1995. Household Prayer would be around 6am or earlier sometimes, which you couldn't miss or again you would be reprimanded. The creed and The Way are very much one and the same; The Way is just the religion they follow. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Oh, so when I say curveballs I mean it in the figurative sense. Brainwashing is in part convincing you that the world is evil and filled with devil spirits that are everywhere and you must be vigilant, and part CONSTANT information about the bible. J. Juedes, PFO Journal, 1990. Martindales classes include material from PFAL as well as new topics. 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. People were eager to engage, but I dont think answers were ever very satisfying. The Corp is their leadership training program where you live on campus and attend their unaccredited "college." Also former TWI here, my parents are still in it, and its causing incredible family pain, now between my older sister. Former Member: The Way International Biblical Ministry Was Rife With 16 Wierwille noted that acquiring young people from the Jesus movement caused the Ways growth (Whiteside, 230-35). 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. 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 Since then, The Way has sought to purge (that is, totally shun) all who do not tithe or who question Martindale on any issue. Oh my goodness. I was told by a leader that having an understanding of the Word as it is supposed to be understood helps you form opinions. 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. Fourth, help them through the reconstruction of their Christian lives by introducing them to sincere, Bible-believing Christians, small group fellowships, and churches. Strangely, that means that TWI is responsible for my birth. The teachings are framed such as we are athletes of the Spirit and we are always honing our research skills to better know God. 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). I dont know if any of this is helpful to you. Way-Showers. 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. They also feel the need for teaching and fellowship with other believers. The Way To Happiness International. I am also former TWI. 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. Third, help them to relearn. The most ridiculous instance was when he beat me for clinking my fork too loudly in my plate at the dinner table. Your reply was a lot to unpack, digest, snd accept. 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. Tired from excessive bible study, didnt share and/or complain about any of her home life and doodled a lot which always made me ponder what she was thinking about?. 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. application/pdf At 29yrs old. In the meantime, I want to share about her thread with you. Based at . European Christian Press (which Geer controls) then published it a few years after Wierwilles death. 1987). 9 John Lynn, Overview of Events, two-cassette series, 1987. I did not take your explanation about The Way members as rude. 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. Out of the Way: The Offshoots - GreaseSpot Cafe He cultivated an image of being an original Bible researcher and his followers have seen him as such. that you have to purchase to participate. There hasn't been a good gathering place for survivors since the Greasespot Cafe and I think there is a need for one. Un apologista cristiano responde a la actuacin satnica de Sam Smith y Kim Petras en los Grammy, Connect with the Christian Research Institute. About The Way International has the most comprehensive collection of articles on The Way International found anywhere-- over 110. 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. 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. Beep. 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. Almost every one of Wierwilles teachings can be traced to other sources (see sidebar for descriptions of some of Wierwilles teachings). Here's a copy of. True Story: My Family Was In A Cult - Yes and Yes Like when life doesnt go like you expect, whether its a health problem or an issue at work. Another splinter group By Fredchopin, September 3, 2021. (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. Available from: Capitol Saints/John A. Lynn, 5918 Chesterbrook Road, McLean, VA 22101. 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 Way also teaches its followers to receive an impersonal power (called holy spirit, power from on high, or Christ in you) by inhaling, and that speaking in tongues is the only proof that one is born again. Meli Vinpearl Phu Ly. I was a Girl Scout as a kid and all through high school, and I devoted myself to community projects my whole life. Sometimes area twigs would get together for a branch meeting, and less frequently a limb meeting. Its current headquarters are in New Knoxville, Ohio; estimates of its membership range from 3,000 to 20,000. That made it harder for me to get a centered view on my life. To be honest, it sounds nice on paper in many ways. 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. My mom thought God helped her get a good parking space once (Im not kidding). 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). However, we are still driven by their nefarious existence. The logic has more dangerous consequences when people literally think God will cure their Cancer, Lupus, diabetes. Please keep in touch. And you mentioned twig earlier. 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. (New Knoxville, OH: American Christian Press, 1972), x. The CES meeting in May 1988 sponsored two and one-half days of biblical teachings and allowed sales of books by those attending, including Lynn, Lionel Recio, and myself. Meli Vinpearl Phu Ly, Phu Ly (Ha Nam) | 2023 Updated Prices, Deals 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. Geers book also claims that Geer alone is spiritually able to reform The Way Ministry. 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. 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. There is a great diversity of emotions and viewpoints among those who have left The Way International. The Way International, Christian evangelical group founded in 1942 as Vesper Chimes, a radio ministry broadcast from Lima, Ohio, by Victor Paul Wierwille (1916-85). 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. Christian can also help (ex-) Wayers through four basic steps of reorientation: 1) expose, 2) emotional reaction, 3) relearning, and 4) reconstruction. No one is going to beat you. They have been active and effective at exposing problems in The Way through personal influence and meetings of Wayers around the nation. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. That ego had gone to their heads; that the Adversary had gotten to them. These people were rarely spoken of again, and if they were it was in hushed tones. 5 Lamsa considered himself an apostle and believed in clairvoyance and universalism. One response still in print is Wrongly Dividing the Word of Truth by H.A. As a kid, I was always 1.) Wierwille was not the only former minister to draw away young disciples David Berg was one of several others. The Way International is a shell of what it was during the lifetime of Victor Paul Wierwille. We are talking about a lot of people who fall for get-rich-quick schemes and fad diets. I had been a professional lead singer and performer since I was 16, and although I . Can you imagine? For Feb 24, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol. Sann also circulates periodic newsletters and regularly publishes teaching tapes. I'm way-adjacent. The most debate arose when the topic of financing CES was raised, which prompted fears that their donations would be misused by yet another organization. As a result, many Wayers view Geer as being the true spiritual heir to Wierwille. I cannot stress enough how much the control and fear is internal. The Way International 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). 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. 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. The past two years have been a very unsettling time for Wayers. Started in the early 1950s by the late Victor Paul Wierwille (1916-1985), the original organization was called the Way Incorporated. Show love and patience throughout this trying time of change. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Heads up on Another Splinter off the Way International Tree. (The PFAL classes had been open to anyone who paid the $50 fee.) I was forced to eat food I'm allergic to in order to prove God healed me. As well as the original post questions. Second, the doctrine of the splinter groups is nearly a carbon copy of Way . How about a little more candor, Vince? Technically, the group has only three members the trustees who control all aspects of The Way International, Inc.
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