The Way International
Founder | Victor Paul Wierwille |
---|---|
Focus | Biblical research, teaching, and fellowship |
Location |
|
Origins | October 3, 1942[1] as Vesper Chimes radio program[2] |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people |
|
Website | Official website |
The Way International is a
The ministry distributes publications such as The Way Magazine through its company, American Christian Press, and has developed and promotes classes and other programs, some of which are in several languages.[6] It formed The Way Corps, a leadership training program, in 1970.
The Way offers classes in
On October 3, 1982, L. Craig Martindale became the second president of The Way.[10] He was followed by Rosalie F. Rivenbark in April 2000.[11] In March 2017, Jean-Yves DeLisle was installed as the fourth president. On March 10, 2020, Vernon W. Edwards was installed as the fifth president of The Way.[12]
History
Victor Paul Wierwille
Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille was born on December 31, 1916.[13] Wierwille was deeply interested in Christianity from a young age, and attended Mission House College and Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, as well as the University of Chicago Divinity School. He later received a Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a doctorate from Pikes Peak Bible Seminary.[14]
Wierwille was ordained as a minister in the Evangelical and Reformed Church (now part of the United Church of Christ). He maintained he had recovered the true apostolic understanding of Christianity that had been lost to the church. He later claimed God spoke to him personally, telling him he would teach him "the Word as it had not been known since the first century", so that he could pass it on to others.[6]
Radio ministry
On October 3, 1942, Wierwille began a weekly live radio program dubbed Vesper Chimes, recruiting a group of young people from local churches to help him. The program was broadcast from
That year, The Way: The Chimes Hour Young People's Publication began publishing writings by people associated with the radio program each month. Starting in 1948, Wierwille began broadcasting every morning in addition to the regular weekly program. Nearly ten years following the first broadcast, The Van Wert Gospel Gift Shop and Multigraph Printing and Publishing Co. opened for business and released the first issue of The Way Magazine.
The Way
In 1953, Wierwille started teaching the course that would later become Power for Abundant Living. It was held in Van Wert, Ohio. It expanded to other locations in Ohio and eventually to other states. Four years later, he resigned from the Evangelical and Reformed Church pastorate to devote his time to The Way ministry.
Moving to his family's farm in
Leadership changes
In 1982, during the ministry's 40th anniversary celebration, Wierwille installed L. Craig Martindale as president and accepted the title Founding President.
In 2000, Martindale's term as president ended and Rosalie F. Rivenbark replaced him. The governing board, originally called the board of trustees, but now called the board of directors, consisted of three to five directors, with Rivenbark as chairman.[22]
In January 2017, Rivenbark stepped down from the presidency but retained her position as chairman of the board of directors. Jean Yves DeLisle was installed as the fourth president.
On March 10, 2020, Vern Edwards was installed as the fifth president[12]
On June 16, 2020, Rivenbark stepped down as chairman, and the board of directors was reduced to three members: Edwards, Bill Greene, and John Rupp.[23]
Structure
Organization
The Way International headquarters is located in New Knoxville, Ohio. The organization also owns and operate Camp Gunnison—The Way Household Ranch in Gunnison, Colorado.[25] The Way is organized into Regions, States, and Branches,[26] with each Branch consisting of two or more household fellowships. The Way focuses on these fellowships as a basic organizational unit. Meetings are run in each home by fellowship coordinators who have completed The Way of Abundance and Power or the Power for Abundant Living Today class series. The Way International claims no official membership other than the board of directors; individuals who participate in fellowships are referred to as "followers of the way," or "believers".
Until at least the late 1980s, The Way's organization was based on a tree with "leaves" (individual believers), "twigs" (small group fellowships of about 6 to 12 persons, usually private homes or college bible groups), "branches" (groups of two or more fellowships in a local area such as a city), "limbs" (state organizations), "regions" (groupings of several "limbs") and the international headquarters in New Knoxville being the "trunk".
Classes
The Way offers three sequential classes covering Bible studies. The Foundational and Intermediate classes are required prior to taking any other classes. To qualify for the Advanced class, which is held specially in Ohio each summer, a student must first complete the Foundational and Intermediate classes twice, in addition to Defeating the Adversary.[27][28] Classes offered include:
- The Foundational Class on Power for Abundant Living Today
- The Intermediate Class on Power for Abundant Living Today
- The Advanced Class on Power for Abundant Living Today
- Defeating the Adversary
- Living God's Word as a Family
- Practical Keys to Biblical Research
- The Renewed Mind: The Key to Power
- Living the Mystery as Members in Particular
- Living the Book of Acts Today
For years The Way offered a twelve-session, over 33-hour long Power for Abundant Living class, taught live by Wierwille beginning in 1953.[29] This class was offered in video and audio tape form from 1968 until it was replaced in 1995 by Martindale's class The Way of Abundance and Power, which was restructured and re-filmed, being released in 2006.[30] The class was then replaced by Power for Abundant Living Today in 2022.[7]
Programs
The Way Corps and College
In 1970, Wierwille formalized his selection and training of ministry leaders by starting "The Way Corps".[29] The Way Corps' motto is "It Is Written".[31] Prior to the First Corps, Wierwille invited a group of Way followers to New Knoxville for training and teaching. He disbanded the group for reasons which were never made public, other than a statement in The Way: Living in Love that they "never got it together among themselves", and that Wierwille "gave them the privilege of leaving". This group was later referred to as "The Zero Corps".[32]
In 1977, the Way purchased property in Rome City, Indiana, where the "Family Corps", those adults who wanted to train as leaders but had children or were older (over 40), resided and trained. A 200-acre (81 ha) working farm, Rome City, was purchased from the Catholic Church.[33][34]
In 1974, The Way purchased the former site of the College of Emporia, a United Presbyterian college in Emporia, Kansas, with an opening enrollment of 400 students.[6] It housed the College Division and Way Corps. The College Division, a single or two-year program, focused on Biblical study and the Way Corps, a four-year program, focused on future minister or leadership training. Activities during the campus residencies included basic mandatory physical activity and other optional activities as desired (such as jogging, weightlifting, and team sports). Days were spent on work assignments, usually involving the needs of each campus (such as painting, food service, construction, building renovation, sanitation, gardening). Other programs included Biblical research and study nights, led by ministry staff, and typically involved in-depth study of various books of the Bible.[35] Before senior year, Way Corps students left for an interim year as missionaries.[6]
One of the work projects of the Emporia campus was the restoration of the Anderson Memorial Library, a Carnegie library built in 1901 that had fallen into disrepair. It was rededicated in 1986 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1987.[36]
Upon completion of the four-year curriculum, graduates receive an accredited degree in theology.[37] Way Corps duties include "providing spiritual leadership at all levels and carrying out decisions made by the Board of Directors".[22] The Way has ordained Way Corps graduates over the years, and both men and women serve as clergy. Neither graduation from the Way Corps nor accepting a high leadership position guarantee ordination.[29][35][38]
Rock of Ages
A yearly gathering of Way followers in New Knoxville known as "The Rock of Ages Festival" was a Way event that took place from 1970 until 1995, when it was discontinued. One of the purposes of the festival was to welcome home returning Word Over the World Ambassadors (the Way's first missionary program) and to send out a new group on their yearly assignment.
Publications
Wierwille believed that the
In 1985, The Way published a Concordance to the Peshitta Version of the Aramaic New Testament, followed by a three-volume interlinear version of the Syriac New Testament Bible in 1988, after a 15-year effort by The Way International Biblical Research Team.[42][43] The Way Biblical Research team cataloged 600 Aramaic manuscripts to compile their New Testament text and lexical aids.[42][44][45]
Wierwille's other major publications include Jesus Christ Our Passover, Jesus Christ Our Promised Seed, Jesus Christ Is Not God, Are the Dead Alive Now?, The Bible Tells Me So, The New, Dynamic Church, The Word's Way, God’s Magnified Word, Order My Steps in Thy Word, and Receiving the Holy Spirit Today.
Aramaic publications
- Aramaic-English Interlinear New Testament – 1988
- Volume 1 Matthew – John
- Volume 2 Acts – Philemon
- Volume 3 Hebrews – Revelation
- The Concordance to the Peshitta Version of the Aramaic New Testament − 1985
- The English Dictionary Supplement to the Concordance to the Peshitta Version of the Aramaic New Testament – 1985
- The Aramaic New Testament Estangelo Script – 1983
Beliefs and doctrine
The Way International's belief system is based on the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments being "given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16)[46] and perfect as originally given. It believes that these Scriptures are the final authority for believing and godliness.[47]
The Way International believes:
- In one God, the Creator of the heavens and earth, and in the divine conception of Jesus by God, and that he is the Son of God, not God the son.[47]
- Jesus Christ died for humankind's sins and God raised Jesus from the dead and ascended him into heaven.[47]
- All who confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in their heart that God raised him from the dead are born again by the spirit of God, receiving eternal life, and thereby are "sons of God."[47]
- In the receiving of the fullness of the holy spirit, God's power from on high, which may be evidenced by all born-again believers by the nine manifestations of holy spirit: speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith (believing), miracles, and healing.[48]
- That it is available to receive all that God promises in his Word according to one's believing faith, appropriating God's abundance to their life.[47]
Differences from mainstream Christianity
The Way International believes that Jesus is the
In "Receiving the Holy Spirit Today", The Way believes
The Way's beliefs about Christ's passion differ in several details: they believe Jesus was crucified on Wednesday (instead of Friday) and raised three days later on a Saturday before sunset (instead of Sunday morning). Jesus died upon a stake, together with four other individuals (instead of two), two thieves and two malefactors, based on the use of different words in the gospels of Luke and Matthew, specifically, kakourgoi and lēstai.[6][56]
According to The Way, the cross upon which Jesus was crucified was not the traditional T-shaped cross, but rather a stake or the trunk of a tree.[57][58] Furthermore, Jesus did not carry his cross; rather, after leaving the judgment hall, the soldiers immediately compelled Simon of Cyrene to bear the cross all the way to Calvary per the three Gospel accounts in Matthew 27:32,[59] Mark 15:21[60] and Luke 23:26.[61] The one account in John 19:17[62] which states "And he bearing his cross...", is argued that it refers to Jesus' spiritual "bearing of sin".[63]
The Way makes a distinction between the
The "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7
The Way notably believes that once a person is born again, they receive "holy spirit" and cannot lose it through any sinful acts.[70] Tithing one's net income to the church is a recommended minimum, taking the example from Abraham's donation to Melchizedek, as well as the instruction in Malachi 3:7–12.[71] Additional voluntary giving is called "abundant sharing", and "plurality giving", which refers to the donation of any excess items the owner feels they no longer need or have too many of, generally within fellowships to help the other members.
The Way believes extreme forms of unusual or destructive behavior (i.e., extreme violence, alcoholism, homosexuality, some forms of mental illness) can be evidence that an individual is possessed by a "devil spirit". A "devil spirit" is equivalent to a demon in most other Christian cosmologies. The Way teaches that believers have the power to cast out devil spirits but should only do so if given divine revelation to do so.[72]
Other beliefs
Abortion
In contrast to
Smoking and drinking
Unlike some Bible-based Christian sects, The Way is tolerant of smoking and drinking. They recommend a "two drink" limit for leaders, and those participating as active Way Corps do not use any tobacco products.[6]
Homosexuality
The Way believes that
Controversy
Sexual misconduct
The second president of The Way, Craig Martindale, admitted to sexual misconduct with a younger married female follower in early 2000.[79][80] The woman and her husband sued The Way, as well as Martindale, Rosalie R. Rivenbark, John Reynolds, Donald E. Wierwille, Ramona Biden, Howard Allen, and up to 50 unnamed members of "The Way Leadership". Judge Schmitt of Shelby County's Common Pleas Court upheld four of their claims as viable, including the allegation that Frances Allen was sexually victimized by Martindale, Biden, and others; that the assault upon Frances Allen occurred as a result of civil conspiracy; that The Way engaged in a pattern of corrupt activity which included acts of assault and rape; and breach of contract. Defendants settled about a month after the ruling.[79]
See also
- Way Productions — The Way International's musical performers
- The Way College of Biblical Research - Indiana Campus
References
- ^ "Encyclopedia of American Religions" (Seventh edition) by J. Gordon Melton. (2003) p608.
- ^ "The A to Z of new religious movements" by George D. Chryssides. (2006) p347.
- ^ "About The Way International". The Way International. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
- ^ "Home Fellowships". The Way International. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
- ^ "Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism" by Randall Herbert Balmer. (2004) p622.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8024-9233-3.
- ^ a b "Power for Abundant Living Today". theway.org. April 24, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
- ^ 2 Peter 1:20
- ^ "About The Way International". The Way International. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
- ^ Craley, David (1982). "From the Editor". The Way Magazine (November/December): 3.
- ^ "Changes on the Board of Trustees Announced". The Way Magazine: 17. July–August 2000.
- ^ a b As of March 10, 2020 Vern Edwards is the new President of The Way International. The Way Magazine, fall 2016.
- ISBN 978-0-910068-03-1.
- ISBN 978-0-8474-0825-2.
- ISBN 978-1-59884-204-3.
- ISBN 0-910068-79-8, pp. 85,86
- ^ Born Again to Serve, p. 89
- ^ The Way Magazine, February 1955. American Christian Press.
- ISBN 978-0195326451. Retrieved 21 April 2014.
- ^ "Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism" by Randall Herbert Balmer. (2004) "The Way International" page 623."
- ^ Howard, Jane (14 May 1971). "Groovy Christians of Rye, N.Y." (PDF). Time. Retrieved 21 April 2014.
"The Way is heavy," say Rye kids at a prayer-and-fellowship meeting
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4185-7746-9.
- ^ The Way International Website. 6/16/2020
- ^ Prevailing Word Auditorium flyer, 2011.
- ^ "The Way International – What's Available." www.theway.org
- ^ "The Way International - About Us". Retrieved March 21, 2011.
- ^ The Northwestern Lutheran. Northwestern Publishing House. 1979.
- ISBN 978-1-4018-7962-4.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-349-09500-1.
- ^ 1953: Born Again to Serve, p.99; 1968: The Teacher, p.13; 1995: The Way Magazine, March/April 1996, p.22
- ^ "The Way Corps". The Way International. The Way International. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
- ISBN 978-0-8159-7226-6.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-914012-23-8.
- ISBN 9780810377141.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8054-6607-2.
- ^ Gardiner, Allen. "Carnegie Legacy in Kansas". Retrieved 2011-12-31.
- ^ "Private Accredited". Colorado Department of Higher Education. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
- ^ Religious Requirements and Practices of Certain Selected Groups: A Handbook Supplement for Chaplains. U.S. Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Office of the Chief of Chaplains. 1980.
- ^ "The Aramaic New Testament Estrangelo Script. American Christian Press. 1983. p7"
- ^ a b "The Aramaic-English New Testament. American Christian Press. 1988. p7"
- ISBN 978-0-910068-47-5.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7864-1425-3.
- ISBN 978-0-910068-61-1.
- ^ "The Aramaic New Testament Estrangelo Script. American Christian Press. 1983. p9"
- ISBN 90-04-11148-4.
- ^ 2 Timothy 3:16
- ^ a b c d e "Statement of Beliefs". The Way International. Retrieved 2021-06-06.
- ISBN 0-8103-8417-5.
- ISBN 978-0-7847-1302-0.
- ISBN 978-0-687-08642-9.
- ISBN 978-0-910068-42-0.
- ^ W.R.I. – (World Religions Index): The Way International – "Holy Spirit"
- ^ 1 Corinthians 12:7–10
- ISBN 978-1-4628-0035-3.
- ISBN 978-1-4128-0887-3.
- ISBN 978-1-59781-498-0.
- ^ "Jesus Christ Our Passover by Victor Paul Wierwille p272"
- ^ Fundamentals of Greek Research. Cummins, Walter. American Christian Press
- ^ Matthew 27:32
- ^ Mark 15:21
- ^ Luke 23:26
- ^ John 19:17
- ^ "Studies in Abundant Living: The Word's Way by Victor Paul Wierwille p251"
- ^ 2 Corinthians 12:7
- ^ 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
- ^ 1 Corinthians 15:51–54
- ISBN 9780910068406Are the Dead alive Now? by Victor Paul Wierwille p5"
- ^ W.R.I. – (World Religions Index): The Way International – "Retribution"
- ISBN 0-910068-49-6Receiving the Holy Spirit Today. American Christian Press. p121"
- ^ W.R.I. – (World Religions Index): The Way International – "Redemption & Salvation"
- ^ Malachi 3:7–12
- ISBN 978-1-59781-498-0.
- ISBN 978-0-910068-49-9.
- ^ "Where Christian churches, other religions stand on gay marriage". pewresearch.org. 15 December 2015.
- ^ "Compare Christian Denominations: Social and Ethical Issues". religionfacts.com.
- ^ a b c "Homosexuality: Choice Not Genetics". thewayinternational.com. 2014-01-01. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
- ^ Romans 1:27
- ^ Leviticus 18:22
- ^ a b William, Laney (2000-11-07). "The Way International reaches settlement with couple". Wapakoneta Daily News.
- ^ "The Way settles suit with couple". greasespotcafe.com. Archived from the original on 2001-11-24. Retrieved 2024-01-28.