The Way International is a Christian religious group founded in the 1950s by Victor Paul Wierwille. The group believes that the Bible, correctly interpreted, teaches a specific way to live in order to attain salvation and an abundant life. Here are some key beliefs and practices of The Way International:
Beliefs
The Word of God
The Way International believes the Bible is the infallible Word of God. They emphasize correctly understanding and applying biblical teachings in one’s life. Their core curriculum focuses on topics like rightly dividing the Word of God, the integrity of the Word of God, and how to study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15).
Jesus Christ
The Way International believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. They affirm Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9).
The Holy Spirit
They believe the Holy Spirit works within believers to transform them through renewing their minds and mortifying the deeds of the body. The Holy Spirit enables believers to live a sanctified life (Romans 8:13).
Sin
The Way sees sin as knowingly falling short of God’s will. To overcome sin, one must renew their mind according to the Word of God, rather than giving in to the desires of the flesh (Romans 12:2).
Salvation
Salvation in The Way is by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation delivers people from the penalty of sin. After salvation, believers go through a process of spiritual growth by renewing their minds and living the teachings of the Bible.
Practices
Outreach
The Way engages in outreach to spread their interpretation of the gospel. They go door-to-door, distribute materials publicly, and use media like television, radio, and the internet. Their outreach approach has been controversial at times.
The Way Corps
The Way Corps is a leadership development program that trains selected individuals in the doctrines and practices of The Way. Corps members commit to four years of biblical study and training in evangelism.
Word Over the World Ambassadors
These ambassadors aim to take The Way’s teachings to countries abroad. They learn new languages and cultures to adapt their message for international audiences.
Fellowship Meetings
Local fellowships meet regularly for worship services. Meetings involve singing, sharing testimonials, communal prayer, and teachings from Way leadership.
Home Fellowships
Small group meetings in members’ homes allow for more intimate gatherings focused on spiritual growth, relationship building, and mentoring.
Conferences
Large conferences bring thousands of members together for worship, biblical workshops, and inspirational messages from The Way leadership. Their annual Rock of Ages festival is a major gathering.
Publications
The Way publishes a variety of print and digital materials to disseminate their biblical interpretations, ministry updates, and devotional content for members. The Way Magazine is their flagship publication.
History
Founding
Victor Paul Wierwille founded The Way International in 1957. Prior to this, he served as a pastor and studied at Gordon Divinity School and the University of Chicago. His developing theological views led to splits with his former denominations.
Early Growth and Expansion
From the 1960s to 1980s, The Way experienced rapid growth under Wierwille’s leadership. They expanded their outreach efforts nationally and abroad. Wierwille hosted a radio show, The Way Corps began, and his Power for Abundant Living teachings reached a wider audience.
Controversies and Decline
In the 1980s, Wierwille and The Way faced backlash over their unorthodox doctrines, aggressive proselytizing, alleged mind control, and Wierwille’s authoritarian leadership style. After his death in 1985, scandals over successors’ sexual improprieties caused more controversy. Membership declined significantly from its peak by the 1990s.
Present Day
The Way International continues operating today from its headquarters in New Knoxville, Ohio. Estimates of current membership range from 1,000 to 5,000 in the U.S. Some foreign branches remain active as well. They continue holding conferences and publishing biblical research, even as the group’s influence has waned from its heyday.
Doctrines and Teachings
Power for Abundant Living
Wierwille’s Power for Abundant Living program teaches a practical way to apply biblical principles to renew the mind and overcome sin. This transforms behavior and allows one to live an abundant, Christ-centered life.
Identification
This teaching explains biblically how believers spiritually die with Christ and are resurrected with him. They can thus identify with Christ and his righteousness, not their old sinful nature.
Integrity of God’s Word
The Way believes the Bible is flawless and without error. All apparent inconsistencies stem from misinterpreting passages. Using principles like rightly dividing the Word reveals the full integrity and harmony of Scripture.
Jesus Christ Is God
Contrary to modalism, The Way teaches that God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ eternally co-exists with God and is of the same essence.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
They believe the baptism of the Holy Spirit referenced in Scripture is about being placed into the Body of Christ, not a separate experiential encounter with the Holy Spirit.
No Trinity
While affirming Jesus as God and the personhood of the Holy Spirit, The Way rejects the doctrine of the Trinity as unbiblical. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit describe different manifestations of the one God, not distinct persons in one Godhead.
No Hell
The Way believes hell is a mistranslation and the wicked will ultimately suffer annihilation, not eternal torment. They deny the immortality of the soul.
Other Beliefs
The Way rejects evolution, affirms divine healing, and uses the name Yahweh for God. They have unique interpretations about various spiritual topics like angels, demons, and speaking in tongues.
Controversies and Criticisms
Authoritarian Leadership
Critics accused Victor Paul Wierwille of exercising nearly absolute authority over the group. After his death, successors were selected non-democratically, continuing the authoritarian structure. Many members defer unquestioningly to those in leadership.
Exclusivity
The Way believes they alone have the full, correct understanding of Scripture. This mindset has led to viewing outsiders as deceived and emphasizing conversion over dialogue. They are suspicious of other churches and denominations.
Proselytizing Methods
Aggressive public outreach tactics, like confronting people on the street to convert them, have generated ill will. Parents of members who join The Way Corps have accused the group of manipulating and isolating their children.
Mind Control
Former members have alleged The Way utilizes mind control techniques like limiting outside contact, forbidding criticism, guilt manipulation, and micromanaging behavior. But The Way denies these charges.
Mishandling Donations
Wealthy donors and members have accused The Way leadership of soliciting large donations in dubious or unethical ways. Questions remain about proper use of finances within the group.
Racial Integration Issues
For years, The Way resisted racial integration and interracial dating/marriage. But in the 2000s, they officially accepted black members after facing sanctions in Africa over discrimination.
Sexual Misconduct
Wierwille and subsequent leaders were accused of sexual relationships with followers, adultery, and other misconduct. Victims allegedly faced pressure to stay silent. This contributed to declines in membership.
The Way International Today
Despite past controversies and shrinking membership, The Way International continues operating with these current figures and information:
– Estimated active membership in the U.S. ranges between 1,000-5,000 individuals. International branches may have several thousand more.
– The Way is headquartered on a 150-acre campus in New Knoxville, Ohio. This houses their leadership, Corps training center, and research and publishing arms.
– Dr. Don Mears currently leads The Way as the second president since Wierwille’s death. He was appointed in 2016.
– The Way currently has operations in around 20 countries, though many foreign branches became independent entities.
– Their annual conferences continue attracting a few thousand attendees. The Rock of Ages festival occurs each July.
– Outreach includes The Way Corps, international ambassadors, media content, and grassroots efforts. But public presence is diminished compared to earlier highs.
– Finances appear bolstered by bequests from deceased members. But exact revenue sources and membership dues structures are now undisclosed.
– Teachings and Bible research continue through publications, online resources, conferences, and training programs. But doctrines remain mostly fixed, with little theological development.
The Way International, while only a shadow of its former size, shows dedication to propagating its founder’s biblical interpretations. However, the group’s future impact and longevity remain uncertain. Their insular culture, authoritarianism, and resistance to change pose challenges amidst modern society. Nevertheless, The Way proceeds steadfast in their narrow spiritual path.