Glossary of Way Terms
Every cult-ure has its own language. I’ve added this glossary to help folks not familiar with the history of The Way. These were(are) my understandings of the terms.
Some terms are defined using the past tense; however, many(?) of the terms are still current in The Way.
Some terms are not strictly Way terms. Some are biblical terms and are used in other Christian denominations/non-denominations as well. That said, The Way’s interpretation of those terms may be different.
If a current Way follower or ex-Way follower has a different perspective regarding the terms, I welcome those in the comments section. Thanks!
(Posted July, 2009)
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Abundant sharing: To give above the required tithe (10%). This usually refers to finances but can also include one’s time, talents, and abilities.
Accuser: The devil in his role as the “accuser of the brethren,” from Revelation 12:10.
Acts Fifth Avenue: A donation and redistribution program among in-resident Corps members. When a member wanted to give away items that were still in good and useable condition, they could donate them to Acts Fifth Avenue where a Corps member in need might find a serviceable item. The name of the program is a play on words combining the Book of Acts in the Bible, which gives accounts of the first-century church having all things common, and the New York fashion store, Sax Fifth Avenue.
Administrations: Biblical doctrine which divides history into different time periods or dispensations. The Way taught there are seven administrations (below). Humanity currently lives in the fifth administration.
1 – Original Paradise Administration (Garden of Eden until the Fall of mankind)
2 – Patriarchal Administration (From the time of the Fall until Moses received the Law)
3 – Law Administration (From the time of when Moses received the Law until the time of Jesus Christ)
4 – Christ Administration (When Christ was alive on earth fulfilling the Old Testament Law until the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2)
5 – Grace Administration (The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 until the Rapture or the Gathering Together)
6 – Appearing Administration (From the Gathering Together or Rapture through the time of the Great White Throne Judgment and when Satan is destroyed)
7 – Final Paradise or Glory Administration (The New Heavens and the New Earth)
Advanced Class: The third class in the 3-part series of “Power For Abundant Living” (see under “PFAL, Power for Abundant Living” and “Way of Abundance and Power”)
Adversary: The devil. From I Peter 5:8.
Afterglow: The Way Corps meeting after the Sunday Night Service. Usually it was a tender time. The Corps sat on the floor and the leadership sat up front. Usually it was an ‘open mic’ time for whoever wanted to share.
Area: Part of the organizational structure of The Way. An Area usually consisted of five Twigs (smaller than a Branch), though his number varied at times. In the in-reisdence Corps program on the larger campuses where 100’s of students were in the program, Areas were made up of a number of Branches. (See “Way Tree.”)
Believer’s meeting: A gathering of a group of at least 3 “fully-instructed” believers to operate and hear manifestations of tongues with interpretations and prophecy. To be fully instructed means that each believer knows how to properly speak in tongues with interpretation and bring forth the manifestation of prophecy. The criteria for a believer’s meeting are derived from various scriptures in I Corinthians 14.
Bless Patrol: All Way properties have 24-hour, 7-days per week watch shifts for Ministry properties where Way Corps and Way Staff live. In the Way Corps, everyone worked Bless Patrol in rotating shifts walking the grounds and checking buildings. At various festivals and functions, attendees or Corps or Advanced Class grads would volunteer to work the Bless Patrol shifts to help direct and greet people and to watch properties and buildings. All volunteers were issued a yellow cap that had “Bless Patrol” on it. Bless Patrol was overseen by The Way’s Security Department.
Block Change: The in-residence Way Corps program was divided into five periods of time called blocks between September and August. At the end of each block, students got new housing assignments and would move into a different dorm, room or building. Some were also moved to another Root Locale, except for the Family Corps who stayed at the Rome City, Indiana, Campus.
Blue Book, The: Studies in Abundant Living, Volume I: The Bible Tells Me So (see “collaterals”)
Board of Trustees: Equivalent to the CEOs and VPs of a corporation from which The Ministry was directed. The Way maintained(s) that the Board of Trustees were the only “members” of The Way International. The Board was made up of 3 people through the 90’s when it was expanded to include more members. The name was changed to Board of Directors in 2001.
Body, Soul, and Spirit Day: Time set aside in the Way Corps for Way Corps volunteers to share something they know about in the earthly realm; ie: from saddling a horse to writing short hand.
Body, the/the One Body/ the Body of Christ: From I Corinthians 12:13-27. The functioning household of God; ie: born again believers that properly operate the nine manifestations among the likeminded faithful believers, those that know and operate the accuracy of the Word. (see “Right-divided Word of Truth”)
Born Again: Literally “born from above.” This is when any person becomes a child of God by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing God raised him from the dead. (Romans 10:9) At that point the person receives Christ in them which is incorruptible seed (I Peter 1:23). One cannot lose that seed life from their Heavenly Father just as one cannot lose their natural seed life from their earthly father. The only people who cannot be born again are people who have confessed Satan as lord and are born of the devil’s seed. (John 8:44) The Way taught these people often held influential religious or political positions moving behind the scenes, pulling the strings of culture.
Branch: Part of the organizational structure of The Way. A Branch usually consisted of seven Twigs (later called Household Fellowships), though that number varied. (See “Way Tree.)
Christ in you: From Colossians 1:27 referring to the new man nature one receives when s/he gets born again. See “new man (nature),” “holy spirit,” “born again,” “inner man.”
Christian Communication: Public speaking class
Class, The: Power For Abundant Living Class. See “PFAL….”
Collaterals: Books authored by Victor Paul Wierwille, specifically Studies in Abundant Living, Volumes I through V.
Corps Coordinators: The on-campus overseerers of the in-residence Way Corps Program.
Corps Night: When I was involved, one night a week was devoted to in-depth study of scripture of a particular book in The Bible. The various Root Locales would hook up by telephone to listen to the teaching for that night. Corps night teachings would last an average of 1-1/2(?) hours. When I was in the 10th Way Corps, Victor Paul Wierwille taught on Corps nights and we covered around half the book of Romans. In the 13th Corps, Walter Cummins taught Corinthians.
Corps Principles: See “Way Corps Principles”
Daddy: Another name for God, depending on context.
Disciple of The Way: “Disciple of The Way” (also called “Way Disciple”) outreach program was established in the 90’s replacing The Way’s “Word Over the World (WOW) Ambassador” outreach program. Way Disciples are required to be graduates of The Way’s Advanced Class. The Way Disciple program is a six-month commitment. When first implemented, families with children were not allowed to participate. The restriction was later lifted.
Doctor: Victor Paul Wierwille, founder of The Way
Excellor’s session: (derived from I Corinthians 14:12, “…seek that ye may excel…”) A practice session to help a believer ‘excel’ at speaking in tongues with interpretation and the manifestation of prophecy. This practice is typically done in small groups of 3 to 12 people. The group will all speak in tongues aloud simultaneously as directed by the group leader. Each person in the group practices and learns techniques to increase their tongue vocabulary. The manifestation of prophecy is also practiced as directed by the group leader.
Father: God. A way of addressing God. Used in the New Testament.
fellowship: With a lower case “f”, “fellowship” refers to an activity of Way believers hanging out together. “Fellowship” is defined as “full sharing.”
Fellowship: With an upper case “F,” “Fellowship” refers to the small group meetings in The Way usually between 5 to 15 people and usually held in a volunteer’s home. At one time called the “Twig.” The “Twig” term was dropped in the 90s and was replaced with “Household Fellowship” or simply “Fellowship.” (See “Way Tree” and “Twig.”)
Field, The: Anywhere other than a Way Root Locale, specifically refers to Corps assignments that were not at a Root Locale.
Firkins: The name of The Way College of Emporia’s basketball team
First thought: First thought was equivalent to ‘the still small voice’ (I Kings 19:12) which was equivalent to hearing God’s voice. To walk by first thought was to take action by inspiration and/or revelation which one received from God via that first thought. (Click here for some comic relief: Revelation)
Fitness for Living: Physical Education and health, going along with Way Corps Principle #4
Five basics: The five activities that helps one stay in fellowship (communication) with God: 1)speak in tongues 2)study the Word 3)speak the Word 4) fellowship with like-minded believers 5)abundantly share
Footwashers: Meeting for area leaders(?) in the in-residence Way Corps(?)
Foundational Class: See “PFAL, Foundational”
Fruit of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance as listed in Galatians 5: 22-23. A person could only exhibit these fruit to the extent that that person operated the manifestations of holy spirit.
Gathering Together: From II Thessalonians 2:1. The point in time (still future) when Jesus Christ shall return in the air (not all the way to earth) and all born again people (living and deceased) will arise in the air to meet him in the clouds. This is prior to Armageddon. (See “Administrations,” numbers 5 and 6. Also see I Thessalonians 4:13-18.)
God gear: To be passionate, ready, willing, and able to take action with intensity on whatever, whenever, however, and/or wherever “God” says to
Guest Buddy: An in-resident Corps who volunteered and was assigned to help visitors on the Campuses or Root Locales. On Campuses, these guest were often Way leadership from the Field that came in for a week or two to teach a specific class to the in-resident Way Corps.
HF: Stands for Household Fellowship. The small group meetings in The Way usually between 5 to 15 people and usually held in a volunteer’s home. At one time called the “Twig.” The “Twig” term was dropped in the 90s and was replaced with “Household Fellowship” or simply “Fellowship.” (See “Way Tree” and “Twig.”)
Happy Household Holiday (Ho Ho): Christmas
Headquarters (HQ): The New Knoxville, Ohio, Root locale of The Way International located on what was previously the Wierwille family farm.
holy spirit: When spelled with lower case, it is the gift from God that a person receives when s/he confesses Jesus as Lord and believes God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. (Romans 10:9) Among other attributes holy spirit is the new man nature (Ephesians 4:24), Christ in you (Colossians 1:27), and incorruptible seed (I Peter 1:23). The gift of holy spirit enables a person to operate all nine manifestations as outlined in I Corinthians 12:7-10. When spelled with upper case, the Holy Spirit, refers to God. See “new man (nature),” “Christ in you,” “born again,” “inner man.”
Hope, the: The return of Jesus Christ (the “gathering together”) where he will meet, in the air, all those that have been born again. (Colossians 1:27, I John 3:2-3, I Thessalonians 2:19)
House of His Healing Presence: Areas, rooms, and/or structures at different Way properties/campuses set aside specifically for prayer. If I recall correctly, there was always a light lit in each of these areas and they were open 24 hours per day.
Household (of God): The body of believers that believes the rightly divided Word of God. There is only one right dividing of the Word of God. (From Ephesians 2:19)
Household Fellowship: The small group meetings in The Way usually between 5 to 15 people. At one time called the “Twig.” The “Twig” term was dropped in the 90s and was replaced with “Household Fellowship” or simply “Fellowship.” (See “Way Tree” and “Twig.”)
inner man: the Christ in a person. From Ephesian 3:16. See “Christ in you,” “holy spirit,” “Born again.”
Intermediate Class: See PFAL, Intermediate
leaf: individual Way believer in the Household, as part of the Way Tree
L.E.A.D.: Leadership. Education. Adventure. Direction. An outdoor academy, which most years included rock climbing and backpacking, that was a required part of The Way Corps. From the mid to latter 70s and into the 90s, Way Corps members were required to hitch hike from either Emporia, Kansas, or Rome City, Indiana, to Tinnie , New Mexico, and back. The Corps had an assigned allotment time to “believe God” to get to the location.
Leadership Development (LD): The 3(?)- hour study block during the day during in-residence Corps training. It was in the morning or afternoon. If a member had LD in the morning, then they worked at their 3(?)-hour on-campus job assignment in the afternoon. Class or Corps Night was at night and usually also lasted around 3 hours.
Lightbearers: A 2-week outreach assignment which was a required activity for in-residence Way Corps. In-resident Way Corps Twigs were sent out from Root locales to Way fellowships within a certain mile radius of the Root Local. (Example: One time my Twig was sent to Irving, TX, from Emporia, KS.) The groups would stay with local believers, usually WOW families or believers that lived together in Way Homes. Lightbearers were to witness and endeavor, within that 2-week period, to get enough new people registered for the local area to be able to run a Power For Abundant Living Class.
Living Victoriously: Summer, 1982, (10-day?) Class held at New Knoxville, Ohio, at The Way International Headquarters. For a list of topics taught click here. The book, Living Victoriously, based on Wierwille’s teachings was released in 1987, edited posthumously by Chris Geer.
Lock box: The place in one’s heart where one keeps that which is confidential or secret, like when Jesus’ mother, Mary “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart,” Luke 2:19. Also see On Breaking the Code of Silence. Click here to listen to a teaching by Victor Paul Wierwille regarding the ‘lock box.’
Manifest: To speak aloud in a group of believers, by speaking in tongues and interpreting or by speaking prophecy. In The Way, the leader of the meeting calls on people to “manifest.” For example, the leader of the meeting says, “Michael, would you please speak in tongues and interpret.” Or, “Sally, would you please bring forth a word of prophecy.” If someone speaks aloud in a tongue, that same person must interpret. The group as a whole does not speak in tongues all at once, like in the Charismatic movement.
Manifestation: From I Corinthians 12:7-10 which lists the nine “manifestations of holy spirit.” These are speaking in tongues, speaking in tongues with interpretation, prophecy, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, manifestation of believing, gifts of healings, and workings of miracles. Every believer could operate all nine of the manifestations as God worked within that believer or as the believer willed to operate them. Most biblical interpretations refer to these abilities as “gifts.”
Manifestation of prophecy: See “Prophecy”
Mark and avoid: The sentencing by Way leadership for Way people deemed unsafe (having false motives, devil spirits, rebellious to Way leadership, those causing division) for the Household. Believers then were to not seek out or communicate with those labeled “mark and avoid.” This shunning is justified by Romans 16:17.
Ministry, The: The Way Ministry which is the same as The Way International.
Mountain Top Check book: A check book of blank checks that the Way Bookstore sold for awhile. They each had a promise of God imprinted at the top and each was signed with Jesus Christ’s signature (if I recall correctly).
Mystery, The: From Ephesians 3:4-6 and Colossians 1:27-28. Both scripture sections refer to the one body of Christ living as one, with each individual having Christ in him/her. Living the Mystery would be believing this and continuing faithful in the Household of God.
New man (nature): Christ in me, which one receives when they get born again. (See “Renewed Mind,” “Christ in you,” “holy spirit,” “born again,” “inner man.”
Old man (nature): Carnal and sinful man of the flesh; the earthly self. (see “Renewed Mind”)
Papa: Intimate way I’d (at times) address God
PFAL, Power For Abundant Living Class: The indoctrination class for The Way that is presented in 3 classes: Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced. (See below for descriptions of each Class.) It originated with and was taught only by Victor Paul Wierwille, the founder of The Way, who also wrote a book entitled Power For Abundant Living. Wierwille claims to have gotten audible revelation direct from God that God would teach him the Word as it hadn’t been known since the first century. In the mid-90s, the PFAL series was replaced with The Way of Abundance and Power Series, initially taught by Craig Martindale. A later version of The Way of Abundance and Power Series came out in 2005/2006. Except for a brief period in the early 2000s, most all classes have always been and/or are presented on tape or film/video. Costs for the classes varies. A graduate (“Grad”) may repeat the Foundational and Intermediate Classes without paying an additional charge. Foundational and Intermediate first-time students could not be late or miss any sessions or take notes; they were told to write any questions down and turn them in at the end of the Class. Grads were usually allowed to miss 1 to 3 sessions if they were repeating. Each class comes with a syllabus and with hard-bound books written by Victor Paul Wierwille. Followers are encouraged to take the Class(es) as many times as is available. Classes must be taken in succession for first-time students.
PFAL , Foundational Class: The 1st Class of the 3-part series of Power For Abundant Living, the indoctrination series for The Way. The 33-hour, 12-session, Class was presented on film/video or tape and taught by Victor Paul Wierwille. The Foundational Class was often referred to by followers as “The Class” and culminated with each student speaking in tongues. When I got involved with The Way it was combined with the, 9-hour, 3-session, Intermediate Class which culminated with learning to interpret tongues and to bring forth a word of prophecy. (See “PFAL, Power For Abundant Living” ) In the mid-90s, PFAL was replaced with The Way of Abundance and Power, initially taught by Craig Martindale. A later version of The Way of Abundance and Power came out in 2005/2006.
PFAL, Intermediate Class: The 2nd Class of the 3-part series of Power For Abundant Living. The 3-session, 9-hour Intermediate Class was presented on tape or film/video and was initially taught by Victor Paul Wierwille. It culminated with the student learning the manifestations of prophecy and speaking in tongues with interpretation, which each student did aloud in front of the group before graduating. In the 80’s the Intermediate Class was taught by Earl Burton and for a time was presented on tape or film/video. It seems that class was longer than the initial class and that it was later dropped and the Wierwille video class was reinstated until Martindale’s Way of Abundance and Power Class. (See “PFAL, Power For Abundant Living” )
PFAL, Advanced Class: The 3rd Class of the 3-part series of Power For Abundant Living. This 10-/12-day Class was usually only made available 1 to 2 times per year and was usually held at a Way Root Locale. It is an immersion-type class where students stay on grounds or in near-by hotel accomodations. Almost all meals are eaten together. It is presented on film/video and was taught by Victor Paul Wierwille until The Way of Abundance and Power Series was filmed. The purpose of the Advanced Class is so that the student/believer be “fully equipped” and learn the principles to “operate” the remaining six manifestations: word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, believing, workings of miracles, and gifts of healings. In the mid-90s, PFAL was replaced with The Way of Abundance and Power, initially taught by Craig Martindale. A later version of The Way of Abundance and Power came out in 2005/2006.
Prophecy: The written Word; the spoken Word; sometimes revelation that predicts the future; one of the 9 “manifestations” of holy spirit. As a manifestation, prophecy is equivalent to tongues with interpretation which is “operated” only in a “believer’s meeting.”
Relocation: The period of time at Christmas (about 10 days) when the in-residence Way Corps was away from Ministry campuses/locales. Most would visit their family during “relocation.”
Renewed Mind: A believer was to “put off the old” nature of the flesh and “put on the new” nature of Christ. (Ephesians 4:22-24) Thus he would be “transformed by the renewing of his mind.” (Romans 12:2) The Way taught that “the renewed mind is the key to power.”
Retemory: To retain in the memory. The Way produced different packs of retemory cards. On each card was printed either a scripture verse, a Way Corps principle, or a Way definition of a manifestation (such as “speaking in tongues”). Cards were the size of business cards and usually came in a clear plastic holder for protection. A committed believer memorized these. The Way Corps and leadership on the field were ‘drilled’ on them at various times.
Return, The: The same thing as the “Gathering Together.”
Rightly-divided Word of Truth: From II Timothy 2:15, the correct interpretation of scripture which allows the scripture to “interpret itself.” There is only one correct, right dividing of scripture.
Root Locale: Properties owned by The Way International.
self-structure: Time in the Way Corps when the volunteer’s time was not designated by the Way Corps program. Usage of the terms “free time” or “down time” were discouraged as they were not accurate descriptions.
Speaking in tongues (SIT): See “Manifest.” A language of men or angels given by God to the believer. The language is not understood by the one speaking it. SIT was mainly for the believer’s personal prayer life. The only times it is permissible to speak in a tongue aloud in a group is when one is called on to manifest with interpretation or during an “excellor’s session” with or without interpretation. When alone, it is permissible for a believer to sing or pray in tongues out loud. Every follower in The Way speaks in tongues.
Spiritual Partner: People who committed to (mainly) financially help the Way Corps volunteer . A Way Corps volunteer solicited funds to pay tuition. This could be a monthly gift, one time gift, or whatever the volunteer and Spiritual Partner agreed upon. The Way Corps Volunteer was to pray daily/regularly for all their sponsors and write the sponsors one time per month, sharing the Word and insights the volunteer was receiving/learning.
Sponsor: Same thing as a “Spiritual Partner”
Standing & state: The doctrine that a believer’s “standing” never changes; ie: once a person is born again they can never loose that kinship with God as their Father. A believer’s “state” can change; it is their relationship status with God whether they are “in fellowship” with Him by obedience and believing correctly or “out of fellowship” with Him by disobedience and not believing correctly.
Still small voice: God’s voice. See “First thought.”
STS: Sunday Teaching Service tapes (see below)
Sunday Teaching Service tapes: Tapes that were recorded at The Way International Headquarters in New Knoxville, OH, and then mailed to faithful followers. Followers were expected to always listen to the tapes every week to stay “tapped into the root” and to help believers stay “likeminded on the Word.” The tapes were available only by paid subscription. Followers who were preparing to take the Advanced Class were required to listen the the STS tapes on the honor system
“Title Deed”: From Hebrews 11:1. The Way taught the accurate translation is “Now believing is the title deed of things prayed for, the evidence that they are yours before they are seen.”
Top floor Wierwille: The large room where the Corps would have class. The name of the building was Wierwille and the Corps usually met on the top floor. If I recall correctly, Wierwille had a basement/garden level, ground floor, and top floor.
TWI: The Way International
Twig: The small group meetings in The Way usually between 5 to 15 people. In the Way Corps, Twigs were usually around 8 people. The term, “Twig,” was dropped in the 90s and was replaced with “Household Fellowship” or simply “Fellowship.” See “Way Tree.”
Undershepherd: When a Way believer brought someone to fellowship, that Way believer became ‘spiritually responsible’ to see that the s/he followed up with the ‘new person.’ This involved phone calls and helping the new person get to and be on time for classes and fellowships.
Unit: In the in-reisdence Corps program on the larger campuses where 100’s of students were in the program, the Units were made up of two Areas.
Walk by the spirit/walk with God: To obey God as He works within oneself via first thought; direct revelation (a clear inner picture or voice or taste, touch, or smell); or inspiration (a knowing within oneself what to do; in the secular realm this is intuition)
WAP: Acronym for “Way of Abundance and Power.” The Way’s indoctrination series of classes that began in the mid-90s replacing The Power for Abundant Living (PFAL) Class series. WAP was structured the same as PFAL with a Foundational, an Intermediate, and an Advanced Class. (See “Power for Abundant Living”)
Way College Division: The College Division were students who attended the Way College of Emporia. The College Division had a separate and different program than the Way Corps, the idea being that the College Division were called by God to move more in the secular realm and culture and The Way Corps to more oversee the spiritual aspects of The Way.
Way College of Emporia: One of The Way Root Locales, the main training grounds from the mid-70s through the 80s for Way Corps Volunteers who had no children. Some of the building names were changed after The Way purchased the campus which had previously been the College of Emporia (another link here). The Way sold the property in 1989.
Way Corps: The leadership training program for the The Way International. When I was a member of the Way Corps, the program consisted of 4 years: apprenticeship year, first year in-residence on campus(es), interim year assignment by The Way on the field or at a root locale, final year in-residence on campus(es). From the mid-70’s through the 80’s, the main in-residence Root Locale for training Way Corps Volunteers who had no children was at the Way College of Emporia in Emporia, Kansas. From the late 70’s through the mid to late 90’s the main in-residence Root Locale for training Way Corp Volunteers with children was at The Way College of Biblical Research in Rome City, Indiana. In-resident Corps also spent time at the Way Family Ranch in Gunnison, Colorado, and sometimes at The Way International, New Knoxville, Ohio.
Way Corps Principles: The Way Corps had 5 governing principles. (Click here for the expanded principles which are very close to the original version.) If I recall correctly, each principle had 5 corresponding scripture verses. The Corps memorized and was drilled on the memorization of each principle with its corresponding scripture verses. These principles and verses were printed on retemory cards. (See “Retemory.”)
Way Disciple: “Disciple of The Way” outreach program was established in the 90’s replacing The Way’s “Word Over the World (WOW) Ambassador” outreach program. Way Disciples are required to be graduates of The Way’s Advanced Class. The Way Disciple program is a six-month commitment. When first implemented, families with children were not allowed to participate. The restriction was later lifted.
Way Home: A group a Way believers that lived together in the same house so as to encourage one another in the discipline of living the Word. There wasn’t a specific detailed ‘Way Home’ program, but it usually included running a fellowship in that home, witnessing together, breaking bread together, having believer’s meetings and prayer together daily.
Way of Abundance and Power: Also know as the WAP Class. The Way’s indoctrination series of classes that began in the mid-90s replacing The Power for Abundant Living (PFAL) Class series. WAP was structured the same as PFAL with a Foundational, an Intermediate, and an Advanced Class. (See “Power for Abundant Living”)
Way Productions: The performing arts section of The Way International
Way Tree: The structure of The Way. A Trunk was a usually a country. Limbs were typically states. Branches were local Twigs in an area. Twigs were the small groups that met in homes. The number of people within each category (Trunk, Limb, Branch) varied over the years. In the Way Corps, individuals were assigned to Twigs. Twigs were assigned to Branches, Branches to Areas, and Areas to Units. Each root locale was like a microcosm of on The Way Tree on the field (away from a Root Locale).
Witnessing: To tell others about the accuracy of God’s Word and to get those who are “hungering” involved with “the household of God.”
Word of God: The written Word which is the Bible as it was originally written; Jesus Christ, the Word in the flesh; the spoken Word, when men or women of God speak inspired of God or by revelation; the Word in the constellations of the stars.
word study: to study and compare, while utilizing a concordance and possibly a Greek lexicon, various ways in which a particular word is used in the Bible in order to get a better understanding of that particular word
WOW: Word Over the World. To spread the rightly divided Word of God to every country where people hungered to know God’s truth. Sometime in the 90’s, Craig Martindale declared that this goal had been met. See “Word Over the World Ambassadors.”
Word Over the World Ambassadors: One year volunteer commitment to serve where assigned by The Way. A WOW worked a part-time (20-25 hour) secular job while volunteering 40(?) hours per week to “move the Word;” ie: personal study, “witnessing”, teachings, run Way classes and fellowships. This program was dropped in the 90’s and later replaced with the Disciples of The Way outreach program with different criteria, one being a 6-month instead of 1-year volunteer commitment.
soulfeet 
Hey again David…
You’re welcome and thanks again for stopping by.
1975-1987. I’m sure you have plenty of stories! If you have a place you have shared any of them, I’d like to read them. I haven’t posted at GSC in years. GSC was helpful for me when I first left TWI. Plus I was able to reconnect with old friends via GSC.
The internet sure has changed our connection to the world…
Thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting Trace. Apologies for my delayed response. Glad you enjoyed the glossary. It was fun for me when I put it together. I find the terms and language that various groups develop intriguing.
If you happen to read this and are so inclined to respond…I’m assuming from your comment that you were in the Way Corps? If so, what Corps were you in?
Thanks for putting up your blog. I found it from the Greasespot. I sometimes get into a mood to look back and see what might be going on with ex TWIers. I was in 1975-1987 — left during the implosion and exodus
Soul Feet: The souls of our feet carry our body, soul and spirit to eventually carry the Word of God more perfectly. I’m sure glad I loved the Way Corp and others advanced to do the works of Jesus Christ in the spoken word.
Thanks, sure was splendid to go thru these. I will have to review more later. TAA
Hey Pam,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Yes, these terms hold good memories for me too, and also some bad memories.
I think The Way was headed south from the get go and was founded on Wierwille’s narcissistic needs. In spite of that, good people were involved with The Way, like in other groups then and now. From what I’ve studied and from people I’ve communicated with who were involved in other groups that had “the truth,” their high times in their groups were no different than my high times in The Way. Interesting how we each had “the truth” but how much that “truth” differed.
I’m not sure how much I believe anymore in a theist god. But I reckon if there is one, s/he/it doesn’t limit the truth to one set of people. I think that if there is a day of judgement for all, we will be in for lots of surprises.
Thanks again!
Hey, these terms bring back old memories – all good! Too bad things went south for the Way. No ministry is perfect, I’ve come to find. Not one ministry has “cornered the market” on the truth, including the Way. I have learned a lot of the truth from different preachers and ministries everywhere. God speaks to everybody, I’ve found!
I too have many very fond memories. I liked the midnight shifts when all was quiet.
Once I fell asleep in my chair on the graveyard shift while patrolling the Wierwille home at HQ. I fell over (chair and all) like the little guy that used to ride the tricycle on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in. I immediately awoke (of course) and then looked around to see if anyone saw me at 2:00 AM in the dark in the cold October chi
I never did partake in any of the ‘fun’ on the Back 40…but rather in Kenyon Hall. Most all of us at Emporia were in our 20s so it was bound to happen.
Ah, what about the wonderful nights on “Bless Patrol”? I had so much fun with some of my Corps brothers and sisters praying the perimeter, as well as some rather innocent fun out on “the Back 40”!
Hey Sam,
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
I am a bit familiar with the Local Church and read a couple of Watchman Nee’s books after I left The Way. It made for some interesting reading and I found Nee’s sharings enlightening in the sense of other interpretations of the scriptures.
I no longer subscribe to the Bible (as ‘orginally given’/ ‘god-breathed’) as being the absolute truth and without error. And I am more at peace these days with myself and with life than I was in my true believer days.
Yes, I’m sure having lived 65 years of this earth-life, you know what it feels like to have the rugged pulled out from under you and I imagine you have been through a lot (more than once). If you ever want to share or have a place online where you have or do share your story, I’d love to read it as time allows.
If The Way is the same as it was when I left in 2005, then the followers or leaders would not have shared with you many (or any) details about The Way’s dark past nor regarding Wierwille’s dishonesty. In my opinion and from what I know and have experienced, certain top leadership in The Way used people as merchandise and have never been accountable for their actions. (And you may have done a web search and come upon some of the accounts.) I don’t have problems necessarily with our human sins, nor do I necessarily have an ax to grind with The Way. I do take issue with cover up; cover up and blame shifting and scapegoating really bother me. That (cover up, etc.) would probably be my only ax with The Way.
I hope you find that mountain that you desire and the peace and contentment the mountain offers in return.
Thanks again for stopping by!
To life!
~Carol
I came out of “The Local Church” in 1980 after 10 years based on Witness Lee and Whatchman Nee teachings. I am 65 years old. I got introduced to the way 1 and a half years ago.
I take things with a grain of salt, have no ax to grind and really love God. I was a staunch trinitarian. I now see Jesus Christ as the son of God and not God and I love and appreciate him more than ever.
I’ve taken the foundational class twice, I just relocated to TX. although I’m 65 have been throjugh a lot (more than once) I feel like Caleb and want that mountain.
I know what it feels like to have the rug pulled from under you in a ministry. Today I just want to go on and afford God the opportunity to do for kme what I can not do for myself.
Sam
Hi Will. Thanks for dropping by.
I’m not sure what you are referring to regarding abbreviations. Perhaps something was mentioned in the context of the glossary or comments that I have overlooked.
What is it that you have experienced and read that gives you more confidence in The Way? Have you been or are you a current Way follower?
I am interested in the abbreviations .. to me the Way is no more cult then any building on any corner is..in all truth..I would have to say through living experience and reading that I have more confidence in the Way Ministry ..no one is perfect but God is
PS MeeBees…
I’d be interested if you have any terms to add. [I gather you are currently (still) involved with The Way?]
Hey MeeBees,
Thanks for stopping by and giving your opinion.
You are correct that some of the terms in this glossary are no longer current in The Way; the terms are part of The Way’s history.
I initially compiled this glossary based on the time these journal entries were written, which was 1982 and 1983. As I continued to write and blog elsewhere, I added other more current terms to this glossary.
How do you define “very old and outdated?” History covers a lot of years, eh?…decades, centuries, millenia.
I don’t know how much of this blog you read or if you know my background. I was in The Way from 1977 through 2005. So, for me, it’s only been a little over 6 years since I’ve left, and that, after 28 years of loyalty. I’m 52 currently, so (as of yet) the majority of my life was with The Way.
So, I suggest, before you pass judgment on anyone, you might want to learn a bit about that person first and read a little a more at any particular blog/venue. Context (as we know) is always important. If you’re interested, the Preface page may share a bit more light about this blog.
I get the impression that you perhaps have little interest in any response I state, but maybe I’m wrong. So, I’ll repeat part of what is stated from the “About Soulfeet” page, regarding part of the reason(s) I transcribed this journal online:
“[…] I believe the entries will give a peek into the mindset of a young true believer. Some are boring. Some are eye opening and revealing. Some are tedious. Some show the typical problems of a 23-year old. I’ve not pre-reread much of my journal, so I’m rediscovering as I transcribe.
I am taking on this project mainly for myself, of course. Yet, the entries may also be of interest to others who study group think, cults, thought reform, religion, and social influence.[…]”
What brought you here to this blog? I’d be curious to know.
To life,
~Carol
Your information is very old and outdated. It is ironic that so many people say their lives were destroyed by the way. Many have gone some 10+ years, and still cannot move past blogs and posts, rehashing all the evils of The Way. If it is that horrible, then it is well time to move past the year 2000 (or for some people, earlier than that!)
Thanks Corporate Ex!
For any readers, you can check out Corporate Executive’s awesome blog and the stories of folks who have recently exited ‘Deerfield’ at Missing Deerfield, MST, IAO, and OCR
Wow, great list! You’ve done your work here! Keep up the good work getting the word out.
I can’t say I ever saw that list!
But I admit to the arrogance. Seems to thrive in these kinds of “we have the answer” groups. I know I can’t make amends to all the folks I offended with that arrogance, but have (and hopefully will) to the ones I can.
Thanks for sharing Lois. 🙂
(I confess I thought of Cake’s song when I read your comment. 😉
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0mx5ERj1eI )
Goat- An unbeliever.
I was looking through some of my way notes and came across that word.
5 categories of candidates for the pfal class
1. sure thing- paid in full
2. Strong possibility
3. Interested party
4. Mild Possibility
5. Goat
Baaaaaaa, I can’t believe I called people goats.
Thank you Refiner! 🙂
Terrific List Welly!