JustThinking

Isn't it ironic that this guy is no better than TWI in that he has his own "theology" and feels free to ignore facts?

House, I forgot to answer your post. :=( I'm so sorry! Forgive me? I don't remember the actual article but do remember her making similar comments. It might have been the article or on a tape. One has to wonder if the article would have been written if she had said "you know, I thought about being a wc minister but realized that God was calling me to be a librarian." ;-) Anything to recruit for the corps. My impression is that the idea of going to college became more acceptable in the late 90s. The earlier part of the decade was still the "Leadership Tapes, we hate Geer" crusade. The lone exception that I saw was Don W. On one of the tapes from Word in B, he addressed parents preparing for the financial aspects of college. It was refreshing but, sadly, quite rare. Could you elaborate on one thing you said please? "Some of the lack of intelligence I saw was hidden below the self-imposed burden of being a LCM wannabe." Does this mean they were bright but it was obscured by their screaming, LCM facade? Or their LCM imitation hid the fact that there wasn't much to them? Just wanted to make sure I understood you correctly.

For those who missed JALs time in TWI, could someone fill in the history? I came to TWI after he left. TWI leadership talked about him as if he were Satan himself. Then his name just got erased like so many others.

Goey, All good points. Before leaving, did you know corps folks who were capable, in your opinion? If so, do you know if they stayed in TWI? JT

Waterbuffalo, Great point. However, I guess I was thinking more of their competancy to lead a group of people than just their academic background. After all, I've met more than one educated fool. IMO, it takes many abilities to be a successful minister. Most of the newer corps I met seemed like they were in over their heads when it came to dealing with real life issues such as kids, marriage, careers, etc. Hope, I KNEW someone would be a window cleaner here! :=) I chose that one because I met several folks including corps when I first got in who bought a bucket and squeegie (How DO you spell that?) and proclaimed themselves business owners. Many didn't even seem to know what a real window cleaning business was. They'd just show up, spray water on a ground floor window and wipe it off. Ta da! Instant business. No insurance, no health insurance, no savings, etc. Just a wow-mobile and the clothes on their backs. It may work when you are in your early 20s and single but not when you start a family. I knew a man in his late 30s with a wife and kids at home still trying to make it that way. They barely made it week to week but kept proclaiming their "abundance." The kids all saw through it and bailed out when they could. So much for God's Word in Family. :(--> And this person was corps trying to tell others how to successfully fun a business and family? Yeah, right!

What kind of person say "I love you" in a form letter? I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he's being honest, at least as he sees it. Still, kind of cheesy.

My reason for the question, btw, was that some of the older corps I met seemed to be both good people and very capable. Not all but some. Maybe they were all driven out by King Loy I?

Oak, I would be tempted to ask if we were in the same state but that was not limited to my Limb. Visiting friends a couple of times exposed me to a few other corps folks. His LC was a lightweight too. My friend (who was a twig coordinator) said the LCs wife wrote all of the monthly letters, etc. Like you, I was away from the "seat of power." Making the trek to listen to our LC teach was a labor of love to say the least. It's bad when you don't have much to say. It's worse when you take 80 minutes to say it! My heart went out to new people and those with toddlers. Pure misery.

Jeff, This was posted at John's request?

Mr. H, Hahahahahahahaha... I had something like that at first and changed it. Maybe I'm too nice?

Here's a poll for innies or the recently departed. What was your impression of the intellectual ability of the corps just in your area? Many of the more recent graduates seemed to be below average at best. (Staying in residence while LCM screamed at you might say something)

Learning, WayGBers probably make up a pretty funny bunch. My memory of people in charge of being scared of "the world" did some of the dumbest things. For example, (I mentioned this on another thread) all the twig/fellowship coordinators were told via EMAIL to M&A the internet. :-D Unless they've hired an outside firm to deliver a clue to them, they're probably not very sharp. After all, what was the typical education level of the corps you knew? Most of the them that I had met were basically unskilled labor pretending to be "workmen of the Word." The last comment is directed at those in or recently in. I realize there folks with solid backgrounds at one point. When I left though, the barrel was pretty empty.

Learning, Martindale's class was replaced with a new one. Don't know the name or who taught it. JT

Radar, Check your PT please. JT

Hmm... Loy's big thing was homosexuality. Donna's was knowing what was going on with your family (planning, etc) and where they were. Looking back, Bogey76's point IS very ironic.

Oh, Tom, use your spiritual imagination (Corps Principle #6?) Step 1. Pretend it's not a problem or conflict. This will stop any serious Wayfer in their tracks. Leadership is ignoring it so I will too. Step 2. Change the subject This gets the less suspicious newbie off-track. Step 3. Say something generic like "Reverend Martindale's work is accurate, blah, blah, blah..." This derails the sharper newbie who is more trusting. Step 4. Suggest that TWI may redo the work in the future. (I heard this ruse many times when they got questions about his classes) Hmm... dodge and evade may now be Corps Principle #7? :-)

How large is the campus at Gunnison?

Tom, Do you see anything new? JT

searcher, The general approach when I left (about 18 months ago) was: 1. Start with any recent teaching distributed by the Way. (Tape, magazine, etc.) 2. Read and memorize the highlights 3. Do a little research (optional) to look for other information which backs up the material. Anything contradicting it is not to be mentioned. 4. Choose section of teaching that will fit into alloted time (roughly 20 minutes for local home meeting. Time is unlimited if you are a full time leader) 5. Prepare expository teaching (by imitating approach of Way leaders) on this material as if it were your own. 6. Always use the same format: a. Summary statement b. 3 points with one or two verse per c. Summarize material "taught." 7. ALWAYS give credit to Way leader's material you are using. 8. ALWAYS thank host leader for "opportunity to teach." 9. ALWAYS expect polite applause at end. 10. Never expect questions as it is likely everyone there has read same article or listened to same tape.

I am not aware of any current (past 10 years) printed material by TWI on how to teach. In fact, I can't remember ever receiving any decent instruction on teaching methods. Very ad hoc and poorly done.

Searcher, During the 90s, losing one's temper was almost a prerequisite as the then-president lost his regularly. IMO, the short answer is imitate the person in charge. In fact, imitate them as much as possible in lifestyle, mannerisms,etc. and you will be viewed as very spiritual. No substance necessary. Oh, yes, look busy too. If you're chuckling, know that I am too. However, it is true. I saw many climb the ladder in The Way by doing this.

William Shatner could also handle the dramatic parts of VPW. He might not like the wardrobe from the 70s though. Martina Navr?lov?s Donna Tim Conway as Walter Cummins Esther Rolle (mom on Good Times) would have made a good Claudette if she hadn't passed away. In her place I nominate Aretha Franklin Richard Dean Anderson as Brad Thorpe

Grizz, Nice to see someone humble enough to listen to their kids. JT

Lindy, Now that IS a possibility. If that were true, it would turn the whole view of WayWorld around. UH would be the man behind the curtain. Interesting thought. He did bankroll VP and was instrumental in getting him started.

Grizzy quotes: "OMG!!!! You are dating what??????" "As if there are no real decent kids left in that organization and there is no possibility of having a great social relationship with someone who’s greatest sin was being born into a group like that!" "But, an innie kid is like the spawn of Satan?" Grizzy, Who actually criticized the person nameless is dating? TWI and it's secretive tactics have been criticized but not the individual. nameless quote: "WOW! I can't begin to thank you enough for all of your advice on this matter." It seems that nameless was appreciative of the responses and found them helpful. JT