Mark And Avoid
Editor's Note: Here is a good example of a "Mark and Avoid" confrontational letter used by TWI with leadership they believe stray.
The Way of Kansas Biblical Research, Teaching and Fellowship
P. O. Box 20138 Wichita, Kansas 67028
February 20, 1987
Dear Kent,
God bless you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, our living lord and savior.
Enclosed is a copy of the January 1987 tape of the month. I'd like for you to listen to it very carefully. Note especially that we are to be faithful:
(1) in the Word of God,
(2) to the Word of God, and
(3) to the Ministry that taught it to you. (2 Corinthians 4:7, 14, 15, 16). I know that Dr. Wierwille is addressing "ordination;" however, these principals also apply to the Twig coordinators as they have the privilege to lead people and therefore the responsibility that goes with that leadership.
Being "faithful to the Ministry that taught you the Word" includes abundantly sharing to that ministry (i.e. Corps Principle #4, the requirement of Advanced Class applicants to "have faithfully supported The Way International financially in its outreach," etc.). If you will remember, even though Paul had "opportunities" with the way things were being handled by the leadership at Jerusalem, he still was faithful in abundant sharing to the headquarters at Jerusalem.
Being "faithful" also means to keep ourselves "from maligning the brethren, from bickering and quarrelsomeness, from dividing the Body of Christ by our lack of enlightenment." (Read Volume II, Why Division?, especially the last paragraph on page 172)
Ephesians 4:1-3 indicates that we are to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" and endeavor "to keep (guard) the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Our actions should be on the revealed Word of God, not in reaction to rumor, innuendo, or circumstance. As you recall, I shared with you the principals shared with us by Rev. Chris Geer regarding Biblical confrontation:
1. Get the facts straight
2. Get to the truth behind the facts
3. check the scriptures with no private interpretation (that means you don't come up with your own conclusion, then go to God's Word to substantiate your opinion).
4. Walk in love
5. Consider the long term profit
You have taken action and spoken to others based on rumor and innuendo, not because you have gone to the scriptures and allowed God's Word to speak to your heart. You have not gotten the facts straight, nor have you perceived the truths behind the facts. Remember it is a spiritual battle and the battle is the Lord's, not ours.
You, acting in the capacity of a leader, are responsible to God for what you teach, what you say, and what you do (I Timothy 4:12). The reason I recommended that you withdraw from leadership responsibility while you were "sorting things out" is because you are an example to younger (less mature in the Word) believers. You are responsible to God for how your example influences those younger believers.
By your continuing to hold fellowships and by continuing to act as the leader, you have not withdrawn yourself from leadership responsibilities but are contributing to the problem and not the solution, and therefore are contributing to division within the Body.
I do not write these things to shame you, but to warn you. I am ready to help you to work things out and to be the wonderful Twig coordinator God would have you to be. But you need to be meek to the Word of God I have shared with you and change your thinking to what the Word says and not react to circumstances or emotion (Hebrews 4:12).
Until such a time as you change your thinking and act in accordance with Romans 12:16; 15:5; I Corinthians 1:10; II Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 1:27; 2:2; 3:15,16; 4:2; I Peter 3:8, you should withdraw yourself from Twig leadership responsibility.
Again, "my door is open" and my heart is open to you. Do not allow yourself to be tricked by the adversary in this situation. You are responsible to God for your actions. I trust this love and this letter will help you to understand God's Word and will in these times in which we are living and that you will be a part of the solution and no longer part of the problem.
Love, In Christ,
Robert F. Winegarner
