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The Off Shoots

The Way International has had several groups spin off from it. A majority of them got their start in the late 1980's when The Way was suffering from internal conflict. It was then when two thirds of The Way's followers left, a large number of them following Way leaders out the door to start their own version of it.

Some of the groups formed were The Way of Great Britain by Chris Geer, Christian Educational Services by John Lynn, Mark Graeser, and John Schoenheit, and Christian Family Fellowship by John Shroyer and J.P. Wierwille (later to be joined by Wayne Clappe).



The CES Crisis and Personal Prophecy Print E-mail

The Board of Directors of Christian Educational Services (CES)/ Spirit of Truth Fellowship International (STF) removed Mark Graeser from the post of President January, 2007 (reported by Greasespotcafe.com). The dramatic move followed months of controversy in the group, which is the largest splinter group of The Way International.

Graeser filed a lawsuit for defamation of character against several CES leaders including Jeff Blackburn, Dan Gallagher, John Lynn and Gary and Karen Theisen. John Schoenheit was appointed the new president (reported by Greasespotcafe).

The controversy gives insight into the practices and doctrine of CES and its newer offshoot STF, which was designed to establish CES as a full service church rather than as just an educational agency.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 17 February 2007 )
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Mark Graeser Removed as CES President Print E-mail
Mark Graeser

It has been reported by several sources that Mark Graeser, President of Christian Educational Services / Spirit and Truth Fellowship International has been removed as president during their annual board meeting.  He apparently has responded by filing a defamation of character lawsuit against a number of people within the group.

CES/STFI is an off-shoot of The Way International. 

CES has been suffering from internal conflict over the last few months, arising from their practice of personal prophecy doctrine.  Apparently, John and Elizabeth Lynn's marriage was ended as a result of personal prophecies against Elizabeth.  The driving force behind this "doctrine" seems to be Karen Graeser, wife of now former president Mark Graeser.

For more details, see the ongoing discussions in GreaseSpot's forum.

Original CES documents related to CES's problems can be found in the download section of GreaseSpot.

UPDATE 1/18/07:

According to multiple sources, John Shoenheit has been made the new President.  There are differing reports as to whether this is temporary or will be permanent.  

Those named in the lawsuit are Jeff Blackburn, Dan Gallagher, John Lynn and the Theisens (sp?). 

Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 February 2007 )