I was just reading TheListeners post from an earlier thread, and it got me thinking just how little time dubs have to associate togther.
It seems to be more and more the fact, that the only time dubs see each other to "associate" - if you can even call it that - is at meetings and conventions.
Even at conventions though, the dubs are told not to go outside for lunch, regardless of whether it is a nice day of not. (Note, this may not be true at all conventions)
Where is a Jehovah's Witness supposed to get this period of refreshment so he can do more? (Also called wholesome association).
At meetings, you see the same cliques get together time and time again. I think I'm beginning to realize the Society's policy of all-inclusiveness, whereby everyone can have an elderly person as a friend, just isn't working.
A sister lamented to me recently, that she has no friends her own age in the cong, and she is only 35. When a younger sister invited her out to chill with her friends, the older sister said she felt unwelcome; perhaps the younger group felt she was their mother?
True friendships are hard to find at the hall, making cong. get togethers largely the work of elders.
What perceived friendships do exist, are simply what I would call "Kingdom Hall buddies." - you know, the brothers and sisters you might talk about a movie with, but not actually go to see the movie with.
Kingdom Hall buddies are easy to find and easy to replace. There is no sense of connection, but they help you pass the time at the hall till you're able to leave.
But this post is about congregation get togethers. Are they slowing down? In light of the above, I would find it difficult to imagine many even getting off the ground, with superficial friends, and young people who just want to do their own thing.
A few years ago, my congregation rented out a hall and had "Talent Night" - it happened once. Nothing has happened since then.
Congregation picnics? My cong can't announce them from the K.Hall, supposedly due to insurance reasons. "What if someone gets hurt?", an elder asked.
Book study picnics - rarely happen anymore.
And with "everyone" so busy in the preaching work, who has time to get together? Busy elders, busy pioneers.
A worldly corporation would love these guys, all work and no play...
Another question - do you think tehcnology has made people want more alone time? Computers, consoles, video games, text messaging - have these technologies limited the "widening out" of the young, even the old?