Welcome back, mysterious. Hope things are going well.
"Marked" has always sounded like such a cliquish snob word to me. Oh no I marked you you can't come in here!
Would love to hear more behind the scenes stories about elders if you ever feel like sharing blondie
Actually "marked" has 2 applications, the official one the elders use when they "counsel" the individual privately, then "mark" them publicly without naming them. Then there is the "marking" JWs are allowed to do "privately." Of course, if they make a big deal to other JWs that they too shouldn’t associate with that person, it no longer is "private."
I through in some elder stories but really there is nothing new under the sun. That is why many on JWD recognize the same situation in their old congregations. The sad trend I see now is that many of the kinder ones are being forced out, either officially or by the personal choice of that elder. Another trend I see too is that the WTS is bringing in outside elders more and more to be POs rather than appointing a local elder, indicating that the elders are not "obedient" enough to the WTS policies.
Midwich
, good points.
I got to the point I would only tell the elders that the KH was on fire because then it would do some good to be spread all over the congregation.
And this is excellent—I can remember when one congregation forbade mustaches. Rather than shave them off, the mustachioed brothers switched to a nearby congregation…started a BOE feud that last for ten years.
Are you modestly cooperating with the Bible-based decisions made by the shepherds?
Lol - Bibles must vary between Congregations then!
Willyloman, nothing to add?
Blondie: I was an elder for more than 20 years. When I saw this topic I figured I would have something germane to add to the discussion. But you left no stone unturned in your commentary. Every word in red is absolutely true. Those are my thoughts exactly.
Shall the elders be announcing my appointment soon?
Hey, Jgnat,
By comparison, my JW husband wants to shun him because of his poor appearance and ongoing problems. My boy doesn't LOOK like a good JW
That’s because your hubbie is trying so hard to fit in at the KH. He can comfort himself that at least there is one person worse than he is. This concept brings many people to the WTS, the need to be able to feel better than someone else.
Keep in mind my church has a membership of over 300. Like the JW's we are taught that EVERY member has a part in the ministry, so we all do our bit. Note that several people have taken an interest in my son. Nevertheless my pastor knows us all by name. By comparison, the half-dozen elders in my hubby's Kingdom Hall only have about sixty "sheep" to watch over. Yet the conductor often forgets the names of those he calls on.
Actually they really have only 10 to look after 6 elders/60 JWs. I can still remember a brother from my childhood that knew my name and my brother’s name and greeted us with it every time he saw us. But that was long ago.
Thanks, xjwms,
I would never write a letter…I’m surprised he didn’t share it with the body and rake her over the coals. I preferred one-on-one discussions though I was usually required to have another elder there…it was better when I could have my husband there too.
I remember an elder telling me that a sister had a problem with him. WT conducter. So she wrote him a letter.
Hi heathen,
But it is "explains" not "complains." (smile)
but blondie is not the only one that complains about poor treatment
Hey, archangel01,
They don't even have the Real Jesus of scripture, so what does one expect
Yes, the WTS says that the elders should act like Jesus did in treating Peter; Peter was allowed to speak about the establishment of the Christian congregation only 51 days, days after denying Christ…how many JWs are reinstated after 51 days and then allowed to give a talk at a district convention?
Likewise, Panda,
WHen my husband was an elder he tried to be like the rest but he would get frustrated at what the elders would or wouldn't do. Of course this is partly what helped him fade...
The continuing lack of love by the elders convinced my hubbie not to be a part of the cruelty.
Well said, Bluesbrother
all the elders at todays study know full well that this is total B/S - maybe it is what they would like it to be, but it certainly is not like it today, and I speak with 24 years experience on and around bodies of elders in 4 congregations.
I have gathered these elder experiences from over 30 elders and 35 years. They chew the good ones up and spit them out.
Hi proandcon,
a cong I attend now infrequently as an x elder, there are twice as many exelders as current elders...none of the exes would ever return to that position again...many see that and wonder really about the elder position...for every man reaching out there are at least two just sitting back
A trend I have seen in many congregations. In one there were only 4 elders, 8 ex-elders (all of whom would never, never be an elder again). The CO tried to guilt these brothers but they held firm…they KNEW what was done…they didn’t buy into the propaganda.
Hi Lady Liberty,
my Grandmother told me not long ago, that the Elders in her hall are very concerned, because they are all getting up there in age, and no young ones are reaching out.
In the developed countries, few if any from outside the organization are getting baptized. One elder admitted from the platform that no one other than children of JWs had been baptized in the last 10 years. And none of those male children were still associated. Perhaps they will have to import some from the ranks of the downsized Bethelites…ha!
Hi Odrade, and you would have an inside view of elders and elder bodies.
cried his crocodile tears over the fact that I wouldn't come to the Kingdom Hall. Of course, I had been gone at least 6 months, and there was the pesky need to take a break and potty somewhere...
They did that once to us. I saw that they were coming, quick put on my robe and messed my hair up and looked like I had the flu. I greeted them through a crack in the door saying I was sick and made retching noises…they ran away fast…hahaha…stop by to use my bathroom….just a ploy to check your videos/DVDs and check for any other incriminating material.
Good Comments, everyone.
Blondie
