You can’t blame elders for doubting they are appointed by holy spirit. One thing is for sure-they know they have been selected. Question is by whom?
The WT leadership themselves are a bit confused on the subject: The Dec WT study edition for today’s lesson on page 25 par 13 says frankly about holy spirit’s involvement …”Elders, for instance, are appointed by holy spirit.” Yet the Bearing Thorough Witness book on page 19 par 22 beats around the bush so to speak by saying…” To this day, responsible men are selected to serve as overseers in the congregation. The elders carefully consider the Scriptural qualifications required of such overseers, and they pray for the guidance of holy spirit. The congregation thus views such men as appointed by holy spirit.”
More confusion is thrown into the mix where on page 99 par 18 of the Bearing Thorough Witness book it says "A similar pattern is followed today. Before recommendations for appointments are made, the local body of elders prayerfully reviews a brother’s Scriptural qualifications. (1 Tim. 3:1-10, 12, 13; Titus 1:5-9) The length of time he has been a Christian is not the main determining factor. Instead, the brother’s speech, conduct, and reputation give evidence of the degree to which holy spirit operates in his life. His meeting the requirements for overseers as set out in the Scriptures determines whether he is qualified to serve as a shepherd of the flock.”
So the question is: Whose involvement dominates in the appointment process of elders? Is it-holy spirit? Is it the congregation elders? Or is it Jehovah or is it Jesus who dominate? Inquiring minds would like to know.
Looks like to me WT isn’t quite sure. That explains why JWs lack a Spiritual Paradise today?
The first century Christians had no doubt about appointments. Note what the Bearing Thorough Witness book says on page 19 par 21: " How was the selection made? By casting lots, a common practice in Bible times. (Prov. 16:33) However, this is the last time that the Bible shows lots being used in this way. Evidently, the later outpouring of holy spirit rendered that method obsolete. Note, though, why lots were used. The apostles prayed: “You, O Jehovah, who know the hearts of all, designate which one of these two men you have chosen.” (Acts 1:23, 24) They wanted the choice to be Jehovah’s. Matthias, likely one of the 70 disciples whom Jesus had sent out to preach, was chosen. Thus, Matthias became one of 'the twelve.'"
Notice how the speculative word 'Evidently' is used to explain why Jehovah or his holy spirit isn't used more miraculously today.
