As previously requested by a fellow JWN, I will post a topic about "JW Stuff", so "newbies, lurkers and recently Bittered Souls" are able to discern how the Watchtower Society's statement about "Elders being appointed by Holy Spirit" is not true.
According to the Holy Bible, these are the requirements for being appointed an elder by men, men who are suppose to observe if their hand picked elder is obeying God's Word.
1 Timothy 3 "Living Bible Translation"
"3 This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder,[a] he desires an honorable position." 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.[b] He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker[c] or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?
6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.[d] 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap.
8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, their wives[e] must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus."
How many of your local elders fullfilled these requirements? Was it "Silent Bob, the elder who never speaks to anyone, just stands in his corner?"
How about "Horny Harry who has had multipule complaints lodged against him, for his inability to control his hormones, or his uncanny knack of proposing "sex" to angry young sisters or neglected older ones."?
Elder "Mr. Magu, he is the brother in his 80s who bumps into your car, puts love dings on your new "Land Rover's" door, he open's his door and "ding!" another dent into a friends car. Elder Magu is basically a fixture, most of his responsibilities have been stripped from him. "Elder" is the last vestige of his dignity and if he is quite, even at the cost of his conscience, he gets to keep his title!"
"Pathological Liar Larry", Elder Larry plants "stumbling blocks" in front of his own friends, Elder Larry gets bored and want's to see some action! Sister Schizo runs up to you after meeting, "I heard you are mad at me! You said my clothes stink and I don't take showers" Lying Elder Larry, did not have the balls to address Sister Schizo, so he inserted your name (Instead of his or "the Elders are concerned about your dress") as complaining about her lack hygiene. "Elder Larry" loves trouble and the more he can pit elders against each other, the more joy he feels about being a "Holy Servant of God."
Your turn next, brothers and sisters, how are elders appointed by God?
1 Samuel 16:
6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, "Surely this is the Lord's anointed!"
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
8 Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "This is not the one the Lord has chosen." 9 Next Jesse summoned Shimea,[a] but Samuel said, "Neither is this the one the Lord has chosen." 10 In the same way all seven of Jesse's sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." 11 Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?"
"There is still the youngest," Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep and goats."
"Send for him at once," Samuel said. "We will not sit down to eat until he arrives."
12 So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes.
And the Lord said, "This is the one; anoint him."
13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.