Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 03-31-2013 WT Study (ELDERS FELLOW WORKERS)

This was a difficult article for me…all the right words for elders, things that I would hope they would see they needed to do only to see the same old things, the elders who were bullies, the ones who were cowards, and the people who suffered.

1. What caused Paul to rejoice over the Christians in Corinth?

IT WAS the year 55 C.E. The apostle Paul was in the

harbor city of Troas, but he could not stop thinking

about Corinth. Earlier that year, it had pained him

to learn that the brothers there quarreled among

themselves. So out of fatherly concern, he had sent

a letter to correct them. (1 Cor. 1:11; 4:15) He had

also sent his fellow worker Titus to them and had

arranged for Titus to report back to him in Troas.

Now Paul was waiting for Titus in Troas, longing to

hear how the Corinthians were faring. But to Paul’s

deep disappointment, Titus did not arrive. What

could Paul do? He sailed to Macedonia, and to his

joy, there they met. Titus related that the brothers in

Corinth had responded well to Paul’s letter and that

they were yearning to see him. When Paul heard

that good report, he “rejoiced yet more.”—2 Cor. 2:

12, 13; 7:5-9.

COMMENTS

What had the “brothers” quarreled about? In the over 20 congregations in my career, the biggest problems lay with the elders and their families not getting along with others and each other. Fights a elder meetings at the top of their lungs; the CO having to call in elders from other congregations to referee; elder’s wives that had not been in the same car group, book study, or same row at the KH for over 20 years.

*** w91 3/1 pp. 21-23 “Seek Peace and Pursue It” ***

Peace With Our Brothers

7 ‘Minding the flesh’ can destroy not only our peace with God but also our good relationship with other Christians. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “You are yet fleshly. For whereas there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do?” (1 Corinthians 3:3) Jealousy and strife are the very opposite of peace.

8 Disturbing the peace of the congregation by causing jealousy and strife is very serious. Speaking of a quality related to peace as a fruit of the spirit, the apostle John warned: “If anyone makes the statement: ‘I love God,’ and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20) In a similar way, if an individual causes jealousy or strife among brothers, can he really be at peace with God? Surely not! We are urged: “Continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11) Yes, if we continue to live peaceably with one another, then the God of love and peace will be with us.

9 This does not mean that there will never be misunderstandings between Christians. In the weeks following Pentecost, there was a disagreement in the young Christian congregation about the daily food distribution. (Acts 6:1) On one occasion a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas led to “a sharp burst of anger.” (Acts 15:39) Paul had to counsel Euodia and Syntyche, doubtless fine, zealous sisters, “to be of the same mind in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:2) No wonder Jesus gave detailed advice on how to solve disturbances of the peace between Christians and highlighted the urgency of handling such problems promptly! (Matthew 5:23-25; 18:15-17) He would not have given this counsel if he did not anticipate difficulties among his followers.

10 Today, then, it is quite possible that someone may be offended by a tactless word or a perceived slight from a fellow Christian. A characteristic in one person may intensely irritate another. Personalities may clash. Someone may strongly disagree with a decision of the elders. On the body of elders itself, one elder may be very strong-minded and try to override the other elders. Despite the fact that such things happen, we still have to seek peace and pursue it. The challenge is to handle these problems in a Christian way so as to preserve “the uniting bond of peace.”—Ephesians 4:3.

2. (a) What did Paul write to the Corinthians about faith and

joy? (b) What questions will we consider?

2 Shortly thereafter, Paul wrote the Corinthians a

second letter. He told them: “Not that we are the

masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers

for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.”

(2 Cor. 1:24) What did Paul mean by that? And

how should those words affect Christian elders today?

COMMENTS

Not masters; could a woman ever point out serious errors? Elders are called princes, chieftains, and sheikhs by the WTS. That the rank and file be obedient and submissive to the elders…not masters? What scriptural principle is violated if a brother has a beard?

*** w94 10/1 p. 20 par. 20 Shepherding God’s Flock With Love ***

Jehovah has given us much freedom within the bounds of his laws and principles. Thus elders should avoid setting rules where Scriptural principles are not violated. And they should resist any tendency to offer their own personal opinions as dogma or to let their ego get in the way if someone disagrees with such views.—2 Corinthians 3:17; 1 Peter 2:16.

OUR FAITH AND OUR JOY

3. (a) What did Paul mean when he wrote: “By your faith . . .

you are standing”? (b) How do elders today follow Paul’s example?

3 Paul mentioned two vital aspects of our worship

—faith and joy. Recall that regarding faith, he wrote:

“Not that we are the masters over your faith, . . .

for it is by your faith that you are standing.”

With these words, Paul acknowledged

that the brothers in Corinth stood

firm, not because of him or any other human,

but because of their own faith in

God. Hence, Paul saw no need to control

the faith of his brothers, and he had

no desire to do so. He was confident

that they were faithful Christians who

wanted to do what was right. (2 Cor.

2:3) Today, elders follow Paul’s example

by expressing confidence in their

brothers’ faith and motives for serving

God. (2 Thess. 3:4) Rather than making

rigid rules for the congregation, elders

rely on Scriptural principles and direction

from Jehovah’s organization. After

all, present-day elders are not the masters

over their brothers’ faith.—1 Pet. 5:

2, 3.

COMMENTS

So did the elders have confidence that you were a faithful Christian and wanted to do what was right?

Did they express confidence in your faith and motives? Or were they more like Job’s false friends?

*** w06 8/15 p. 28 par. 16 “You Have Heard of the Endurance of Job” ***

Elihu’s wise counsel contrasts with the hurtful words of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. “You men have not spoken concerning me what is truthful,” Jehovah told them. (Job 42:7) Even if they claimed that they had had good intentions, they acted as tools of Satan rather than as faithful companions. All three assumed from the outset that Job himself was to blame for his calamities. (Job 4:7, 8; 8:6; 20:22, 29) According to Eliphaz, God has no confidence in his servants, and it does not matter to Him if we are righteous or not. (Job 15:15; 22:2, 3) Eliphaz even accused Job of errors he had not committed. (Job 22:5, 9)

Rigid rules: were you every told that to pray at the KH you must stand, bow your head, say “amen” audibly, counseling others in prayer, who can pray.

*** w90 5/15 p. 12 par. 10 Fear Jehovah, the Hearer of Prayer ***

Like Cornelius, anyone today progressing toward dedication may be encouraged to pray. But an individual who is insincere about studying the Scriptures, does not know the divine requirements for prayer, and has not yet displayed an attitude pleasing to God cannot be said to fear Jehovah, have faith, or be earnestly seeking him. Such a person is not in position to offer prayers acceptable to God.

4. (a) What did Paul mean when he wrote:

“We are fellow workers for your joy”? (b) How

do elders today imitate Paul’s attitude?

4 Paul also stated: “We are fellow

workers for your joy.” With that expression,

he referred to himself and his close

associates. Why do we draw that conclusion?

Well, in the same letter, Paul reminded

the Corinthians of two of these

associates when he wrote: “Jesus . . . was

preached among you through us, that is,

through me and Silvanus and Timothy.”

(2 Cor. 1:19) Moreover, whenever Paul

used the term “fellow workers” in his

letters, it always referred to his close associates,

such as Apollos, Aquila, Prisca,

Timothy, Titus, and others. (Rom. 16:

3, 21; 1 Cor. 3:6-9; 2 Cor. 8:23) Hence,

by saying: “We are fellow workers for

your joy,” Paul assured the Corinthians

that he and his companions wanted to

do all they could to promote the joy of

all members of the congregation. Today,

Christian elders have the same desire.

They want to do all they can to help their

brothers to “serve Jehovah with rejoicing.”—

Ps. 100:2; Phil. 1:25.

COMMENTS

So what does this mean, that the elders only view their close associates as fellow workers? Who helps the elders? Are the rank and file are too lowly.

So other than a walk-by hello and how are you; did the elders show they have the same desire? Do they know your name and the name of your spouse and children? Do they know where you live, your phone number? Have they ever worked d2d with you, had you over to their house, accepted your invitation to your house?

5. We will consider the responses to what

question, and on what should we reflect?

5 Recently, a group of zealous brothers

and sisters living in different parts

of the world were invited to respond to

the question, “What words and deeds of

an elder have added to your joy?” As we

now consider the observations made by

that group of fellow believers, see how

their comments compare with how you

might have responded. Furthermore, let

all of us reflect on how we may contribute

to a spirit of joy in our local congregation.*

*The same brothers and sisters were also asked,

“Which quality do you value the most in an elder?”

The overwhelming majority of them answered, “Being

approachable.” That important quality will be

considered in an upcoming issue of this journal.

COMMENTS

I wonder if they judged “zealous” as hours reported? What about the sister with 4 children and an “unbelieving” husband who still manages to get out twice a month?

Fellow believers = only jws

Were the elders approachable in your congregations---based on what?

“GREET PERSIS OUR BELOVED ONE”

6, 7. (a) What is one way in which elders can

imitate Jesus, Paul, and other servants of

God? (b) Why does remembering our brothers’

names add to their joy?

6 Many of our brothers and sisters say

that their joy is enhanced when elders

show personal interest in them. One basic

way in which elders do so is by following

the example set by David, Elihu,

and Jesus himself. (Read 2 Samuel

9:6; Job 33:1; Luke 19:5.) Each of these

servants of Jehovah showed sincere interest

in another person by using the

individual’s name. Paul too appreciated

the importance of remembering and using

the names of fellow believers. He

concluded one of his letters by greeting

more than 25 brothers and sisters by

name, including Persis, a Christian sister

about whom Paul said: “Greet Persis

our beloved one.”—Rom. 16:3-15.

COMMENTS

David knew Uriah’s name and his wife’s---that did not end well.

Remember the elders have know you and others for many years, well, at least you occupied space in the same KH…

7 Some elders have a hard time

remembering names. Still, when they

make a real effort to do so, they are, in

effect, telling their fellow believers, ‘You

are important to me.’ (Ex. 33:17) Elders

will particularly add to their brothers’

joy when they remember their names as

they call on them for comments during

the Watchtower Study or other meetings.

—Compare John 10:3.

COMMENTS

So the WTS is saying then that many elders do not make a real effort to know your name or the names of your children. One CO had all the children in the congregation (under 18) get on the stage with him and introduced all 25 by name. It was his first visit and he was over 60. Could the elders in your congregation do the same. Do they know the appearance of the flock? (Also, people call on the audience using BR/SR last name…after 25 years some still don’t know the first name of people)

“SHE PERFORMED MANY

LABORS IN THE LORD”

8. What was one important way in which Paul

followed the example set by Jehovah and Jesus?

8 Paul also showed his interest in others

by giving sincere commendation,

which is another basic way to enhance

the joy of fellow believers. Thus, in the

same letter in which he stated his desire

to work for his brothers’ joy, Paul wrote:

“I have great boasting in regard to you.”

(2 Cor. 7:4) Those words of commendation

must have warmed the heart of the

brothers in Corinth. Paul expressed similar

sentiments to other congregations.

(Rom. 1:8; Phil. 1:3-5; 1 Thess. 1:8) In

fact, after he mentioned Persis in his letter

to the congregation in Rome, Paul

added: “She performed many labors in

the Lord.” (Rom. 16:12) How heartening

that compliment must have been for

that faithful sister! In commending others,

Paul followed the example set by

both Jehovah and Jesus.—Read Mark 1:

9-11; John 1:47; Rev. 2:2, 13, 19.

COMMENTS

What does the WTS tell elders to do regarding commendation?

My experiences were that an elder who rarely if ever said hello, would suddenly come up and commend you in a non-specific way (stumbling over your name) and then counsel you on something they have yet to confirm, info from an unknown to you, and nameless from the elder. And then you realize that this guy never talks to you except to give an ambiguous commendation and then an unfounded counseling.

*** w92 4/15 p. 25 ‘Exhorting on the Basis of Love’ ***

Similarly today, counsel or advice can often be cushioned with sincere, warm commendation. And such counsel should be, not blunt or tactless, but generously “seasoned with salt” so as to be more palatable to the listener.

*** w08 9/15 p. 29 par. 7 Highlights From the Letters to the Thessalonians and to Timothy ***

An effective way to give counsel is to mix due commendation with encouragement to do better.

*** w69 6/1 p. 344 Do You Get the Point? ***

It is not difficult to know when some counsel is forthcoming. In the first place, you may be aware of something that has taken place in your life that might require some correction. Then, too, it is not every day that an overseer invites you to sit down for a “little chat.” A good counselor will usually preface his words of correction with some merited praise or commendation. So if this happens to you, while you should not become immediately suspicious and think the praise is insincere, keep in mind that a few valuable suggestions may follow. Prepare to accept them humbly.

9. Why does giving and receiving commendation

add to a spirit of joy in the congregation?

9 Elders today also see the importance

of putting their feelings of appreciation

for their brothers into words. (Prov. 3:

27; 15:23) Whenever an elder does that,

he tells his brothers, in effect: ‘I noticed

what you did. I care about you.’ And

fellow believers definitely need to hear

the elders’ reassuring words. A sister in

her mid-50’s spoke for many when she

said: “At work I seldom get a compliment.

There’s a cold and competitive climate.

So when an elder commends me

for something I’ve done for the congregation,

it’s so refreshing, so energizing!

It makes me feel loved by my heavenly

Father.”A brother who as a single parent

is raising two children felt similarly. An

elder recently gave him heartfelt commendation.

How did it affect our brother?

He says: “The elder’s words gave me

a real boost!” Indeed, by sincerely commending

fellow believers, an elder lifts

their spirit and deepens their joy. That,

in turn, will give them added strength to

keep on walking on the road to life “and

not tire out.”—Isa. 40:31.

COMMENTS

Argh, elders never have time to talk to anyone at the meetings let alone a sister in her 50’s. They only talk with other elders at best. I remember the WT Study conductor “commending” me for my comments but could not remember a single point I made. Or the elder who would say “how are you” on the run not waiting to hear my answer. Or the elder who could come up and say that a nameless someone in the congregation was offended because I missed too many meetings (I had been in the hospital and home recovering) but it seems the elder was unaware of these vital facts. No apology from him or who was so offended so I could follow the Matthew 18 policy.

How many elders did you know that gave “heartfelt” commendations?

“SHEPHERD THE

CONGREGATION OF GOD”

10, 11. (a) How can elders follow the example

set by Nehemiah? (b)What will help an elder to

impart a spiritual gift when making shepherding

calls?

10 What is an especially vital way in

which elders show personal interest in

their brothers and add to the congregation’s

joy? By taking the initiative

to reach out to those who need encouragement.

(Read Acts 20:28.) When elders

do so, they imitate spiritual shepherds

of old. Note, for instance, what the

faithful overseer Nehemiah did when

he saw that some of his Jewish brothers

had grown spiritually weak. The account

states that he immediately rose up

and encouraged them. (Neh. 4:14) Today,

elders want to do the same. They

‘rise up’—take the initiative—to help fellow

believers to be firm in faith. To give

such personal encouragement, they visit

their brothers and sisters in their homes

if circumstances allow. During such

shepherding visits, they want to “impart

some spiritual gift” to them. (Rom. 1:11)

What will help elders to do so?

COMMENTS

When do elders “reach out,” when they have to nitpick.

Yes, the elders visit unannounced, without making an appointment, at their convenience not that of the publisher.

*** w96 3/15 p. 26 How Christian Shepherds Serve You ***

Suggestions for Shepherding Calls

? Make an appointment: It is usually good to make an appointment. If the elder plans to handle a serious problem, it would be proper to inform the publisher of this beforehand.

I know of 3 pairs of elders whose idea of “encouragement” was to throw down a photocopy of an article on the topic for you to read later.

11 Prior to making a shepherding visit,

an elder needs to take some time to

think about the individual he will visit.

What are the person’s challenges? What

thoughts could build him or her up?

What scripture or experience of a Bible

character would be applicable to his

or her circumstances? Such forethought

will help an elder to have a conversation

that will be meaningful, not trivial. During

shepherding visits, an elder allows

his brothers and sisters to express themselves

while he listens attentively. (Jas. 1:19)

One sister said: “It’s so comforting

when an elder listens with his heart.”

—Luke 8:18.

COMMENTS

Is this the same elder who can’t remember their first name, doesn’t have access to their phone number or address who has never exchanged for than “hello, how are you” not waiting for the response; the elder who prepares by photocopying an article, who starts with a meaningless, short commendation before launching into the real purpose, to point out all the flaws of the individual, without proof or “scriptural” basis. Who stops listening as soon as you start disagreeing with the negative assessment.

12. Who in the congregation are in need of encouragement,

and why?

12 Who will benefit from receiving

shepherding visits? Paul admonished

his fellow Christian elders to “pay

attention . . . to all the flock.” Indeed, all

members of the congregation need to

receive encouragement, including those

publishers and pioneers who have faithfully

been carrying out their ministry

year after year. Why do they need the

support of spiritual shepherds? Because

sometimes such spiritually strong ones

too are nearly overwhelmed by the pressures

exerted by this wicked world. To

illustrate why even a strong servant of

God may, at times, need help from a

companion, let us consider an event in

King David’s life.

COMMENTS

Do all the flock get a visit or only deemed problems by the BOE?

The WTS has said that if the elders spent more time shepherding they might spend less time df’ing.

So do the elders have the authority to forgive a murderer or do they have to turn them over to the police?

PICTURE: Preparation helps an elder to ‘impart a spiritual gift’ on a shepherding visit

“ABISHAI . . . CAME TO HIS HELP”

13. (a) Ishbi-benob exploited what condition

of David? (b) How was Abishai able to come to

David’s rescue?

13 Shortly after young David had been

anointed as king, he stood face-to-face

with Goliath, one of the Rephaim, a race

of giants. Courageous David killed the

giant. (1 Sam. 17:4, 48-51; 1 Chron. 20:

5, 8) Years later, during a battle with

the Philistines, David again stood face-to-

face with a giant. His name was

Ishbi-benob, also one of the Rephaim.

(2 Sam. 21:16; ftn.) This time, however,

the giant nearly killed David. Why? Not

because David had lost his courage but

because he had lost his strength. The

record states: “David grew tired.” As

soon as Ishbi-benob noticed David’s moment

of physical weakness, he “got to

think of striking David down.” But then,

just before the giant thrust his weapon

into David, “at once, Abishai the son of

Zeruiah came to his [David’s] help and

struck the Philistine down and put him

to death.” (2 Sam. 21:15-17) What a narrow

escape! How grateful David must

have been that Abishai had kept an eye

on him and had quickly come to his aid

when his life was in danger! What lessons

can we draw from this account?

COMMENTS

So David had lost his physical strength…is that a requirement for elders today?

Who was Abishai?

14. (a) How are we able to conquer Goliathlike

challenges? (b) How can elders help others regain

their strength and joy? Give an example.

14 Worldwide, we as Jehovah’s people

are carrying out our ministry despite

the obstacles that Satan and his agents

place in our path. Some of us have

stood face-to-face with giant challenges,

but with full reliance on Jehovah, we

took on those “Goliaths” and conquered

them. However, at times, the constant

battle against the pressures of this world

leaves us tired and discouraged. In that

weakened condition, we are vulnerable

and in danger of being ‘struck down’

by pressures we otherwise would have

dealt with successfully. At such moments,

the timely support given by an elder

can help us to regain our joy and our

strength, as many have experienced. A

pioneer in her mid-60’s related: “Some

time ago, I did not feel well, and field

service tired me out. An elder noticed

my lack of energy and approached me.

We had an encouraging conversation

based on a Bible passage. I applied the

suggestions he gave me, and I benefited.”

She added: “How loving of that elder

to take note of my weak condition

and to give me help!” Yes, it is heartening

to know that we have elders who

keep a loving eye on us and who, much

like Abishai of old, stand ready to ‘come

to our help.’

COMMENTS

Full reliance on Jesus?

Abishai helped kill Abner and David had those who killed him executed by Solomon because of the bloodguilt.

So did this elder know that it was not a medical condition? How many have had elders and other jws give medical advice?

“KNOW THE LOVE THAT

I HAVE . . . FOR YOU”

15, 16. (a) Why was Paul dearly loved by his

fellow believers? (b) Why do we love our caring

congregation elders?

15 Being a shepherd involves hard

work. At times, elders spend sleepless

nights in prayerful concern for God’s

flock or in giving spiritual support to fellow

believers. (2 Cor. 11:27, 28) Still, elders

carry out their responsibility fully

and gladly, just as Paul did. He wrote to

the Corinthians: “I will most gladly

spend and be completely spent for your

souls.” (2 Cor. 12:15) Indeed, out of love

for his brothers, Paul fully spent himself

in strengthening them. (Read 2 Corinthians

2:4; Phil. 2:17; 1 Thess. 2:8) No

wonder the brothers dearly loved Paul!

—Acts 20:31-38.

COMMENTS

When I had a close relative dying, no support from the BOE, why, because they weren’t a jw. Or elders up all night stalking a jw who has been reported having someone of the opposite sex overnight.

Elders who say they will die for you but don’t have 3 minutes to make a phone call.

16 We as God’s servants today also

love our caring Christian elders and

thank Jehovah in our personal prayers

for providing them. They add to our joy

by showing personal interest in us. We

feel enriched by their shepherding visits.

Moreover, we are grateful that they

stand ready to come to our aid at moments

when we feel overwhelmed by

the pressures of this world. Yes, such attentive

Christian elders truly are ‘fellow

workers for our joy.’

COMMENTS

God’s servants = only jws

Caring Christian elders = 1 out of ten

Personal interest = but not knowing first name, address, phone number, names of children and spouse, (or knowing I was in the hospital and rehabbing).

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

NEXT WEEK, This is Our Spiritual Heritage.

As to this article, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.

Love, Blondie

hoser

Encouragement from an elder isn't real encouragement. They will try to tell you in a nice way that you are not doing enough.

WTWizard

Yes, it is hard work--trying to shepherd humans to go against the nature they were designed with. Each time they take desires and drives that come with human existence and regulate them, they give themselves extra work. Who, for instance, wants to do field circus? And, when no amount is "enough", hounders waste more time trying to get people who are already doing a reasonable and prudent amount into doing more. They regulate sex, money, and fun to the point where it makes extra work for them, wasting time with those 3 in the morning calls about someone who just masturbated or narrowly escaped a situation that wouldn't have been a problem without joke-hova in the first place.

We also have the fallacy "Joke-hova did it for these stock examples; you need faith that it will do the same for you". Are you a prominent Jew who is leading into the lineage of Jesus? I don't think anyone fits that description--every single one of these prayer answerings was intended to preserve that line, or to spread Christi-SCAM-ity to where it is worldwide. Since that has already been accomplished, and the answerings already written down to replace answering your issues, you should not expect to benefit from joke-hova. Tyrant David was in that line--and that thing needed to be in good standing for Jesus to appear as promised. If Tyrant David got what it deserved, that line would have been broken--so joke-hova needed to do more than normal for that thing--and write it down so it appears normal.

In the meantime, you are supposed to undergo hardship. They call it refreshing--when you get in trouble for wearing a different color shirt or your bag is some clean color (not the dirty colors that are recommended). All the hounders at a$$emblies holding up signs, directing stingy use of paper towels, and hounding for more donations. Then you are supposed to stick with just other men (is this religion against homosexuality as it claims to be?). All the fun gets sucked out. Arrangements are made to remove anything that might provide fulfillment, and you are supposed to adhere to it strictly. Any question why it's so much work?

And not worth anything. What is the point of continuing the lineage after the objective is fulfilled? Or, could it be that Christi-SCAM-ity is communism in disguise? I have looked at sites describing monastery life, and the rules resemble a communist state to a striking degree. Beth Hell is just as bad to worse--no private property, strict regulations on everything, work designed to waste your whole life. Missionary work is just as degrading, with extra regulations and sharing of so-called private property among other missionaries. Perhaps we are still going along that line--returning us to the original condition where mankind is joke-hova's slave. As would have been had Satan not intervened for us.

LoisLane looking for Superman

Blondie, I really appreciate the hard and honest work, you do for us.

As you mentioned...they have a "thing" for David. It has made me wonder the purpose of this. He was an adulterer, liar, schemer , murderer but... god used him.

Is the GB using him as an example, today, so that high up Elders feel free to be pedophiles...and or cover up pedophiles in the congregation?

Is The Watch Tower Society using the example of "King" David, to allow disfellowing offences for Elders, to be forgotten and swept under the rug?

I think it was posted, from the Elders Secret Hand Book, that if an Elder allows 3 years to go by, and no one has made an issue about this secret sin, that it shows they have god's approval and blessing.

David lied and intentionally had Uriah murdered, after befriending him, and getting his "friend's wife" pregnant. Little guys in the rank and file get DF. Same thing?

Just Lois

BroMac

been waiting for this... thanks blondie!

Elders don't make rules, who knew.

3)...... Paul saw no need to control

the faith of his brothers, and he had

no desire to do so. He was confident

that they were faithful Christians who

wanted to do what was right. (2 Cor.

2:3) Today, elders follow Paul’s example

by expressing confidence in their

brothers’ faith and motives for serving

God. (2 Thess. 3:4) Rather than making

rigid rules for the congregation, elders

rely on Scriptural principles and direction

from Jehovah’s organization. After

all, present-day elders are not the masters

over their brothers’ faith.—1 Pet. 5:

2, 3.

I'll print it off and stick it on my fridge

BlindersOff1

JakeM2012

Thanks Blondie! I appreciated this point that you made, " David knew Uriah’s name and his wife’s---that did not end well." LOL Haven't we known elders like this; in that we didn't want them to know our name??

LongHairGal

LOIS LANE:

I always felt, as you do, that they admire King David even though he was a violent man and was very devious.

They probably "love" him for the reasons you mentioned: if HE got away with all the wrongdoing he did, then why shouldn't THEY? Right?

Splash

Blondie Elders are called princes, chieftains,and sheikhs by the WTS.

You forgot to mention they are also the "Glorious ones" of 2 Pe 2:10.

Splash

BU2B

Thanks Blondie

I should go back and count, just over the past 10 years or so, how many times David is featured in a study article vs Jesus Christ. I dont have an official count but it seems like at least once a month david is featured and Jesus maybe once, twice a year? And even then its not really about him, just how he gave all power to the FDS. Blech

Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 03-31-2013 WT Study (ELDERS FELLOW WORKERS)

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