What happens to the elders?

Worldling9

With so many KHs closing and congos consolidating, what happens to the elders? Clearly there won't be a place for all of them. Would the older ones be the first to go, losing their long held positions of 'power'?

Saename

Well... Older elders were admonished to start teaching the younger ones so that they could "retire." At least it happened in my congregation before I left—that is about four months ago.

ab.ortega

I think they will all keep their titles, but eventually the Watchtower will place an age cap like they did for CO's and COBOEs...

Tallon

I stand under correction however, I'm guessing that the Elders will be transferred to the BOE of the congregation to which they are re-assigned.

Worldling9

So...a 79 year old egomaniac COBOE probably would lose his position if 'his' congo were dissolved? Yes, I am thinking of someone in particular...

redpilltwice

Tallon is right. Normally, many boe's consist of 5 to 7 persons. With more and more elders getting old and those with fulltime jobs I think there will be no objection against bigger boe's practically and theocratically spoken. Regarding some egomaniacs however, I know some who like to keep power over smaller boe's.

James Mixon

My sister Church Sunday celebrated older members day, seven 92 and older. One lady has severed 75 years as a usher and still seating folks. There was a topic here"they look so old", yes it's stressful being a JW. Making the comparison with older members in my sister church and older JW's, the folks in my sister church seems to be more energetic and look a lot younger. Older members (JW's) are pushed aside when they are not serviceable....

darkspilver

All things being equal, the more mature the territory is in terms of the length of time the WT has been established then surely the more 'top-heavy' it should be with regards to elders over ministerialservants anyway??

Face it, if brothers are spiritual and in good standing then, in broad brush thinking according to the WT....

A smaller amount of ministerialservants aged 20 to 34 (ie those brothers in a 14 year range)

A larger amount of elders aged 35 to death (ie those brothers in a possible example 42 plus year range)

Therefore there SHOULD be proportionally at least three times the elders to ministerialservants in WT's mature territories of say North America and Western Europe?

BluesBrother

No maximum number of elders, can have 12 , 15 or more if appointed. Age restriction apples to the COBE only (so far) .. The lobbying and horse-trading would be for the five actual positions,especially the Service Committee....The rest just sit on elders meetings and take a turn at Meeting Assignments & public talks

darkspilver

No maximum number of elders, can have 12 , 15 or more if appointed.

it surprised somebody....

https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/5678003356958720/wow-18-elders-one-congregation

The key roles on a BoE are:

Coordinator of the Body of Elders - COBO (was Presiding Overseer) (must be less than 80 years old)
Congregation Secretary
Service Overseer (old Field Overseer)
Watchtower Study Conductor
Christian Life and Ministry Overseer (was Theocratic Ministry School Overseer)
Group Overseer (one for each group of around 15 publishers)

The Congregation Service Committee is made up of the COBO, Secretary and Service Overseer

What happens to the elders?

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