Have you ever known elders who were more into being and elder than really being a believer?

by phoenixrising 29 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  waton

  very interesting theme. pre 1975 wt had a brief chance to stop the crassest politicking when they had mandatory rotating of power "roles",

  There are natural leaders. The same Nazis, Commies and now Democrats staying and rising to that slot. Problem is:

  The actions required are incompatible with what the "jesus" ideal calls for. Slaves being the ones in the first positions.

  PS: WT's impossible doctrines, and their flip flopping actually enhances the Power-drunk elders position, because they can rub that in, their power depends not on their being on the right or righteous side, but on the power they grabbed and wt gave them. .
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  minimus

  Most elders believed the Organization. Most elders admired themselves.
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  Mickey mouse

  Many, if not most.
• 

  LongHairGal

  PHOENIXRISING:

  In looking at all the answers here, I would have to conclude that a well-liked, fair or unbiased elder, not in love with his title 🙄 is in the minority in the JW religion.

  In fact, I really believe that because of how things are set up in the religion (organization) - it would be unlikely for such a person to exist for very long in that position.
• 

  waton

  it would be unlikely for such a person to exist for very long in that position.

  LHG: If a "Jesus" character as depicted in the gospels, were to move into a wt congregation, with good recommendation, as deserved, he would be disfellowshipped within 3 1/2 years.
  
  
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  JWTom

  LHG

  Many of the Elders that care and want to do what is right to help others are butchered by the many losers that are described well in this thread. I was one for many years and eventually gave up since the rest of the body of elders in many cases has zero interest in doing anything to really help others - beyond disciplining them constantly.
  
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  Simon

  What people forget is that the elder arrangement isn't so much for the benefit of the congregation, it's for the benefit of the organization. It's a little like the HR department - if you believe HR is there to represent your best interests and not that of the company, well, you're in for a shock one day you naive young thing.

  It allows them to filter out the principled and select for advancement those that will support and obey the organization and put it's well-being first. They will be 'promoted' to higher positions, which is why you don't get many / any whistleblowers or people taking a stand over things at the higher levels.

  As they move up, they'll see more and more behind the curtain. All the real goings on and more evidence that "spirit direction" is a joke. But at that point they've already been checked for lack of sincerity so they fit right in and don't rock the boat.

  There are many elders who are sincere but many are weak and will do what they are told. They will be overruled by those who see it as a position of power and responsibility, possibly the only one they have ever had and will ever get in their life, and they can bully people with it.
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  cofty

  A good guide is to determine how an elder sees himself in relation to the rest of the congregation.

  Some see themselves as father figures - they patronise and infantalise the congregation and get offended when their 'advice' is not appreciated.

  Some are policemen - they want to rule the lives of the congregation and keep everybody in line. They impose their petty consciences on others.

  A few are celebrities - they love adoration and praise.

  A minority see themselves as a big brother - but not in an Orwellian way. They look out for the congregation by caring about individuals in need of encouragement or practical help. They try to lead by example and encourage others to exercise their own conscience. Elders of this type often end up burned out and disillusioned - as do their long-suffering families.
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  JWTom

  cofty

  They look out for the congregation by caring about individuals in need of encouragement or practical help. They try to lead by example and encourage others to exercise their own conscience. Elders of this type often end up burned out and disillusioned - as do their long-suffering families.

  Many of these are still in the org. but are no longer appointed men. Having realized that doing what you described well is simply going to leave them ground up in the gears of the org. I would put myself in that category and as I commented above - there are simply too many others that could care less about helping people in a practical way.
  
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  Finkelstein

  Simon says ......

  possibly the only one they have ever had and will ever get in their life, and they can bully people with it.

  The psychological engagement of power and a uplift in personal stature or self identity is what drives many men to be JWS elders, to bask in the power of god is a glorious thing indeed.