Did anyone else experience a nostalgic throwback to the 1990s when the latest Watchtower announcements presented their demand for increased donations from congregations as a “simplified” arrangement?
5. Adjustment to Resolved Congregation Donations: In the past, the congregation was presented with multiple resolutions to donate funds to the branch office in support of vari- ous activities cared for by the organization. This arrangement has been simplified. For the upcoming service year, the congregation will be presented with a single resolution to do- nate a monthly amount to the worldwide work.The phrase “simplified arrangement” was all the vogue for a while in Watchtower speak, especially during the 1990s.
For example we had:
The simplified magazine arrangement which meant we’re not going to send out personal subscriptions any more
The simplified literature arrangement which meant we’ve been prevented by law from charging for the literature but keep sending us the money all the same
The simplified food arrangement which meant we can’t make money from selling food at the conventions any more so just bring your own
I’m sure there were others, but I’m struggling to remember the details. Was there a simplified elder arrangement and a simplified pioneer arrangement too? Can you remember any other “simplified” arrangements? Was scrapping the book study meeting also described as a “simplification”?
Some common features of these “simplified arrangements“ include:
1. They save Watchtower money
2. Cost ordinary JWs more money
3. Make JW life a little bit less enjoyable
4. Watchtower don’t state the real reason behind the new “arrangement” you have to figure it out for yourself
I would find it interesting to trace the origin of this Watchtower jargon and its use over the past few decades.