Talk # 13: SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD IN YOUR CARE, PART 1 - Brother Bethel-COOT
Synopsis: Jesus told Peter to feed his little sheep, so elders should shepherd the flock. Elders should be sincerely concerned for flock, approachable. Learn to recognize spiritual condition of the sheep, and give them appropriate guidance. Definition of a shepherding call: "loving personal assistance & encouragement". Prepare well for the calls, and don't overstay your visit.
Sir's analysis: Assuming the several congregations I have served in are typical, shepherding is the least liked & least done activity of the elders. This was a part to spur/guilt the elders into doing their jobs. Again, based on the items emphasized, it seems that many elders have the reputation of being harsh, unapproachable, only making shepherding calls when someone screws up, and then offer their own ideas rather than Society-approved directives.
Egregious quotes: Among a series of "self examination" type questions: "Do others, even children, readily approach us?"
Given the reputation the Society has earned, not sure that "children approaching elders" is the image they want to project.
Among the example of persons who need a shepherding call: "A young one who used to have praiseworthy theocratic goals now is sullen, quiet, and when he does speak, it is with worldly speech".
This was followed by the question, "What might be the cause?" Answers from the audience:
"Could be bad association, unwholesome music, school teachers & counselors telling youngster that his parents are out of date for pushing theocratic goals"
Under the topic of "effective teaching": "If a question arises on a call, take out the WT Index and show them how to look up the information. This shows humility, and the deepness of your respect for what the organization has to say."
"When a sheep's heart is responsive, they will respond to encouragement. Be careful that the scriptures chosen do not appear to point to the weaknesses they may have." (Hrrmm, well that pretty much eliminates every Watchtower study article for the past 2 decades...)
Talk # 14: SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD IN YOUR CARE - PART 2 - Brother SICO
Synopsis: More details on shepherding. Prepare for visits with the particular publisher's needs in mind. Shepherding can also been done in field service, in the ministry, or by phone. Look for things to commend them on. A few demos of brothers preparing for shepherding, then doing the shepherding.
Sir's analysis: Not a whole lot different than Part 1. Aside from the demos, seemed to cover pretty much the same points.
Egregious quotes: None.
Talk # 15: ENCOURAGE YOUNG MEN TO REACH OUT - Brother Local Elder
Synopsis: There is a great need for more servants "on a global scale" - hundreds of thousands being baptized every year. Encourage young brothers to reach out for theocratic privileges. 6 ways to "help younger brothers":
1) Select a young brother and "take him under your wing"
2) Encourage them to regular pioneer
3) Discuss young brothers "with potential" during elders meetings
4) Utilize young brothers wh are eager to assist (e.g., microphones, stage, etc.)
5) Involve the ministerial servants in helping the young ones
6) Be generous in giving sincere commendation
Followed by interviews
Sir's analysis: Another opportunity to thoroughly condemn higher education. At least as much time was spent on relating the foolishness of pursuing universtiy education as was spent on figuring out how to get persons to want to be elders or ministerial servants.
Egregious quotes: "Elders should treat each young man in the congregation as if he were his own son. Especially young ones who are inclined to go to college or have a worldly career. Share with them the importance of developing Godly qualities."
Under point 3 from above, "discussing young brothers with potential": "In the business world, young men with potential are viewed as a threat to the older ones in a corporation. That is not the case in Jehovah's organization."
Interview with an elder, who at 18 wanted to leave home to go to college to pursue an engineering degree. "My mother refused to allow me to go, and I am so grateful. If I had gone to college I would not be in the truth today."
"Young men today are faced with a choice of careers - either one in this dying system of things, or in serving Jehovah"
"The world uses people up and throws them away when they are done with them. Jehovah's organization is not like that."
(That last comment was particularly galling to me. A friend of mine & his wife had served in Bethel for a number of years. She contracted lupus, and could not work the 40 hour week required. In fact, she is not expected to live many more years. Despite decades of unquestioning loyalty, the couple were rather unceremoniously told their services were no longer required in Bethel. They ended up going to California and he works for a brother doing some sort of menial job.)