Did You Think Elders Should've Been Able To Be "Elders For Life"?

by minimus 33 Replies latest jw friends

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  blondie

  Bible Students still elect their elders; some groups by secret ballot, some by a show of hands. I wonder if RR(odriguez) could shed some light on the pros and cons of doing that? My grandfather was an elected elder when he was Bible Student. Some of the people back then felt that some voted for him because he was quite a charismatic guy. But he had some flaws that some of the more spiritual ones felt should have disqualified him. He finally took himself out of the running to work on those flaws.

  I think if the judicial committee meetings were open to the congregation it might solve some of the problems. I wonder how Bible Student groups today handle serious wrongdoing and doers in their congregations?

  Blondie
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  KAYTEE

  I think they should get life for what they have done to so many people.

  KT
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  XBEHERE

  Elders are a mixed bag some are idiots and some genuinely try to help. I agree that they should be reviewed from time to time since I know many strive to get there then just slack off. I am slacking off right now though still an elder. I've been missing meetings left and right, dont comment much anymore, seldom show up for service. This has been going on for months and finally, recently another elder approached me and said hey your attendance seems to be improving (it isn't but I guess he had to start conversation somehow) and said that nobody really has noticed me missing so many meetings so just intergrate back in and you'll be good again......

  Elders
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  minimus

  Flyin', I'm sorry to hear how these people affected your daughter! Did the charismatic elder ever get removed??.......Blondie, your grandfather was a Bible Student and he too was charismatic, huh? Seems like whatever his flaws were, he was humble enough to try to work on them first.........X--I did the same thing when I faded. If you REALLY want to get out, you must continue "slacking". Believe me, it's being talked about. Congregation members are critical thinkers.
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  Doubting Bro

  Same situation for me. I've missed more meetings in the last 6 months than I probably had in the proceeding 5 years. Out in service maybe once a month, didn't even participate in the tract campaign, etc. I got a few shots in at the WT study yesterday and that was the first time I had commented at any meeting in about 2 months. I haven't really even talked to anyone when at the meetings. I'm actually conducting an experiment to see how long it will take before the rest catch on. These guys are too busy fighting with each other to pay attention to anyone else.
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  Dismembered

  Greetings Min,

  Re: Did You Think Elders Should've Been Able To Be "Elders For Life"?

  I'm still of the volition that they should be disbanded and then arrested.

  Dismembered
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  XBEHERE

  Minimus, You right and the worst critical thinkers are MS elder wannabe's and their wives and regular pioneers. I am sure I have been "brought up" and I dont give a sh*t... I want out!
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  cyberdyne systems 101

  I have to agree that most if not all elders might not make it as an Elder today if they were trying to be appointed by the level of (WTS) service they do currently, and the bad attitude they mostly have. My JW mother says they will be judged much more than any non elder if they stumble any, to which I reply then they will all be judged harshly.

  CS 101
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  minimus

  Elders are a different breed. Once you get into the "Boy's Club", you're protected by your fellow "brothers".
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  FlyingHighNow

  Flyin', I'm sorry to hear how these people affected your daughter! Did the charismatic elder ever get removed??.......

  Yes, he was removed at the same time. Thank God. He flirted with me, and right in front of my husband. He flirted with a lot of sisters. I had this very pure and idealistic view of brothers up until that point. I felt safe around them and felt they were truly like brothers. When he flirted with me, suddenly elders and other brothers became mere men. It was a huge blow to my faith and view of the org.