I am sure I could apply my speculations to other countries, but I know the USA, so I am
being specific about pioneers in the USA.
The pressure to pioneer instead of marrying or raising a family (or both) was considerable in
the 1970's. Armageddon was coming, afterall. Then 1975 came and went. Armageddon did
not happen. The WTS saw that they had many single or childless pioneers on hand who had
devoted their entire lives to this movement- furthering the interests of the organization, selling
literature, and recruiting more members. Everyone knows that the bulk of the work and the
bulk of the success comes from the pioneers. The WTS could not let those who were frightened
by Armageddon's arrival, now go back to family and secular pursuits. They expanded their effort
to retain and recruit pioneers during the late 70's and 80's even into the 90's.
Raising children is not the most reliable way to expand the organization. It takes a long time, and
many children leave the organization. Pioneers recruiting effort were much better. So pressure
continued to see the last days as similar to the time of Noah. "Who wants to raise kids in this
wicked world?" Also, comparisons to Jerusalem's destruction where it is written that a mother
roasted her baby, and ate part of it (Mar. 1, 1988 WT- it's in there) was made to show that raising
children at such a terrible time is irresponsible.
Now, we arrive at the time when "donations-only" magazines and books are distributed. We are
at the time when those worldly potential students of the BIBLE TEACH book, are able to look at the
internet and find anti-JW rhetoric. Those dedicated pioneers are wonderfully under the WTS thumb,
but what-to-do-with-them? Any studies are still conducted by them, mostly. But they might be
costing the Borg money. They used to contribute money for their "placed" literature, but mostly, they
rely on the householders to do that, now. They leave literature that costs the Borg money, but they
are so faithful and obedient. What-to-do-with-them?????
My speculation is- The call to move to foreign areas will expand. The CO brought that movie about
building Kingdom Halls in poor countries to all the congregations. Expect more of that stuff. In the
US, there will still be a half-hearted call for pioneers, but the biggest push for that will be
vacation pioneers during flyer campaign months. (Memorial and convention invitations) The pioneers
will be encouraged to look at their circumstances to see if they can set a goal to move to Africa or
the far Pacific Islands. They won't be schooled missionaries, but they will be responsible for doing
this on their own. That's where the growth is- recruiting outside the USA. Meanwhile, back at the
ranch, the WTS will lighten up on "placements" in the field, but concentrate on campaigns.
What do you think will happen to pioneers in the near to distant future?