Can a brother buy his way eldership ? (page 2)

onacruse

Yes. All it took was a $100,000 low-interest loan for the new KH.

It is my observation that if a "brother" is wealthy and provides employment for other JWs, this will cover a multitude of sins and he may very well be appointed to elder - whether he deserves it or not - and even if he has been guilty of a past major transgression either in the hall or in the community.

LHG

minimus

Those with $$$$$$$ tend to get more recognized, especially if they take out the CO and his wife for expensive dinners, take them boating and vacation with them as well as generously give of their "unrighteous riches". I know of a formerly disfellowshipped man in the early 80s that almost immediately got appointed MS and within a year's time was appointed as an elder.

VanillaMocha73

You want an even better one? You can buy your way into the GB too. Well, speculation admittedly, but one is there whose son is (or was) a HUGE contributor - he pays mom and dads way everywhere - a GB member who does not need the WT to pay his way.

Paralipomenon

Not outright, but most wealthy members will "wine and dine" the elders in the congregation. This buys them into the 'elite club'. When appointments come around they like to promote friends.

XBEHERE

When appointments come around they like to promote friends

I find this to be more important than money in many cases. The elders will try not to promote someone they feel will not tow the company line or agree with the particular mood of that body. It is true friends are often made via money or flaunting of their lifestyle...i.e. hosting gatherings where classy food and drink run aplenty where elders are always invited, but that person still may not be appointed if the PO and other prominent elders dont see eye to eye with him. Unless of course the CO likes him then he'll be shoved down the elders throats and likely be made PO or Secretary or SO eventually.

Atlantis

Payoffs and bribes for positions in the Watchtower Society go all the way to the top!

tijkmo

my take on people with money is that they have learned how to do things and how to get things done.they know how to play the game.

therefore they have worked out that generally in life people are taken more seriously if they are not beligerent or overly demanding and so go about their days with a quiet but confident manner.

such people are not necessarily any more genuine than someone of little means but looks are important.

usually they are busy enough making money that they dont throw tantrums when not appointed..which is a surefire way of thwarting a less experienced bro in his attempts

and of course they can afford to take days off for the circuit visit..they understand the importance of being on time..they can buy everyone a coffee and cake on a congregation fs day..and can bring the love of the bros from some faraway place that they were on holiday at but didnt miss meetings obviously.

so yes ....fine elder material

unless they made their money from rap music

OnTheWayOut

Adding to tijkmo's comments;

A poor man cannot afford to miss work, he works physically hard, he might have to miss meetings
because he is sick or exhausted, and needs to get back to work tomorrow.
A poor man cannot take his vacation time to auxilary pioneer, or take the day off during the CO visit.
A poor man might not be able to go to the District Convention. Perhaps he'll come for just the
weekend portion or maybe just Sunday for the drama, staying at work Friday.
A poor man has to fix his car or his roof on the weekend. His field service might be minimal.

In short, a poor man can be labeled as spiritually weak.

It's not wrong for the man of means to buy the CO's coffee and muffin during the day that the
man of means took off from work to get out in the ministry. The elders encouraged brothers to
take the day off if they could, it doesn't look like kissing up. It's not wrong for the man of means
to pay to have his roof repaired, and to get a new car, and to spend more than 10 hours a month
in the ministry. Since he isn't as exhausted as a poor man, he spends more time on his TMS
talks. They seem smoother, more polished.

The man of means sent his wife out into the pioneer ministry. That was encouraged by the
society, no kissing up or buying that privilege. His dry-cleaned suits look better than the hand-
washed clothes of a poor man wearing a wrinkled sport coat over them.

I am pleased that I was always able to avoid judging people by such appearances, I thought. But
as a JW elder, I wasn't perfect at this. I am getting better all the time, now.

Finally-Free

For a price you can be Jehovah for a day.

W

Can a brother buy his way eldership ?