by bite me 22 Replies latest watchtower bible
There was a PO in a nearby congregation who was famous for always sitting there with the Outline making sure the exact pablum formula was followed. Then that congo started having a hard time getting speakers. (Can't imagine why. ) After several years, he finally put his outlines away. He also stopped "tuning up" the talk of virtually every speaker who darkened their door as well.
Us humans sure are weird critters.
Open mind
I never saw anyone removed from the platform (except for one nutso whackjob who came in and tried to take over the meeting. He was escorted out, none too friendly like).
I can remember one time, when something like what OTWO experienced...where the chairman reminded the congregation to look up info from a newer magazine after the speaker gave wrong info. And it wasn't really all the speaker's fault...he was using a Society outline that had not been updated after a recent doctrinal change. (I mean, some of those outlines were as old as I was at the time...no way they could all be correct).
But there were many times where speakers went off on tangents and said things that were not officially sanctioned by the Society. It was usually older brothers who seemed to feel the need to give a tough-as-nails approach to some of the more disciplinary talks. Maybe they were counseled later in private, but I doubt it...the next time they gave a talk, it was more of the same.
But there were many times where speakers went off on tangents and said things that were not officially sanctioned by the Society.
I remember one talk where the bro had no intention of giving his talk. He spent the whole time talking about space travel and how we would be populating other planets in the new order. He was not kicked off, and infact was quite entertaining.
There was a PO in a nearby congregation who was famous for always sitting there with the Outline making sure the exact pablum formula was followed.
Must be the same one I referred to. There couldn't be more than one of those idiots!. Right?
reading all these posts here are really making me see how much control the society has. Everytime I hear mention of PO it reminds me of a probation officer, not that I ever had one but these people at the halls sure sound like that they are like that.
Also, if it is supposed to be the individuals talk why is it they have to follow a strict outline, doesn't that make it more the halls outline and what they want you to say through them. They are just using your mind and body to speak.
Elders are always butchering the public talks, some of which actually have some good common sense advice.
One old guy based his whole talk on the first fifteen minute section of the outline and didn't read a single scripture.
A few guys used that Footprints in the Sand poem in their talks. LMAO!
Towards the end I was steering attention away from the "faithful slave" and encouraging people be humanitarian and think for themselves.
I never got called out for it.
As far as I know, it is the PO who is in-charge of the public talk. He is actually the general manager the WTS communicates with. He decides if the speaker should be taken off the platform, he can interrupt the speaker, the PO is the one to give clarification or correction from the platform after the talk is given, and also give counsel to the speaker (visiting or local) in private.
The Talk Coordinator (who is assigned by the PO) only makes the arrangement for the speakers travel and accommodation and theme and date of talk to be given.
I think the "Pay Attention" book has a page on that...?
fts
The elder who invited the guest speakers would compare the outline with the actual talk.
i was the talk co-ordinator and i never looked at outlines when talks were being given.
it does come under the responsibility of the p.o but he can't just decide to axe someone either at the time or for future invitations.
most co-ordinators are just happy that someone turns up and they don't have to try and get someone at the last minute or perish the thought have to give it themselves.
i never stuck rigidly to an outline..and i was always invited back
bite me
Also, if it is supposed to be the individuals talk why is it they have to follow a strict outline
So that all the brothers can feed at the same table of rich spiritual food provided at the proper time by the Faithful and Discreet Master Slave. Ya gotta watch that individual stuff as it can lead to ---(Gadzooks) independent thinking.
S
Since Public Talks are being reduced from 45 minutes to 30 minutes starting January '08. I wonder if that is intended to leave the brothers even less opportunity to inject any personal ideas.
It just seems weird that the talks are reduced by 15 minutes to "provide more time for Field Service"? (One explanation given in the notice.) For me, it's gonna be more time for JWD.
