Will the WTS start taking a hardline towards all the ''faders'' in the org?

by RULES & REGULATIONS 25 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  RULES & REGULATIONS

  '' Faders'' are a thorn on the sides of the WTS. They miss meetings,don't contribute any money,don't go out in service,and can contribute towards the ''spiritual sickness'' of the local congregations.

  Will there come a point where they will ask each and every ''fader'' if they wish to remain in or out of the congregation? Can they come up with scriptures to warn the congregation that you are a ''fader'' and are be marked? Would ''faders'' ever be asked to leave the organization and come back only if they remain loyal?
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  moshe

  Well, my ex-wife is a fader who no longer wants to belong to the JW's. Her home KH is 900 miles away from where she lives now. They have to find them first in order to punish them.
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  Robert7

  The beauty of fading is that it's like being guilty of a crime, but being set free due to lack of evidence. Fading in itself is not a DFing offense, neither is poor meeting attendance, or little or no field service. What they may do is get more strict on the things they CAN DF you on, like apostacy. They may start questioning the beliefs and motives of the faders and rule that they believe 'not that of the Society' and DF you. They will try to 'align' your thinking, but if you don't conform, you're out. I think they if anything will use this loophole to indirectly attack faders, but cannot directly attack fading in itself.
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  llbh

  If they treated us like df or da ones i would not mind particularly. It might cause a few problems in my family, they then would have to chose. By that choice i would know what is more important. My love for them is unconditional.

  After all most faders fade for strategic reasons, work family friends,

  I was up the UK Bethel yesterday, nothing but nothing would get me back

  regards llbh
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  chickpea

  from what i can ascertain, there isnt enough manpower to track down the "disaffected" to determine if they are malcontents or simply overwhelmed individuals who cannot continue to devote the "15 hours a week" jah requests of his stepfords..... somehow i think a mass excommunication would look bad in the stats and definitely damage the fragile morale of those teetering on the brink.......

  still.... it is an interesting line of thought!!!
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  blondie

  They do shut down the socializing to some degree. Not going to the meetings keeps you out of the information loop as to what is going on and jws are discouraged from inviting "weak" jws to social events, especially if they are missing meetings and not turning in time which are expected to come first. If no time for meetings, no time for parties, is the thinking.

  *** w05 12/15 p. 27 par. 12 Now Is the Time for Decisive Action ***Sadly, some baptized Christians have become irregular or inactive in their worship. (Hebrews 10:23-25; 13:15, 16) Some have lost their zeal because of fear of persecution, the anxieties of making a living, efforts to get rich, or the pursuit of selfish pleasures. Jesus warned that these very things would stumble, choke, and ensnare some of his followers. (Matthew 10:28-33; 13:20-22; Luke 12:22-31; 21:34-36) Instead of ‘limping on two opinions,’ as it were, such ones should "be zealous and repent" by taking decisive action to carry out their dedication to God.—Revelation 3:15-19.

  *** w04 5/1 p. 21 pars. 13-14 Strengthen One Another ***At times, the pressures of life or other difficulties can cause some to slow down or become inactive in the field service. (Mark 4:18, 19) We may not see inactive ones at congregation meetings. Yet, they likely still have a love of God in their heart. What can be done to strengthen their faith? The elders can offer kind assistance by visiting them. (Acts 20:35) Other congregation members may be asked to assist too. Such loving visits can be just the right medicine, as it were, to revive those weak in faith.

  14

  The Bible exhorts us to "speak consolingly to the depressed souls, support the weak." (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Perhaps those "depressed souls" find that their courage is giving out and that they cannot surmount the obstacles facing them without a helping hand. Can you offer that helping hand? The expression "support the weak" has been rendered "to hold fast" or "to cleave to" the weak. Jehovah cherishes and loves all his sheep. He does not view them as of little worth, and he does not wish any to drift away. Can you help the congregation "to hold fast" to the spiritually weak until they are stronger?—Hebrews 2:1.

  *** km 3/02 p. 5 pars. 4-5 "Gifts in Men" Eagerly Shepherd God’s Flock ***

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  The undershepherds look for signs that indicate when some may be faltering spiritually. Any who show signs of discouragement, who become irregular in attending meetings, or who slow down in field service are likely in need of spiritual assistance. The elders are eager to help any who begin to display a tendency toward worldly dress and grooming or who develop a critical attitude toward the congregation. With genuine interest and tender affection, concerned overseers willingly ‘impart their own souls’ in efforts to help such ones rekindle their love for Jehovah.—1 Thess. 2:8.

  5

  In the past, some dedicated Christians have lost contact with the congregation, lapsing into spiritual inactivity because they have become overwhelmed by health problems, economic setbacks, or family pressures. Without being critical, the elders kindly give assurance that Jehovah cares for all his sheep and will sustain them through hard times. (Ps. 55:22; 1 Pet. 5:7) Alert shepherds of the flock can help them to realize that if they ‘draw close to God, he will draw close to them,’ giving comfort and refreshment.—Jas. 4:8; Ps. 23:3, 4.

  *** km 6/89 pp. 1-2 Enjoying Theocratic Association ***

  1

  Jehovah’s Witnesses refer to one another as "brother" and "sister." This denotes the close relationship that should exist among all servants of Jehovah God.

  2

  The term "brother" literally means "son of the same parents." Do you feel the bonds of a warm spiritual relationship with all of those who are dedicated servants of Jehovah? How can we further cultivate the kind of love that proves us to be a brother or a sister to our Christian associates?AT MEETINGS

  3

  Jesus’ disciples appreciated the importance of meeting together. (Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7, 8) We also treasure the privilege of warm Christian fellowship. (Rom. 16:3, 5) However, do the expressions we make at the meetings reveal that we are genuinely concerned about the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters? Through our comments at meetings, we can promote love and unselfish interest in the welfare of others. We want to encourage our brothers to be zealous in proclaiming the good news and to be exemplary in all aspects of daily living.—Heb. 10:24, 25.

  4

  There are many opportunities for theocratic association before and after the meetings. We should use this time to widen out in our association by welcoming newer ones and getting acquainted with as many as we can. Sharing field service experiences and other upbuilding conversation will contribute to the encouragement of others.—1 Thess. 5:11, 15.WHOLESOME ASSOCIATION

  5

  One cannot walk with God while running in association with those of the wicked and sick society that approves of everything that God abhors. The Bible warns: "Bad associations spoil useful habits." (1 Cor. 15:33) Some in the congregation may be inclined to invite worldly acquaintances and unbelieving relatives who have no interest in the truth to social gatherings, thinking that this will encourage them to accept the truth. However, is this wise and in harmony with the Scriptures?

  6

  We have been counseled to be cautious in our dealings with men of the nations, unbelievers, and ordinary persons. (See the November 15, 1988, issue of TheWatchtower, pages 15-16.) Why should we have unnecessary social contact with people who still pursue worldly ways and who have not become worshipers of Jehovah? (2 Cor. 6:14, 15) Some who are negligent spiritually may seek out others who also hold on to worldly thinking and ways instead of seeking association with mature Christians who could help them become strong in the faith. They fail to appreciate that attendance at social gatherings with worldly, unprincipled people can weaken their faith and corrupt them.—Compare 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15.

  7

  Everyone wanting to practice the truth should search out associates who are devoted to Jehovah and who will help him to walk in the truth and contribute to his progress in serving God. Our friends and associates can have a profound effect on us. Therefore, how wise it is to seek out the company of godly persons who maintain a close relationship with Jehovah!
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  JK666

  I don't think that they are going to go after all of the faders. It would affect their numbers too much - unless they lie about that too. Now I know that they would like to put the kabosh on everybody here.

  JK
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  south african beef

  Why were you at the UK Bethel llbh?

  I agree with most posters on this thead - there are too many faders for the powers that be to really do anything about.

  SAB
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  AllTimeJeff

  It is my opinion that the GB is still naieve about how many are actually "faders". I have been surprised since I left how many knew how to play the game. So often as I read about the different stories of faders here and on other JW forums, I find myself looking back on my elder days saying "So THAT is what they were doing..." Esp if faders play their cards right and just claim that "depression" is bothering them, there really is no way to pursue the matter. In addition, the elders are overwhelmed just keeping up with the basics of the job. There are no resources available to chase down suspicious faders. The policy of the GB is to let apostates reveal themselves. They claim that this is evidence of Jehovah's spirit in action... lol! So is cleaning the toilet at the KH to these yahoos...

  Fading is still the best option for most. Esp if you are able to move, there is no way they can catch up with you. Most elders can't even keep up with their book studies so they aren't going to after someone without their typical "evidence". Just because you go missing doesn't mean you are going to be disfellowshipped.

  Marking is an entirely different matter, and this may be a tool the GB can use in the future imo. Certainly they don't need a whole lot of reason to look down on people, and depending on the mood of the local elder body, they can make a case for marking. Of course, marking doesn't cause shunning, and it is highly unlikely that a fader is looking for a whole lot of association with JW's they aren't related to. And you can't name names in a marking.

  I can't forsee a circumstance that will allow faders to be pursued.
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  ESTEE

  Isn't "marking" a type of hardline?

  ESTEE