What I am amazed about then, seeing there is no real training at all, is when my wife's parents were having problems, she wanted them to be counseled by their elders....what good would that do other than making their issues most likely gossip in the congregation?
Are they at least required to follow a confidentiality oath with respect to goings on in peoples private affairs?
All they would have done for her parents is pointed out scripture and suggested a study leading to conversion..... For those already JWs it usually more FS, better attendence and if need be a study to re-energize the person..... Marriage counseling for the longest time was forbidden and is only now somewhat acceptable depending on BOE opinions. Confidentiality only exsists when the Legal Department instructs Elders directly. Some Elders are better keeping quiet then others......