How Can an Elder Fade Successfully?

by tjlibre 30 Replies latest jw friends

  • OnTheWayOut
    OnTheWayOut

    My method may not work for you. My wife was/is firmly entrenched. She couldn't care less about the history and doctrines. She just "knows" that it's "the truth." So she wasn't going to come out with me. I just hit them with a ton of bricks out of the blue after managing to miss "some" meetings for work. The ton of bricks was a letter stating doubts. It was carefully worded enough to not be "apostate" but it was also forward enough that they became afraid that my doubts might be contagious. The letter was a resignation as an elder, saying that I did not "know" the faithful and discreet slave as the mags. suggested (several quotes) and that I was putting more and more focus into making sure that I had a decent retirement in "this system of things" as the FDS has left me wondering that I would grow old and die before Armageddon. I also resigned from the school instantly. They told me they needed Bethel approval of my resignation, so I told them to get it but to consider me done from the moment I handed them the letter. After that, I faded out quickly and refused to meet with the elders. They gave up quickly as they were afraid of what I could say.

    The C.O. came and tried to bully me. I bullied him harder. He totally blew our meeting by starting out saying he didn't have much time to talk to me because he had a dinner appointment. I told him to go enjoy the 99 and forget about the 1 [lost sheep].

    Standard advice is to step aside for work or depression. Despite your current conditions, depression is easy to establish. If you see a doctor for any reason whatsoever, you are "depressed and seeing a doctor." If you even watch a television show about a therapist/shrink (although actually going to one at least once is better than tuning in to Dr. Phil) you are "seeing a specialist because of your depression." They hate that stuff. If you swallow any pill, even a vitamin, you are "taking medication and are depressed." This can come about quickly. You can even say that your wife knows little about it and you would appreciate keeping anything you say confidential. (It will spread like wildfire that you are depressed and your marriage is shakey.)

    First ask for a reduction in theocratic assignments, then call at the last minute to cancel some, stating illness or whatever. Then say that you have let the brothers down and need to step aside from all responsibilities. Once you do this, you could expand your fade saying that your depression isn't getting better.

  • Chalam
    Chalam

    Hello TJ,

    The anxiety that I’m experiencing is serving as an affirmation that the WT exert an unhealthy power over one’s mind and emotions.

    It’s a strong contradiction, because in my spirit, I’m calm and at peace with my conscience.

    Hebrews 4:12 (New International Version)

    12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

    See if you can check out the Joyce Meyer book :)

    Blessings,

    Stephen

  • jonathan dough
    jonathan dough
    Well you could increase your time at work and than use that as an initial excuse along with the economy......

    Try being honest with yourself and others and just quit before you cause any more damage in your role as an elder.

  • besty
    besty

    An apostate elder on JWN is significantly less likely to cause damage in the cong than a true believer elder that 'knows' he has been appointed by the Holy Spirit to prince it over the rank and file.

    That much is obvious to anyone with a semi-functional brain.

  • Beth Sarim
    Beth Sarim

    yes, the control from the society/congregation is oppressive & stifling. but, after hearing the testimony of Cal Lehman on podcast, it can give one clues on how to do a successful fade. as mentioned earlier, each one's situation is unique & different in some way. the key ingredient is to keep an extremely low profile, & do as little as possible with the congregation.

    my goal someday, i don't know what year it will be, but i intend to celebrate Xmas to the full extent.

  • freewilly01
    freewilly01

    Enlist the help of a confident Psychiatrist or Psychologist to ensure that you come away from the Borg as a full whole person!

    Work with him or her on an exit strategy that will minimize the aggravation for you and your family.

    I called my exit strategy DELICATE DETACHMENT.... something I have used in relationships ever since my exit from the Borg. Get strong phsically ,Work out and leave as a strong person not a weak depressed person.

    Minimize your fear of intimidation and know your making the most awesome best decision in your life.....................Freedom of mind is such a huge turn on!!! I love it!

    Step down as soon as possible,Don't give any previous warning of your decision before you step down or talk to any other elder . Wait till the last part of the elders meeting and state that you have made a decision due to health and family issues to step down.

    The circle jerk group actually asked a few questions which I gave broadly vague answers to. I was prepared for the grilling from each one as the questions of Why? Why? were asked be each individual. Some were visibly excited at the prospect of my position opening up....and could care less and never even called me ever after I left ahhhh true friends!

    It was the most exhilirating thrilling experience to close the door behind myself and leave all the negativity forever and really enjoy my wife and family like a real man should.

  • Wasanelder Once
    Wasanelder Once

    First thing you have to do is slow down on everything. Start dumping parts occassionally. Slow down in service. Then simply resign for health reasons or depression. Its pretty standard what you have to do. Don't change who you are. If you love people and like to have them over, then do so. Just keep the conversation centered around secular things. Most dubs do that anyway. In time comment less, miss a few meetings until it becomes a habit. Its about all you can do. Your wife is not on board I assume? That is a whole different circumstance and I'll defer to the married elders to advise on that. Good luck. W.Once

  • MinisterAmos
    MinisterAmos

    One Elder in a local congo "faded" to our Spanish Language one. He went for a few weeks and is now MIA for a year or more.

  • jwfacts
    jwfacts

    I moved congregations, which made it easier to avoid re-appointment. I constantly got pressured by people as to why I was not reaching out again for my "privileges" but just shrugged it off. Over time, and with reporting only 1 hour a month I was eventually seen as unworthy and forgotten about.

  • whoknows
    whoknows

    I can tell you one thing NOT to do if you really want to fade. Do not speak about your doubts to any of your friends, even your closest friends. The gossip gets started fast that you have apostate ideas. It didn't help that my husband was an elder for 26 years and in the same area. Two years after becoming inactive and having no contact with our former JW friends, we were df'd for apostacy. You can always fight that accusation, we just chose not to, declined to attend our judicial meeting and told them to do what they were told to do.

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