by Truthexplorer 34 Replies latest jw friends
For me, we had moved for business reasons. (how convenint!) I decided I didn't want to serve anymore, as an Elder nor the WT.
It was my choice, even though the new congregation thought they were getting a new Elder. At the time, I was being used with the RBC, and had just come off the Pioneer list.
It may appear there is little or no reason, but obviously that is not logical. What you mean to say is you didn't know the reason. There were probably a lot of JW's who were puzzled when I stepped down. The WTB&TS, the Circuit Overseer and the body of elders knew exactly why I stepped down because I sent them all a detailed three page letter. Curious, the CO was demoted to the rank and file a short time later.
Well, I know a couple of brothers who stepped down as elders because of burnout, and having problems within the elder body, even if, they weren't personally involved. And a few have to step down because of family issues.
And I know of one elder who didn't go to his daughter's wedding because she was marrying a "worldly" man. If he went he would have to give up his position. I thought that would be a conscious matter though. She didn't get married in a church or anything like that. That kind of confused me.
The only ones I knew that stepped down HAD a reason to do so because everybody knew their family's business. I've known some "brothers" who moved into the area and kept themselves busy enough to keep them from being asked to be and elder.
In my experience , very few elders would step down for very little reason - most would grimly hold on to their position despite often very strong grounds for removal. It really is a "hero to zero" when an elder comes off - he becomes just another publisher and at a stroke loses his whole image and responsibilities - and his wife (if he is married) loses her reputation in the cong. A lot depends on the BOE and CO - some will happily encourage an elder to resign and even initiate it , others will cut an elder a lot of slack and let them take a sabbatical for a few months and basically do anything other than see him come off.
Thanks for all replies,
When I meanT stepping down for now apparent reason, I was meaning how it may have a appeared to the R&F within the cong or to those who knew the elder well; and therefore may have come as a bit of a shock to some.
TE
i know of an elder (my father in law ) who stepped down and stopped attending meetings over 10 years ago after his sonwas disfellowshipped for an affair with me , a few months back he told my hubby not to come to his house anymore as it was "difficult "for his jw wife and kids who felt guilty ! as far as we know he still does not attend meetings . i know of two others who stepped down for anxiety problems and one because he had feelings for me which made him feel guilty but he obviously didnt give that reason at the time . i think all elders would have a good reason for stepping down ,but it would not nesacarilly be the reason they give to the cong and fellow elders
I like to think that elders who step down for "no apparent reason" are actually being led by Holy Spirit.
I started to step down...but instead I made the local yokels remove me in front of the CO a couple of months later. I had enough on them saps that I could have gotten one or more of them removed...
....but then I would have been deeper in the steaming pile of crap..... I was ready to go.... they removed me... I changed congos.....welcomed with open arms...until they found out this MTS grad was no longer an elder and not eligible for reapppointment for 3 years (not judicial)...since I didnt step down as I was asked.... 9 months later...no more Kingdumb Hell...
..now I am free...
but elders always step down for a reason.... even if not apparent..
I knew 3 that had stepped down before me..... at least one no longer attends... my old roomate and former (his choice) best friend was the PO...a few months ago his teen son was DF...... now he is not an elder either..dont know what he is doing.. he no longer contacts me....kinda miss him.
Snakes (Rich )
