by cameo-d 11 Replies latest jw friends
Any of you that are elders or ex-elders...
did you ever have certain people in your cong that would call you at home very often with trivial or constant questions concerning "what should I do"? Did you feel that your position actually served a useful purpose for people who could not think or reason for themselves?
Did you often give up time with your own family in order to be available to these constant groupies calling for advice?
That has happened to my husband. Some people call for the stupidest things,I only know because some will tell me why they called. Thank God for caller ID we ignore most calls. Why do they think he works 24/7 and would love to listen to their problems? We have a life that is relatively drama free, I do not need the wackos calling all the time. Some people cannot discern what is a problem and what they can handle themselves as an adult.
Curious Butterfly: "That has happened to my husband. Some people call for the stupidest things,I only know because some will tell me why they called. Thank God for caller ID we ignore most calls. Why do they think he works 24/7 and would love to listen to their problems? We have a life that is relatively drama free, I do not need the wackos calling all the time. Some people cannot discern what is a problem and what they can handle themselves as an adult."
But isn't that supposed to be a big part of his DUTIES as an elder? To take those calls and comfort and guide the flock? Isn't he derelict in his DUTIES to the congregation by ignoring the members who are calling on him for guidance? Even if it is stupid stuff? How would those members feel to know that they are considered as "wackos"?
When members have a need for guidance and they are ignored or treated badly by the Elders does this affect these people possibly being DF'd in the future because of underlying grievences against them, i.e. being labeled as "pests"?
This is why their are hardly any brothers stepping up and reaching out to be elders. There are too many horror stories that long time elders or just in general that have been passed around to ward off many reaching out.
The duties as an elder are to help the congregation, but first and foremost as a qualification you have to take care of your family. If that means no phone calls after a certain time at night and in an emergency, then I wouldn't fault an elder for that.
When members have a need for guidance and they are ignored or treated badly by the Elders does this affect these people possibly being DF'd in the future because of underlying grievences against them, i.e. being labeled as "pests"?
Quite possibly, but the society will just say that they were weak and lacking faith in Jehovah God and not waiting on him to take care of things in his own time. In other words, good riddance, thanks for your donations, but see ya.
cameo-d....You've NEVER been a Jehovah's Witness, right?
cameo-d....You've NEVER been a Jehovah's Witness, right?
My exact sentiments.
Journey-on: "cameo-d....You've NEVER been a Jehovah's Witness, right?"
Oh...here we go again
No, Journey-on, I have never had the privilege of being that super-special. Please explain your point in asking.
Cameo,
A few in every congregation are lonely and want a bit of attention and/or are depressed, so they call the elders ALL THE TIME! They called my grandfather at all hours of the day and night asking things that they should have known the answers for and/or were of such a personal nature that it was just embarrassing for my grandfather. Their calls interrupted his family life and work life so much that my grandmother began screening the calls (no caller ID). They were as bothersome and pointless as prank calls. Only a very few had merit and he dealt with those as he was supposed to have.
My point is that maybe there is a need for such an organization.
Maybe those of you who have escaped just recognized that you did not belong because you were independent in your reasoning skills and blessed with a little common sense.
Perhaps there is some kind of mental deficiency with some people and they need to have this security of being able to rely on someone they consider to be more "wise" because they are truly incapable of making decisions about their own life.
Suppose there is something genetic about certain people that makes them helpless and unsure of themselves?
Suppose at one time there were plans for such an organization designed to encourage and help these type of people, but it later became twisted and corrupted through the abuse of power? Suppose such a plan was designed by a benevolent group, but the WT seized the benevolent plans and turned them into opportunity to make chattel out of their wards?
Perhaps there is some kind of mental deficiency with some people and they need to have this security of being able to rely on someone they consider to be more "wise" because they are truly incapable of making decisions about their own life.
That's the ticket to me. Since the bOrg wants the rank and file to be childlike I'm not surprised this happens.
When I first saw your topic I thought it was going to be about sisters chasing after available or recently available elders (because of divorce or death of the wife - I've seen both) to marry.
