So if you cared to read a little bit of my story in my previous posts, you'll know that I am currently in active duty as a ministerial servant TM.
Well, I had spoken to a few elders in my hall and informed them that it was my desire to no longer "serve" in that capacity. (I have been declining in the past few months and I think that is pretty obvious to many in the hall. Not to mention how much my faith has weakened in this organization.)
Well apparently I wasn't clear enough when I stated that. Fast forward to about 3 weeks ago and I received my very first and very own shepherding call TM . I once again told the brothers that I no longer wish to be a servant, this time striving to be more forward in saying it. One elder points out that I don't have to step down TM, assuming there is no wrongdoing, but can continue serving without any responsibility for a period of time. I told him that I found that to be a slap in the face for those who are reaching out TM and often get overlooked. He agreed but said he would get back to me in a few weeks and see what my final decision would be. In my head I thought, "The same."
This last week he and another elder (you know proper protocal) asked me at the meeting about my answer and I told them straight. "I no longer want to be a servant." He asked me why, just to make sure. I expressed to him that I'm burned out and need to restructure myself. (False hope, I know. I have no intentions of ever serving again.)
Here is where you "lying apostates" (LOL ) come in.
This is supposedly a volunteer position. You know what the elder says? That he is going to discuss it with the rest of the body as to whether to send a letter to the society now or wait until the CO visit to accept/confirm my resignation. He met with most of the elders briefly and they decided to wait for the CO visit. He reassured me that upon that decision by the body, I am still a servant and that everything will continue as such.
So though ME, MYSELF, and I resigned, together, all at once, according to Watchtower I'm not done until THEY SAY SO or GIVE the brothers the proper approval.
I now humbly bow at the truth that you "lying apostates" relayed to me via this forum about how these situations function. "You can check in, but you can never leave." Oh how true!
I thank you all for preparing me. (Oh and thank you too, elder's manual!! Your faithful disciples followed the procedure to the T.)
I left out a lot of details to try and keep this short. But I'm glad to finally be taking another step.
CoC