by pirata 7 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
The arrangement for Body of Elders and deacons / minsisterial servants existed pre-1932 (democratically elected) and post-1971 ("theocratically" appointed).
Are there any here who remembers how things were run from 1932-1971? I see mention of the "Congregation Overseer" and a committee of men to carry out his instructions, but not too clear on much beyond this. Did the congregatino overseer pretty much run the show and make all the decisions? Did the position rotate?
Back in the late 1950's to about 1967 or so we had as best as I can recollect: The District servant, the circuit servant, At the congo level, the presiding minister, the assistant presiding minister, the bible study servant, that was your committee, the ministry school servant, the book study servant, the book and magazine servant (I think that one was called something else). We were just looney with servants.
Maybe someone else will recall some of those titles. "Did the congregation overseer pretty much run the show and make all the decisions? Did the position rotate?"
Yes, the presiding minister called the shots and his position did not rotate. I remember how disappointed my brother-in-law was when the Elder arrangement started. He'd been top dog for a decade, that was His congregation! LOL
Congregation Servant
Assistant Congregation Servant
Watchtower Study Conductor
Ministry School Servant
Magazine/Territory Servant
Literature Servant
Accounts Servant
Bible Study Servant
Group Study Conductor(s)
Of course when the elder arrangement started the elders used to rotate on an annual basis so no-one was top dog for more than a year. A gracious provision from Jehovah that was chopped after a few years!
George
In the smaller congregations most of us had to do more than the one job!
George
Just my observation--in our area. When they started the elder arrangement, more men became interested in becoming witnesses as that gave them the chance to attain a position of importance. Often, UBM's decided to join their wives at the KH. I felt that after the elder arrangement started, the ratio of men to women increased quite a bit--although they were still in the minority.
My father was one of those men. He managed to work his way up to elder although to this day I don't see how he qualified.
During that time period what was the policy on shunning? Was it possible to walk away from the sect with less repercussions than there is today?
Asked and answered. Read the archives.
Farkel
Thanks All!
Farkel, are you referring to the "Best of" section? I should read through those one day...
