Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 08-21-2011 WT Study (SHEPHERD)
by blondie 23 Replies latest jw friends
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blondie
Comments You Will Not Hear at the 08-21-11 WT Study (MAY 15, 2011, pages 20-24)(SHEPHERD FLOCK)
Review comments will be headed by COMMENTS
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Quotes from other sources will be indented and identified
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g = Awake
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“SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD
IN YOUR CARE”
“Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under
compulsion, but willingly.”—1 PET. 5:2.
OPENING COMMENTS
Take note of the snippets and citations in this article. How many jws will check the context?
START OF ARTICLE
1. What circumstances were Christians facing
when Peter wrote his first letter?
SOMETIME before Nero launched his persecution
against Christians in Rome, the apostle
Peter wrote his first letter. He wanted
to strengthen his fellow believers. The Devil
was ‘walking about,’ seeking to devour
Christians. To stand firm against him, they
needed to ‘keep their senses’ and to ‘humble
themselves under the mighty hand of God.’
(1 Pet. 5:6, 8) They also needed to stay united.
They could not afford to be “biting and
devouring one another,” for that could result
in their being “annihilated by one another.”—
Gal. 5:15.
COMMENTS
If anointed Christians were “biting and devouring one another,” how could they qualify to rule in heaven over the rest of humans. Even if God waved his wand and made them perfect upon resurrection as spirits, how could that part of their personality change, personality adjustment?
Can you think of the congregations you attended (or attend)? Do/did you see biting and devouring? By the “weak” or the “mature”? Who have you been bitten by more, jws or non-jws, who caused the most pain, deliberate pain.
My experiences in over 20 congregations, 10 states, 3 countries…it was the elders and their wives that caused the most “biting and devouring” as they felt they were qualified to judge and punish others. I can remember screaming from the elders room after the meeting, being told of 8 hour scream fests in congregations between elders, “enemies” being personally marked and then that elder/his wife telling others privately of their “personal” marking of individuals so that these would copy their “personal” marking.
*** w85 4/15 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***
If a Christian feels that someone in the congregation is not the best of association because of that person’s conduct or attitude, should he personally ‘mark’ that individual in accord with 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15?
Those who become part of the Christian congregation do so because they love Jehovah and sincerely want to live by his principles. It is better to fellowship with these than with worldly people. We may be more comfortable with certain Christians, as Jesus ‘especially loved’ the apostle John and was particularly close to 3 of the 12. Still, he chose, was interested in, and loved all of them. (John 13:1, 23; 19:26; Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33) Though all brothers have failings of which we must be understanding and forgiving, we know that for the most part fellow believers are wholesome companions. (1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 7:1-5) Love for one another is an identifying mark of the Christian congregation. —John 13:34, 35; Colossians 3:14.
On occasion, however , someone may have an attitude or way of life of which we personally do not approve. The apostle Paul wrote about some in Corinth whose personal views about the resurrection were not right and who may have had an ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ attitude. Mature Christians in the congregation needed to be cautious about such ones, for Paul advised: “Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.”—1 Corinthians 15:12, 32, 33.
This general counsel is also valid today. For example, a Christian couple may find that their children are adversely affected when they spend time with certain other youngsters, who may not yet take the truth seriously or may be worldly minded. These other children may yet benefit from godly training. But until there is evidence of that, the couple might restrict their children as to playing with and visiting those youngsters. This would not be a ‘marking’ such as spoken of in 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. The parents simply are applying Paul’s advice to avoid “bad associations.”
2, 3. Against whom should we be fighting, and
what are we going to consider in this series?
2 Today, we face a similar situation. The
Devil is looking for opportunities to devour
us. (Rev. 12:12) And ahead of us looms a
“great tribulation such as has not occurred
since the world’s beginning.” (Matt. 24:21)
Just as first-century Christians had to guard
against squabbling among themselves, so
must we. To accomplish this, at times we
need help from qualified older men.
COMMENTS
“devour us” = evidently only jws are worthy of the Devil’s attention because the WTS considers all others already under his control.
Jesus initially told his followers that they would face a “great tribulation.” How do some feel that was fulfilled in the first century?
***w97 12/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 17-18 ***
However, the full execution of Jehovah’s judgment in the climax of the tribulation was yet to come. In 70 C.E., the Roman legions, now under General Titus, returned to the attack. This time the battle was decisive! The Jews, who had been warring even among themselves, were no match for the Romans. The city and its temple were razed to the ground. More than a million emaciated Jews suffered and died, some 600,000 corpses being thrown out of the city gates. After the city fell, 97,000 Jews were carried off captive, many to die later in gladiatorial spectacles. Truly, the only flesh saved during the years of that tribulation was that of the obedient Christians who had fled to the mountains beyond the Jordan.—Matthew 24:21, 22; Luke 21:20-22. Thus, Jesus’ great prophecy concerning “the conclusion of the system of things” had its first fulfillment, culminating in Jehovah’s day for meting out justice on the rebellious Jewish nation in 66-70 C.E.
So were the Christians the only ones that survived? 97,000 Jews did not die then. If this corresponds to the WTS great tribulation of today, then there would be non-jw survivors.
Squabbling = the worst case of this have seen in among elders on an elder body, among elders on 2 or more elder bodies (especially sharing a KH), and between elder bodies and the circuit overseer.
How then can the rank and file expect any “help from qualified older men”?
3 Let us consider how elders can enhance
their appreciation for the privilege of shepherding
‘the flock of God in their care.’(1 Pet. 5:2)
Thereafter, we will reflect on the
proper way of carrying out the shepherding
work. In the next article, we will examine
how the congregation can ‘have regard for
those who are working hard and presiding
over’ the flock. (1 Thess. 5:12) A consideration
of these matters will help us to take a
firm stand against our chief Adversary, recognizing
that he is the one with whom we
have a wrestling.—Eph. 6:12.
COMMENTS
Do elders see shepherding as a privilege or a burden, an interference in their personal lives? Why does the circuit overseer have to check and make sure they have made these visits, and why do elder bodies work so hard to give the appearance of having done so without the substance even to the point of doing drive-by shepherding?
What does it mean for elders to work hard and to preside. Are they not supposed to be working side by side with the sheep not “over” them? Didn’t the WTS itself see the need to change the term, presiding overseer, to coordinator of the body of elders?
pre·side
intr.v.pre·sid·ed, pre·sid·ing, pre·sides
1. To hold the position of authority; act as chairperson or president.
2. To possess or exercise authority or control.
Notice that the WTS does not differentiate that this does not mean that each jw is singled out for specific attention by Satan.
Shepherd the Flock of God
4, 5. How should the older men view the flock? Illustrate.
4 Peter encouraged the older men among
the first-century Christians to have a godly
view of the flock entrusted to them. (Read
1 Peter 5:1, 2.) Although he was considered a
pillar in the congregation, Peter did not talk
condescendingly to the elders. Rather, he
admonished them as fellow elders. (Gal. 2:9)
With a spirit like Peter’s, the Governing
Body today exhorts congregation elders to
strive to fulfill the heavy responsibility of
shepherding God’s flock.
COMMENTS
Why did the WTS vocabulary change from “servant” to “overseer” when referring to the elders, COs and DOs around 1970? Actually the opposite of from PO to COBOE.
Peter did not talk condescendingly….fellow elders…are the COs just another “elder”? For a brief period in the 1970’s but no longer. And COs can and do talk condescendingly to the elders.
The phrase “governing body” does not occur once in the Bible. If the trinity is not valid because that word never appears in the Bible…..then…..
Heavy responsibility—and what happens when they do not shepherd, or not in a loving way? Are they corrected? By whom? Are the elders required to apologize to those they hurt on purpose, knowingly?
5 The apostle wrote that the older men
were to ‘shepherd the flock of God in their
care.’ It was most important for them to recognize
that the flock belongs to Jehovah and
Jesus Christ. The elders had to render an account
about how they kept watch over God’s
sheep. Suppose that a close friend of yours
asked you to look after his children while he
was away. Would you not take good care of
them and feed them? If one child got sick,
would you not make sure that he received
any needed medical help? Similarly, the elders
in the congregation are “to shepherd
the congregation of God, which he
purchased with the blood of his own Son.”
(Acts 20:28) They keep in mind that each
Sheep was bought with the precious blood of
Christ Jesus. Being accountable, the elders
feed, protect, and care for the flock.
COMMENTS
The flock belongs to God AND Jesus? What a surprise!
Would you spank their children?
But remember the elders get to determine who is qualified to receive that forgiveness through judicial committees, not being able to read hearts yet able to determine “true” repentance.
Pedophiles, fraud, lying, gossip, alcoholics are given a pass, especially if they are elders.
While God and Jesus may be shepherds as owners of the flock, elders are merely hired men who know that they won’t get their own everlasting life if they did not. No reward, no work.
6. What was the responsibility of ancient shepherds?
6 Think of the responsibilities that literal
shepherds had in Bible times. They had to
put up with the heat of the day and the cold
of the night in order to tend the flock. (Gen.
31:40) They even risked their life for the
sheep. The shepherd boy David rescued his
flock from wild beasts, including a lion and a
bear. With regard to each one, David said
that he “grabbed hold of its beard and struck
it down and put it to death.” (1 Sam. 17:34,
35) What bravery! How close he must have
come to the beast’s jaws! Still, he did not
hold back from saving the sheep.
COMMENTS
So where are the elders on a cold day, a hot day, making imaginary shepherding calls, picking up their dry cleaning, getting the oil changed on their car, as they send the women, children, older people out to do the real work of door to door.
Would the elders in your congregation risk their lives for you? Would they die for you, but more importantly, would they live for you, buy out time from their lives at a time convenient for you? May be one, what about the rest, do they slide on the true shepherd’s work?
7. How may elders snatch the sheep from Satan’s
jaws, figuratively speaking?
7 Today, elders need to be on guard
against the lionlike attacks of the Devil. This
may involve a courageous act of figuratively
snatching the sheep from the Devil’s
jaws. By taking hold of the wild beast
by the beard, so to speak, elders can rescue
the sheep. They may reason with unwary
brothers who are tempted by Satan’s
snares. (Read Jude 22, 23.) Elders, of course,
do not accomplish this without Jehovah’s
help. They handle an injured sheep tenderly,
bandaging him and applying the soothing
balm of God’s Word.
COMMENTS
Notice how unspecific the WTS is about what the attacks are, how the elders rescue. Where is God’s word in the reasoning the WTS gives to elders to determine if fornication has taken place. From the current elders manual what scripture is this based on?
Evidence (testified to by at least two witnesses)
that the accused stayed all night in the
same house with a person of the opposite sex
(or in the same house with a known homosexual)
under improper circumstances.-*** w684/15p.255QuestionsFromReaders***
There has to be real evidence of adultery, such as the mate’s confession, or proof that the mate stayed all night with a person of the opposite sex under improper circumstances.—Prov. 5:8-11.
Is Proverbs 5:8-11 supporting this statement?
(Proverbs 5:8-11) 8 Keep your way far off from alongside her, and do not get near to the entrance of her house, 9 that you may not give to others your dignity, nor your years to what is cruel; 10 that strangers may not satisfy themselves with your power, nor the things you got by pain be in the house of a foreigner, 11 nor you have to groan in your future when your flesh and your organism come to an end.
Was the foreign woman married to another? It didn’t matter if the Israelite man was married since they could have sex with any women except another man’s wife. Was the writer saying that being near to the entrance of her house constituted fornication or adultery?
8. To where do elders guide the flock, and how?
8 A literal shepherd also guided the flock
to an appropriate pasture and a watering
place. Likewise, elders direct the flock to the
congregation, encouraging regular meeting
attendance so that the flock can be well-fed
and receive “their food at the proper time.”
(Matt. 24:45) The elders may need to spend
extra time helping those who are spiritually
sick to accept nourishment from God’s
Word. A stray sheep may be trying to return
to the flock. Instead of intimidating their
brother, the elders tenderly explain Scriptural
principles and show him how he can apply
these in his life.
COMMENTS
So when do elders spend the extra time and how? When someone comes to them with an accusation of a df’ing sin and then on their own timetable, figuring if it is inconvenient for the sheep it proves they are guilty and not repentant. And considering that 2 witnesses of the sin is not necessary (see paragraph 7).
***w02 3/1 p.16 pars. 13-14***
In Scotland some young lambs were grazing in a pasture when one of them strayed to the side of a hillock and tumbled onto a ledge below. It was uninjured, but it was frightened and unable to climb back. So it started to bleat plaintively. Its mother heard it, and she too began to bleat until the shepherd came and retrieved the young lamb.
Notice the sequence of events. The lamb called for help, the ewe added her voice to its cries, and the alerted shepherd sprang into action to rescue it. If a very young animal and its mother can sense danger and immediately call for help, should we not do the same when we stumble spiritually or face unexpected dangers from Satan’s world? (James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8) We should, especially if we are lacking in experience either because we are young or because we are relatively new in the truth.
And did Jesus say that the sheep was responsible for getting back or did the shepherd go looking for them, that the lost sheep was more important or as important as the 99 other sheep?
Why would the WTS even bring up “intimidating their brother” unless a large percentage are doing that? And to bring it up in a study article rather than a side article or “private” counsel from the CO or in a letter from the WTS?
9, 10. How should elders care for spiritually ailing
ones?
9 When you are sick, what kind of doctor
do you prefer? One who spends little time
listening to you and then quickly prescribes
medication so as to be free to see the next patient?
Or would you rather consult a doctor
who hears you out, explains what might be
wrong with you, and outlines possible treatments?
COMMENTS
So how long do the elders spend listening to you…don’t they do most of the talking? Don’t the elders quickly prescribe the Wait On Jehovah medication?
10 Likewise, the elders can listen to the
spiritually sick person and help to heal the
wound, thus figuratively “greasing him with
oil in the name of Jehovah.” (Read James 5:
14, 15.) Like the balsam from Gilead, God’s
Word can soothe the ailing one. (Jer. 8:22;
Ezek. 34:16) When applied, Bible principles
can help the faltering one to regain spiritual
balance. Yes, the elders do much good once
they hear the ailing sheep’s concerns and
pray with him.
COMMENTS
When did you ever have a meaningful conversation with an elder? I can remember asking 2 elders to come over regarding an issue and they tossed 2 photocopied WT articles on the coffee table saying that my answer was in there. No conversation, no scriptures. (I had already read those articles and needed clarification). I almost threw them back into their faces. No group prayers then or ever.
So is the WTS suggesting that if the elders “suggestions” don’t work it is the sheep’s fault for not applying them?
Not Under Compulsion but Willingly
11. What moves elders to shepherd the flock of God
willingly?
11 Peter next reminded the older men how
the shepherding work should and should
not be done. Elders are to shepherd the flock
of God, “not under compulsion, but willingly.”
What moves elders to serve their brothers
willingly? Well, what moved Peter to
shepherd and feed Jesus’ sheep? A key was
his love and affection for the Lord. (John
21:15-17) Because of love, elders “live no
longer for themselves, but for him who died
for them.” (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) This love, combined
with their love for God and their
brothers, compels elders to serve the flock,
devoting their efforts, resources, and time to
doing so. (Matt. 22:37-39) They give of
themselves, not grudgingly, but willingly.
COMMENTS
My husband told me what a shock it was to attend his first elders meeting. There was no love for the sheep or willingness to shepherd, just complaints. He wanted to be the loving, willing shepherd and did not let them try to mold him into their own image. Once he was told that he was too friendly with the brothers, and spent too much time talking to the sisters.
12. To what extent did the apostle Paul give of himself?
12 To what extent should the elders give of
themselves? In caring for the sheep, they
imitate the apostle Paul, even as he imitated
Jesus. (1 Cor. 11:1) Having tender affection
for the Thessalonian brothers, Paul and his
companions were well-pleased to impart to
them ‘not only the good news of God but
also their own souls.’ When doing so, they
became gentle, “as when a nursing mother
cherishes her own children.” (1 Thess. 2:7, 8)
Paul understood how a nursing mother felt
about her children. She would do anything
for them, including getting up in the middle
of the night to feed them.
COMMENTS
How much should they give of themselves? How much did Jesus give of himself? Didn’t Paul say imitate me as I imitate Christ?
Can you imagine any man being willing to nurse a child? It’s the women’s job so they can free up the men for more important duties.
13. Elders need to maintain what balance?
13 The elders need to take care to maintain
balance between shepherding responsibilities
and obligations to their own family.
(1 Tim. 5:8) The time that elders spend with
the congregation is precious time away from
their family. One way to balance the two responsibilities
is to invite others to their Family
Worship evening on occasion. Over the
years, Masanao, an elder in Japan, invited
single ones and spiritually fatherless families
to his family’s study. In time, some who
were helped became elders themselves and
imitated Masanao’s fine example.
COMMENTS
So are the elders doing shepherding duties or administrative duties? Are they going d2d with the sheep? Did you ever go door to door with an elder, the CO, or DO? (fathers and husbands don’t count, but then they might never have gone with you either).
I wonder what non-jw fathers would think knowing the WTS has labeled their children “fatherless”? I don’t ask this theoretically, my father was non-jw and he found this insulting. I remember one sister finally got her non-jw hubbie to come to the meeting and this was discussed. He was highly offended and never came again.
So one Japanese man invited single people and families where the father was not a jw…how many elders are they worldwide, at least 110,000, 1 out 110,000?
Shun Dishonest Gain —Shepherd the Flock Eagerly
14, 15. Why should elders guard against the “love
of dishonest gain,” and how can they imitate Paul in
this regard?
14 Peter also encouraged elders to shepherd
the flock, “neither for love of dishonest
gain, but eagerly.” The work of the elders
takes up a considerable amount of time, yet
they do not expect any financial compensation.
Peter saw the need to warn his fellow
older men about the danger of shepherding
the flock out of “love of dishonest gain.”
That danger is evident in the life of luxury
led by religious leaders of “Babylon the
Great” while many people are forced to lead
a life of poverty. (Rev. 18:2, 3) The elders today
have good reason to be on guard against
any tendency in that direction.
COMMENTS
So were the elders “eager” in your congregation? In all the ones I attended, I only worked with one elder d2d. He was the same one that would come at 3 a.m. in the morning when a non-jw husband was abusing his family. Not the other elders, “let Pete do it, he likes it.” Eventually he burnt out and his own family suffered.
What do they spend their time doing, talks, talks, JCs, talks…no training of the sheep in how to talk to people, no inviting the sheep over for a meal (unless it’s their best friends or close relatives), no commendations unless it precedes “counsel.” I understand they have jobs, families, home and car responsibilities. But they volunteer for this.
While they might not be paid, do they sacrifice time to assist the sheep to advance their own financial situation beyond needs?
15 Paul set a fine example for Christian elders.
Though he was an apostle and could
have been “an expensive burden” on Christians
in Thessalonica, he did not “eat food
from anyone free.” Rather, he ‘labored and
toiled night and day.’ (2 Thess. 3:8) Many
present-day elders, including those who are
in the traveling work, set a fine example in
this regard. Although they accept hospitality
from fellow believers, they do not “put an expensive
burden” upon anyone.—1 Thess. 2:9.
COMMENTS
Paul was supposed to represent the “traveling overseers” today? Why then do they not labor as Paul did to pay his own way? I always wondered how jws in poorer countries handled the CO expenses? No nice apartment, new, as was built in this area. Why, because it was connected to the KH and was too loud. Now they have a nice, new building separate from the KH, $200,000 worth. Or having their cars provided, or their health insurance (not the greatest but more than many have).
I doubt that the jws in Bolivia or Namibia could have provided such a nice place to live for the CO.
16. What does it mean to shepherd the flock “eagerly”?
16 The elders shepherd the flock “eagerly.”
Their eagerness is evident in their self sacrificing
attitude in helping the flock. However, that does
not mean that they force the flock to serve
Jehovah; nor do loving elders
encourage others to serve God out of a
competitive spirit. (Gal. 5:26) Elders appreciate
that each sheep is unique. They are eager
to help their brothers to serve Jehovah
happily.
COMMENTS
So what sacrifices did you see the body of elders provide? Help fix their car, drop off a sack of groceries, give them a ride to the meeting or convention, skip a football game on TV to go on a study?
So tell me, how to elders get people to serve God out of competitive spirit? Is like the dolt who would came back to the car and ask how many magazines we had placed, praising the one who placed the most?
Not Lording It Over the Flock but Being Examples
17, 18. (a) Why did the apostles at times have difficulty
grasping Jesus’ teaching on humility? (b) In
what similar situation might we find ourselves?
17 As we have discussed, the elders should
keep in mind that the flock they are shepherding
is God’s, not their own. They are
careful not ‘to lord it over those who are
God’s inheritance.’ (Read 1 Peter 5:3.) At
times, Jesus’ apostles reached out with the
wrong motive. Like those who were ruling
the nations, they wanted to have a prominent
position.—Read Mark 10:42-45.
COMMENTS
So how would elders show that they feel they are responsible to God? Would they only do the things that humans could see or find out about? Would they be like the Israelites who said the God had left the land and is not seeing what they do?
(Ezekiel 8:12) . . .And he proceeded to say to me: “Have you seen, O son of man, what the elderly ones of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each one in the inner rooms of his showpiece? For they are saying, ‘Jehovah is not seeing us. Jehovah has left the land.’”
18 Today, brothers who are “reaching out
for an office of overseer” do well to examine
themselves as to why they are reaching out.
(1 Tim. 3:1) Those who are now elders may
want to ask themselves frankly whether they
have a desire for authority or prominence as
some of the apostles did. If the apostles had
difficulty in this area, then elders can appreciate
that they need to work hard to avoid
any worldly tendency to enjoy having authority
over others.
COMMENTS
So if the men in the congregation love God, Jesus, and the sheep so much, why are there fewer “reaching out” to be ministerial servants or elders? Why are fewer boys growing up to get baptized as jws and staying in the congregation?
I can remember my husband coming home from his first elders meeting, having heard the new PO (COBOE) tell the group that it was His Way or the Highway….now what scripture is that from?
19. What should elders remember when taking action
to protect the flock?
19 Granted, there are times when the elders
need to be firm, such as when protecting
the flock from “oppressive wolves.” (Acts
20:28-30) Paul told Titus to keep “exhorting
and reproving with full authority.” (Titus 2:
15) Yet, even when having to take such action,
the elders try to dignify the ones who
are involved. They appreciate that rather
than harsh criticism, gentle persuasion is
usually more effective in reaching hearts
and in moving someone to follow a right
course.
COMMENTS
So how firm as the elders when it comes to the pedophile wolves in their midst?
http://watchtowerdocuments.com/documents/Secrets_Commentary_Version_2.pdf
20. How can elders imitate Jesus in setting a fine example?
20 Christ’s fine example motivates elders
to love the flock. (John 13:12-15) Our
hearts are warmed as we read how he
taught his disciples in the preaching
and disciple-making work. His pattern of humility
touched the hearts of his disciples,
motivating them to follow a course reflecting
‘lowliness of mind considering that the
others were superior to them.’ (Phil. 2:3) Elders
today are likewise moved to follow Jesus’
example, and they, in turn, want to be
“examples to the flock.”
COMMENTS
Do the elders love the flock? Do they know your name, your spouse’s name, your children’s names? Do they visit with you before or after meeting, just casual conversation? Do they go with you to talk to people about the Bible, actively train you how to improve. Do they consider you superior to them or do they call themselves “mighty men” having more holy spirit from God? Do they concentrate on others showing them double honor or honoring others? Are they examples or do they associate with their df’d family secretly, watch R-rated movies because they zoom past the bad parts, have special parties for their children six months from the date of birth, building expensive homes, buy expensive cars, send their children to college, etc.
21. To what reward can elders look forward?
21 Peter concluded his admonition to the
older men by referring to a promise for the
future. (Read 1 Peter 5:4.) The anointed
overseers “will receive the unfadable crown
of glory” with Christ in heaven. The undershepherds
of the “other sheep” will have the
privilege of shepherding the flock of God on
earth under the rulership of “the chief shepherd.”
(John 10:16) The next article will discuss
ways in which congregation members
can support those appointed to take the
lead.
COMMENTS
Even the anointed jws on earth will not get a crown until they die and go to heaven. There will be no kings on earth supposedly in the Christian congregation now or in the future. And after the final test at the end of the 1,000 years, all those who pass will be pronounced perfect and given eternal life…what then, will perfect people need humans to be over them?
By Way of Review
Why was it appropriate for Peter to
admonish fellow elders to shepherd
the flock of God in their care?
How should elders shepherd spiritually
ailing ones?
What moves elders to shepherd the
flock of God in their care?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, the 2 punch of this 1-2 punch article, “HAVE REGARD FOR THOSE WORKING HARD AMONG YOU.”
The first paragraph has these phrases, “imagine…may have…might have.”
If no leaders in the congregation, how is it that the elders “take the lead”?
Love Blondie
Comments You Will Not Hear at the 08-21-11 WT Study (MAY 15, 2011, pages 20-24)(SHEPHERD FLOCK)
Review comments will be headed by COMMENTS
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be indented and identified
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
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“SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD
IN YOUR CARE”
“Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under
compulsion, but willingly.”—1 PET. 5:2.
OPENING COMMENTS
Take note of the snippets and citations in this article. How many jws will check the context?
START OF ARTICLE
1. What circumstances were Christians facing
when Peter wrote his first letter?
SOMETIME before Nero launched his persecution
against Christians in Rome, the apostle
Peter wrote his first letter. He wanted
to strengthen his fellow believers. The Devil
was ‘walking about,’ seeking to devour
Christians. To stand firm against him, they
needed to ‘keep their senses’ and to ‘humble
themselves under the mighty hand of God.’
(1 Pet. 5:6, 8) They also needed to stay united.
They could not afford to be “biting and
devouring one another,” for that could result
in their being “annihilated by one another.”—
Gal. 5:15.
COMMENTS
If anointed Christians were “biting and devouring one another,” how could they qualify to rule in heaven over the rest of humans. Even if God waved his wand and made them perfect upon resurrection as spirits, how could that part of their personality change, personality adjustment?
Can you think of the congregations you attended (or attend)? Do/did you see biting and devouring? By the “weak” or the “mature”? Who have you been bitten by more, jws or non-jws, who caused the most pain, deliberate pain.
My experiences in over 20 congregations, 10 states, 3 countries…it was the elders and their wives that caused the most “biting and devouring” as they felt they were qualified to judge and punish others. I can remember screaming from the elders room after the meeting, being told of 8 hour scream fests in congregations between elders, “enemies” being personally marked and then that elder/his wife telling others privately of their “personal” marking of individuals so that these would copy their “personal” marking.
***w85 4/15 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***
Ifa Christian feels that someone in the congregation is not the best of association because of that person’s conduct or attitude, should he personally ‘mark’ that individual in accord with 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15?
Those who become part of the Christian congregation do so because they love Jehovah and sincerely want to live by his principles. It is better to fellowship with these than with worldly people. We may be more comfortable with certain Christians, as Jesus ‘especially loved’ the apostle John and was particularly close to 3 of the 12. Still, he chose, was interested in, and loved all of them. (John 13:1, 23; 19:26; Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33) Though all brothers have failings of which we must be understanding and forgiving, we know that for the most part fellow believers are wholesome companions. (1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 7:1-5) Love for one another is an identifying mark of the Christian congregation. —John 13:34, 35; Colossians 3:14.
On occasion, however , someone may have an attitude or way of life of which we personally do not approve. The apostle Paul wrote about some in Corinth whose personal views about the resurrection were not right and who may have had an ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ attitude. Mature Christians in the congregation needed to be cautious about such ones, for Paul advised: “Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.”—1 Corinthians 15:12, 32, 33.
This general counsel is also valid today. For example, a Christian couple may find that their children are adversely affected when they spend time with certain other youngsters, who may not yet take the truth seriously or may be worldly minded. These other children may yet benefit from godly training. But until there is evidence of that, the couple might restrict their children as to playing with and visiting those youngsters. This would not be a ‘marking’ such as spoken of in 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. The parents simply are applying Paul’s advice to avoid “bad associations.”
2, 3. Against whom should we be fighting, and
what are we going to consider in this series?
2 Today, we face a similar situation. The
Devil is looking for opportunities to devour
us. (Rev. 12:12) And ahead of us looms a
“great tribulation such as has not occurred
since the world’s beginning.” (Matt. 24:21)
Just as first-century Christians had to guard
against squabbling among themselves, so
must we. To accomplish this, at times we
need help from qualified older men.
COMMENTS
“devour us” = evidently only jws are worthy of the Devil’s attention because the WTS considers all others already under his control.
Jesus initially told his followers that they would face a “great tribulation.” How do some feel that was fulfilled in the first century?
***w97 12/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 17-18 ***
However, the full execution of Jehovah’s judgment in the climax of the tribulation was yet to come. In 70 C.E., the Roman legions, now under General Titus, returned to the attack. This time the battle was decisive! The Jews, who had been warring even among themselves, were no match for the Romans. The city and its temple were razed to the ground. More than a million emaciated Jews suffered and died, some 600,000 corpses being thrown out of the city gates. After the city fell, 97,000 Jews were carried off captive, many to die later in gladiatorial spectacles. Truly, the only flesh saved during the years of that tribulation was that of the obedient Christians who had fled to the mountains beyond the Jordan.—Matthew 24:21, 22; Luke 21:20-22. Thus, Jesus’ great prophecy concerning “the conclusion of the system of things” had its first fulfillment, culminating in Jehovah’s day for meting out justice on the rebellious Jewish nation in 66-70 C.E.
So were the Christians the only ones that survived? 97,000 Jews did not die then. If this corresponds to the WTS great tribulation of today, then there would be non-jw survivors.
Squabbling = the worst case of this have seen in among elders on an elder body, among elders on 2 or more elder bodies (especially sharing a KH), and between elder bodies and the circuit overseer.
How then can the rank and file expect any “help from qualified older men”?
3 Let us consider how elders can enhance
their appreciation for the privilege of shepherding
‘the flock of God in their care.’(1 Pet. 5:2)
Thereafter, we will reflect on the
proper way of carrying out the shepherding
work. In the next article, we will examine
how the congregation can ‘have regard for
those who are working hard and presiding
over’ the flock. (1 Thess. 5:12) A consideration
of these matters will help us to take a
firm stand against our chief Adversary, recognizing
that he is the one with whom we
have a wrestling.—Eph. 6:12.
COMMENTS
Do elders see shepherding as a privilege or a burden, an interference in their personal lives? Why does the circuit overseer have to check and make sure they have made these visits, and why do elder bodies work so hard to give the appearance of having done so without the substance even to the point of doing drive-by shepherding?
What does it mean for elders to work hard and to preside. Are they not supposed to be working side by side with the sheep not “over” them? Didn’t the WTS itself see the need to change the term, presiding overseer, to coordinator of the body of elders?
pre·side
intr.v.pre·sid·ed, pre·sid·ing, pre·sides
1. To hold the position of authority; act as chairperson or president.
2. To possess or exercise authority or control.
Notice that the WTS does not differentiate that this does not mean that each jw is singled out for specific attention by Satan.
Shepherd the Flock of God
4, 5. How should the older men view the flock? Illustrate.
4 Peter encouraged the older men among
the first-century Christians to have a godly
view of the flock entrusted to them. (Read
1 Peter 5:1, 2.) Although he was considered a
pillar in the congregation, Peter did not talk
condescendingly to the elders. Rather, he
admonished them as fellow elders. (Gal. 2:9)
With a spirit like Peter’s, the Governing
Body today exhorts congregation elders to
strive to fulfill the heavy responsibility of
shepherding God’s flock.
COMMENTS
Why did the WTS vocabulary change from “servant” to “overseer” when referring to the elders, COs and DOs around 1970? Actually the opposite of from PO to COBOE.
Peter did not talk condescendingly….fellow elders…are the COs just another “elder”? For a brief period in the 1970’s but no longer. And COs can and do talk condescendingly to the elders.
The phrase “governing body” does not occur once in the Bible. If the trinity is not valid because that word never appears in the Bible…..then…..
Heavy responsibility—and what happens when they do not shepherd, or not in a loving way? Are they corrected? By whom? Are the elders required to apologize to those they hurt on purpose, knowingly?
5 The apostle wrote that the older men
were to ‘shepherd the flock of God in their
care.’ It was most important for them to recognize
that the flock belongs to Jehovah and
Jesus Christ. The elders had to render an account
about how they kept watch over God’s
sheep. Suppose that a close friend of yours
asked you to look after his children while he
was away. Would you not take good care of
them and feed them? If one child got sick,
would you not make sure that he received
any needed medical help? Similarly, the elders
in the congregation are “to shepherd
the congregation of God, which he
purchased with the blood of his own Son.”
(Acts 20:28) They keep in mind that each
Sheep was bought with the precious blood of
Christ Jesus. Being accountable, the elders
feed, protect, and care for the flock.
COMMENTS
The flock belongs to God AND Jesus? What a surprise!
Would you spank their children?
But remember the elders get to determine who is qualified to receive that forgiveness through judicial committees, not being able to read hearts yet able to determine “true” repentance.
Pedophiles, fraud, lying, gossip, alcoholics are given a pass, especially if they are elders.
While God and Jesus may be shepherds as owners of the flock, elders are merely hired men who know that they won’t get their own everlasting life if they did not. No reward, no work.
6. What was the responsibility of ancient shepherds?
6 Think of the responsibilities that literal
shepherds had in Bible times. They had to
put up with the heat of the day and the cold
of the night in order to tend the flock. (Gen.
31:40) They even risked their life for the
sheep. The shepherd boy David rescued his
flock from wild beasts, including a lion and a
bear. With regard to each one, David said
that he “grabbed hold of its beard and struck
it down and put it to death.” (1 Sam. 17:34,
35) What bravery! How close he must have
come to the beast’s jaws! Still, he did not
hold back from saving the sheep.
COMMENTS
So where are the elders on a cold day, a hot day, making imaginary shepherding calls, picking up their dry cleaning, getting the oil changed on their car, as they send the women, children, older people out to do the real work of door to door.
Would the elders in your congregation risk their lives for you? Would they die for you, but more importantly, would they live for you, buy out time from their lives at a time convenient for you? May be one, what about the rest, do they slide on the true shepherd’s work?
7. How may elders snatch the sheep from Satan’s
jaws, figuratively speaking?
7 Today, elders need to be on guard
against the lionlike attacks of the Devil. This
may involve a courageous act of figuratively
snatching the sheep from the Devil’s
jaws. By taking hold of the wild beast
by the beard, so to speak, elders can rescue
the sheep. They may reason with unwary
brothers who are tempted by Satan’s
snares. (Read Jude 22, 23.) Elders, of course,
do not accomplish this without Jehovah’s
help. They handle an injured sheep tenderly,
bandaging him and applying the soothing
balm of God’s Word.
COMMENTS
Notice how unspecific the WTS is about what the attacks are, how the elders rescue. Where is God’s word in the reasoning the WTS gives to elders to determine if fornication has taken place. From the current elders manual what scripture is this based on?
Evidence (testified to by at least two witnesses)
that the accused stayed all night in the
same house with a person of the opposite sex
(or in the same house with a known homosexual)
under improper circumstances.-*** w684/15p.255QuestionsFromReaders***
There has to be real evidence of adultery, such as the mate’s confession, or proof that the mate stayed all night with a person of the opposite sex under improper circumstances.—Prov. 5:8-11.
Is Proverbs 5:8-11 supporting this statement?
(Proverbs 5:8-11) 8 Keep your way far off from alongside her, and do not get near to the entrance of her house, 9 that you may not give to others your dignity, nor your years to what is cruel; 10 that strangers may not satisfy themselves with your power, nor the things you got by pain be in the house of a foreigner, 11 nor you have to groan in your future when your flesh and your organism come to an end.
Was the foreign woman married to another? It didn’t matter if the Israelite man was married since they could have sex with any women except another man’s wife. Was the writer saying that being near to the entrance of her house constituted fornication or adultery?
8. To where do elders guide the flock, and how?
8 A literal shepherd also guided the flock
to an appropriate pasture and a watering
place. Likewise, elders direct the flock to the
congregation, encouraging regular meeting
attendance so that the flock can be well-fed
and receive “their food at the proper time.”
(Matt. 24:45) The elders may need to spend
extra time helping those who are spiritually
sick to accept nourishment from God’s
Word. A stray sheep may be trying to return
to the flock. Instead of intimidating their
brother, the elders tenderly explain Scriptural
principles and show him how he can apply
these in his life.
COMMENTS
So when do elders spend the extra time and how? When someone comes to them with an accusation of a df’ing sin and then on their own timetable, figuring if it is inconvenient for the sheep it proves they are guilty and not repentant. And considering that 2 witnesses of the sin is not necessary (see paragraph 7).
***w02 3/1 p.16 pars. 13-14***
In Scotland some young lambs were grazing in a pasture when one of them strayed to the side of a hillock and tumbled onto a ledge below. It was uninjured, but it was frightened and unable to climb back. So it started to bleat plaintively. Its mother heard it, and she too began to bleat until the shepherd came and retrieved the young lamb.
Notice the sequence of events. The lamb called for help, the ewe added her voice to its cries, and the alerted shepherd sprang into action to rescue it. If a very young animal and its mother can sense danger and immediately call for help, should we not do the same when we stumble spiritually or face unexpected dangers from Satan’s world? (James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8) We should, especially if we are lacking in experience either because we are young or because we are relatively new in the truth.
And did Jesus say that the sheep was responsible for getting back or did the shepherd go looking for them, that the lost sheep was more important or as important as the 99 other sheep?
Why would the WTS even bring up “intimidating their brother” unless a large percentage are doing that? And to bring it up in a study article rather than a side article or “private” counsel from the CO or in a letter from the WTS?
9, 10. How should elders care for spiritually ailing
ones?
9 When you are sick, what kind of doctor
do you prefer? One who spends little time
listening to you and then quickly prescribes
medication so as to be free to see the next patient?
Or would you rather consult a doctor
who hears you out, explains what might be
wrong with you, and outlines possible treatments?
COMMENTS
So how long do the elders spend listening to you…don’t they do most of the talking? Don’t the elders quickly prescribe the Wait On Jehovah medication?
10 Likewise, the elders can listen to the
spiritually sick person and help to heal the
wound, thus figuratively “greasing him with
oil in the name of Jehovah.” (Read James 5:
14, 15.) Like the balsam from Gilead, God’s
Word can soothe the ailing one. (Jer. 8:22;
Ezek. 34:16) When applied, Bible principles
can help the faltering one to regain spiritual
balance. Yes, the elders do much good once
they hear the ailing sheep’s concerns and
pray with him.
COMMENTS
When did you ever have a meaningful conversation with an elder? I can remember asking 2 elders to come over regarding an issue and they tossed 2 photocopied WT articles on the coffee table saying that my answer was in there. No conversation, no scriptures. (I had already read those articles and needed clarification). I almost threw them back into their faces. No group prayers then or ever.
So is the WTS suggesting that if the elders “suggestions” don’t work it is the sheep’s fault for not applying them?
Not Under Compulsion but Willingly
11. What moves elders to shepherd the flock of God
willingly?
11 Peter next reminded the older men how
the shepherding work should and should
not be done. Elders are to shepherd the flock
of God, “not under compulsion, but willingly.”
What moves elders to serve their brothers
willingly? Well, what moved Peter to
shepherd and feed Jesus’ sheep? A key was
his love and affection for the Lord. (John
21:15-17) Because of love, elders “live no
longer for themselves, but for him who died
for them.” (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) This love, combined
with their love for God and their
brothers, compels elders to serve the flock,
devoting their efforts, resources, and time to
doing so. (Matt. 22:37-39) They give of
themselves, not grudgingly, but willingly.
COMMENTS
My husband told me what a shock it was to attend his first elders meeting. There was no love for the sheep or willingness to shepherd, just complaints. He wanted to be the loving, willing shepherd and did not let them try to mold him into their own image. Once he was told that he was too friendly with the brothers, and spent too much time talking to the sisters.
12. To what extent did the apostle Paul give of himself?
12 To what extent should the elders give of
themselves? In caring for the sheep, they
imitate the apostle Paul, even as he imitated
Jesus. (1 Cor. 11:1) Having tender affection
for the Thessalonian brothers, Paul and his
companions were well-pleased to impart to
them ‘not only the good news of God but
also their own souls.’ When doing so, they
became gentle, “as when a nursing mother
cherishes her own children.” (1 Thess. 2:7, 8)
Paul understood how a nursing mother felt
about her children. She would do anything
for them, including getting up in the middle
of the night to feed them.
COMMENTS
How much should they give of themselves? How much did Jesus give of himself? Didn’t Paul say imitate me as I imitate Christ?
Can you imagine any man being willing to nurse a child? It’s the women’s job so they can free up the men for more important duties.
13. Elders need to maintain what balance?
13 The elders need to take care to maintain
balance between shepherding responsibilities
and obligations to their own family.
(1 Tim. 5:8) The time that elders spend with
the congregation is precious time away from
their family. One way to balance the two responsibilities
is to invite others to their Family
Worship evening on occasion. Over the
years, Masanao, an elder in Japan, invited
single ones and spiritually fatherless families
to his family’s study. In time, some who
were helped became elders themselves and
imitated Masanao’s fine example.
COMMENTS
So are the elders doing shepherding duties or administrative duties? Are they going d2d with the sheep? Did you ever go door to door with an elder, the CO, or DO? (fathers and husbands don’t count, but then they might never have gone with you either).
I wonder what non-jw fathers would think knowing the WTS has labeled their children “fatherless”? I don’t ask this theoretically, my father was non-jw and he found this insulting. I remember one sister finally got her non-jw hubbie to come to the meeting and this was discussed. He was highly offended and never came again.
So one Japanese man invited single people and families where the father was not a jw…how many elders are they worldwide, at least 110,000, 1 out 110,000?
Shun Dishonest Gain —Shepherd the Flock Eagerly
14, 15. Why should elders guard against the “love
of dishonest gain,” and how can they imitate Paul in
this regard?
14 Peter also encouraged elders to shepherd
the flock, “neither for love of dishonest
gain, but eagerly.” The work of the elders
takes up a considerable amount of time, yet
they do not expect any financial compensation.
Peter saw the need to warn his fellow
older men about the danger of shepherding
the flock out of “love of dishonest gain.”
That danger is evident in the life of luxury
led by religious leaders of “Babylon the
Great” while many people are forced to lead
a life of poverty. (Rev. 18:2, 3) The elders today
have good reason to be on guard against
any tendency in that direction.
COMMENTS
So were the elders “eager” in your congregation? In all the ones I attended, I only worked with one elder d2d. He was the same one that would come at 3 a.m. in the morning when a non-jw husband was abusing his family. Not the other elders, “let Pete do it, he likes it.” Eventually he burnt out and his own family suffered.
What do they spend their time doing, talks, talks, JCs, talks…no training of the sheep in how to talk to people, no inviting the sheep over for a meal (unless it’s their best friends or close relatives), no commendations unless it precedes “counsel.” I understand they have jobs, families, home and car responsibilities. But they volunteer for this.
While they might not be paid, do they sacrifice time to assist the sheep to advance their own financial situation beyond needs?
15 Paul set a fine example for Christian elders.
Though he was an apostle and could
have been “an expensive burden” on Christians
in Thessalonica, he did not “eat food
from anyone free.” Rather, he ‘labored and
toiled night and day.’ (2 Thess. 3:8) Many
present-day elders, including those who are
in the traveling work, set a fine example in
this regard. Although they accept hospitality
from fellow believers, they do not “put an expensive
burden” upon anyone.—1 Thess. 2:9.
COMMENTS
Paul was supposed to represent the “traveling overseers” today? Why then do they not labor as Paul did to pay his own way? I always wondered how jws in poorer countries handled the CO expenses? No nice apartment, new, as was built in this area. Why, because it was connected to the KH and was too loud. Now they have a nice, new building separate from the KH, $200,000 worth. Or having their cars provided, or their health insurance (not the greatest but more than many have).
I doubt that the jws in Bolivia or Namibia could have provided such a nice place to live for the CO.
16. What does it mean to shepherd the flock “eagerly”?
16 The elders shepherd the flock “eagerly.”
Their eagerness is evident in their self sacrificing
attitude in helping the flock. However, that does
not mean that they force the flock to serve
Jehovah; nor do loving elders
encourage others to serve God out of a
competitive spirit. (Gal. 5:26) Elders appreciate
that each sheep is unique. They are eager
to help their brothers to serve Jehovah
happily.
COMMENTS
So what sacrifices did you see the body of elders provide? Help fix their car, drop off a sack of groceries, give them a ride to the meeting or convention, skip a football game on TV to go on a study?
So tell me, how to elders get people to serve God out of competitive spirit? Is like the dolt who would came back to the car and ask how many magazines we had placed, praising the one who placed the most?
Not Lording It Over the Flock but Being Examples
17, 18. (a) Why did the apostles at times have difficulty
grasping Jesus’ teaching on humility? (b) In
what similar situation might we find ourselves?
17 As we have discussed, the elders should
keep in mind that the flock they are shepherding
is God’s, not their own. They are
careful not ‘to lord it over those who are
God’s inheritance.’ (Read 1 Peter 5:3.) At
times, Jesus’ apostles reached out with the
wrong motive. Like those who were ruling
the nations, they wanted to have a prominent
position.—Read Mark 10:42-45.
COMMENTS
So how would elders show that they feel they are responsible to God? Would they only do the things that humans could see or find out about? Would they be like the Israelites who said the God had left the land and is not seeing what they do?
(Ezekiel 8:12) . . .And he proceeded to say to me: “Have you seen, O son of man, what the elderly ones of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each one in the inner rooms of his showpiece? For they are saying, ‘Jehovah is not seeing us. Jehovah has left the land.’”
18 Today, brothers who are “reaching out
for an office of overseer” do well to examine
themselves as to why they are reaching out.
(1 Tim. 3:1) Those who are now elders may
want to ask themselves frankly whether they
have a desire for authority or prominence as
some of the apostles did. If the apostles had
difficulty in this area, then elders can appreciate
that they need to work hard to avoid
any worldly tendency to enjoy having authority
over others.
COMMENTS
So if the men in the congregation love God, Jesus, and the sheep so much, why are there fewer “reaching out” to be ministerial servants or elders? Why are fewer boys growing up to get baptized as jws and staying in the congregation?
I can remember my husband coming home from his first elders meeting, having heard the new PO (COBOE) tell the group that it was His Way or the Highway….now what scripture is that from?
19. What should elders remember when taking action
to protect the flock?
19 Granted, there are times when the elders
need to be firm, such as when protecting
the flock from “oppressive wolves.” (Acts
20:28-30) Paul told Titus to keep “exhorting
and reproving with full authority.” (Titus 2:
15) Yet, even when having to take such action,
the elders try to dignify the ones who
are involved. They appreciate that rather
than harsh criticism, gentle persuasion is
usually more effective in reaching hearts
and in moving someone to follow a right
course.
COMMENTS
So how firm as the elders when it comes to the pedophile wolves in their midst?
http://watchtowerdocuments.com/documents/Secrets_Commentary_Version_2.pdf
20. How can elders imitate Jesus in setting a fine example?
20 Christ’s fine example motivates elders
to love the flock. (John 13:12-15) Our
hearts are warmed as we read how he
taught his disciples in the preaching
and disciple-making work. His pattern of humility
touched the hearts of his disciples,
motivating them to follow a course reflecting
‘lowliness of mind considering that the
others were superior to them.’ (Phil. 2:3) Elders
today are likewise moved to follow Jesus’
example, and they, in turn, want to be
“examples to the flock.”
COMMENTS
Do the elders love the flock? Do they know your name, your spouse’s name, your children’s names? Do they visit with you before or after meeting, just casual conversation? Do they go with you to talk to people about the Bible, actively train you how to improve. Do they consider you superior to them or do they call themselves “mighty men” having more holy spirit from God? Do they concentrate on others showing them double honor or honoring others? Are they examples or do they associate with their df’d family secretly, watch R-rated movies because they zoom past the bad parts, have special parties for their children six months from the date of birth, building expensive homes, buy expensive cars, send their children to college, etc.
21. To what reward can elders look forward?
21 Peter concluded his admonition to the
older men by referring to a promise for the
future. (Read 1 Peter 5:4.) The anointed
overseers “will receive the unfadable crown
of glory” with Christ in heaven. The undershepherds
of the “other sheep” will have the
privilege of shepherding the flock of God on
earth under the rulership of “the chief shepherd.”
(John 10:16) The next article will discuss
ways in which congregation members
can support those appointed to take the
lead.
COMMENTS
Even the anointed jws on earth will not get a crown until they die and go to heaven. There will be no kings on earth supposedly in the Christian congregation now or in the future. And after the final test at the end of the 1,000 years, all those who pass will be pronounced perfect and given eternal life…what then, will perfect people need humans to be over them?
By Way of Review
Why was it appropriate for Peter to
admonish fellow elders to shepherd
the flock of God in their care?
How should elders shepherd spiritually
ailing ones?
What moves elders to shepherd the
flock of God in their care?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, the 2 punch of this 1-2 punch article, “HAVE REGARD FOR THOSE WORKING HARD AMONG YOU.”
The first paragraph has these phrases, “imagine…may have…might have.”
If no leaders in the congregation, how is it that the elders “take the lead”?
Love Blondie
-
blondie
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“SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD
IN YOUR CARE”
“Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under
compulsion, but willingly.”—1 PET. 5:2.
OPENING COMMENTS
Take note of the snippets and citations in this article. How many jws will check the context?
START OF ARTICLE
1. What circumstances were Christians facing
when Peter wrote his first letter?
SOMETIME before Nero launched his persecution
against Christians in Rome, the apostle
Peter wrote his first letter. He wanted
to strengthen his fellow believers. The Devil
was ‘walking about,’ seeking to devour
Christians. To stand firm against him, they
needed to ‘keep their senses’ and to ‘humble
themselves under the mighty hand of God.’
(1 Pet. 5:6, 8) They also needed to stay united.
They could not afford to be “biting and
devouring one another,” for that could result
in their being “annihilated by one another.”—
Gal. 5:15.
COMMENTS
If anointed Christians were “biting and devouring one another,” how could they qualify to rule in heaven over the rest of humans. Even if God waved his wand and made them perfect upon resurrection as spirits, how could that part of their personality change, personality adjustment?
Can you think of the congregations you attended (or attend)? Do/did you see biting and devouring? By the “weak” or the “mature”? Who have you been bitten by more, jws or non-jws, who caused the most pain, deliberate pain.
My experiences in over 20 congregations, 10 states, 3 countries…it was the elders and their wives that caused the most “biting and devouring” as they felt they were qualified to judge and punish others. I can remember screaming from the elders room after the meeting, being told of 8 hour scream fests in congregations between elders, “enemies” being personally marked and then that elder/his wife telling others privately of their “personal” marking of individuals so that these would copy their “personal” marking.
*** w85 4/15 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***
If a Christian feels that someone in the congregation is not the best of association because of that person’s conduct or attitude, should he personally ‘mark’ that individual in accord with 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15?
Those who become part of the Christian congregation do so because they love Jehovah and sincerely want to live by his principles. It is better to fellowship with these than with worldly people. We may be more comfortable with certain Christians, as Jesus ‘especially loved’ the apostle John and was particularly close to 3 of the 12. Still, he chose, was interested in, and loved all of them. (John 13:1, 23; 19:26; Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33) Though all brothers have failings of which we must be understanding and forgiving, we know that for the most part fellow believers are wholesome companions. (1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 7:1-5) Love for one another is an identifying mark of the Christian congregation. —John 13:34, 35; Colossians 3:14.
On occasion, however , someone may have an attitude or way of life of which we personally do not approve. The apostle Paul wrote about some in Corinth whose personal views about the resurrection were not right and who may have had an ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ attitude. Mature Christians in the congregation needed to be cautious about such ones, for Paul advised: “Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.”—1 Corinthians 15:12, 32, 33.
This general counsel is also valid today. For example, a Christian couple may find that their children are adversely affected when they spend time with certain other youngsters, who may not yet take the truth seriously or may be worldly minded. These other children may yet benefit from godly training. But until there is evidence of that, the couple might restrict their children as to playing with and visiting those youngsters. This would not be a ‘marking’ such as spoken of in 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. The parents simply are applying Paul’s advice to avoid “bad associations.”
2, 3. Against whom should we be fighting, and
what are we going to consider in this series?
2 Today, we face a similar situation. The
Devil is looking for opportunities to devour
us. (Rev. 12:12) And ahead of us looms a
“great tribulation such as has not occurred
since the world’s beginning.” (Matt. 24:21)
Just as first-century Christians had to guard
against squabbling among themselves, so
must we. To accomplish this, at times we
need help from qualified older men.
COMMENTS
“devour us” = evidently only jws are worthy of the Devil’s attention because the WTS considers all others already under his control.
Jesus initially told his followers that they would face a “great tribulation.” How do some feel that was fulfilled in the first century?
***w97 12/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 17-18 ***
However, the full execution of Jehovah’s judgment in the climax of the tribulation was yet to come. In 70 C.E., the Roman legions, now under General Titus, returned to the attack. This time the battle was decisive! The Jews, who had been warring even among themselves, were no match for the Romans. The city and its temple were razed to the ground. More than a million emaciated Jews suffered and died, some 600,000 corpses being thrown out of the city gates. After the city fell, 97,000 Jews were carried off captive, many to die later in gladiatorial spectacles. Truly, the only flesh saved during the years of that tribulation was that of the obedient Christians who had fled to the mountains beyond the Jordan.—Matthew 24:21, 22; Luke 21:20-22. Thus, Jesus’ great prophecy concerning “the conclusion of the system of things” had its first fulfillment, culminating in Jehovah’s day for meting out justice on the rebellious Jewish nation in 66-70 C.E.
So were the Christians the only ones that survived? 97,000 Jews did not die then. If this corresponds to the WTS great tribulation of today, then there would be non-jw survivors.
Squabbling = the worst case of this have seen in among elders on an elder body, among elders on 2 or more elder bodies (especially sharing a KH), and between elder bodies and the circuit overseer.
How then can the rank and file expect any “help from qualified older men”?
3 Let us consider how elders can enhance
their appreciation for the privilege of shepherding
‘the flock of God in their care.’(1 Pet. 5:2)
Thereafter, we will reflect on the
proper way of carrying out the shepherding
work. In the next article, we will examine
how the congregation can ‘have regard for
those who are working hard and presiding
over’ the flock. (1 Thess. 5:12) A consideration
of these matters will help us to take a
firm stand against our chief Adversary, recognizing
that he is the one with whom we
have a wrestling.—Eph. 6:12.
COMMENTS
Do elders see shepherding as a privilege or a burden, an interference in their personal lives? Why does the circuit overseer have to check and make sure they have made these visits, and why do elder bodies work so hard to give the appearance of having done so without the substance even to the point of doing drive-by shepherding?
What does it mean for elders to work hard and to preside. Are they not supposed to be working side by side with the sheep not “over” them? Didn’t the WTS itself see the need to change the term, presiding overseer, to coordinator of the body of elders?
pre·side
intr.v.pre·sid·ed, pre·sid·ing, pre·sides
1. To hold the position of authority; act as chairperson or president.
2. To possess or exercise authority or control.
Notice that the WTS does not differentiate that this does not mean that each jw is singled out for specific attention by Satan.
Shepherd the Flock of God
4, 5. How should the older men view the flock? Illustrate.
4 Peter encouraged the older men among
the first-century Christians to have a godly
view of the flock entrusted to them. (Read
1 Peter 5:1, 2.) Although he was considered a
pillar in the congregation, Peter did not talk
condescendingly to the elders. Rather, he
admonished them as fellow elders. (Gal. 2:9)
With a spirit like Peter’s, the Governing
Body today exhorts congregation elders to
strive to fulfill the heavy responsibility of
shepherding God’s flock.
COMMENTS
Why did the WTS vocabulary change from “servant” to “overseer” when referring to the elders, COs and DOs around 1970? Actually the opposite of from PO to COBOE.
Peter did not talk condescendingly….fellow elders…are the COs just another “elder”? For a brief period in the 1970’s but no longer. And COs can and do talk condescendingly to the elders.
The phrase “governing body” does not occur once in the Bible. If the trinity is not valid because that word never appears in the Bible…..then…..
Heavy responsibility—and what happens when they do not shepherd, or not in a loving way? Are they corrected? By whom? Are the elders required to apologize to those they hurt on purpose, knowingly?
5 The apostle wrote that the older men
were to ‘shepherd the flock of God in their
care.’ It was most important for them to recognize
that the flock belongs to Jehovah and
Jesus Christ. The elders had to render an account
about how they kept watch over God’s
sheep. Suppose that a close friend of yours
asked you to look after his children while he
was away. Would you not take good care of
them and feed them? If one child got sick,
would you not make sure that he received
any needed medical help? Similarly, the elders
in the congregation are “to shepherd
the congregation of God, which he
purchased with the blood of his own Son.”
(Acts 20:28) They keep in mind that each
Sheep was bought with the precious blood of
Christ Jesus. Being accountable, the elders
feed, protect, and care for the flock.
COMMENTS
The flock belongs to God AND Jesus? What a surprise!
Would you spank their children?
But remember the elders get to determine who is qualified to receive that forgiveness through judicial committees, not being able to read hearts yet able to determine “true” repentance.
Pedophiles, fraud, lying, gossip, alcoholics are given a pass, especially if they are elders.
While God and Jesus may be shepherds as owners of the flock, elders are merely hired men who know that they won’t get their own everlasting life if they did not. No reward, no work.
6. What was the responsibility of ancient shepherds?
6 Think of the responsibilities that literal
shepherds had in Bible times. They had to
put up with the heat of the day and the cold
of the night in order to tend the flock. (Gen.
31:40) They even risked their life for the
sheep. The shepherd boy David rescued his
flock from wild beasts, including a lion and a
bear. With regard to each one, David said
that he “grabbed hold of its beard and struck
it down and put it to death.” (1 Sam. 17:34,
35) What bravery! How close he must have
come to the beast’s jaws! Still, he did not
hold back from saving the sheep.
COMMENTS
So where are the elders on a cold day, a hot day, making imaginary shepherding calls, picking up their dry cleaning, getting the oil changed on their car, as they send the women, children, older people out to do the real work of door to door.
Would the elders in your congregation risk their lives for you? Would they die for you, but more importantly, would they live for you, buy out time from their lives at a time convenient for you? May be one, what about the rest, do they slide on the true shepherd’s work?
7. How may elders snatch the sheep from Satan’s
jaws, figuratively speaking?
7 Today, elders need to be on guard
against the lionlike attacks of the Devil. This
may involve a courageous act of figuratively
snatching the sheep from the Devil’s
jaws. By taking hold of the wild beast
by the beard, so to speak, elders can rescue
the sheep. They may reason with unwary
brothers who are tempted by Satan’s
snares. (Read Jude 22, 23.) Elders, of course,
do not accomplish this without Jehovah’s
help. They handle an injured sheep tenderly,
bandaging him and applying the soothing
balm of God’s Word.
COMMENTS
Notice how unspecific the WTS is about what the attacks are, how the elders rescue. Where is God’s word in the reasoning the WTS gives to elders to determine if fornication has taken place. From the current elders manual what scripture is this based on?
Evidence (testified to by at least two witnesses)
that the accused stayed all night in the
same house with a person of the opposite sex
(or in the same house with a known homosexual)
under improper circumstances.-*** w684/15p.255QuestionsFromReaders***
There has to be real evidence of adultery, such as the mate’s confession, or proof that the mate stayed all night with a person of the opposite sex under improper circumstances.—Prov. 5:8-11.
Is Proverbs 5:8-11 supporting this statement?
(Proverbs 5:8-11) 8 Keep your way far off from alongside her, and do not get near to the entrance of her house, 9 that you may not give to others your dignity, nor your years to what is cruel; 10 that strangers may not satisfy themselves with your power, nor the things you got by pain be in the house of a foreigner, 11 nor you have to groan in your future when your flesh and your organism come to an end.
Was the foreign woman married to another? It didn’t matter if the Israelite man was married since they could have sex with any women except another man’s wife. Was the writer saying that being near to the entrance of her house constituted fornication or adultery?
8. To where do elders guide the flock, and how?
8 A literal shepherd also guided the flock
to an appropriate pasture and a watering
place. Likewise, elders direct the flock to the
congregation, encouraging regular meeting
attendance so that the flock can be well-fed
and receive “their food at the proper time.”
(Matt. 24:45) The elders may need to spend
extra time helping those who are spiritually
sick to accept nourishment from God’s
Word. A stray sheep may be trying to return
to the flock. Instead of intimidating their
brother, the elders tenderly explain Scriptural
principles and show him how he can apply
these in his life.
COMMENTS
So when do elders spend the extra time and how? When someone comes to them with an accusation of a df’ing sin and then on their own timetable, figuring if it is inconvenient for the sheep it proves they are guilty and not repentant. And considering that 2 witnesses of the sin is not necessary (see paragraph 7).
***w02 3/1 p.16 pars. 13-14***
In Scotland some young lambs were grazing in a pasture when one of them strayed to the side of a hillock and tumbled onto a ledge below. It was uninjured, but it was frightened and unable to climb back. So it started to bleat plaintively. Its mother heard it, and she too began to bleat until the shepherd came and retrieved the young lamb.
Notice the sequence of events. The lamb called for help, the ewe added her voice to its cries, and the alerted shepherd sprang into action to rescue it. If a very young animal and its mother can sense danger and immediately call for help, should we not do the same when we stumble spiritually or face unexpected dangers from Satan’s world? (James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8) We should, especially if we are lacking in experience either because we are young or because we are relatively new in the truth.
And did Jesus say that the sheep was responsible for getting back or did the shepherd go looking for them, that the lost sheep was more important or as important as the 99 other sheep?
Why would the WTS even bring up “intimidating their brother” unless a large percentage are doing that? And to bring it up in a study article rather than a side article or “private” counsel from the CO or in a letter from the WTS?
9, 10. How should elders care for spiritually ailing
ones?
9 When you are sick, what kind of doctor
do you prefer? One who spends little time
listening to you and then quickly prescribes
medication so as to be free to see the next patient?
Or would you rather consult a doctor
who hears you out, explains what might be
wrong with you, and outlines possible treatments?
COMMENTS
So how long do the elders spend listening to you…don’t they do most of the talking? Don’t the elders quickly prescribe the Wait On Jehovah medication?
10 Likewise, the elders can listen to the
spiritually sick person and help to heal the
wound, thus figuratively “greasing him with
oil in the name of Jehovah.” (Read James 5:
14, 15.) Like the balsam from Gilead, God’s
Word can soothe the ailing one. (Jer. 8:22;
Ezek. 34:16) When applied, Bible principles
can help the faltering one to regain spiritual
balance. Yes, the elders do much good once
they hear the ailing sheep’s concerns and
pray with him.
COMMENTS
When did you ever have a meaningful conversation with an elder? I can remember asking 2 elders to come over regarding an issue and they tossed 2 photocopied WT articles on the coffee table saying that my answer was in there. No conversation, no scriptures. (I had already read those articles and needed clarification). I almost threw them back into their faces. No group prayers then or ever.
So is the WTS suggesting that if the elders “suggestions” don’t work it is the sheep’s fault for not applying them?
Not Under Compulsion but Willingly
11. What moves elders to shepherd the flock of God
willingly?
11 Peter next reminded the older men how
the shepherding work should and should
not be done. Elders are to shepherd the flock
of God, “not under compulsion, but willingly.”
What moves elders to serve their brothers
willingly? Well, what moved Peter to
shepherd and feed Jesus’ sheep? A key was
his love and affection for the Lord. (John
21:15-17) Because of love, elders “live no
longer for themselves, but for him who died
for them.” (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) This love, combined
with their love for God and their
brothers, compels elders to serve the flock,
devoting their efforts, resources, and time to
doing so. (Matt. 22:37-39) They give of
themselves, not grudgingly, but willingly.
COMMENTS
My husband told me what a shock it was to attend his first elders meeting. There was no love for the sheep or willingness to shepherd, just complaints. He wanted to be the loving, willing shepherd and did not let them try to mold him into their own image. Once he was told that he was too friendly with the brothers, and spent too much time talking to the sisters.
12. To what extent did the apostle Paul give of himself?
12 To what extent should the elders give of
themselves? In caring for the sheep, they
imitate the apostle Paul, even as he imitated
Jesus. (1 Cor. 11:1) Having tender affection
for the Thessalonian brothers, Paul and his
companions were well-pleased to impart to
them ‘not only the good news of God but
also their own souls.’ When doing so, they
became gentle, “as when a nursing mother
cherishes her own children.” (1 Thess. 2:7, 8)
Paul understood how a nursing mother felt
about her children. She would do anything
for them, including getting up in the middle
of the night to feed them.
COMMENTS
How much should they give of themselves? How much did Jesus give of himself? Didn’t Paul say imitate me as I imitate Christ?
Can you imagine any man being willing to nurse a child? It’s the women’s job so they can free up the men for more important duties.
13. Elders need to maintain what balance?
13 The elders need to take care to maintain
balance between shepherding responsibilities
and obligations to their own family.
(1 Tim. 5:8) The time that elders spend with
the congregation is precious time away from
their family. One way to balance the two responsibilities
is to invite others to their Family
Worship evening on occasion. Over the
years, Masanao, an elder in Japan, invited
single ones and spiritually fatherless families
to his family’s study. In time, some who
were helped became elders themselves and
imitated Masanao’s fine example.
COMMENTS
So are the elders doing shepherding duties or administrative duties? Are they going d2d with the sheep? Did you ever go door to door with an elder, the CO, or DO? (fathers and husbands don’t count, but then they might never have gone with you either).
I wonder what non-jw fathers would think knowing the WTS has labeled their children “fatherless”? I don’t ask this theoretically, my father was non-jw and he found this insulting. I remember one sister finally got her non-jw hubbie to come to the meeting and this was discussed. He was highly offended and never came again.
So one Japanese man invited single people and families where the father was not a jw…how many elders are they worldwide, at least 110,000, 1 out 110,000?
Shun Dishonest Gain —Shepherd the Flock Eagerly
14, 15. Why should elders guard against the “love
of dishonest gain,” and how can they imitate Paul in
this regard?
14 Peter also encouraged elders to shepherd
the flock, “neither for love of dishonest
gain, but eagerly.” The work of the elders
takes up a considerable amount of time, yet
they do not expect any financial compensation.
Peter saw the need to warn his fellow
older men about the danger of shepherding
the flock out of “love of dishonest gain.”
That danger is evident in the life of luxury
led by religious leaders of “Babylon the
Great” while many people are forced to lead
a life of poverty. (Rev. 18:2, 3) The elders today
have good reason to be on guard against
any tendency in that direction.
COMMENTS
So were the elders “eager” in your congregation? In all the ones I attended, I only worked with one elder d2d. He was the same one that would come at 3 a.m. in the morning when a non-jw husband was abusing his family. Not the other elders, “let Pete do it, he likes it.” Eventually he burnt out and his own family suffered.
What do they spend their time doing, talks, talks, JCs, talks…no training of the sheep in how to talk to people, no inviting the sheep over for a meal (unless it’s their best friends or close relatives), no commendations unless it precedes “counsel.” I understand they have jobs, families, home and car responsibilities. But they volunteer for this.
While they might not be paid, do they sacrifice time to assist the sheep to advance their own financial situation beyond needs?
15 Paul set a fine example for Christian elders.
Though he was an apostle and could
have been “an expensive burden” on Christians
in Thessalonica, he did not “eat food
from anyone free.” Rather, he ‘labored and
toiled night and day.’ (2 Thess. 3:8) Many
present-day elders, including those who are
in the traveling work, set a fine example in
this regard. Although they accept hospitality
from fellow believers, they do not “put an expensive
burden” upon anyone.—1 Thess. 2:9.
COMMENTS
Paul was supposed to represent the “traveling overseers” today? Why then do they not labor as Paul did to pay his own way? I always wondered how jws in poorer countries handled the CO expenses? No nice apartment, new, as was built in this area. Why, because it was connected to the KH and was too loud. Now they have a nice, new building separate from the KH, $200,000 worth. Or having their cars provided, or their health insurance (not the greatest but more than many have).
I doubt that the jws in Bolivia or Namibia could have provided such a nice place to live for the CO.
16. What does it mean to shepherd the flock “eagerly”?
16 The elders shepherd the flock “eagerly.”
Their eagerness is evident in their self sacrificing
attitude in helping the flock. However, that does
not mean that they force the flock to serve
Jehovah; nor do loving elders
encourage others to serve God out of a
competitive spirit. (Gal. 5:26) Elders appreciate
that each sheep is unique. They are eager
to help their brothers to serve Jehovah
happily.
COMMENTS
So what sacrifices did you see the body of elders provide? Help fix their car, drop off a sack of groceries, give them a ride to the meeting or convention, skip a football game on TV to go on a study?
So tell me, how to elders get people to serve God out of competitive spirit? Is like the dolt who would came back to the car and ask how many magazines we had placed, praising the one who placed the most?
Not Lording It Over the Flock but Being Examples
17, 18. (a) Why did the apostles at times have difficulty
grasping Jesus’ teaching on humility? (b) In
what similar situation might we find ourselves?
17 As we have discussed, the elders should
keep in mind that the flock they are shepherding
is God’s, not their own. They are
careful not ‘to lord it over those who are
God’s inheritance.’ (Read 1 Peter 5:3.) At
times, Jesus’ apostles reached out with the
wrong motive. Like those who were ruling
the nations, they wanted to have a prominent
position.—Read Mark 10:42-45.
COMMENTS
So how would elders show that they feel they are responsible to God? Would they only do the things that humans could see or find out about? Would they be like the Israelites who said the God had left the land and is not seeing what they do?
(Ezekiel 8:12) . . .And he proceeded to say to me: “Have you seen, O son of man, what the elderly ones of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each one in the inner rooms of his showpiece? For they are saying, ‘Jehovah is not seeing us. Jehovah has left the land.’”
18 Today, brothers who are “reaching out
for an office of overseer” do well to examine
themselves as to why they are reaching out.
(1 Tim. 3:1) Those who are now elders may
want to ask themselves frankly whether they
have a desire for authority or prominence as
some of the apostles did. If the apostles had
difficulty in this area, then elders can appreciate
that they need to work hard to avoid
any worldly tendency to enjoy having authority
over others.
COMMENTS
So if the men in the congregation love God, Jesus, and the sheep so much, why are there fewer “reaching out” to be ministerial servants or elders? Why are fewer boys growing up to get baptized as jws and staying in the congregation?
I can remember my husband coming home from his first elders meeting, having heard the new PO (COBOE) tell the group that it was His Way or the Highway….now what scripture is that from?
19. What should elders remember when taking action
to protect the flock?
19 Granted, there are times when the elders
need to be firm, such as when protecting
the flock from “oppressive wolves.” (Acts
20:28-30) Paul told Titus to keep “exhorting
and reproving with full authority.” (Titus 2:
15) Yet, even when having to take such action,
the elders try to dignify the ones who
are involved. They appreciate that rather
than harsh criticism, gentle persuasion is
usually more effective in reaching hearts
and in moving someone to follow a right
course.
COMMENTS
So how firm as the elders when it comes to the pedophile wolves in their midst?
http://watchtowerdocuments.com/documents/Secrets_Commentary_Version_2.pdf
20. How can elders imitate Jesus in setting a fine example?
20 Christ’s fine example motivates elders
to love the flock. (John 13:12-15) Our
hearts are warmed as we read how he
taught his disciples in the preaching
and disciple-making work. His pattern of humility
touched the hearts of his disciples,
motivating them to follow a course reflecting
‘lowliness of mind considering that the
others were superior to them.’ (Phil. 2:3) Elders
today are likewise moved to follow Jesus’
example, and they, in turn, want to be
“examples to the flock.”
COMMENTS
Do the elders love the flock? Do they know your name, your spouse’s name, your children’s names? Do they visit with you before or after meeting, just casual conversation? Do they go with you to talk to people about the Bible, actively train you how to improve. Do they consider you superior to them or do they call themselves “mighty men” having more holy spirit from God? Do they concentrate on others showing them double honor or honoring others? Are they examples or do they associate with their df’d family secretly, watch R-rated movies because they zoom past the bad parts, have special parties for their children six months from the date of birth, building expensive homes, buy expensive cars, send their children to college, etc.
21. To what reward can elders look forward?
21 Peter concluded his admonition to the
older men by referring to a promise for the
future. (Read 1 Peter 5:4.) The anointed
overseers “will receive the unfadable crown
of glory” with Christ in heaven. The undershepherds
of the “other sheep” will have the
privilege of shepherding the flock of God on
earth under the rulership of “the chief shepherd.”
(John 10:16) The next article will discuss
ways in which congregation members
can support those appointed to take the
lead.
COMMENTS
Even the anointed jws on earth will not get a crown until they die and go to heaven. There will be no kings on earth supposedly in the Christian congregation now or in the future. And after the final test at the end of the 1,000 years, all those who pass will be pronounced perfect and given eternal life…what then, will perfect people need humans to be over them?
By Way of Review
Why was it appropriate for Peter to
admonish fellow elders to shepherd
the flock of God in their care?
How should elders shepherd spiritually
ailing ones?
What moves elders to shepherd the
flock of God in their care?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, the 2 punch of this 1-2 punch article, “HAVE REGARD FOR THOSE WORKING HARD AMONG YOU.”
The first paragraph has these phrases, “imagine…may have…might have.”
If no leaders in the congregation, how is it that the elders “take the lead”?
Love Blondie
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“SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD
IN YOUR CARE”
“Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under
compulsion, but willingly.”—1 PET. 5:2.
OPENING COMMENTS
Take note of the snippets and citations in this article. How many jws will check the context?
START OF ARTICLE
1. What circumstances were Christians facing
when Peter wrote his first letter?
SOMETIME before Nero launched his persecution
against Christians in Rome, the apostle
Peter wrote his first letter. He wanted
to strengthen his fellow believers. The Devil
was ‘walking about,’ seeking to devour
Christians. To stand firm against him, they
needed to ‘keep their senses’ and to ‘humble
themselves under the mighty hand of God.’
(1 Pet. 5:6, 8) They also needed to stay united.
They could not afford to be “biting and
devouring one another,” for that could result
in their being “annihilated by one another.”—
Gal. 5:15.
COMMENTS
If anointed Christians were “biting and devouring one another,” how could they qualify to rule in heaven over the rest of humans. Even if God waved his wand and made them perfect upon resurrection as spirits, how could that part of their personality change, personality adjustment?
Can you think of the congregations you attended (or attend)? Do/did you see biting and devouring? By the “weak” or the “mature”? Who have you been bitten by more, jws or non-jws, who caused the most pain, deliberate pain.
My experiences in over 20 congregations, 10 states, 3 countries…it was the elders and their wives that caused the most “biting and devouring” as they felt they were qualified to judge and punish others. I can remember screaming from the elders room after the meeting, being told of 8 hour scream fests in congregations between elders, “enemies” being personally marked and then that elder/his wife telling others privately of their “personal” marking of individuals so that these would copy their “personal” marking.
***w85 4/15 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***
Ifa Christian feels that someone in the congregation is not the best of association because of that person’s conduct or attitude, should he personally ‘mark’ that individual in accord with 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15?
Those who become part of the Christian congregation do so because they love Jehovah and sincerely want to live by his principles. It is better to fellowship with these than with worldly people. We may be more comfortable with certain Christians, as Jesus ‘especially loved’ the apostle John and was particularly close to 3 of the 12. Still, he chose, was interested in, and loved all of them. (John 13:1, 23; 19:26; Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33) Though all brothers have failings of which we must be understanding and forgiving, we know that for the most part fellow believers are wholesome companions. (1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 7:1-5) Love for one another is an identifying mark of the Christian congregation. —John 13:34, 35; Colossians 3:14.
On occasion, however , someone may have an attitude or way of life of which we personally do not approve. The apostle Paul wrote about some in Corinth whose personal views about the resurrection were not right and who may have had an ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ attitude. Mature Christians in the congregation needed to be cautious about such ones, for Paul advised: “Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.”—1 Corinthians 15:12, 32, 33.
This general counsel is also valid today. For example, a Christian couple may find that their children are adversely affected when they spend time with certain other youngsters, who may not yet take the truth seriously or may be worldly minded. These other children may yet benefit from godly training. But until there is evidence of that, the couple might restrict their children as to playing with and visiting those youngsters. This would not be a ‘marking’ such as spoken of in 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. The parents simply are applying Paul’s advice to avoid “bad associations.”
2, 3. Against whom should we be fighting, and
what are we going to consider in this series?
2 Today, we face a similar situation. The
Devil is looking for opportunities to devour
us. (Rev. 12:12) And ahead of us looms a
“great tribulation such as has not occurred
since the world’s beginning.” (Matt. 24:21)
Just as first-century Christians had to guard
against squabbling among themselves, so
must we. To accomplish this, at times we
need help from qualified older men.
COMMENTS
“devour us” = evidently only jws are worthy of the Devil’s attention because the WTS considers all others already under his control.
Jesus initially told his followers that they would face a “great tribulation.” How do some feel that was fulfilled in the first century?
***w97 12/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 17-18 ***
However, the full execution of Jehovah’s judgment in the climax of the tribulation was yet to come. In 70 C.E., the Roman legions, now under General Titus, returned to the attack. This time the battle was decisive! The Jews, who had been warring even among themselves, were no match for the Romans. The city and its temple were razed to the ground. More than a million emaciated Jews suffered and died, some 600,000 corpses being thrown out of the city gates. After the city fell, 97,000 Jews were carried off captive, many to die later in gladiatorial spectacles. Truly, the only flesh saved during the years of that tribulation was that of the obedient Christians who had fled to the mountains beyond the Jordan.—Matthew 24:21, 22; Luke 21:20-22. Thus, Jesus’ great prophecy concerning “the conclusion of the system of things” had its first fulfillment, culminating in Jehovah’s day for meting out justice on the rebellious Jewish nation in 66-70 C.E.
So were the Christians the only ones that survived? 97,000 Jews did not die then. If this corresponds to the WTS great tribulation of today, then there would be non-jw survivors.
Squabbling = the worst case of this have seen in among elders on an elder body, among elders on 2 or more elder bodies (especially sharing a KH), and between elder bodies and the circuit overseer.
How then can the rank and file expect any “help from qualified older men”?
3 Let us consider how elders can enhance
their appreciation for the privilege of shepherding
‘the flock of God in their care.’(1 Pet. 5:2)
Thereafter, we will reflect on the
proper way of carrying out the shepherding
work. In the next article, we will examine
how the congregation can ‘have regard for
those who are working hard and presiding
over’ the flock. (1 Thess. 5:12) A consideration
of these matters will help us to take a
firm stand against our chief Adversary, recognizing
that he is the one with whom we
have a wrestling.—Eph. 6:12.
COMMENTS
Do elders see shepherding as a privilege or a burden, an interference in their personal lives? Why does the circuit overseer have to check and make sure they have made these visits, and why do elder bodies work so hard to give the appearance of having done so without the substance even to the point of doing drive-by shepherding?
What does it mean for elders to work hard and to preside. Are they not supposed to be working side by side with the sheep not “over” them? Didn’t the WTS itself see the need to change the term, presiding overseer, to coordinator of the body of elders?
pre·side
intr.v.pre·sid·ed, pre·sid·ing, pre·sides
1. To hold the position of authority; act as chairperson or president.
2. To possess or exercise authority or control.
Notice that the WTS does not differentiate that this does not mean that each jw is singled out for specific attention by Satan.
Shepherd the Flock of God
4, 5. How should the older men view the flock? Illustrate.
4 Peter encouraged the older men among
the first-century Christians to have a godly
view of the flock entrusted to them. (Read
1 Peter 5:1, 2.) Although he was considered a
pillar in the congregation, Peter did not talk
condescendingly to the elders. Rather, he
admonished them as fellow elders. (Gal. 2:9)
With a spirit like Peter’s, the Governing
Body today exhorts congregation elders to
strive to fulfill the heavy responsibility of
shepherding God’s flock.
COMMENTS
Why did the WTS vocabulary change from “servant” to “overseer” when referring to the elders, COs and DOs around 1970? Actually the opposite of from PO to COBOE.
Peter did not talk condescendingly….fellow elders…are the COs just another “elder”? For a brief period in the 1970’s but no longer. And COs can and do talk condescendingly to the elders.
The phrase “governing body” does not occur once in the Bible. If the trinity is not valid because that word never appears in the Bible…..then…..
Heavy responsibility—and what happens when they do not shepherd, or not in a loving way? Are they corrected? By whom? Are the elders required to apologize to those they hurt on purpose, knowingly?
5 The apostle wrote that the older men
were to ‘shepherd the flock of God in their
care.’ It was most important for them to recognize
that the flock belongs to Jehovah and
Jesus Christ. The elders had to render an account
about how they kept watch over God’s
sheep. Suppose that a close friend of yours
asked you to look after his children while he
was away. Would you not take good care of
them and feed them? If one child got sick,
would you not make sure that he received
any needed medical help? Similarly, the elders
in the congregation are “to shepherd
the congregation of God, which he
purchased with the blood of his own Son.”
(Acts 20:28) They keep in mind that each
Sheep was bought with the precious blood of
Christ Jesus. Being accountable, the elders
feed, protect, and care for the flock.
COMMENTS
The flock belongs to God AND Jesus? What a surprise!
Would you spank their children?
But remember the elders get to determine who is qualified to receive that forgiveness through judicial committees, not being able to read hearts yet able to determine “true” repentance.
Pedophiles, fraud, lying, gossip, alcoholics are given a pass, especially if they are elders.
While God and Jesus may be shepherds as owners of the flock, elders are merely hired men who know that they won’t get their own everlasting life if they did not. No reward, no work.
6. What was the responsibility of ancient shepherds?
6 Think of the responsibilities that literal
shepherds had in Bible times. They had to
put up with the heat of the day and the cold
of the night in order to tend the flock. (Gen.
31:40) They even risked their life for the
sheep. The shepherd boy David rescued his
flock from wild beasts, including a lion and a
bear. With regard to each one, David said
that he “grabbed hold of its beard and struck
it down and put it to death.” (1 Sam. 17:34,
35) What bravery! How close he must have
come to the beast’s jaws! Still, he did not
hold back from saving the sheep.
COMMENTS
So where are the elders on a cold day, a hot day, making imaginary shepherding calls, picking up their dry cleaning, getting the oil changed on their car, as they send the women, children, older people out to do the real work of door to door.
Would the elders in your congregation risk their lives for you? Would they die for you, but more importantly, would they live for you, buy out time from their lives at a time convenient for you? May be one, what about the rest, do they slide on the true shepherd’s work?
7. How may elders snatch the sheep from Satan’s
jaws, figuratively speaking?
7 Today, elders need to be on guard
against the lionlike attacks of the Devil. This
may involve a courageous act of figuratively
snatching the sheep from the Devil’s
jaws. By taking hold of the wild beast
by the beard, so to speak, elders can rescue
the sheep. They may reason with unwary
brothers who are tempted by Satan’s
snares. (Read Jude 22, 23.) Elders, of course,
do not accomplish this without Jehovah’s
help. They handle an injured sheep tenderly,
bandaging him and applying the soothing
balm of God’s Word.
COMMENTS
Notice how unspecific the WTS is about what the attacks are, how the elders rescue. Where is God’s word in the reasoning the WTS gives to elders to determine if fornication has taken place. From the current elders manual what scripture is this based on?
Evidence (testified to by at least two witnesses)
that the accused stayed all night in the
same house with a person of the opposite sex
(or in the same house with a known homosexual)
under improper circumstances.-*** w684/15p.255QuestionsFromReaders***
There has to be real evidence of adultery, such as the mate’s confession, or proof that the mate stayed all night with a person of the opposite sex under improper circumstances.—Prov. 5:8-11.
Is Proverbs 5:8-11 supporting this statement?
(Proverbs 5:8-11) 8 Keep your way far off from alongside her, and do not get near to the entrance of her house, 9 that you may not give to others your dignity, nor your years to what is cruel; 10 that strangers may not satisfy themselves with your power, nor the things you got by pain be in the house of a foreigner, 11 nor you have to groan in your future when your flesh and your organism come to an end.
Was the foreign woman married to another? It didn’t matter if the Israelite man was married since they could have sex with any women except another man’s wife. Was the writer saying that being near to the entrance of her house constituted fornication or adultery?
8. To where do elders guide the flock, and how?
8 A literal shepherd also guided the flock
to an appropriate pasture and a watering
place. Likewise, elders direct the flock to the
congregation, encouraging regular meeting
attendance so that the flock can be well-fed
and receive “their food at the proper time.”
(Matt. 24:45) The elders may need to spend
extra time helping those who are spiritually
sick to accept nourishment from God’s
Word. A stray sheep may be trying to return
to the flock. Instead of intimidating their
brother, the elders tenderly explain Scriptural
principles and show him how he can apply
these in his life.
COMMENTS
So when do elders spend the extra time and how? When someone comes to them with an accusation of a df’ing sin and then on their own timetable, figuring if it is inconvenient for the sheep it proves they are guilty and not repentant. And considering that 2 witnesses of the sin is not necessary (see paragraph 7).
***w02 3/1 p.16 pars. 13-14***
In Scotland some young lambs were grazing in a pasture when one of them strayed to the side of a hillock and tumbled onto a ledge below. It was uninjured, but it was frightened and unable to climb back. So it started to bleat plaintively. Its mother heard it, and she too began to bleat until the shepherd came and retrieved the young lamb.
Notice the sequence of events. The lamb called for help, the ewe added her voice to its cries, and the alerted shepherd sprang into action to rescue it. If a very young animal and its mother can sense danger and immediately call for help, should we not do the same when we stumble spiritually or face unexpected dangers from Satan’s world? (James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8) We should, especially if we are lacking in experience either because we are young or because we are relatively new in the truth.
And did Jesus say that the sheep was responsible for getting back or did the shepherd go looking for them, that the lost sheep was more important or as important as the 99 other sheep?
Why would the WTS even bring up “intimidating their brother” unless a large percentage are doing that? And to bring it up in a study article rather than a side article or “private” counsel from the CO or in a letter from the WTS?
9, 10. How should elders care for spiritually ailing
ones?
9 When you are sick, what kind of doctor
do you prefer? One who spends little time
listening to you and then quickly prescribes
medication so as to be free to see the next patient?
Or would you rather consult a doctor
who hears you out, explains what might be
wrong with you, and outlines possible treatments?
COMMENTS
So how long do the elders spend listening to you…don’t they do most of the talking? Don’t the elders quickly prescribe the Wait On Jehovah medication?
10 Likewise, the elders can listen to the
spiritually sick person and help to heal the
wound, thus figuratively “greasing him with
oil in the name of Jehovah.” (Read James 5:
14, 15.) Like the balsam from Gilead, God’s
Word can soothe the ailing one. (Jer. 8:22;
Ezek. 34:16) When applied, Bible principles
can help the faltering one to regain spiritual
balance. Yes, the elders do much good once
they hear the ailing sheep’s concerns and
pray with him.
COMMENTS
When did you ever have a meaningful conversation with an elder? I can remember asking 2 elders to come over regarding an issue and they tossed 2 photocopied WT articles on the coffee table saying that my answer was in there. No conversation, no scriptures. (I had already read those articles and needed clarification). I almost threw them back into their faces. No group prayers then or ever.
So is the WTS suggesting that if the elders “suggestions” don’t work it is the sheep’s fault for not applying them?
Not Under Compulsion but Willingly
11. What moves elders to shepherd the flock of God
willingly?
11 Peter next reminded the older men how
the shepherding work should and should
not be done. Elders are to shepherd the flock
of God, “not under compulsion, but willingly.”
What moves elders to serve their brothers
willingly? Well, what moved Peter to
shepherd and feed Jesus’ sheep? A key was
his love and affection for the Lord. (John
21:15-17) Because of love, elders “live no
longer for themselves, but for him who died
for them.” (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) This love, combined
with their love for God and their
brothers, compels elders to serve the flock,
devoting their efforts, resources, and time to
doing so. (Matt. 22:37-39) They give of
themselves, not grudgingly, but willingly.
COMMENTS
My husband told me what a shock it was to attend his first elders meeting. There was no love for the sheep or willingness to shepherd, just complaints. He wanted to be the loving, willing shepherd and did not let them try to mold him into their own image. Once he was told that he was too friendly with the brothers, and spent too much time talking to the sisters.
12. To what extent did the apostle Paul give of himself?
12 To what extent should the elders give of
themselves? In caring for the sheep, they
imitate the apostle Paul, even as he imitated
Jesus. (1 Cor. 11:1) Having tender affection
for the Thessalonian brothers, Paul and his
companions were well-pleased to impart to
them ‘not only the good news of God but
also their own souls.’ When doing so, they
became gentle, “as when a nursing mother
cherishes her own children.” (1 Thess. 2:7, 8)
Paul understood how a nursing mother felt
about her children. She would do anything
for them, including getting up in the middle
of the night to feed them.
COMMENTS
How much should they give of themselves? How much did Jesus give of himself? Didn’t Paul say imitate me as I imitate Christ?
Can you imagine any man being willing to nurse a child? It’s the women’s job so they can free up the men for more important duties.
13. Elders need to maintain what balance?
13 The elders need to take care to maintain
balance between shepherding responsibilities
and obligations to their own family.
(1 Tim. 5:8) The time that elders spend with
the congregation is precious time away from
their family. One way to balance the two responsibilities
is to invite others to their Family
Worship evening on occasion. Over the
years, Masanao, an elder in Japan, invited
single ones and spiritually fatherless families
to his family’s study. In time, some who
were helped became elders themselves and
imitated Masanao’s fine example.
COMMENTS
So are the elders doing shepherding duties or administrative duties? Are they going d2d with the sheep? Did you ever go door to door with an elder, the CO, or DO? (fathers and husbands don’t count, but then they might never have gone with you either).
I wonder what non-jw fathers would think knowing the WTS has labeled their children “fatherless”? I don’t ask this theoretically, my father was non-jw and he found this insulting. I remember one sister finally got her non-jw hubbie to come to the meeting and this was discussed. He was highly offended and never came again.
So one Japanese man invited single people and families where the father was not a jw…how many elders are they worldwide, at least 110,000, 1 out 110,000?
Shun Dishonest Gain —Shepherd the Flock Eagerly
14, 15. Why should elders guard against the “love
of dishonest gain,” and how can they imitate Paul in
this regard?
14 Peter also encouraged elders to shepherd
the flock, “neither for love of dishonest
gain, but eagerly.” The work of the elders
takes up a considerable amount of time, yet
they do not expect any financial compensation.
Peter saw the need to warn his fellow
older men about the danger of shepherding
the flock out of “love of dishonest gain.”
That danger is evident in the life of luxury
led by religious leaders of “Babylon the
Great” while many people are forced to lead
a life of poverty. (Rev. 18:2, 3) The elders today
have good reason to be on guard against
any tendency in that direction.
COMMENTS
So were the elders “eager” in your congregation? In all the ones I attended, I only worked with one elder d2d. He was the same one that would come at 3 a.m. in the morning when a non-jw husband was abusing his family. Not the other elders, “let Pete do it, he likes it.” Eventually he burnt out and his own family suffered.
What do they spend their time doing, talks, talks, JCs, talks…no training of the sheep in how to talk to people, no inviting the sheep over for a meal (unless it’s their best friends or close relatives), no commendations unless it precedes “counsel.” I understand they have jobs, families, home and car responsibilities. But they volunteer for this.
While they might not be paid, do they sacrifice time to assist the sheep to advance their own financial situation beyond needs?
15 Paul set a fine example for Christian elders.
Though he was an apostle and could
have been “an expensive burden” on Christians
in Thessalonica, he did not “eat food
from anyone free.” Rather, he ‘labored and
toiled night and day.’ (2 Thess. 3:8) Many
present-day elders, including those who are
in the traveling work, set a fine example in
this regard. Although they accept hospitality
from fellow believers, they do not “put an expensive
burden” upon anyone.—1 Thess. 2:9.
COMMENTS
Paul was supposed to represent the “traveling overseers” today? Why then do they not labor as Paul did to pay his own way? I always wondered how jws in poorer countries handled the CO expenses? No nice apartment, new, as was built in this area. Why, because it was connected to the KH and was too loud. Now they have a nice, new building separate from the KH, $200,000 worth. Or having their cars provided, or their health insurance (not the greatest but more than many have).
I doubt that the jws in Bolivia or Namibia could have provided such a nice place to live for the CO.
16. What does it mean to shepherd the flock “eagerly”?
16 The elders shepherd the flock “eagerly.”
Their eagerness is evident in their self sacrificing
attitude in helping the flock. However, that does
not mean that they force the flock to serve
Jehovah; nor do loving elders
encourage others to serve God out of a
competitive spirit. (Gal. 5:26) Elders appreciate
that each sheep is unique. They are eager
to help their brothers to serve Jehovah
happily.
COMMENTS
So what sacrifices did you see the body of elders provide? Help fix their car, drop off a sack of groceries, give them a ride to the meeting or convention, skip a football game on TV to go on a study?
So tell me, how to elders get people to serve God out of competitive spirit? Is like the dolt who would came back to the car and ask how many magazines we had placed, praising the one who placed the most?
Not Lording It Over the Flock but Being Examples
17, 18. (a) Why did the apostles at times have difficulty
grasping Jesus’ teaching on humility? (b) In
what similar situation might we find ourselves?
17 As we have discussed, the elders should
keep in mind that the flock they are shepherding
is God’s, not their own. They are
careful not ‘to lord it over those who are
God’s inheritance.’ (Read 1 Peter 5:3.) At
times, Jesus’ apostles reached out with the
wrong motive. Like those who were ruling
the nations, they wanted to have a prominent
position.—Read Mark 10:42-45.
COMMENTS
So how would elders show that they feel they are responsible to God? Would they only do the things that humans could see or find out about? Would they be like the Israelites who said the God had left the land and is not seeing what they do?
(Ezekiel 8:12) . . .And he proceeded to say to me: “Have you seen, O son of man, what the elderly ones of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each one in the inner rooms of his showpiece? For they are saying, ‘Jehovah is not seeing us. Jehovah has left the land.’”
18 Today, brothers who are “reaching out
for an office of overseer” do well to examine
themselves as to why they are reaching out.
(1 Tim. 3:1) Those who are now elders may
want to ask themselves frankly whether they
have a desire for authority or prominence as
some of the apostles did. If the apostles had
difficulty in this area, then elders can appreciate
that they need to work hard to avoid
any worldly tendency to enjoy having authority
over others.
COMMENTS
So if the men in the congregation love God, Jesus, and the sheep so much, why are there fewer “reaching out” to be ministerial servants or elders? Why are fewer boys growing up to get baptized as jws and staying in the congregation?
I can remember my husband coming home from his first elders meeting, having heard the new PO (COBOE) tell the group that it was His Way or the Highway….now what scripture is that from?
19. What should elders remember when taking action
to protect the flock?
19 Granted, there are times when the elders
need to be firm, such as when protecting
the flock from “oppressive wolves.” (Acts
20:28-30) Paul told Titus to keep “exhorting
and reproving with full authority.” (Titus 2:
15) Yet, even when having to take such action,
the elders try to dignify the ones who
are involved. They appreciate that rather
than harsh criticism, gentle persuasion is
usually more effective in reaching hearts
and in moving someone to follow a right
course.
COMMENTS
So how firm as the elders when it comes to the pedophile wolves in their midst?
http://watchtowerdocuments.com/documents/Secrets_Commentary_Version_2.pdf
20. How can elders imitate Jesus in setting a fine example?
20 Christ’s fine example motivates elders
to love the flock. (John 13:12-15) Our
hearts are warmed as we read how he
taught his disciples in the preaching
and disciple-making work. His pattern of humility
touched the hearts of his disciples,
motivating them to follow a course reflecting
‘lowliness of mind considering that the
others were superior to them.’ (Phil. 2:3) Elders
today are likewise moved to follow Jesus’
example, and they, in turn, want to be
“examples to the flock.”
COMMENTS
Do the elders love the flock? Do they know your name, your spouse’s name, your children’s names? Do they visit with you before or after meeting, just casual conversation? Do they go with you to talk to people about the Bible, actively train you how to improve. Do they consider you superior to them or do they call themselves “mighty men” having more holy spirit from God? Do they concentrate on others showing them double honor or honoring others? Are they examples or do they associate with their df’d family secretly, watch R-rated movies because they zoom past the bad parts, have special parties for their children six months from the date of birth, building expensive homes, buy expensive cars, send their children to college, etc.
21. To what reward can elders look forward?
21 Peter concluded his admonition to the
older men by referring to a promise for the
future. (Read 1 Peter 5:4.) The anointed
overseers “will receive the unfadable crown
of glory” with Christ in heaven. The undershepherds
of the “other sheep” will have the
privilege of shepherding the flock of God on
earth under the rulership of “the chief shepherd.”
(John 10:16) The next article will discuss
ways in which congregation members
can support those appointed to take the
lead.
COMMENTS
Even the anointed jws on earth will not get a crown until they die and go to heaven. There will be no kings on earth supposedly in the Christian congregation now or in the future. And after the final test at the end of the 1,000 years, all those who pass will be pronounced perfect and given eternal life…what then, will perfect people need humans to be over them?
By Way of Review
Why was it appropriate for Peter to
admonish fellow elders to shepherd
the flock of God in their care?
How should elders shepherd spiritually
ailing ones?
What moves elders to shepherd the
flock of God in their care?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, the 2 punch of this 1-2 punch article, “HAVE REGARD FOR THOSE WORKING HARD AMONG YOU.”
The first paragraph has these phrases, “imagine…may have…might have.”
If no leaders in the congregation, how is it that the elders “take the lead”?
Love Blondie
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blondie
It says I posted 3 times, but I see only one post with 3 articles....ARGGH!
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Ding
Great questions and comments again, Blondie!
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AwareBeing
Hi Blondie; thanks' for the "get real" comments to the WT Study,
and the URL quick clicks!
A true resource for Biblical information on the web.
Meeting to needs of the congregate, who has no say in the JW congregations.
We're there for you, so your family won't have to be tortured at the KH !
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Quarterback
I always look forward to your weekly WT summary, Blondie. I wondered about this one. My family's hands got missed alot today at this WT study.
There were some comments we really wanted to make. The conductor, made sure the brownnosers got selected for those choice comments.
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blondie
QB, tell them just to raise their hand on every question; sit where the conductor cannot miss their hands and the audience can see that they are not called on.
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wannabefree
Thanks again Blondie for your work on this. I can relate to this comment you made.
When did you ever have a meaningful conversation with an elder? I can remember asking 2 elders to come over regarding an issue and they tossed 2 photocopied WT articles on the coffee table saying that my answer was in there. No conversation, no scriptures. (I had already read those articles and needed clarification). I almost threw them back into their faces. No group prayers then or ever.
I finally had an elder stop by after about 18 months of an obvious change in my habits (he thought we met about six months ago, it had actually been 17) I did talk with him for a while, I mentioned I was having some issues, to give him a for instance, I mentioned 607BCE (this really wasn't what woke me up, it just seemed to be something tangible he could research), he said he would get back to me, a few days later he emailed me to look at the new Watchtower online at jw.org, he also printed out an article from a website by a JW apologist and sent it to me to read. I responded with a rebuttal ... he emailed me back "I hope you find what you are looking for" ... he is a nice guy ... but is that a shepherd trying to help 1 of the 99 that has strayed?
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WTWizard
Shepherding the flock? About all the hounders do is hound the flock. You are not at the boasting sessions, you get harassed and hounded. Your field circus drops, you get hounded. Your music starts to include something they don't like or you are starting to include real music when you had been listening to Kingdumb sxxx? You get hounded. You are not obeying every little rule they make? You get hounded.
I wonder how this explains the ones that manage to get away. How many of them actually feel threatened by the world outside once they are in it. In most advanced societies, the witlesses are actually losing ground. If there was real protection within the organization, more of them would seek to return to it once they leave. But that isn't happening. Right here in the United Tyranny of America, we see the total number of witlesses leveling off despite too many children getting baptized. In other countries, it is starting to deteriorate as well. New Zealand, for instance, had a peak of close to 19,000 witlesses--since 2006, they went from the 17,000 region to around 14,000 according to their own statistics. Even Chile, which once had one witless per 91 people once, had a much more bearable 1 witless to close to 200 people in their latest statistics. And, even in countries like Nigeria where they were still exploding to the upside, they seem to be slowing down.
How in hell can a religion that is providing genuine protection deteriorate from 19,000 to 14,000 in the space of 15 years in one country? Or, have losses in a country where they once proclaimed "Many people believe that only those with special circumstances can pio-sneer. But, we are seeing that only those with special circumstances are not able to pio-sneer." And today, they are losing members. For sure, this is not because they are getting genuine protection--otherwise, they would be back.
It also betrays a lack of effectiveness in "shepherding" the flock. If they were so effective, wouldn't they be able to hold onto their members? I can see in a country where you have more than 1.1 million of them to shepherd, but even there, wouldn't they be able to manage if they were so effective? What about countries where there are more than 200,000 and nowhere to run--and they are still losing members, despite 20 years ago being so zealous? Or countries that lose nearly a quarter of their witlesses, again despite being on an island or group of islands with nowhere to hide? Or even countries that were once growing so fast that there were waiting lists for studies, yet today they are losing members?