BLACK SHEEP: I had a talk to some long term Dubs a few days ago. They agreed with everything I said, except they didn't know about the 1925 ancient worthies return. They even agreed that I was not wrong in my analysis of the generation doctrine.
Will they leave? Of course not. They have invested too much of their lives, and their families lives, in the cult to ever admit to themselves that they should apologise to everyone they have passed their foolishness to and throw out their Watchtowers and leave.
DA CHEECH: No matter what bullshit numbers they publish in the yearly figures: bad stuff is happening to them!
1) stagnant attendance -- 2) stagnant field service -- 3) no contributions............... the only ones they get are Assemblies and Wills -- 4) apathy, this demoralized field service and the result is "token magazine handouts". Their own stupid policies are chipping away from the inside!
If you are still "IN", think about this: How many in your Cong are just going thru the motions?? I'd say 50%.
Think of the post yesterday about Special Needs and 4 hour FS averages. Truth is that those FOUR HOURS are mostly FAKE! Pubs who report 4 hours are just going thru the motions of "Family Worship" or going to breakfast at McDonalds once or twice a month (after knocking on 2 or 3 not-at-homes). Even at least 50% of pioneers just ride around counting time. NO Bible Studies. Door Step Bible Studies? Those used to be called Return Visits.
While the 3rd world is the growth areas, primarily the US & Western World has always been the Cash Cow for WT$ and now the economy sucks here. Do you think most of the R&F cut back on their dining out or on their donations at the KH? There is still the steady source of income from retired folks with their fixed income, most of whom are in better financial shape than the upcoming generation which lacks education for a good job now.
MANY/MOST will still keep one foot in the door: 1) to maintain the network of family and friends; 2) to hedge their bets, JUST IN CASE The End does come; 3) Where/ or To Whom else would they go? But, meeting attendance will suffer, as recreation, work, or just being tired or stressed out will take precedence over going to meetings. Field Service will suffer, because recreation, work, or just being tired or stressed out will.........(yada yada yada). Plus, it's hard to "sell" something you no longer "buy" into yourself. Go thru the motions. Arrange car group with friends. Make 2 or 3 not-at-homes, got to Starbucks or visit garage sales in territory, leave some free magazines laying around, count 3 hours, 10 mags, go to Mall....another full day in FS.
But IMPLODE? Not a chance.
Sales of NYC property will put $1Billion in the bank, and upstate campus will only cost $20 Million = $80 Million CASH ON HAND.
Consolidation of congregations = sales on KH property to generate more cash.
Cut backs on full-time Bethel staff and replace with Temp Workers means less costs (esp for health care at US Bethel).
Increase in "rental" fees at assembly halls for Cir Assms and Spec Days generates additional cash. If circuit falls short on contributions, it just sends a bill to each congregation which beats publishers until enough funds are collected to meet obligation.
New policy of all COs/DOs rotating assignments at same time. This smells of some kind of upcoming change as previously rumored here about eliminating COs. Maybe consolidating circuits and CO visits only 1 time per year with local Heavys filling in for 2nd visit. CO costs thus cut in half.
Keep those card$ and letter$ coming in!
DOC