by curiousconfused 64 Replies latest members private
Ive been away, but Im back again..... I have a question for any appointed elders that come here, and please, dont reply if youre not one... I serve in that capacity, and yet feel highly uncertain about various things... resigning would trigger outcomes I dont want at the moment, and so the situation is not a comfortable one. I just wonder how any others function in a simliar dileama to mine?
Thanks
CC
I've read this forum for about 10 years. About 6 of them were as an elder. Maybe you only want current elders?
Id be interested in your experiences....
I did so for a number of years before I was able to claim reasonable grounds for no longer serving and keep from throwing up red flags everywhere.
Several here continue to serve in the Cong.
DOC
CURIOUCONFUSED- What things are you " highly uncertain " about ? Perhaps if you disclose that here it may open up more discussion with former elders so they get a grasp of what you're dealing with ? Peace out, Mr. Flipper
You might want to hear from Elderlite...he has been in (and I believe currently is still in) your situation. I am sure he can share some thoughts with you.
Forgive me--I shouldn't intrude on this because I was never an elder and never will be. However, I do thank those of conscious class who have made the sacrifice and remained in their positions for the time being. You can be voices of moderation, genuinely be there to help those who would otherwise not be, and help nudge things in the right direction where you can. You also can provide valuable intel. Alas, most elders of the conscious class are probably not even aware of one another. Imagine the good they could do if they somehow could network and subtlety leverage there collective power. I often wonder how many are in my own town.
Of course, Bethel would definitely be on the lookout for such a hidden network. Alas, in the real world, Goliath usually wins. They have so far.
Hi CC... As tenyears after noted i do serve (for the time being) as an elder... Glad to talk to you anytime. It has been a huge source of help for me to talk to others as well. I serve (for the moment) for the very reason u stated: stepping down triggers an outcome im not ready for just yet.
No room for george is also an elder, and many many others have served that are here too, having walked the path we are on. Anytime u wanna talk, ill b here
curiousconfused - I hope you don't mind my contribution to this discussion. I was an elder for a brief while not long before I became inactive. I can fully understand why both you and elderelite would find it disadvantageous to step down immediately on discerning the real truth. It's difficult extracting oneself from any cult, but particularly when you are so far in, and when so much is expected of you by family etc. Still, it would be good to formulate some form of strategy to edge yourself towards the door, if only incrementally as a means of retaining your sanity and satisfying your personal integrity. Nobody is hurrying you, but the longer you play this game, the more precarious your situation will become.
What I DO detest are those elders who feel the way you do but come on here bragging about various talks they have been asked to give, and asking for advice on how to give them. If I was still serving as an elder, I would keep all that to myself. They have chosen to endure a double-life at this exalted level, and it is their struggle to face. Sometimes when I read the posts of such ones, it strikes me that they are more interested in raising eyebrows and getting attention for their position than in receiving genuine support and encouragement. I'd better stop there before I begin ranting!
Anyway, please could you take the time to contribute to our 2012 JW Survey under the "serving elders" category if you haven't already done so? That would be appreciated.
I hope this has been remotely helpful.
Cedars
CEDARS: Thanks for those comments. I agree, and the various things I may or may not do are simply a product of circumstance. There have been occasions where a high profile assignment felt wrong, but its my lack of decisivness that led me to do it anyway. Like many here - Im born in - surrounded by many serving family members - and much is expected. So, let the trolls come forth with their accusations of hypocracy.....
However, Ive felt for a while that I can follow a moderate, more compassionate agenda while still serving. Its a very weird place to be. I wouldnt wish it on anyone, and, hence the thread, there will be reletivly few people who would be able to fully empathise.
Cheers
CC
