How hard is it to attend a congregation outside of the territory where you live? Consequences for doing so.

by hoser 28 Replies latest jw friends

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  blondie

  The only pressure I have seen in the past is that elders, MS, and regular pioneers are strongly encouraged to go to the congregation whose territory they live in. Of course some elders are high-powered and get a slide. But they can't force you but they can take away "privileges." I saw where one congregation had so many who lived outside that the CO came and gave a talk and said they couild lose privileges. All the elders and MS changed and the regular pioneers.

  Just say it would be easier to make the meetings on that congregation's schedule.

  *** km 5/91 p. 7 Question Box ***

  Question Box

  ● Why is it recommended that publishers serve with the congregation that holds the territory where they live?

  It is important to do things in an orderly and theocratic way. The apostle Paul wrote: “For God is a God, not of disorder, but of peace. . . . Let all things take place decently and by arrangement.”—1 Cor. 14:33, 40.

  
  

  While there may be some exceptions because of transportation difficulties, secular work schedules, or the need for assistance in oversight, generally it is best to attend the congregation in whose territory we live. This makes field service more convenient, and we do not have to travel so far to work with a group outside our neighborhood. It puts us in a better position to work with others in our congregation and to direct newly interested ones to the meetings most convenient to them. And it keeps us in close touch with other brothers and sisters in our area who can help us in time of need.

  By working submissively within the arrangements made, we show that we are keeping Kingdom interests first. (Luke 16:10) When a new congregation is formed or Congregation Book Studies are rearranged, we may prefer to stay with certain friends. But by accepting the new arrangement, we can make new friends and widen out in our theocratic associations. Also, it is easier for the elders to shepherd the flock and improve the spiritual condition of the congregation when publishers live within the territory of the congregation with which they associate.
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  hoser

  There is a conflict if interest in my hall My new boss's wife goes there and I don't need the hassle of everybody knowing my business.
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  pontoon

  Consequences for being on apostate web site much worse.
  
• 

  label licker

  KM 3/76 page 8

  Question Box

  Is it permissible to live in the territory of one congregation but attend meetings elsewhere?

  Generally speaking, it is best to attend the meetings of the congregation holding the territory where you live. Im most cases this proves to be in the best spiritual interests of the family, since it ordinarily makes it convenient to attend meetings, share in field service in territory close by and take advantage of help provided by the elders.

  It is recognized, however, that individual circumstances vary. Such factors as one's secular work schedule, having an unbelieving mate or transportation problems may lead someone to conclude that it would be more advantageous spiritually to attend another congregation. Each family head bears responsibility for his own household. After considering all factors involved, he will have to decide what is best. He may want to discuss matters with the elders to get the benefit of their advice before he makes a decision. Perhaps they know of overlooked advantages that would result to the family in attending the congregation holding the territory where they live, or possible disadvantages that may be encountered in transferring to a neighbouring congregation. Often it is easier for the congregation holding the territory to render loving assistance. And the home of the family might be used as a book study location within the congregation holding the territory. But in final analysis, the elders will want to encourage the family head to decide in a way that will ensure the best spiritual benefits to his family. There is no reason to be critical of his decision when made.

  In metropolitan areas, there is often a large number of congregations located in a concentrated area. There may be a number of reasons why the elders may decide that the interests of the work would be advanced by a transfer of publishers.

  And it goes on about how it is the family head's responsibility to weigh all the factors and decide if such a transfer should be made. The same would be true of elders, ministerial servants or pioneers. (see Question Box in February 1973 Kingdom Ministry)
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  rebel8

  I got talked to about this. That was decades ago, but it was made into a big deal. You're supposed to be bonding with your hall mates so you can hide together from the Gestapo during the GT, Satan will try to distract you because you'll have less accountability for attending meetings and fs, etc.
  
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  Billy the Ex-Bethelite

  I knew lots that attended congregations whose territory they didn't live in. Some were helping out where needed. Others were honest in admitting that they had differences with elders or others in their previous congo.

  Probably the most interesting, and I think it was legitimate, reason was that this person had been attending the same congregation for over a decade and they just wanted to make some new friends and work different territory in serve-us.
  
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  MarkSutter

  Snap out of the mind control. Stop living like a wuss. Take control of your life, they don't need to know shit.
  
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  wannaexit

  They wont stop you. But they may deny privileges because you would be disrespecting theocratic order.
  
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  brandnew

  I say. @$!#!$* the elders, and their kingdumb hell.
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  hoser

  I don't want any priveleges