How is he different to a normal elder? Is he ranked higher than a normal elder? What does he actually do?
What the heck is a Bethel Elder?
by Julia Orwell 17 Replies latest jw friends
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snare&racket
"We are a religion without hierarchy."........assigns people the role of 'bethel elder' to take charge of individual breakfast tables........ Hmmmm
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Julia Orwell
Omg is THAT what a bethel elder is? A table boss?
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yesidid
I believe that particular position and title has now been abandoned.
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insearchoftruth4
One turd over a table of turds a hierarchy of turds....ah man..... flush em
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darth frosty
Bethel elders were a notch above lowly regular elders!
For real a bethel elders main distinction is they are the ones who sit on Judicial commitees of those in bethel, they are sent out on speaking assignments as representatives of bethel, ande as mentioned they serve as table heads for morning worship and pass out your $90 stipend and determine which direction the food will be passed!
Sadly I am serious they choose which direction for the foood to be passed!
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Tiktaalik
Hey insearch! Watch what you are saying!
I used to be one of those "turds"!
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insearchoftruth4
Tiktaalik, you got a pm
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Iamallcool
to be a bethel elder, you will need to be an elder and serving at Bethel. I do not care if they do not call Bethel elders anymore and what they do as a Bethel elder.
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jwleaks
The Watch Tower Society / Jehovah's Witnesses “Branch Organization Manual” (2003 version) has the following to say about Bethel Elders in Chapter 2 (page 17):
6. BETHEL ELDERS: Bethel elders are those who qualify to serve in a special capacity in Bethel in addition to their assignment as elders in a congregation. They are appointed by the Governing Body from recommendations made by the Branch Committee. The qualifications of all brothers in Bethel who have served as congregation elders for at least three years should be reviewed at least once each year to see if they qualify to be recommended as Bethel elders. Recommendations to the Governing Body by the Branch Committee should show the date of birth of those recommended, date of baptism, and the reasons why those recommended should be Bethel elders.
7. Qualifications of all elders are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:2, 3, and in other scriptures. A Bethel elder not only meets the Scriptural qualifications for elders in a congregation, but does so in a fuller and more complete way, so that he is equipped to handle more exacting responsibilities in the realm of Bethel service.—Luke 12:48.
8. The qualifications as stated in 1 Timothy 4:12 to be “an example to the faithful ones in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness” should be applied when recommending a Bethel elder. This would include his conduct in the home, at work, at the table, and in all of his affairs, even those outside of the congregation. Does he build up and support the operation of the Bethel home, or is he unjustly critical and a complainer? Does he take his assignments cheerfully and is it pleasant to work with him? Is he approachable and one whom the brothers would want to go to with their problems? If married, does he fulfill the Scriptural requirements of a Christian husband? Is he a good example for all in the family?
9. Very young brothers or those new in the Bethel family who have not demonstrated their qualifications long enough would most likely not be recommended. The Branch Committee should not be hasty in making its recommendations even though some persons may qualify in their local congregations. (1 Tim. 5:22) If in doubt, it is best to wait. But all who do qualify should be recommended. Circuit and district overseers who become members of the Bethel family may be recommended whenever it is felt appropriate, perhaps after a short period to adjust to Bethel service, if it appears they qualify. One who is a Bethel elder would not usually be removed unless guilty of serious misconduct. Older brothers who are elders may not be able to speak as well and do as much in the field service as some of the younger brothers, but there is no reason to remove them if they do qualify Scripturally and their judgment is good. These older ones do serve as fine, loyal examples in the congregation of God and at the Bethel home where they live and work.
10. It may be that a brother qualifies as a Bethel elder because of his good judgment and is well respected and can give wise counsel to the brothers and sisters. However, he may not have all the qualities of a public speaker who could be assigned out to serve other congregations. The Branch Committee could recommend him as a Bethel elder, but he would not be used for speaking assignments. Later on he may improve and could be used as a public speaker also. The Branch Committee will decide this when appropriate.
11. In some larger branches it may be advantageous to have elder groups made up of Bethel elders to share in the responsibility of assisting the Branch Committee as they take care of the brothers and sisters who are members of the Bethel family. (Titus 2:6, 7) The elder groups may help in making recommendations or with any problems that individuals may have. In this respect they do not decide on the every-day operation of the branch or changes that are to be made. They principally assist in giving commendation and in caring for personal problems. Of course, the Branch Committee is free to seek information or suggestions from such elder groups.
12. Branches should arrange to have a Bethel elders’ meeting twice a year. Responsible Bethel elders can be asked for their suggestions on subjects to be discussed. Thereafter, the Branch Committee can assign committee members or selected Bethel elders to develop outlines and present these in brief talks to the assembled elders. This regular communication with the Bethel elders is helpful in keeping them well informed and provides an opportunity to encourage them and assists them to fulfil their responsibility within the branch arrangement. The Branch Committee may request sample outlines from the Personnel Committee for such meetings if they desire.
[highlighting in manual]
The Watch Tower Society / Jehovah's Witnesses "Branch Organization Manual" (2003 Revision) can be downloaded in PDF via: