by Quarterback 14 Replies latest jw friends
Can someone, please, help me in finding this?
I remember in a Kingdom Ministry, written quite some time, ago.
It mentioned that it was upto the individual family to determine what congregation they would attend, based on their own circumstances. They wouldn't be subjected to determined boundaries.
Does anyone remember that one, and where it exists?
petty
Petty
unhelpful - what was the point of making that comment?
i don't clearly recall the directive - but the idea was that if you were a real faithful "with-it"type, you would obediently go to the cong who had the territory assignment including where you lived.... an awful lot of people did not follow the directive though....i know of elders extended families who insisted on going to the cong where patriarch elder served - no matter if they lived one/two three congs over and no one blinked an eye....who you are i guess figures into the picture in reality.
i do think there was something in the KM at some point about it though....
If I recall, the KM indicated that it is better to go anywhere, even if it is out of your assigned territory, than to not go at all.
Petty Petty, Fa La La....
About 1991 the CO came through and told all the elders, MS, and regular pioneers behind the scenes that they had to go to the congregation in whose territory they lived or risk being removed....despite the 1976 policy.
*** km 3/76 p. 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. In 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 the 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 neighboring 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 the 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. For example, there may be territory adjustments in connection with the formation of a new congregation, or to give additional territory to a congregation covering its assignment frequently, or to strengthen a congregation having few publishers or mature brothers to take the lead. The elders in each congregation can outline what seems to be advisable and request that each family affected consider it. In many instances, there likely will be no problems in making the suggested adjustment. Again, each family head will have 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 who are asked if they can transfer elsewhere to assist a congregation needing help. (See “Question Box” in February 1973 Kingdom Ministry.)
*** km 5/91 p. 7 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.
Thanks, friends.
Blondie, I knew you wouldn't let me down. You are a Jewel.
Thanks, QB
I know a JW lady who turned down living in a beautiful home in a beautiful setting because she wanted to go to a different congregation. So sad!
Translated from the Dutch version:
*** km 2/11 page 7 Question box ***
What advantages does it have to visit the congregration of the area in which we live ? Circumstances vary from person to person, and factors such as the worldly work, an unbelieving spouse and transport would affect ones final decision in this regard. However, it has obvious advantages, both spiritually and in other areas, if someone is connected to the congregation which belongs to the area in which he lives... We are confident that family heads will meditate prayerfully on the issue and will consider all the factors involved to determine what is best for the mental and physical well-being of their families. - 1 Tim. 5:8.
*** Km 91/5 page 7 Question box ***
While there may be some exceptions - because of transport problems, times of worldly work or the need for assistance - it is in general best to visit the congregation in the area where we live...
By working humbly within the limits of the arrangements we will be demonstrating the Kingdom interests in the first place to be (Luke 16:10).
So while it is clearly discouraged to visit another congregation, the km 2/11 clearly says that family heads should make a decision, based on their circumstances.
Note that a personal preference will not be appreciated in general. In practice I've seen a lot of JW visiting other congregations without problems. Brothers will not get any 'privileges' though.
[Edit: to slow].
