I am currently an elder and am getting to the point that I just can't stomach it anymore.
It's true about the enforcer stuff. We tell ourselves we are here for the friends, but what are we allowed to even say to them?
It's their (GB's) game. The elders' meetings are 90% about deciphering what the "arrangement" is. In other words "what are the rules?"
It's "christian congregation" this and "christian congregation" that. All the latest buzz words for the governing body and their legal dept. It gets on my nerves.
Men feel powerful and important to represent a large company/organization that has authority.
Honestly it feels like a big ploy for control and continuance of what a bunch of men at the top (and middle) think is a good thing. They have a bunch of people giving them reverence and honour as if they/we represent God. They also have a perfect plan to keep their wives and kids in line. Don't get me started on some elders' preoccupation with the "headship arrangement".