Ozzie's Weekend Poll #24 (page 2)

larc

The one that I liked the most and had the most influence on me, was our Theocratic Ministry School Servant. He was very good at giving counsel of our talks. As a result, our Hall had many speakers who were in demand at other congregations. One pioneer sister comes to mind. She was very outgoing, friendly and helpful to others.

shera

I must say the ones who were not considered strong in the (cough cough) "truth",or gaining a so called rank.Were the kinder,loving ones.

I must say there was one elder that was my favorite.He always smiled and he was married but seemed gay.He was a sweet,kind,black man.

Francois

I don't think they had separate titles then as your question would imply. However both of the most loving shepherds I knew while I was a JW are out now. One came out before me. That was James House in Austell, GA. The other came out after I had been gone two years. That was Buddy Carlton in Austell, GA. I helped him write his DA letter. He had been an elder in Dallas, GA but had moved to Austell. Both these men were loving, fair, evenhanded, everything you'd expect in an elder. However in their midst was C.B. Mitchell (who, btw, is STILL dead) and who was as busy skinning other elders as he was skinning sheep. If you were a loving elder, he couldn't stand you. But there you have it.

francois

troucul

The PO in our hall was the best. Everyone always told me how he was the only one that they felt comfortable talking to. All the other elders were either brain dead or assholes. I tend to agree. He was my dad.

Mulan

#4 and #5, both positions occupied (not at the same time) by my husband..........over 25 years.

There was another elder that was very loving and caring. He was the Service overseer most of the time. He knew about us for a long time before we left, talked to my husband a couple of times, and heard all of the doctrinal doubts he had. My husband offered to resign as an elder two years before he did, because of speaking his doubts to that elder, but he was horrified, and said "you are the best elder we've got." Now that was funny. He never told on us, not even a hint, and moved to another congregation before we ultimately left for good. He didn't want to be around for that..............he told people that part.

Edited by - mulan on 3 November 2002 10:15:57

MYOHNSEPH

G'day yo ownself, Ozzie:

I moved around a bit. When I was very young we lived in isolated territory in Mississippi. Then a congregation was formed in our little town when I was about ten years old. Over the years after that I was associated with half a dozen different congregations, so the answer would vary from congregation to congregation. I've known "shepherds" in all the positions you name who were sincerely compasionate and caring and I've known some who were on a power trip or simply had their own agenda and some who were outright assholes. But when I think of the most caring and compasionate JWs I've known, some of the most outstanding were never elders. A good number of them were sisters. Of course they didn't make shepherding calls, but a few in particular I recall were always there to assist anyone needing a ride to the hall or in field service or to the grocery store, or just needing a little personal help or encouragement. They always had a bright smile and warm greeting when I walked in the 'Hall' and when they asked how I was, I knew they really cared. I always admired them because what they did was so genuine. Under the organization's "theocratic" structure, they knew full well they could never hold any kind of "position" in the congregation. They, and a few otherse like them, are about the only thing I really miss about my JW days.

BluesBrother

I can remember one or two men who were prominent elders and were excellent ,loving caring shepherds that I was proud to serve with.

Sadly the majority were not of that calibre, most very ordinary , and some downright devious power mad B........S

It seemed funny then that some of the best were forced to step down , I wonder why? and a couple of cases where I definately know the facts - they were victims of the political power games .

Inevitably , the most loving caring people were the humble folk, some in poor circumstances, even viewed as "Eccentric" by some , but real genuine people who lived their faith . I still miss some of them.

wednesday

I'v known so really nice MS. however, once they reached the status of elder, they quit being loving and started hanging out with the "big guys". No more of helping all the no bodies-got that position-got some power-now they were in the IN crowd.

Lady Lee

Hmm interesting question

At one point (while I was in) I would have said a couple of the elders and since they rotated positions well they sat in each chair.Both of these men were on the JC that DFed me

One I think really was a kind and loving man really concerned for the cong. After they told me I was DFed I almost passed out. He held my arm and comforted me - really sweet - loved his wife too.

The other was my book study conductor. I thought he was a caring person until after I was abused. I had the opportunity to talk to him a couple of times after I left and both times was stunned at this man's cruelity to me and my children (who had done nothing wrong). It just floored me. I thought of this man as a father figure and both times it felt like he punched me in the gut and ripped my heart out due to his cruelty. I never ever would have guessed he could be like that.

kelpie

I cannot think of anyone within my old cong. The couple that stands out to me was Conrad and Julie Mack - our Circuit oversear for a while.

they were the sweetest and most understanding witness couple that I come across. They didnt take sides and because they were a stepfamily aswell they new what we were going through as a step family

They were sent overseas to Sir Lanka to be missionaires and while there Conrod died of a heart ache. He is sadly missed by alot of people.

Ozzie's Weekend Poll #24

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