It must have been around 1973 that the procedure of announced/unannounced probation was replaced with private and public reproof.
*** km 3/75 4 Question Box ***
Are
repentant
wrongdoers
"placed"
or
"put
on"
public
or
private
reproof
as
if
placed
on
probation?No. A reproof is a congregational expression
of
disapproval occasioned by a serious wrongdoing that could have led to the disfellowshiping of one of its baptized members if he had been unrepentant. (1 Tim. 5:20: Titus 1:10-13) Once that expression of disapproval is made, the reproof is complete. The individual does not enter a period of continued reprimand and so is not under reproof, "put on probation" as it were.
Why, then, are restrictions in effect? Serious sin committed by a member of the congregation manifests spiritual weakness on his part. As a person who is physically ill may be restricted from eating certain foods or from engaging in certain activities until his condition shows marked improvement, so a person who is spiritually weak may be relieved of certain responsibilities in the congregation until there is evidence of his regaining spiritual strength. The restrictions are to a large extent intended to help the repentant wrongdoer recover from spiritual weakness and to impress upon him the importance of respecting Gods holiness.Gal. 6:7-9; see or, p. 167.
If a brother who has recently been reproved moves to another congregation, it is advisable to inform the elders of that congregation as to any restrictions that may be in effect. This will enable the elders in his new congregation to continue supervising the restoration of his privileges and to aid him toward full spiritual recovery. Of course, no announcement of such previous reproof is made in the new congregation. At all times elders should imitate the merciful way in which Jehovah dealt with his people even when discipline was needed.Isa. 63:7-9.
*** km 5/73 8 Question Box ***
When
a
person
is
given
either
a
private
or
a
public
reproof
for
unchristian
conduct,
are
terms
or
requirements
then
imposed
that
the
individual
must
comply
with? No, neither one privately reproved by the judicial committee nor one publicly reproved is given certain terms to comply with (as if he were on a form of "probation").
It is simply required that he conduct himself in harmony with Bible principles, as the others in the congregation do. The judicial committee may strongly recommend that the individual discontinue certain habits or associations that could lead to repetition of the wrongdoing, and, in accord with the individuals needs, will give spiritual assistance and encouragement.
When there has been serious wrongdoing, even though the reproof is not announced,
any weight of responsibility in the way of special assignments in the congregation would be removed from the individual. ("or," p. 167
) When one is publicly reproved, the congregation would be advised as to what privileges have been removed. ("or," p. 169) When the individual gives evidence of regaining his spiritual strength and stability, privileges can be gradually restored. The same applies when a disfellowshipped person is reinstated. ("or," p. 177)
If one who, for serious wrongdoing, was given either a private or a public reproof moves to another congregation before privileges have been fully restored to him, the judicial committee of the congregation to which he moves will determine when the gradual restoration of privileges may fittingly be made. ("or," pp. 169, 170) Any further serious violation of Gods Word, of course, would be handled by the judicial committee where the individual now associates.
*** w72 2/15 126 Questions from Readers ***
May
a
person
who
has
completed
a
period
of unannounced
probation be
recommended
for
appointment
as
a
ministerial
servant?Regarding ministerial servants 1 Timothy 3:10 says: "Let these be
tested
as
to
fitness first, then let them serve as ministers, as they are free
from
accusation."
An individuals having concluded a stipulated probation period for wrongdoing does not of itself imply that he is "free from accusation." It is not wise to entrust responsibility to such a person too soon. (1 Tim. 5:22) Enough time should have passed for him to establish that he has completely recovered himself from the weakness that was manifested in his wrong act or course.
Over a sufficient period of time after the completion of the probation period he should have proved himself to be devoted to righteousness and as having genuine love for Jehovah and for his people. Others should be able to view him as a fine example in Christian conduct. So if he has really built up a fine reputation since completing his probation period, consideration could be given to recommending him to become, not an elder, but first a ministerial servant.
*** w71 11/15 697 A "Body of Elders" with Rotating Chairmanship ***
As the lecture on "Theocratic Organization" pointed out, when a person becomes an "older man" or elder appointed by the governing body, that appointment stays in force, not terminating after just a year. Of course, he would not continue in the position of elder if he was
placed on probation or was disfellowshiped from the congregation. In such an event
, he would lose that fine position of being a shepherd of the flock of God. *** w67 2/15 127 Avoid the Snare of "Saving Face" ***
A man who takes some false step before he is aware of it does not fall into the class of such incorrigible sinners. However, there may be occasions, due to the seriousness of the sin, when
the congregation committee finds it necessary to place a person on a probation of surveillance, as a helpful, corrective measure . Such probation is not to be viewed as some adverse judgment, something destructive of ones "honor," a penalty to be bucked against. Rather, it is a loving provision affording him opportunity to prove the sincerity of his repentance and at the same time to help the repentant sinner recover his spirituality and to make him strong again.
Kindly counsel given during the probationary period will build the person up so that he will not make a practice of sin. Rather than try to "save face" by protesting a probation, and getting others involved emotionally, one who has committed a sin should welcome this loving arrangement leading to his recovery.
*** w66 9/1 542 A Provision for Spiritual Help in Times of Need ***
If the wrong committed was not a public scandal, but serious enough to require discipline, then the erring one can be placed on a probation that is not announced to the congregation. During this time,
usually one year, he should be given regular spiritual assistance to overcome his difficulty. Then the probation is lifted, again without announcement to the congregation. What a loving provision of God for
truly
repentant ones who fall into serious wrongdoing!
If the sin was grievous and a public scandal, then where mercy is shown, a probation period is again imposed, but this time it is announced to the congregation. Yet in this case, as in an unannounced probation, there is a loving effort to help the erring one.
Blondie
