https://youtu.be/RJR0UGtu6zU?si=D3ZsZ20EE33gYTxi
These new appointments are troubling, to say the least, especially considering the factors surrounding their selection. These appointments raise key concerns about leadership, experience, and what is happening behind the scenes at the organization's headquarters.
First of all, they are too young to be part of the 144,000.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is made up of individuals considered to be part of the 144,000 "anointed" Christians, a group traditionally believed to include older, spiritually mature men with decades of service. However, Jedele and Rumph, who are both younger, challenge this long-held view. This raises the question: Are they really the best candidates for the Governing Body, given their age? Traditionally, the anointed were seen as individuals with ye.ars of spiritual experience and wisdom. If this qualification is being overlooked, it leads me to wonder whether the historical importance of being "anointed" is being redefined, and what that means for the future of the organization. While they are not dropping the 144,000 teaching yet, they are definitely watering it down, and I'll make a video on that soon.
Secondly, these appointments bypass long-serving Governing Body helpers.
One of the most surprising aspects of these appointments is that both brothers leapfrogged over several Governing Body helpers who have served for decades in their positions. Many of these long-serving helpers, with their vast experience and seniority, would have seemed the more likely option for the role. Yet, they were passed over in favor of much younger men. This decision raises serious concerns about the selection process and shows that there is no legitimate process. It's all about who you know, not how good you are at your job, which is what we have come to know at the local level in our respective congregations. This is why Jehovah’s Witnesses is a silly religion based on nepotism, where whoever is the greatest bully at the top appoints his mates to key positions of authority. Why were experienced brothers bypassed? Is there a shift happening within the leadership structure, where seniority and experience no longer hold the same value? This disregard for experience and dedication indicates, I believe, a power struggle within the organization, where a younger group of men is being strategically positioned to take over from the older, more established members. This shift indicates that a whole generation of experienced brothers, who have long been loyal to the organization, are being sidelined in favor of a younger, less accomplished group. This internal dynamic points to deeper tensions or changes in how power and influence are being handled at the top.
Thirdly, there is definitely a replacement taking place of aging members like Gerrit Lösch, Stephen Lett, or David Splane, who was conspicuously missing from the program unless I missed him. Stephen Lett looks like he is going to drop dead any minute now. While it's normal for organizations to refresh their leadership, the gap in experience between the older members and their younger successors is vast. Lösch and Lett have been prominent figures for decades, playing crucial roles in shaping the doctrine and direction of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The decision to replace them with younger, less experienced individuals calls into question whether the leadership will continue to carry the same level of wisdom and understanding, which is already quite low as they have proven.
The fourth and final observation is the lack of major achievements or qualifications.
Perhaps one of the most puzzling aspects of these appointments is that neither Jedele nor Rumph seem to have the kind of significant achievements or qualifications that have typically marked previous Governing Body members. While they have served as helpers to the Service Committee, their roles appear relatively minor, with Rumph only starting his Bethel service as recently as 2020. This contrasts sharply with past appointees, who often had decades of proven leadership and tangible accomplishments. In most organizations, top leadership positions are awarded to those who have demonstrated a long track record of success and contribution, making these appointments seem even more unusual.
Moreover, there is an increasing disregard for the fact that this is a worldwide organization. It is concerning that the past four appointments have all been white and USA-based, overlooking the global nature of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. If the organization truly represents a worldwide community, new appointments should reflect this diversity. Would it not make sense to have an African, Asian,European or South American appointment? This lack of geographical and cultural representation raises further questions about the inclusivity and global outlook of the organization's leadership and more evidence that this is an American religion or more accurately a United States religion.
In conclusion, the appointment of these two Governing Body members has not only raised eyebrows but also highlighted what may be a power shift at the heart of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ headquarters. By bypassing more experienced and senior helpers, it appears that a younger generation of leaders is being positioned to take control, possibly indicating a struggle for influence within the leadership. At the same time, the lack of significant achievements or qualifications in these younger appointees raises questions about the future direction of the Governing Body. Are they truly ready to lead, or is this part of a larger internal strategy that values youth over experience? These are pressing concerns as the organization moves forward under new leadership.