New meeting format

by ExBethelitenowPIMA 42 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  TonusOH

  They are in a tricky position when it comes to requesting donations. They have frequently distinguished themselves from other Christian churches by pointing out that they do not require donations and are not pushy about it. Many KHs used to have the "no collections taken" text at the bottom of the meeting schedules that were posted outside.

  They have had some videos over the past few years where they have put an emphasis on the need for the rank and file to be more generous, and that already gets them close to a line that it seemed they would never cross. If they are making suggestions around the practice of tithing, I have to wonder how long before they just come out and beg for money or even demand it. I think it would be a disaster, but if they are desperate enough that might be their only option.

  It's too late to go back and encourage the membership to earn a decent living, after years of advising them to scrape by and build treasures in heaven.
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  DesirousOfChange

  There was lengthy discussion of tithing in Israel, with a buildup to the extent that I almost thought they were going to suggest 10% donation or something like that. But no, they left donations voluntary.

  PIMO friends tell me that their Cong just asked all Pubs to complete a written form that commits them to a monthly contribution. Said that this commitment is needed so the WTS will know how much they can depend on when considering foreign building projects (new KHalls hahaha) around the globe. No specific amount was suggested, but I expect the elders have been told what is "projected" to be contributed by each Cong based on cost per Pub basis, just like the assembly cost arrangement.
  
  
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  peacefulpete

  Maybe they could take some of the spare room in the KHs and add gym equipment. Then simply collect monthly membership dues. Or maybe KH rental fees for weddings? Or daycare?
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  truthlover123

  DoC- they asked for $15.00 per pub last month, that means every month the society will receive almost $2000.00 from the "contribution" box. What happened to never having a mortgage to renovate the halls when this abomination is happening? That $2 grand is on top of expenses and the WW contribution sent every month as well.

  Peaceful Pete: this seems, in itself, to be a membership fee although pubs are no longer indicated to be a member.
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  StephaneLaliberte

  Out of all the things I have to complain about the JWs, the Theocratic Ministry School was not part of it. That program played a big part in my ability to speak publicly which has carried through my professional life. It was basically a toast master course based on biblical topics.
  
  Then, they dumbed it down, reduced the allocated time, and well, it was one good thing they had that they slowly moved away from.
  
  As trump would say: "SAD"!
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  Sea Breeze

  PIMO friends tell me that their Cong just asked all Pubs to complete a written form that commits them to a monthly contribution. Said that this commitment is needed so the WTS will know how much they can depend on when considering foreign building projects

  In 2014, Watchtower promised to never solicit money, and that begging is offensive.

  “Jehovah’s people do not beg for money. ... They hold to what the Watch Tower long ago said: “We have never considered it proper to solicit money for the Lord’s cause, after the common custom . . . It is our judgment that money raised by the various begging devices in the name of our Lord is offensive, unacceptable to him, and does not bring his blessing either upon the givers or the work accomplished.””
  
  
  God’s Kingdom Rules (2014) pp.195-196

  JW's are very gullible people as a whole.
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  NotFormer

  In the old days it was easy to categorise the WT as a publishing company with an unpaid workforce, as opposed to a religion. Fundraising was through literature sales and the Theocratic Ministry School was the sales presentation course, with the Kingdom Hall being the distribution warehouse. Now that the old business model has been jettisoned, they are having to become more like a religion. All available evidence suggests that even the higher ups in the WT really have no idea what the final product will look like, or even what they want it to look like.
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  LongHairGal

  SEA BREEZE:

  Of course all these increasing appeal$ are offensive and JWs are gullible.

  What’s never mentioned is how certain people in congregations (who look ‘affluent’ or ‘responsible’), on top of everything else plus the cost of living, will be privately approached by some elder with an envelope asking for money for some ‘needy’ person(s) in the congregation... In all likelihood, the ‘needy’ person(s) hardly worked and never prepared for the future or emergencies - instead they spent decades in the ministry instead of decent jobs and trusted the religion’s promises that ‘Armageddon’ would come to save them.. Meanwhile, I was criticized for working full-time!

  Even though I’m Out because of the ‘1995 Generation’ teaching, I’m super glad I’m not there now because there are TOO many Witnesses looking for handouts.👎 I would hit the ceiling.. I mentioned this in conversation to JWs who came to my door.
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  ExBethelitenowPIMA

  Most congregations us new world scheduler app, now that all has to be changed for January 2024
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  NotFormer

  Ex-bethelite, what is the change you refer to?