Sheparding calls

by undercover 12 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

  • undercover
    undercover

    Remember earlier in the year when the elders were supposed to try to contact all inactive ones to try to get them active again? What success rate did they have? How many were DA'd or DF'd after these visits? How many came clean that they wanted no part of the organization?

    The elders gave it their all to contact me. I avoided them for awhile, but finally got cornered. I met with them and instead of just blasting away with what I learned I played it a little cooler. I admitted that I had doubts. I was concerned about the change in the generation teaching. I brought out how I learned about the 586/7 vs 607 problem. I purposely did not mention the UN or the pedophile issue. I wanted to actually give them a chance to try to explain doctrinal points first. One elder was very understanding and actually agreed to do more research and get back to me. He did ask though, that if he did prove 607 correct, would I accept it. I agreed(knowing that he can't "prove" it). The other elder was a hard case. He asked if I still accepted the GB as the F&DS. I responded, "That's a good question. I just don't know anymore". I wanted them to research, come back, try and fail to convince me. I left it wide open for them to really work with me. I haven't received one call since then. In the few meetings that I have attended since then, I have been greeted and chatted with, but nothing about our discussions or the pending research. I should consider myself lucky that they are not hounding me to decide for or against the organization, but it makes me wonder how much they may realize that they can't win so they are avoiding the situation altogether.

    How about some of you? What happened when they tried contacting you?

  • StinkyPantz
    StinkyPantz

    Some elders came by unexpectedly 3 Sundays before the memorial. I told them that it was rude to stop by w/o calling and then expect me to ask them in. I said if they wanted to talk that they had to make an appointment . Well, they called a coupla times trying to set up an appointment, but I never answered (God bless Caller ID). But now, I'm moving out of state, so no worries.

  • amac
    amac

    Undercover, sounds like you handled it perfectly if you are trying to retain your "un-df'ed" status. I would recommend that you always say "I don't know" about the GB and FDS. They'd have to be real jerks and rule benders to DF you for having doubts.

  • rocketman
    rocketman
    But now, I'm moving out of state, so no worries

    Now that's a good solution!

    rocketman of the 'I wish I could move too' class

  • Maverick
    Maverick

    These guys are pre-programmed to avoid anything that may lead THEM to question the FDS's status. Researching stuff for you 'tripped' this self-avoidance system. They will duck and dodge you on this. They're cowards, and chicken-s--ts! Play dumb...THIS they understand! Maverick

  • sandy
    sandy

    I wonder why they didn't bother me this year. Not that I wanted them to but I didn't receive one phone call or visit from them.

    Thank my lucky stars Jehovah God.

  • Mr. Kim
    Mr. Kim

    I don't really think the "elders" gave an honest hard working effort last year, this year or at most other times. They only take the EASY stuff!!

  • Disheartened
    Disheartened

    I am a former regular pioneer who left the great "privilege" of full-time service to go away to school and pursue a college degree. So, I of course was an outcast. When I came home for the summer to visit my parents, the district overseer and a ministerial servant just happened to be in our neighborhood and stopped by unannounced to see if I was attending meetings while away at school. The nerves of him! I no longer attended that kingdom hall (or any other for that matter) so I was really confused as to how that was ANY of his business. I politely but sternly told him that no, I no longer went to the hall. When he tried to delve deeper, I asked him to leave (since he said his reason for stopping by was to see my mother who was at work). It's really sad to me the feeling of superiority they have. I am so glad that I am no longer in "prison" by having to go to those meetings.

  • cruzanheart
    cruzanheart

    Welcome to the board, Disheartened! I hope you find some knowledge, friends, and good humor here. I regular pioneered for 13 years but I wish I'd completed college as you are doing! Start a thread and tell us about yourself!

    As for elders' visits, I've not had a one. And I'm not complaining!

    Nina

  • Emma
    Emma

    When we faded, the elders from our hall told my mom and sister that they had tried to help us, had given us shepherding calls, and done everything they could to help us. The truth was that we did not have even one visit. I knew since I was the "weak" one, my mom would not believe me. After all, the elders are Jehovah's servants and would certainly not lie. I knew the elders were crooked, at least some of them, but this was beyond even what I'd anticipated.

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