Were You Ever Put On Restrictions? (page 4)

blondie

That's strange that they wouldn't let a reinstated person participate in the ministry based on this in the December 1974 Kingdom ~~Manifesto~~ Ministry. Evidently, the elders once again can make rules apart from the WTS.

Question

Box

In a case in which a person, because of genuine repentance, is not disfellowshipped, is it nonetheless proper to restrict him from the preaching work under certain circumstances?

When one is privately or publicly reproved, the information on page 168 of the Organization book applies. While it is true that certain restrictions may be placed on such individuals, it is good to note what is said on page 168 regarding the preaching work, namely: "The person would be free to engage fully in the preaching work and to report such . . . " Likely in the case of a notorious situation where one is publicly reproved, it would be the course of wisdom for that one to engage in the preaching work in a section of the territory where the problem is not widely known, at least for a while. It is good to keep in mind that the preaching work is a basic part of our service to God, and all who serve Jehovah should be sharing in it.—Matt. 24:14; 28:18-20.

What about a person who has been reinstated following disfellowshiping? Should he be allowed to engage in the field service immediately? Yes, in harmony with the above thoughts he should be allowed to engage in the field service following reinstatement. As to other privileges in this regard we can be guided by what is stated in the Organization book, page 177.

Dismembered

Min,

Everytime I put on my polyester suit, which became way to small for me. I felt restricted.

Dismembered

termite 35

I was living with my partner, (now husband) and studying at the time. An elder sidled up to me before the start of a meeting and whispered that I could'nt comment at the hall or during the Tues book study as I was 'nt married, although I was going to be in a few weeks.

I'd been going for ages and it'd not been mentioned before. They said when I was married I would be able to speak again.It really upset me; it felt like blackmail and was my first negative experience.

It was backward psycology; how can you encourage someone by discouraging them?

So I told the woman I studied what he'd said and low and behold; had an appology from him, although I was still not allowed to speak up until I got married .

After my marriage I vowed I would'nt speak at meetings -and I never did.

Stan Conroy

I was not allowed to read scriptures at the meetings. I could comment, but not quote any scriptures. How weird is that? I also was supposed to check in with the BS conductor once a week to make sure I wasn't getting into any trouble. Sort of like a parole officer. I did that exactly 0 times.

Previously, I was removed from the Theo. school for having a beard. I was ok with that.

Stan

El Kabong

No, but I was put on Double Secret Probation once.

maxwell

I had the microphone privileges taking away because I was a drum major in the band in High School. I was a little miffed at first, but felt cool about it later. No need to worry about doing that little chore and less of a need for people to be pointing at me like I'm some sort of example. Parents needed to raise their children without comparing them to me. Second time I lost them because of low field service time. Again, a bit of a relief not to have those chores. No need to worry about getting there 20 minutes ahead of time. I still believed a lot at that time, so I kind of enjoyed being able to sit at every watchtower study and answer questions without juggling the mike.

minimus

Placing persons on restrictions serves to control the person and the onlooking group. And it works! Most devout JW's do not want to be subjected to feeling inferior. Shame is associated with such restrictions. Fear and shame are tools of mind controlling groups.

freedom96

I was given the "privledge" to do the microphones, but that was taken away about 2 weeks later when I lied to my parents about finishing schoolwork so I could go on a 3 day camping trip.

That was the rise and fall of my witness career.

minimus

Freedom, what a loser.....I mean winner.

crownboy

I've never been placed on any formal restrictions, but in my congregation the elders are extremely strict about giving out privledges only to "deserving" brothers (i.e.: you must be at the national average in field service to be able to handle the mikes, give talks, etc.). I haven't been at the national average in more than 2 years, so hence I haven't had the privledge of giving a talk in that much time. If they thought that having such an arrangement would motivate "young brothers" like myself to get back above the national average, then they are sadly mistaken (in fact, one time almost 2 years ago I did make it above the national average for the month, but I deliberately reported less to remain in "bad standing" ). I can still comment at the meetings, but I haven't done that in over a year (except at the bookstudy, and that's only when I make a rare appearance, and I just usually read a bible scripture or two). I can't say I've missed doing any of that stuff.

So, in essence, I've put myself on restrictions.

Were You Ever Put On Restrictions?

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