So do the baptised JW call themselves "Ordained Ministers"?

by nonjwspouse 11 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

  • nonjwspouse
    nonjwspouse

    In resent my search for the possible construction ( which I see no evidence of in building permits, etc) of a new KH that my MIL has been claiming for almost 3 years now, I ran across this local linkedin profile.

    At the end it states this:

    Volunteer Experience & Causes

    • Ordained Minister

      Watchtower
      October 1982 – Present (33 years 2 months)Disaster and Humanitarian Relief

      Jehovahs Witnesses are known throughout the world as ministers, bible students, and teachers. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is the incomparable leader in bilingual religious literature and online information. We offer aid around the globe for disaster relief and have ministers in just under 300 different lands. In the US, I volunteer up to and over 10 hours a month preaching to my neighbors and offering in-home bible studies.

    Causes Mitchell cares about:

    • Education
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Human Rights
    • Disaster and Humanitarian Relief
    • Science and Technology
    • Social Services
  • freddo
    freddo
    When it suits them they do.
  • nonjwspouse
    nonjwspouse

    freddo, as I suspected. I watched the ARC as well. Yes, so slippery, and self serving with the words.

    Is it in "official" print somewhere that they are ordained ministers?

  • JWdaughter
    JWdaughter
    They have always referred to themselves as ordained ministers. Which makes trying to claim persecution for being IDd as JWs or ministers extra ridiculous. Anyone claiming to be a minister gets extra scrutiny when convicted or accused of a crime. They set themselves apart.
  • blondie
    blondie

    *** w10 3/15 pp. 17-18 par. 14 Walk by Spirit and Live Up to Your Dedication ***

    As an ordained minister, you have a ministry to perform. (Rom. 10:14) You may not feel fully qualified to shoulder such a responsibility. But, as is the case of the anointed, it is God who qualifies you. (Read 2 Corinthians 3:5.) You can live up to your dedication by doing your best and relying on God’s spirit.

    *** w06 4/1 p. 24 ‘Go and Make Disciples, Baptizing Them’ ***Identified as One of Jehovah’s Witnesses

    11 The second question asks the candidate, first of all, if he understands that his baptism serves to identify him as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. After undergoing immersion, he becomes an ordained minister who bears Jehovah’s name. This is both a great privilege and a serious responsibility. It also puts the one baptized in line for eternal salvation, provided he remains faithful to Jehovah.—Matthew 24:13.

    *** wt chap. 12 p. 115 par. 11 The Meaning of Your Baptism ***

    This “one baptism” applies to all who become true Christians. At baptism they become Christian Witnesses of Jehovah, God’s ordained ministers.—Ephesians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4.

  • nonjwspouse
    nonjwspouse

    Thank you JWdaughter, and Blondie for the quotes.

    So interesting.

  • Mephis
    Mephis

    They claim it on their own FAQs. http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/no-paid-clergy/

    "Following the model of first-century Christianity, Jehovah’s Witnesses have no clergy-laity division. All baptized members are ordained ministers and share in the preaching and teaching work. "

    But they're not when it comes to anything which might inconvenience them because they're all laity too. Everyone's in charge, no-one's in charge, the GB are in charge. Depends who's asking the question, and which answer benefits them most at the time.

  • nonjwspouse
    nonjwspouse

    Mephis, wow on their webpage too! Yet so many times in court they refuse to claim this.

    No paid?? well, I suppose they are on the way to doing this now to a lot of those that used to get WT assistance.

    Ugh

    Yet another double speak. Don't get a good job or further education, get minimal work that allows you to preach or no work at all and preach more. ( Say usually a government leech anyone?) Some of those full time preachers in the past got some help from the WT's more than adequate coffers. Boom, now many are expected to do the same thing, but no more help in support. ( Pretty much guarantees government assistance will be necessary due to a choice in lifestyle, not inability to self provide all those years before.)

    At the same time the website claims "no paid clergy" when currently at least, some still are.

  • DATA-DOG
    DATA-DOG

    With careful research you will find that the WTBTS has flip-flopped on "ordained ministers" as well.

    For now, every baptized member is an ordained minister. When the risk of liability increases for HQ, watch for nu-light. There will be changes. The WTBTS has already laid the groundwork by using the term "personal ministry."

    Think about it.

    DD

  • sparky1
    sparky1

    Gee.......I guess I am still legally an Ordained Minister of the Watchtower Corporation. It says so right here on official stationary from the headquarters itself. Even though I have faded, no one of any ecclesiastical authority has made any attempt to 'defrock' me and remove my title.

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