What does it take to become a Circut Overseer?

by frankiespeakin 24 Replies latest watchtower scandals

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  frankiespeakin

  What does it take to become a circuit overseer?

  The Watchtower Bible track Society relies very heavily upon these men to make sure that they have a tight grip on each congregation.

  The structure for control that the WT. has in place needs it's eyes and ears to find out whether or not a congregation is following all the rules that the WT has laid out for it. This is the circuit overseer's job, for he is both an observer and an enforcer. They need someone with a critical eye, who can correct deviation.

  He must know how to read between the lines, and understand what the WT Society really wants, (which they cannot put it words, for fear of legal repercussions). Of course they need someone that is thoroughly indoctrinated, and does not doubt them at all, or if he does have some little doubts, he will not allow these to distract him from obedience to the Watchtower. He must tow the party line, in other words he has to be a company man, he cannot be an independent player.

  He must understand congregational politics, and know how use congregational politics, to carry out the Watchtower Societies wishes. He cannot be skirmish, about encouraging elders to keep the congregation clean(df).

  "Ideally" he should have a friendly demeanor, but this must never get in the way, of seeing to it that the Watchtower's policies are followed. He should be able to read fairly well, and have a good memory, in order to give talks that inspire, as well as make sure the friends are following the society's guidelines.
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  Badger

  Show party-line zealotry at a young age. Rat out anyone you think is even off the strictest interpretation of the society's teachings. Encourage the young ones to drop any dreams they had to try to got to Bethel/MTS/Reg Pio/Gilead (looks good for your congregation).

  Try to oust at least one other elder for lack of firmness (or, having a heart, as many of us would call it)

  Suck up to the current CO and offer to be his lieutenant in helping to "clean up the congregation."

  Encouraging weak or depressed ones is for sappy elders who care about the people they live around. CO's just need to lay down the law.

  Once you're there, just repeat these phrases:

  "Your congregation's (studies/attendance/hours) are (X), let's see if we can improve them."

  "(Lastest Childhood craze) is not something that we as Christians should allow our children to take part in." (never mind few of them have kids)

  "The society wants us to pay more attention to (whatever the CO thinks is amiss)."
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  rocketman

  Badger, you're so right about those phrases. Just plug in the need-of-the-week (or month, or months) and the CO's virtually got a talk made up.
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  Elsewhere

  He needs a firm hand and a brown nose.
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  iiz2cool

  A lot of this:
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  core

  Seriously the drop out rate seems to be getting higher - last month -September - when circuits changed it seems a lot "came off" (what a strange phrase but how true - it is almost a drug) so more had to be trawled in with a probable lowering of qualities such as compassion etc and attention given to the creeps and crawlers - I have watched aspiring COs creeping in the most disgusting manner to anyone in authority now for decades and it makes the politics at work, in the UN, in the world, seem minor by comparison - some of these people DO ANYTHING to get themselves "promoted"

  As circuits get used to the "new" (to them) CO has anyone had any new CO experiences yet? Are the majority almost complete heath freaks who are basket cases as to what they can eat/drink/do are there still a large number with "rare" and "unusual" conditions calling for extra care & attention (more money)?
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  mizpah

  Over the years, I have known good and bad COs. A few were really dedicated men who were working hard to help their "brothers." But the majority of them were on a "power trip." They were arrogant and demanding.

  Does anyone remember when the Watchtower came out and said that COs were only "equals" to the other elders in the congregations? Some of the elders began to treat the COs as almost inferiors. They no longer carried the aura of being "special representatives of the Watchtower Society." Evidently, the Society got wind of this and published a later article that corrected this view. COs regained their positions as "special" and won back the fear of the members in the congregation. It was another case of Watchtower blunders that backfired.
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  La Capra

  I've heard that it requires a very long and painful surgery, during which the spine is removed...Shoshana
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  minimus

  There even was a drama in 1976, which I was in, because the prevelant view was that the Circuit Overseer was "just another elder". Once the Society realized how those Watchtowers sounded, they made a quick about face and reiterated that the CO was "THE" Society's representative and they indeed did have more clout than any elder in a Hall.
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  concerned mama

  OK, since I'm not JW, what exactly is a circuit overseer? How much power would he have? How big of an area would he supervise? Would he have assistants? Does he go to all the Halls and congregations and check them out? What would be the next step up from this if someone wanted to move up in the organization?

  I get very confused about the layers of officialdom.