At this week's Service Meeting it a letter was read to all congregations in USA:
Bethel wants lawyers, lawyers specializing in tax law, and CPA's. If you are in any of these professions you were supposed to talk to the PO that evening. You DID NOT NEED TO MEET ANY OF THE OTHER QUALIFICATIONS for Bethel service as long as you were a lawyer or CPA.
So, if one as a youth did not "remember his creator in the days of his young manhood" vis a vis the Watchtower, and instead went to college (4 years), law school (3 years), bar exam (6 months - 1 year) practice law ( 5- 10 years), now at the age of 35, 36, 37 ( too old for Bethel normally), thw Wathctower says he "can remember his Creator in the days of his Mature manhood."
But, if you pioneered out of high school, did not attend university and thus avoided all the independent and critical thinking, married at a young age-- and find yourself at 35, 36, 37 and wish to expand your service, SO SORRY-- YOU ARE TOO OLD AND WE DON"T YOU.
Was I the ONLY one at the meeting that thought this was just a little more than unjust?
Frankly, I think it is reprehensible how they stifle young, agile, and creative minds.
The lesson for young JW's?
If you want to go to Bethel, then go to college first. That way you'll be a sure thing.
Zack