I grew a full beard a few years ago when my family and I lived in a somewhat small town. I started growing it when my folks were away on vacation for a week. After they returned, I decided to just keep it growing. I let it grow for about a year or so. During that time, a couple of elders visited me and informed me that I would have to shave it off or else I would be off the Theocratic Ministry School. I defiantly kept it for a while longer, and I actually even had a lawyer in a high-end city law firm send a detailed opinion letter to the local elders, with a copy to the Canadian Bethel headquarters. I only shaved it off later to be able to more fully enjoy some romantic kisses – but that was only of my own accord.
My advice is: don’t ever allow any man-made “leaders” to dictate the grooming of your own body. Believe me, they’re certainly not entitled to that level of control! (They just think they are.)