It went against the scriptural suggestion to draw closer together 'as the day draws near' - and I know many of us were puzzled....and the "book-study" had been sold to me/us as a critical meeting as this would be our safe 'go to' when the shite hit the fan.
And it was whipped away, I loved my group - we all grew close....and the feeling of mutual care was wonderful.
Interestingly, other churches have 'life groups' in members homes and these are viewed as central to the congregational life (at least it is at our local baptist church which I have visited occasionally) - I went to a life group meeting at someone's house, I was impressed with their togetherness and caring support, they prayed for individuals needing strength and courage through difficulties, offered help to each other and made plans to give pratical assistance ,they discussed a bible topic - food and drinks afterwards....
I was suspicious of the decision to cut the Bookstudy group - a niggling intutuion told me the reasons were not about our welfare, but about keeping control, breaking up the possibility of too much closeness.....
As I haven't any family in the org - I really appreciated the 'family' that was our Bookstudy group.
I have to laugh now, when I remember that the TMS was held up as our 'training' for speaking boldly, especially when the inevitable time came that we'd be thrown in front of the courts......yes, that's what was said.
After watching the performance of WT reps, including Jackson at the ARC...I suspect the TMS didn't them help at all....unless it was to speak without frankness, honesty and humility.
