Posts by doinmypart

56

Will the WTS Org change or Die Out?

by doinmypart in

jw
friends

the wts org has:.

a formidable enemy (ex/former members),.

an enemy with an excellent communication tool unavailable in the past (the internet),.

doinmypart

JT wrote:

the wt is preparing the way to do away with the FDS as we know it today and replace it with a new definition of FDS to include NONANNOINTED... and that is one dogma that clearly is on the way- the Given ones, the replacement of all gb with nonannointed officers, and as i was told personally the use of moses and joshua, elijah and elisha, paul and timothy will be used to represent the PASSing of the Torch

I believe this will happen. When they officially make the change, they will point to past articles such as:

yb93 p.254 "At the Brooklyn headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, some ‘given ones’ have served for a great many years. These include mature overseers from the great crowd who have gained a wealth of ability and experience. Thus, the Governing Body has selected a few of such overseers to assist in the meetings of the Governing Body’s committees. These are not necessarily the men with the longest record of service. Rather, they are mature, experienced men with qualifications that fit them for giving assistance in particular fields. Their being assigned to work with a committee does not give them a special status.

w92 4/15 p.16
21 The Nethinim’s added privileges were linked directly to spiritual activities. The sons of the servants of Solomon evidently received administrative responsibilities. Similarly today, Jehovah has blessed his people with "gifts in men" to care for their needs. (Ephesians 4:8, 11, 12) Included in this provision are many hundreds of mature, experienced brothers who share in ‘shepherding the flocks,’ serving as circuit and district overseers and on Branch Committees at the Watch Tower Society’s 98 branches. (Isaiah 61:5) At the world headquarters of the Society, under the direction of "the faithful steward" and its Governing Body, capable men receive training to help in preparing spiritual food supplies. (Luke 12:42) Other longtime dedicated volunteers have been trained to operate Bethel homes and factories and to oversee programs worldwide in constructing new branch facilities and halls for Christian worship. They have excelled in serving as close helpers of the anointed remnant, who constitute part of the royal priesthood.

...and stretch a few scriptures to make their point. Not too many will question how the WTS for years taught loyalty to the anointed and it's GB.

12

Covert Field Service tactic

by doinmypart in

jw
friends

here's an idea i thought of for those of us still associated with the jws and going in field service:.

1. write the url to this site, quotes, silentlambs, etc.

on post-it notes (little yellow sticky papers).. 2. put the post-it notes inside the folded portion of a tract, or first page of wt magazine.. 3. leave the tract or magazine at not-at-homes.. in the chance the householder peruses the litter-ature rather than trash it, they will see the note and possibly visit the referenced website.

doinmypart

Blondie - I thought about that too. I figured if the householder actually would go through the effort of calling the KH it would be worthwhile, because it got the householder thinking. Might even get the elder receiving the call a pause.

TooOpinionated - My non-JW family doesn't read the material, for that matter most of my JW family doesn't read the material. I imagine of the few that accept literature, even fewer actually read it. But if they decide to look inside the material, a yellow sticky with "http:quotes.watchtower.ca" could rouse their interest.

Listener - I like that idea. I have occasional access to a color copier. Though the quality won't be as good it will be good enough to pass. I think I'll try this. I too still go in field service, I only read a scripture and talk about trivial things. Because my conversations are pretty good and I read a scripture I've been able to do this w/o raising eyebrows even with the CO. I haven't placed litter-ature in a couple of years (though my FS report still shows me every month as a model JW).

BlackSwan - Thanks for the info, I've read it before. My idea isn't overly involved. A lot of publishers around here have sticky notes in their Bible to remind them of scriptures, presentations, etc. I think putting a sticky note with "http:quotes.watchtower.ca" written on it, inside a WT tract or magazine would be a good counter witness.

56

Will the WTS Org change or Die Out?

by doinmypart in

jw
friends

the wts org has:.

a formidable enemy (ex/former members),.

an enemy with an excellent communication tool unavailable in the past (the internet),.

doinmypart

Else - I agree with you on point 1, though I'd love to see point 2 happen, or even a 3rd point...print a WT or KM stating, "We're out of business, its been a good ride, carry on."

Listener - The turnover rate certainly is high and the ones that stay are going to be lifers. How I wish for an end to the entire thing, or at least some significant changes so life will be easier for my friends & family who will remain JWs.

sweet tee - showing up at the hospital. That is one of the more despicable practices of elders. They don't go primarily to support the person, rather they go to support WTS policy. Sure, I know there are elders that genuinely care, but for the most part elders want to make sure the publisher doesn't accept blood even to the point of death. How disgusting!

stilla & tetra - slow change is right, kinda like molasses in winter. Especially in the area of the US where I live, the Bible belt. It's like waking up to a bad dream, every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

-----------------------------------------

The WTS isn't a typical business in that it fronts as a religious organization, but it is a publishing company nonetheless. The business has existed for decades so obviously there have been changes in the past.

The WTS leaders know their current state of affairs is in trouble. Easily accessed information and major lawsuits are SERIOUS threats to the WTS. Tired, depressed, anxious employees (publishers) aren't good for business; constantly living with a heightened sense of urgency (the end is soon) will catch up with the publishers.

Gone are the glory days when the WTS experienced rapid growth, and publishers were excited. The old tired way of doing things just isn't working anymore. Notably there have been some changes:
layoffs at Bethel
new printing presses/facilities
corporate restructures
outsourcing things that used to be done in-house

What is next...do they modify their rules? do they change the power structure? Seeing the problems and doing someting about them are two different things. I think the WTS leaders are unhappy about their state of affairs, but are afraid to do anything about it.

I'm sure there are a handful of people that could bring about meaningful change but they are afraid of losing the security they have, and relationships if things don't work out. Will there ever be a point when enough people will be pissed off enough to believe in the benefits of doing the right thing over maintaining the status quo?

For the COs, DOs, and others that want something better talk to others in "power", share your thoughts with others. Forget about what happened to dissenters in the 80's, stop living in fear, do something now.

12

Covert Field Service tactic

by doinmypart in

jw
friends

here's an idea i thought of for those of us still associated with the jws and going in field service:.

1. write the url to this site, quotes, silentlambs, etc.

on post-it notes (little yellow sticky papers).. 2. put the post-it notes inside the folded portion of a tract, or first page of wt magazine.. 3. leave the tract or magazine at not-at-homes.. in the chance the householder peruses the litter-ature rather than trash it, they will see the note and possibly visit the referenced website.

doinmypart

love2b - Good job on creating and distributing your own tracts. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!

ezekiel3 - I can't believe I actually pioneered years ago. What a monumental waste of time, slaving away for the WTS!

-------------------------------------------

Still looking for other ideas. Or if you still go in FS and want to try this idea why not post here and let the WTS monitors know.

The idea is simple enough. One or two URLs to specific websites. If you're trapped in the Org and/or your family members drag you into FS you may as well make the time really count.

12

Covert Field Service tactic

by doinmypart in

jw
friends

here's an idea i thought of for those of us still associated with the jws and going in field service:.

1. write the url to this site, quotes, silentlambs, etc.

on post-it notes (little yellow sticky papers).. 2. put the post-it notes inside the folded portion of a tract, or first page of wt magazine.. 3. leave the tract or magazine at not-at-homes.. in the chance the householder peruses the litter-ature rather than trash it, they will see the note and possibly visit the referenced website.

doinmypart

Here's an idea I thought of for those of us still associated with the JWs and going in field service:
1. Write the URL to this site, Quotes, silentlambs, etc. on Post-It notes (little yellow sticky papers).
2. Put the Post-It notes inside the folded portion of a tract, or first page of WT magazine.
3. Leave the tract or magazine at Not-At-Homes.

In the chance the householder peruses the litter-ature rather than trash it, they will see the note and possibly visit the referenced website. This tactic will work even if you're going door-to-door with another publisher. This covert anti-Witness might make it worth going to the doors.

What do you think? Any other ideas?

56

Will the WTS Org change or Die Out?

by doinmypart in

jw
friends

the wts org has:.

a formidable enemy (ex/former members),.

an enemy with an excellent communication tool unavailable in the past (the internet),.

doinmypart

SNG - "...the entire suite of arrogant, scornful, legal-minded views that does them in. And this, I believe, will be almost impossible to change, even if they wanted to." You're correct. The leaders are so toxic and adamantly believe they're God's chosen...their attitude and resulting behavior is going to be a difficult thing to change. Not to mention they've painted themselves into a corner, how could they change even if they wanted w/o disrupting everything they've built.

Gary & ithinkisee - I look at older ones in the congregations and see that many of them are complicit with the WTS' agenda. I think they have too much invested to believe they have been duped. They would accept change, or accept the status quo as long as the WTS is "there for them" as a crutch.

Blondie & GBL - The WTS certainly isn't the same as it was 50 years ago, and if it is around in another 50 it will be different than it is today. If they're around in 50 will we see GLBT accepted among the R&F? women in lead roles? other forms of ministry incl. charitable acts? bearded brothers (gasp)?

Frankie & Jula71 - I don't know if the death of Ted J et al would be significant. It seems to me the GB have handpicked brothers in responsible positions who think the way they do. The WTS HQ is a relatively small group of individuals, working together & thinking alike since the days of Knorr. Everyone is basically a clone. Is there really an individual or individuals that can truly transform and revitalize the Org? I think changes in certain policy will come about due to regulations & court cases, but not because someone truly cares.

Listener - Yep, unlike the R&F who believes the WTS cries about the Internet. Householders will "google that @$$" ha ha! I've told a lot of my non-JW relatives and friends to check out the Internet in this regard. I just had a thought...I still go in fld svc once or twice every two months. I think I'll put a Post-It note with JW URLs inside tracts and leave the tracts at Not at Homes. The publisher I'm working with would be none the wiser. I think I'll start a separate thread on this.

Doogie - True, there is always someone that will believe something. My hope is that the WTS will become so strange & hardlined that the majority will exit. But then too this may not work (see Gary's post).

56

Will the WTS Org change or Die Out?

by doinmypart in

jw
friends

the wts org has:.

a formidable enemy (ex/former members),.

an enemy with an excellent communication tool unavailable in the past (the internet),.

doinmypart

The WTS Org has:
a formidable enemy (ex/former members),
an enemy with an excellent communication tool unavailable in the past (the internet),
dwindling membership and youth not buying into the dream,
potentially devastating lawsuits in their future,
etc.

The WTS Org is inflexible and ill prepared to deal with changes in the world. Common sense tells me they should change their ways, adapt. But the WTS leaders don't or at least they try to change in small ways in order to save face.

With all the WTS is facing will they change or die out? Ex/former members won't stop speaking out against the WTS, and potential members will be harder to gain. Are WTS leaders smart enough to realize they've got to do something?

4

convention dates for the midsouth

by kittyeatzjdubs in

jw
friends

.

i'm considering going to maybe one day of a convention to shake things up a bit...i got some great ideas from the be rebellious at the assembly thread http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/11/91858/1.ashx....so i need convention dates for congos in the memphis, tn area...thanks!!!!

luv, jojo

doinmypart

Memphis isn't meeting at the Mid-South Coliseum this year. Memphis is going to Little Rock, meeting at the Barton Coliseum.

The WTS cannot rent Mid-South Coliseum or the Pyramid, and they're too cheap to rent the FedEx Forum.

49

Biased PBS Special Soon to be Aired

by bavman in

jw
friends

co producer/director of new pbs special slotted to be aired in 2006 has mother who is jw.

check out this link:.

http://www.knocking.org/indexcont.html.

doinmypart

!!! THE SITE HAS BEEN UPDATED !!!

The paragraph quoted by SNG and Elsewhere in their letters to the producers has been changed to read:

How though, some critics may ask, can a morally conservative religion have any role in defending liberal freedom of choice? Wouldn't Jehovah's Witnesses be considered an enemy to a woman who seeks full reproductive rights over her body or a gay man who seeks the right to marry? Witnesses don't let women hold leadership positions. They strongly believe abortion and gay marriage are wrong. Yet Witnesses acknowledge their legal victories have helped these groups even though Witnesses shun their own members who exercise individual freedoms that violate their interpretation of the Bible. People who do not choose to follow the moral code set by Jehovah's Witnesses cannot join. Family and friends shun baptized members who unrepentantly stray from the code.

Go to knocking.org, click on information --> relevancy.

Notice the changes about women not holding leadership positions, shun their own members, family and friends shun.

Excellent job SNG, Elsewhere, and anyone else that contacted the producers.

183

It is finished, or is it just beginning?

by IP_SEC in

jw
friends

well i am no longer one of jehovah's witnesses.

i had fully intentioned to disassociate myself from the platform today, but i decided that if i wanted a chance to save my marriage that i'd better tell my wife.

she immediately went to to one of the elders.

doinmypart

Congratulations on taking the step.

I hope your wife is able to adjust to the change and eventually join you outside the Org. I'm sure everyone in the congregation is going to love bomb her, and with the upcoming conventions she'll probably have a lot of people "encouraging" her. Hang in there, and best wishes to both of you.