again...please do not request a pdf scan these are interbranch copies not the same ones sent to the congregations.
jwf.. january 21, 2010 .
to all bodies of elders .
I understand your mistrust......but I can confirm this letter is real, I normally get these interbranch copies a month or so before the congregation elders receive them.
Any one who reads BOE letters will recognise the style and content of these type of letters anyway.
JWF
again...please do not request a pdf scan these are interbranch copies not the same ones sent to the congregations.
jwf.. january 21, 2010 .
to all bodies of elders .
Again...please do not request a pdf scan these are interbranch copies not the same ones sent to the congregations
Thanks
JWF.
January 21, 2010
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
Re: Qualifications of appointed persons in conjunction with disfellowshipped relatives
Dear Brothers:
The Bible tells us that we are not to fellowship with a person who has been expelled from
the congregation. (1 Cor. 5:9-13; 2 John 9-11) Elders, ministerial servants, and regular pioneers
should set an example in their dealings with disfellowshipped family members. (lv pp. 207-209)
What responsibility does the body of elders have if a person in such an appointed position allows
a disfellowshipped immediate family member to move into the home?
The body of elders should review the qualifications of any appointed person who permits
such a situation. (w88 3/1 p. 24 par. 5; w81 9/15 p. 29 pars. 16-17) It may be that the disfellow-
shipped relative is physically or emotionally ill and unable to care for himself. Or dire circum-
stances may exist so that a failure to provide assistance might result in disastrous consequences and
even bring reproach on the congregation. In such circumstances, the appointed person may have
felt there was no other recourse than to allow the family member to move into the home. The atti-
tude of the disfellowshipped relative should also be considered. Has he ‘come to his senses’? (Luke
15:17-19) Has he abandoned his sinful course? Or is he still engaged in serious wrongdoing? In
carefully considering these and other relevant factors, the elders may determine that the appointed
person is still exemplary, holds the respect of the congregation, and qualifies to continue serving.
On the other hand, if the circumstances raise serious questions and the appointed person
has lost the respect of the congregation, the elders may determine that it would be best for the
appointed person to relinquish his privilege of service. As long as the unfavorable situation in the
home exists, the person would no longer be used in any exemplary capacity. Since this may be
disheartening to the individual, the elders should confirm their love for him and help him to ap-
preciate that he is needed in the congregation. (w90 9/1 pp. 22-23 pars. 18-20) Of course, if the
situation changes and the reason for the deletion no longer exists, it may be that the person will
once again be able to enjoy privileges of service in the congregation.
Be assured of our prayers for Jehovah’s continued blessing as you extend yourselves in
behalf of the brotherhood. We send our warm Christian love.
Your brothers,
cc: Traveling overseers
PS to secretary:
This letter should be retained in the congregation permanent file of policy letters. You
may wish to update the congregation copy of Index to Letters—For Bodies of Elders (S-22) at
this time as well.
just a quick question for some help.. if a person was able to log into the jw.org website using a personalised user name and password given to them by the wt computer services dept, would the borg be able to tell what websites that person had visited, what information would they be able to glean off his computer?
can they track the computer etc?.
any advice welcomed.... .
Thank you Marvin
That is a weight of my mind...hoping you are ok
JWF
just a quick question for some help.. if a person was able to log into the jw.org website using a personalised user name and password given to them by the wt computer services dept, would the borg be able to tell what websites that person had visited, what information would they be able to glean off his computer?
can they track the computer etc?.
any advice welcomed.... .
Just a quick question for some help.
If a person was able to log into the jw.org website using a personalised user name and password given to them by the WT computer services dept, would the borg be able to tell what websites that person had visited, what information would they be able to glean off his computer? Can they track the computer etc?
Any advice welcomed...
Thanks
JWFreak
again..please do not ask for a pdf scan as the only copies i have are the interbranch electronic copies from the us branch to our local branch.. .
november 3, 2009 .
to all bodies of elders .
Oops I signed the opening post with a name .....does anyone know how or if can they remove it for me......its a little like closing the stable door for me
Thanks
JWF
again..please do not ask for a pdf scan as the only copies i have are the interbranch electronic copies from the us branch to our local branch.. .
november 3, 2009 .
to all bodies of elders .
Again..please do not ask for a pdf scan as the only copies I have are the interbranch electronic copies from the US Branch to our local branch.
Thanks
November 3, 2009
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
Re: Assisting inactive ones
Dear Brothers:
This letter replaces the letters dated February 2, 1999, and February 4, 2004, to all bodies
of elders. Those letters should be removed from the congregation permanent file of policy letters
and be destroyed.
The November 15, 2008, Watchtower articles entitled “Help Those Who Stray From the
Flock” and “Help Them Return Without Delay!” highlighted the duty that shepherds of God’s
flock have to search for sheep who have strayed. (Ezek. 34:11; Acts 20:28) Of course, elders
want to do all they can to “shepherd the flock of God” so as to prevent inactivity. (1 Pet. 5:2)
However, when publishers become inactive, what can be done to help them? How can we bal-
ance our responsibility to render assistance to these spiritually weak ones while upholding Jeho-
vah’s righteous standards?
Arranging for a visit: A special effort should be made each year during the Memorial
season to seek out those who are inactive and to invite them to attend the Lord’s Evening Meal.
You may also at other times become aware that a publisher is inactive. In any case, arrangements
should be made by the Congregation Service Committee for two elders to visit the inactive one.
When planning your visits, perhaps the field service group overseer might be one of the elders
assigned. As you realize, the circumstances of inactive ones vary greatly. Generally speaking,
though, many who are inactive have not abandoned the truth. Neither have they engaged in seri-
ous wrongdoing. They have simply stopped preaching because of discouragement, personal
problems, materialism, or other anxieties of life. (Luke 21:34-36) Helpful information has been
provided in Our Kingdom Ministry on how elders can assist those who have become inactive.
Before your visit, you might review such references as the February 2007 Our Kingdom Ministry
article “Do Not Forget Those Who Are Inactive” and the November 2000 Our Kingdom Ministry
Question Box. Very often, inactive ones need help to appreciate that Jehovah cares for them.
You can direct their attention to chapter 24 of the book Draw Close to Jehovah; to the article
“You Are Precious in God’s Eyes!” which appeared in the April 1, 1995, Watchtower, pages 10-15;
or chapter 1 of the book “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love” along with the letter from the Gov-
erning Body in that publication. Other appropriate material may also be used.
Offering Bible studies: If the inactive one responds favorably to the visit and expresses a
desire to resume activity with the congregation, a Bible study may be offered. If the study is ac-
cepted, make this known to a member of the service committee. Arrangements can then be made
for the study to be conducted. Good judgment is needed to determine who is best suited to con-
duct the study, how long it should be conducted, and what publication should be studied.—km
11/98 p. 7.
Resuming field service: If a person has been inactive for only a short time, a helping
hand from an experienced publisher may be all that is needed to reactivate the individual. On the
other hand, before inviting a longtime inactive one to share in the ministry, two elders should
meet with him to see if he meets the basic requirements to again serve as a Kingdom publisher,
as outlined on pages 79-81 of the book Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will. They will follow a pro-
cedure similar to that used when meeting with new ones seeking to publish the good news.
Assisting repentant wrongdoers: There may be occasions when the inactive one has
been involved in serious wrongdoing and now desires to return to the congregation. Some have
been inactive for many years, while others have only recently become inactive. What can be
done to help someone who has ‘quit the wrong’ and repents and wants to come back, be it on
their own initiative or as a result of an elder’s visit?
The November 15, 2008, Watchtower, pages 14 and 15, paragraphs 12 and 13, states:
“Some individuals stop preaching and attending meetings because they have committed a serious
sin. They may feel that if they confess their wrongdoing to the elders, they will be disfellow-
shipped. But they will not be expelled from the congregation if they have discontinued the un-
scriptural practice and are genuinely repentant. (2 Cor. 7:10, 11) Instead, they will be welcomed
back, and the elders will give them the spiritual help they need. . . . The elders will know how to
assist anyone desiring to return and live in accord with God’s will. Loving discipline may be re-
quired. (Heb. 12:7-11) If the person acknowledges that he has sinned against God, has ceased to
engage in wrongdoing, and is truly repentant, the elders will help him, and he can receive Jeho-
vah’s forgiveness.—Isa. 1:18; 55:7; Jas. 5:13-16.”
As you can appreciate, good judgment is needed when handling these matters. If ques-
tions arise relative to a specific situation, please feel free to write the branch office and we will
provide assistance.
May Jehovah continue to bless your hard work in behalf of the congregation.
Your brothers,
cc: Traveling overseers
PS to secretary:
This letter should be retained in the congregation permanent file of policy letters. You
may wish to update the congregation copy of Index to Letters—For Bodies of Elders (S-22) at
this time as well.
gb getting involved with pregnancy........... jwf.
ps.
please don't ask me for a pdf scan, as the copies i get are interbranch copies from the us branch with individual coding on them.
GB getting involved with pregnancy..........
JWF
ps. Please don't ask me for a pdf scan, as the copies I get are interbranch copies from the US branch with individual coding on them
December 16, 2009
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
Re: November 2009 Awake! article “Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies”
Dear Brothers:
We are writing to draw your attention to the above-mentioned Awake! article on pages
26-29. It is common for some people to view childbirth as a natural and benign process and not
to appreciate the risks and complications that can occur with delivery. Furthermore, a lack of
professional prenatal care can lead to childbirth problems, such as excessive bleeding, obstructed
labor, infection, and anemia because of prematurity, which often involve blood transfusion.
In order to make sure that our brothers benefit from the information contained in that ar-
ticle, you may want to kindly direct prospective parents to carefully review the material. Do not
overlook how easily and effectively you can help them by simply drawing attention to the mate-
rial contained in the magazine, including the footnote on the value of contacting the local Hospi-
tal Liaison Committee (HLC) as needed. At the same time, it would be a kindness to offer assis-
tance if they desire to contact a local HLC member in their search to locate a physician who can
provide quality obstetrical care to patients who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Furthermore, the HLC
can provide doctors with a helpful comprehensive document entitled Clinical Strategies for
Avoiding and Controlling Hemorrhage and Anemia Without Blood Transfusion in Obstetrics and
Gynecology.
Thank you very much for your loving efforts to provide protection and care to those who
are close to welcoming a new member to their family.—Isa. 32:2.
Your brothers,
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Hi Just to confirm that it is a UK KM. I usually get a very early copy.
Although the question box however is Global policy and will be in the international versions as well.
I can't scan the article as I have a pre production copy, but you will see the printed versions within the next 3 weeks or so.
JWF
paragraphs 6-8 of this letter contain further direction on the use of min-.
in congregations that have very few elders, capable ministerial servants who have dem-.
or more members of the service committee are ministerial servants, the circuit overseer will dis-.
More Company drivel
January 19, 2010
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
Re: Use of ministerial servants where the number of elders is limited
Dear Brothers:
This letter replaces the letter dated July 3, 2009, to all bodies of elders. The direction con-
tained in that letter has not changed and has been repeated in paragraphs 2-5 of this letter. Thus,
the July 3, 2009, letter should be removed from the congregation permanent file of policy letters
and should be destroyed. Paragraphs 6-8 of this letter contain further direction on the use of min-
isterial servants where the number of elders is limited.
In congregations that have very few elders, capable ministerial servants who have dem-
onstrated good judgment and discernment may be used to review with individuals the questions
for baptism dealing with doctrinal matters. These are found in “Part I—Elementary Bible Teach-
ings” and “Part III—Jehovah’s Arrangement of Things.” Since “Part II—Jehovah’s Righteous
Requirements” involves sensitive personal matters, an elder should be used to consider this sec-
tion. If the congregation does not have sufficient qualified brothers, the circuit overseer may be
contacted to determine if a nearby congregation may assist.
When the baptismal candidate is male, the one assigned does not need another brother to
accompany him when reviewing the questions. However, when the baptismal candidate is fe-
male, the discussions should be held in such a way that the elder or ministerial servant is never
alone with her. It may be possible, for example, to hold the discussion in an open room in the
sister’s home where they will remain in plain view of others but out of earshot. Or perhaps they
can meet at the Kingdom Hall in a similarly appropriate setting when another congregation is
having a meeting. However, if it is necessary to take along another person, an elder should be
used. If the congregation has few elders, a capable ministerial servant may be asked to accom-
pany the assigned brother when considering parts I and III of the appendix.
Ministerial servants should not be used to serve on judicial committees. This updates the
direction provided on page 6, paragraph 37, of the September 1977 Our Kingdom Ministry. In
the extreme circumstance where three elders are not available to serve on a judicial committee,
one or two elders from a neighboring congregation or the circuit overseer may be used to com-
plete a judicial committee of three members. With regard to selecting elders to serve on a judicial
committee, please see page 109, paragraphs 6-13, and pages 149-150 of the Kingdom Ministry
School textbook.
In the rare circumstance where three elders cannot be located to serve on the judicial
committee, two elders may care for the matter. The two elders will function as an appointed judi-
cial committee. (Matt. 18:19, 20) However, prior to their informing the person of their decision,
the chairman of the committee will submit a printed or typewritten report to the branch office.
The confidential report should clearly outline the facts of the case and the conclusion reached by
the responsible judicial committee. This report is to be sent to the branch office whether the deci-
sion is to disfellowship the individual or not. The branch office will review the report and con-
firm receipt of it in writing to the judicial committee. Thereafter, the two elders will inform the
person of the committee’s decision. (ks91 p. 121) If the decision is to disfellowship, the committee
will then submit the Notification of Disfellowshipping or Disassociation (S-77) form to the
branch office in the usual way.
In congregations where there are insufficient elders to fulfill the responsibilities of the
coordinator of the body of elders, the congregation secretary, and the service overseer, qualified
ministerial servants may be asked to substitute as members of the Congregation Service Committee.
In such cases, the ministerial servant will care for many of the technical aspects of the assign-
ment. Such work is highly valued and contributes to the smooth functioning of the congregation.
Nevertheless, there are certain responsibilities that only elders will perform.
Regarding recommendations for elders or ministerial servants in congregations where one
or more members of the service committee are ministerial servants, the circuit overseer will dis-
cuss with the elders the Scriptural qualifications of the brothers who may qualify for appoint-
ment. Any ministerial servants should not be aware of or be involved in the discussion. If it is
decided to recommend a brother for appointment, the name will not be included on the S-2 form
but will be submitted in a separate letter from the circuit overseer to the branch office, signed by
him and the elders on the service committee. Of course, this letter would not be shown to any of
the ministerial servants. In congregations with no elders, the circuit overseer himself will provide
this letter along with the S-2 forms. If the branch office approves the recommendation, then ap-
propriate notification will be sent to the congregation.
To what extent should ministerial servants who substitute as members of the service
committee be used to sign documents and forms regarding service privileges of other publishers?
This issue will often arise when sending letters of introduction for publishers or appointed ser-
vants and in connection with approval for publishers to serve as auxiliary or regular pioneers or
for other privileges of service. Certainly an elder should be used to fulfill this role when avail-
able. In the absence of an elder, ministerial servants could sign letters or forms that provide gen-
eral observations on a publisher’s share in the ministry, meeting attendance, or overall involve-
ment in congregation activities. Nevertheless, if information regarding confidential personal
matters needs to be conveyed to the branch office or another congregation, this should be cared
for by a local elder or one from a neighboring congregation who is familiar with the situation.
The circuit overseer could be called on to facilitate communication in such matters. If he is un-
able to do so, the branch office may be consulted.
We are confident that these additional guidelines will prove helpful to you. Please be as-
sured of our deep appreciation for your loving labors in behalf of the brothers and sisters in your
respective congregations.—1 Thess. 1:2, 3.
Your brothers,
cc: Traveling overseers
PS to secretary:
This letter should be retained in the congregation permanent file of policy letters. You
may wish to update the congregation copy of Index to Letters—For Bodies of Elders (S-22) at
this time as well.
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double post...
