I do not think I was such a great elder. I fall into the stats of men not reaching out again. They lost me too. I was 40 when I was deleted as an elder and left the Organization completely 9 months later after transferring to another KH and circuit and state. I faded away and I am now 44.
I was a regular pioneer and a graduate of MTS (Ministerial Training School -- 62nd US Class - 2002 --- take that Bethel). I used to pick up the slack of the MSs and elders in our KH by taking on extra assignments and parts and talks. It was difficult to get MSs especially to do any more than they had to do. So when I left, I wonder who picked up the slack?
Oh, that's right, this reminds me of something I once heard while temping at Bethel: "How much do you matter? Put your finger in a cup of water, remove your finger, the hole that is left is all that you really mattered. Jehovah can and will replace you immediately." Looks like that water is turning to jelly.
After I had to leave my MTS assignment after only a few months because of health issues (OK... I quickly tired of the lack of support in the assignment truth be told), WTBTS dropped me like a hot potato. I got very few parts on assemblies and those were minor. If you are not a company man all the way, the will not have much to do with you.
On the one hand, I am glad to see this situation occurring. On the other hand, I really don't give a $hit.
Snakes (Rich )