Thanks Berry Gerry. The article was a study article. I'll try to give a summary on each point based on the article. The first thing that is noteworthy is that it isn't directed towards disfellowshipped person, it is directed at inactive ones.
A Letter from the Governing Body
1. The Lost One I will search for
God seeks out inactive ones and so should the elders. All JWs should be encouraging inactive ones to return to the congregation where they can engage in activities that only JWs do. This includes studying the scriptures, attending meetings and preaching the good news of the kingdom.
Oh and if you are studying with an inactive one who is interested in returning and you find out that he has committed a serious sin then you need to tell the inactive one to see the elders, failing this you have to tell the elders.
2. Anxiety - Hard Pressed in every way
Anxiety - financial problems/increased family responsibilities. Is your life better now having left? Try to get them to admit that their spirituality and happiness has diminished. Convince them that not being able to preach makes them less joyful. 3. Hurt Feelings - When we have a cause for complaint.
3. Hurt Feelings - when you have cause for complaint
(The logic on this is amazing)
Men are imperfect, Jehovah didn't do this so why leave him and his people?
The FDS dishes out excellent spiritual food and that's how they learnt the truth in the first place.
If the person had received discipline then strongly tell him that he must at least be partly at fault and accept the blame for it (and we haven't even got onto the guilt issue).
4. Guilt - Cleanse me from my sin
Guilt because of wrongdoing. First there is the promise that if you have stopped preaching and attending meetings because you committed a serious sin but have stopped and are genuinely repented then you will be welcomed back. The elders can help him in receiving God's forgiveness. They forget to mention that it is the elders who decide whether they are repentant or not.
A second mention, for emphasis, is made here regarding dobbing in those that have committed a serious sin.
5. Return to the shepherd and overseer of your souls
Tell inactive ones that only JWs enjoy true refreshment. Tell them that God expects us to do what we can and that they need to act now and oppose the devil and draw close to God. Future blessing await if they return without delay.
In the article it mentions a number of times that inactive ones may be have bible studies before they actually return. It is also acceptable for any JW to try to reach out to them (they are not shunned). It will be interesting to see if this changes in the brochure.
It sounds like more rehash and dishing out of stale food.