From the Flock book. Bold and italics theirs.
19. If it comes to light or an appointed
brother confesses that he has committed a dis-
fellowshipping offense years in the past: The
body of elders may determine he can continue to
serve if the following is true: The immorality or other
serious wrongdoing occurred more than a few years
ago, and he is genuinely repentant, recognizing that
he should have come forward immediately when he
sinned. (Perhaps he has even confessed to his sin,
seeking help with his guilty conscience.) He has been
serving faithfully for many years, has evidence of
God’s blessing, and has the respect of the congrega-
tion.
20. If the sin occurred before he was appointed as
an elder or a ministerial servant, the elders will need
to take into consideration the fact that he should
have mentioned this possible impediment to his be-
ing qualified when elders interviewed him just prior
to announcing his appointment. Moreover, the na-
ture of the sin may reflect greatly on his qualifica-
tions to serve. For example, the sin may involve past
child abuse, and this would likely disqualify him for
many years.—w97 1/1 pp. 26-29; w77 pp. 697-698.
21. If the wrongdoing occurred within the past few
years while he was serving as an elder or a ministerial
servant, he is disqualified from serving as such, not
being “free from accusation.” (1 Tim. 3:2, 10; Titus 1:
6, 7) Depending on the circumstances, the situation
may also need to be handled by a judicial committee.
—See 5:43-44.