I don't usually like to get involved in this kind of thread - I feel that it is very easy to criticize people in the CO's position. They've dedicated their lives to something [no matter what we think of the theology] and most of them really try to do a good job as they see it. Conflicts with them are often because they are tired, or stupid, or depressed - in a word, HUMAN.
Some of them are arrogant beyond belief, that is true, including a few that I've known personally. But so was I some time ago, before Jehovah taught me humility by facing me with my own imperfections.
HOWEVER, these sessions can be beneficial because they let some venting take place. So, while I don't want to nitpick, I'm going to.
One CO told me that I should stay away from the girls and go to Bethel.
Another asked me what my goals were, and when he found out I was going to college, he almost had a conniption at my lack of spirituality.
That second one's wife proceeded to grill me for a few hours while out in service telling me that I should be thinking of going to Bethel. I nearly wanted to tell her that I'd been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder just two weeks before [after an act of public self-mutilation] except I was trying to get all that crap behind me. So I just sat and smiled, and nodded and said that they needed to get off my case.
And the CO tried to get me out in streetwork in my hometown, just two weeks after I almost killed myself in public. Suffice to say, I wonder what kind of witness that would have given: MADMAN WITH FRESH SCARS PREACHES DOOM!!!
And that CO [no wonder I didn't exactly enjoy his stay] proceeded to ask me in front of everyone at a service group if I wanted to go to Bethel. I said no. He said I should. I said "oh boy" really loudly and in a very sarcastic tone of voice.
I find Bipolar affective disorder to be a wonderful tool for mouthing off to authority figures. Huzzah for the madness, the fire and the fury, the spittle in the corner of my mouth.
CZAR