I know sometimes I can come across as an opologist. I just can't seem to help myself, and I do apologize. I had a thought on how could the WTBTS turn their fortunes around to reducing the out flow, and getting a more positive growth of publishers, particularly in western lands. while still keeping their more unfavourable policies e.g blood, DFing, controlling etc.
I believe that growth now will no longer come from the D2D ministry, but will come from focusing on it's existing members. Once they can reduce the ones leaving out the back door, they can build on this with external growth. So the question here is "how will they do this"???????
I believe this will come through having better mechanisms in place for it youth. Ok I can understand the israelite thing about the parents instructing the children and I do believe it isn't the churches responsibility to take over this roll (Although they clearly feel they do have a roll in the family if the child gets DFed). To a point we have seen a shift from the Israelite model of teaching by the WTBTS e.g sparlock, cartoons, join the dots, colour in pictures. But is this enough??? Will they go further like other Churches that have youth programs, organised youth trips for activities that create better social cohesion. Simply having a 2 page essay once a month (YPA) telling the youth to keep their legs together or you will get a rash, and how much fun it is to go knocking on your school friend door just ain't cutting it.
i also believe they have to find a way of making the meetings entertaining, while still been biblical and teaching. Making it a place that people want to go to, to be inspired by God, to learn and this been done through entertainment. I remember meeting a person out in F/Service, who was interested but had ceased coming to meetings, and her reply was that they were just a bore. Internally I couldn't help but agree with her. I believe the WTBTS has to be more open to changing its format. I remember when Mc Donald was first coming on the scene, and it was just the burger and fries meneu. Now there is everything under the sun E.g McCafe, breakfasts, coffees etc. Why??? Because they are always changing to the markets demands. Something I feel the WT needs to learn from.
so what's your thoughts.