Book Distribution: Reaching as Many Elders as Possible - Not All Are "Society Men"?

Jerry&Phyllis

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“Rules are for babies…….Principles are for adults”, Quote by a close friend & former Circuit Overseer

We have quoted Bob many times. He was a circuit overseer for over 20 years and a “troubleshooter” for the organization even though the organization denies troubleshooters ever existed. He held many positions including Chairman of the Daytona Beach Assembly Hall. He was a man firmly dedicated to Jehovah but not so much to an “organization”. He was humble, approachable, down-to-earth and he and his wife were our most trusted and best friends in Florida. He was respected by almost everyone as was evident by his funeral being held at the Daytona Beach Assembly Hall. We traveled the 1,000 miles back to Florida in order to attend. The reason we are putting this to "pen & paper" should become obvious in the paragraphs below.

This is not a eulogy, but a description of a man who was not your ordinary elder. The organization would label him "prominent," but he was truly a "principled" man of integrity. He lived by those high standards in both his personal and theocratic life. Privately, we were amazed that he was trusted with so much organizational responsibility given the fact that he was NOT a "Society Man."

If Bob were alive today, we often speculate........“Would he still support the organization as it is today?"
Honestly, my instinct tells me he would NOT. In all likelihood, Bob is not alone in his concerns and there are probably others out there who share Bob's values of "principles over party"; i.e. an organization.

Hopefully, some of you know someone like Bob about whom you would like to share your experience.:unsure:
Perhaps, this book is exactly what they need? It's unlikely that Bob was "one of a kind".
 
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Unfortunately a lot the old timers like Bob are no longer with us. Those old timers would find the organization unrecognizable today. I think the timing of Roberts book is everything. The scripture Ezekiel 9:4 comes to mind. Jehovah said to him: "Go through the city, through Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are signing and groaning over the detestable things that are being done in the city. Roberts book is written in such away that it will appeal to those brothers who are finding themselves in an organization that they do not recognize or can no longer defend. It's been very exciting for me to leave Roberts book along with his letter addressed to these brothers who I know are looking for answers.
 
Unfortunately a lot the old timers like Bob are no longer with us. Those old timers would find the organization unrecognizable today. I think the timing of Roberts book is everything. The scripture Ezekiel 9:4 comes to mind. Jehovah said to him: "Go through the city, through Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are signing and groaning over the detestable things that are being done in the city. Roberts book is written in such away that it will appeal to those brothers who are finding themselves in an organization that they do not recognize or can no longer defend. It's been very exciting for me to leave Roberts book along with his letter addressed to these brothers who I know are looking for answers.
Melinda, You are spot on!
 
Unfortunately a lot the old timers like Bob are no longer with us. Those old timers would find the organization unrecognizable today. I think the timing of Roberts book is everything. The scripture Ezekiel 9:4 comes to mind. Jehovah said to him: "Go through the city, through Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are signing and groaning over the detestable things that are being done in the city. Roberts book is written in such away that it will appeal to those brothers who are finding themselves in an organization that they do not recognize or can no longer defend. It's been very exciting for me to leave Roberts book along with his letter addressed to these brothers who I know are looking for answers.
While I haven't been in as long as many mentioned above, I've noticed a change too. Originally, when seeing the GB reaching out, I thought it was wonderful for them to reach out the the R&F. Now it seems like them doing that would be their stumbling into pride. Plus, with the limiting the comments to under 30 seconds, only mentioning the scripture mentioned in the articles (not using the cross reference scriptures mentioned in the NWT), to making all publications elementary grade reading, things have just not been the same.
 
I don't think anyone will be very receptive to anything I have to say until it all blows up. Obviously, whenever they are saying "peace and security," it will get a lot of JWs' attention, and that is why I have tried to get out ahead of it, coupled with the fact that the WT will not be in a position to explain why WW3 erupted as sudden destruction. So, hopefully, JWs will find some quiet reading time to figure it out with wars engulfing the world. :cautious:
 
For whatever it is worth, we just uploaded a new brochure to Amazon: The Presence of the Lord Has Drawn Close. It is the edited compilation of the 13-part series on the parousia I posted last October-November. Supposed to be available within 72 hours.
 
I don't think anyone will be very receptive to anything I have to say until it all blows up. Obviously, whenever they are saying "peace and security," it will get a lot of JWs' attention, and that is why I have tried to get out ahead of it, coupled with the fact that the WT will not be in a position to explain why WW3 erupted as sudden destruction. So, hopefully, JWs will find some quiet reading time to figure it out with wars engulfing the world. :cautious:
I have to disagree with you on this. I think there was a reason that you felt the need to update your book. The way your book is written it’s a call for brothers to draw close to Jehovah during a time when so many are leaving the organization. Your book is a life line. Time will tell.
 
Aunque no llevo tanto tiempo como muchos de los que se han mencionado, también he notado un cambio. Al principio, cuando vi que el GB se ponía en contacto con el R&F, me pareció maravilloso. Ahora me parece que hacerlo sería una muestra de orgullo. Además, con la limitación de los comentarios a menos de 30 segundos, la mención únicamente de las escrituras citadas en los artículos (sin usar las referencias cruzadas de la NWT) y el hecho de que todas las publicaciones tengan un nivel de lectura básico, las cosas ya no son lo mismo.
No sabia que cronometranban los comentarios. Más de uno de mi época estarían censurados seguro. 😅
 
No sabia que cronometranban los comentarios. Más de uno de mi época estarían censurados seguro. 😅
Apparently, that arrangement happened not too long after I became inactive. I remember back when friends of the faith really gave some genuinely insightful commentary during a study. Nothing that was against the truth mind you, but perspectives that many wouldn't have considered. The fact that it now has been cut down to only to half a minute maximum & only what's on the articles, it's like the public school system.
 
Apparently, that arrangement happened not too long after I became inactive. I remember back when friends of the faith really gave some genuinely insightful commentary during a study. Nothing that was against the truth mind you, but perspectives that many wouldn't have considered. The fact that it now has been cut down to only to half a minute maximum & only what's on the articles, it's like the public school system.
And, it wasn't just the audience!
The Watchtower Overseer was closely scrutinized to make sure he did not add "auxiliary" information or comments.
Just say..........."Thank you brother now we'll hear from Sr. "so and so".

The directions were so nit-picky that conductors were instructed in petty things like "Don't call on one person and then add after the comment, "and then, we'll hear from Br. so and so".
(This was often said to allow microphone handlers the opportunity to position themselves for the next comment in order to save time)

I was asked to conduct a part at one of the "training schools for elders" on "How to conduct the Watchtower Study?"
I still have the CD that I received from the circuit overseer which gave "explicit" instructions on how the WT should and should not be conducted.
Do this.......don't do that.
Needless to say, I could not bring myself to follow those rules during the ten years I conducted the WT.
However, to my surprise, I was never removed from the position.

According to WT protocol, the Watchtower Overseer actually had "less latitude than a game show host".

Definition of "Less latitude than a game show host: "A popular phrase used to describe situations where a person has zero flexibility, autonomy, or creative freedom to deviate from a strict, predetermined set of rules. It highlights how heavily scripted and controlled a role is compared to the tightly structured but occasionally ad-libbed environment of television game shows.
 
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And, it wasn't just the audience!
The Watchtower Overseer was closely scrutinized to make sure he did not add "auxiliary" information or comments.
Just say..........."Thank you brother now we'll hear from Sr. "so and so".

The directions were so nit-picky that conductors were instructed in petty things like "Don't call on one person and then add after their comment, we'll hear from so and so.
(This was often said to allow microphone handlers the opportunity to position themselves for the next comment in order to save time)

I was asked to conduct a part at one of the "training schools for elders" on "How to conduct the Watchtower Study?"
I still have the CD that I received from the circuit overseer which gave "explicit" instructions on how the WT should be conducted.
Do this.......don't do that.
According to WT protocol, the Watchtower Overseer actually had "less latitude than a game show host".

Definition of "Less latitude than a game show host: "A popular phrase used to describe situations where a person has zero flexibility, autonomy, or creative freedom to deviate from a strict, predetermined set of rules. It highlights how heavily scripted and controlled a role is compared to the tightly structured but occasionally ad-libbed environment of television game shows.

Needless to say, I could not bring myself to follow those rules during the ten years I conducted the WT.
However, to my surprise, I was never removed from the position.
At this point it seems the public talks will be given in manuscript form (reading only what has been written) or from a teleprompter.
 
And, it wasn't just the audience!
The Watchtower Overseer was closely scrutinized to make sure he did not add "auxiliary" information or comments.
Just say..........."Thank you brother now we'll hear from Sr. "so and so".

The directions were so nit-picky that conductors were instructed in petty things like "Don't call on one person and then add after their comment, we'll hear from so and so.
(This was often said to allow microphone handlers the opportunity to position themselves for the next comment in order to save time)

I was asked to conduct a part at one of the "training schools for elders" on "How to conduct the Watchtower Study?"
I still have the CD that I received from the circuit overseer which gave "explicit" instructions on how the WT should be conducted.
Do this.......don't do that.
According to WT protocol, the Watchtower Overseer actually had "less latitude than a game show host".

Definition of "Less latitude than a game show host: "A popular phrase used to describe situations where a person has zero flexibility, autonomy, or creative freedom to deviate from a strict, predetermined set of rules. It highlights how heavily scripted and controlled a role is compared to the tightly structured but occasionally ad-libbed environment of television game shows.

Needless to say, I could not bring myself to follow those rules during the ten years I conducted the WT.
However, to my surprise, I was never removed from the position.
I’m truly amazed to read your experience of watchtower control over meetings and what is said. I shudder to think what life on earth would be like were they “ruling” from heaven. It gives a whole new meaning to slavery. (I have timed this sentence to be readable within 17 seconds. After which I will read Mick’s comment). 🧐
 
At this point it seems the public talks will be given in manuscript form (reading only what has been written) or from a teleprompter.
I read your post to Jerry and he immediately retorted........."I'm out." (He hates manuscripts. He likes to interact and play off the audience.)
Then he quickly added........."Well, I guess I'm already out".:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
 
"How to conduct the Watchtower Study?"
Gives the right definition of 'The W/T Study Conductor'. All that's missing is his little baton to guide the orchestrated movement along! Well done Jerry and Phyllis. You both know what they forget and that is 'Jehovah and Christ are watching'!
 
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Al parecer, ese acuerdo se produjo poco después de que dejara de participar activamente. Recuerdo cuando algunos amigos de la fe ofrecían comentarios realmente perspicaces durante un estudio. Nada que fuera contrario a la verdad, claro, sino perspectivas que muchos no habrían considerado. El hecho de que ahora se haya reducido a un máximo de medio minuto y solo incluya lo que aparece en los artículos, es como el sistema de educación pública.
Una enseñanza que limita las respuestas a un texto establecido es control. Sin posibilidad de salirse del texto no hay aprendizaje. Que hubiera sido de Jesús sin aceptar todas las cuestiones necesarias de revisión.
Educación de borregos.
Que venga el pastor excelente, por favor!!!
 
Apparently, that arrangement happened not too long after I became inactive. I remember back when friends of the faith really gave some genuinely insightful commentary during a study. Nothing that was against the truth mind you, but perspectives that many wouldn't have considered. The fact that it now has been cut down to only to half a minute maximum & only what's on the articles, it's like the public school system.
30 seconds is just long enough to read a sentence out of a paragraph. Don’t elaborate!
 
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