District overseers are now surplus to requirements
District overseers are now surplus to requirements

A leaked letter addressed to all congregations, dated March 20 2014, has confirmed that district overseers will soon be a thing of the past.

The letter heralds this as a “significant decision” reached by the Governing Body, that will “affect the work of traveling overseers worldwide.”

“The responsibilities previously cared for by district overseers will be simplified,” it reads. “Some aspects of their work will now be cared for by experienced circuit overseers and Bethel representatives.”

Though there are no guarantees, it is expected that the majority of existing district overseers will be re-used by the organization after the role is discontinued on September 1st.

“This simplification will mean that many of those who are now serving as district overseers will be able to use their spiritual qualifications and rich theocratic experience in serving once again as circuit overseers.”

The letter concludes by recognizing “the role that district overseers have filled in training others and in strengthening the organization over the years.” It expresses confidence that former district overseers “will continue to be used by Jehovah in a mighty way in their new assignments.”

According to Watchtower theology, Christ selected the early Witnesses as his one true organization 95 years ago in 1919, and district overseers have played a role in that organization for decades. It is curious that it has taken this long for Christ, as head of the congregation, to find district overseers surplus to requirements.

 

 

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111 thoughts on “Governing Body discontinues the role of district overseer

  • March 20, 2014 at 1:28 am
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    Like so many other surplus requirements like the book study…I reckon they’re just streamlining because 1. it costs more money to have another management tier, and 2. there are few young fellas stepping into the CO role so they gotta get them from somewhere!

    But no matter what they do, the JWs will say, “Look how Jehovah is blessing the organisation! There is so much refining, it has to be the truth! And this means the end is so close!”

  • March 20, 2014 at 2:31 am
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    Yes a bit more restructuring from the religion that is really a business. Now that regional assemblies are to be just one day, I guess it makes sense to do away with the district overseer position.
    Although the society say they base their organisation on the first century Christians, it is obvious they don’t in many things they do. So it is no surprise when they change something like this.

  • March 20, 2014 at 2:38 am
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    Good news!! In my country, I have known two of them. Experience I had with one of them when I was a “ministerial servant” in a small congregation (Kibuye Congregation) gives me the right to call them “Spiritual Terrorists”!!

    His visits were a TERROR that Elders and Ministerial assistants could shake before him as if he was (still is) a “jehovah”!!!

    It seems the “Chariot” of Jehovah is moving faster than never before!! He is riding it so fast that he should be arrested by “spiritual traffic police!!!!!!
    *** w07 7/1 p. 11 par. 6 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I ***
    What does the celestial chariot picture? The chariot represents the heavenly part of Jehovah’s organization made up of faithful spirit creatures. Its source of power is Jehovah’s holy spirit. The Rider of the chariot, who represents Jehovah, is indescribably glorious. His calmness is illustrated by a lovely rainbow.

  • March 20, 2014 at 2:53 am
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    Thanks for keeping us up to date.

    Now what will ambitious circuit overseers aspire to be?
    And who will keep them in check?

    • March 20, 2014 at 12:47 pm
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      JW is a big You seem to with the impossible . l wih Adolf was sitting next to you he will witness

  • March 20, 2014 at 3:38 am
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    Curious:-) obvious:-)

  • March 20, 2014 at 3:56 am
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    Julia, I totally agree about the money thing. I don’t think there is any shortage of wannabe COs though. Here in the Midwest there has been one JW couple school after another. These classes are filled with young ambitious jdub couples. A lot of the couples that I know quit there jobs to go to the school and then get assigned somewhere to serve as a pioneer where they will have to somehow find work. Most of these couples would love to be assigned as COs. It’s gotta be a scary thing when these couples get older and realize that they have no way of supporting themselves.

  • March 20, 2014 at 4:17 am
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    I agree with the point that there is no shortage of wannabe CO couples, but putting ones into this role is not good business sense for two reasons.

    1. Genuine loving COs are leaving because of harmful policies so to put a couple in this role they need to be corrupt.
    2. It’s expensive to set up new COs when they have existing DOs that can do the role, and they are already loyally dependent on WT.

    This move is good business sense for WT that’s all. Thanks Cedars and your source for keeping us informed of the changes.

    Kate xx

  • March 20, 2014 at 4:36 am
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    I hope that they picked up some kind of training along the way, but I doubt it. It’s going to be hard on the congregations that have to absorb them, and it will be hard on them too. It’s really not fair, being the eguivalent to being fired at your retirement with a nice pension. Or will the wtbs give them a nice pension? Ha ha Just asking.

  • March 20, 2014 at 4:58 am
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    Thank you for your work getting this info.

  • March 20, 2014 at 5:03 am
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    *GAG*

  • March 20, 2014 at 5:30 am
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    Demote and condense! Annointed are domestics and the D.OS have gone the way of the “Dodo bird” as well! :) ,wait a tick ” D.O” DoDo Bird?, LOL.. Soon just like Orwell’s 1984, they will just install cameras into the Jw Home and convince them , “It is a protection from Jehovah” ! Big “Mother”is watching!!!

  • March 20, 2014 at 5:48 am
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    I see this as another indication of the demise of this organization. With the one hundredth anniversary approaching for the so called end times, their credibility is certainly suspect. More informed western societies are reevaluating their teachings daily.
    The influx of finances has to be affected by those now doubting. The poorer, and less educated countries that the organization now recruits from offer substantially less cash flow. The end result is a trimming back of services to the flock. The internet of course is poking holes in their web of deceit and outright lies. This cult cannot and will not survive in it’s current form. Those of us that see it as it really is welcome it’s death rattle.

  • March 20, 2014 at 6:26 am
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    Interesting.

    It seems to me that, as the end approaches, more vigilance, more oversight, more encouragement would be part of Jehovah’s great plan. Yet, fewer magazines, fewer meetings, fewer overseers seems to be the orders.

    Fewer branches. Is that how Jehovah “speeds up the work?”

    When I was young I lived in an ambitious congregation. There we covered our territory every 3 months in a very organized fashion. We would send out service groups to other halls in the area just to work territory that was ‘fresh.’ Now, I live in a city and would love for them to call on my door. They haven’t for years (no one here knows who I am). Seems like the work is slowing down substantially.

  • March 20, 2014 at 7:18 am
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    I am having a similar experience as “reader”, in 2 years where no one knows me, I have not had one call, nor one letter written. A few months ago I moved to a high secure neighborhood, we have multiple layers of security, including gates and paid security that keeps watch on who comes and goes 24 hours a day and of course a policy of no witnesses allowed unless they are invited.

    When my wife and I pioneered we regularly wrote letters to people living in private communities such as the one we live in. Does anyone know if that has changed? Maybe another edict from the G.B. since they are obviously not doing enough door to door any more. I suspicion that many are just doing tired old calls on some elderly person that can’t say no, or someone who is mentally challenged or terribly lonely. The door to door, at least where I live now seems to be very poor at best, 2 years in an open community and no one shows up. I moved 2000 miles from where I lived when I was a JW and I am certain, no one knows where I have lived the past 2 1/2 years, strange.

    Last but not least, my experience with D.O’s was varied, some egomaniacs, some who truly were overwhelmed by the job adulation that came with it. One who was disenfranchised and later caught fornicating with hookers. His ex wife was considered a huge catch until she actually remarried and then everyone figured out why he visited hookers. Turns out she was a sexless troll who could not get enough attention and sang so loud at meetings you could not hear yourself and she was tone deaf. I felt sorry for him.

    My wife and I served for 4 years as sub Circuit Overseers and were being groomed for Circuit Work before I chose to leave. We both look back now and deeply regret the time we wasted. It is as one commentor put it, it was hard to figure out how to make up for the lost time and wages. However we were not ambitious for prominence, rather we truly wanted to help what we thought were sheep that often were mistreated by their BOE. Now looking back it is obvious that we were one of the few that even cared. Pretty sure that is why I had to be treated for ulcers before I left.

  • March 20, 2014 at 7:20 am
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    The letter quotes that the DOs will be used in a mighty way. I fear that they will be out of a job with no unemployment benefits. I really feel sorry for them as they probably have no other skills especially the ones who served for years.

  • March 20, 2014 at 7:28 am
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    Interesting!

    My dear old Mum has a nasty cold thanks to the Travelling Overseer coming last week! She is a pensioner, and she pushed her self to co – pioneer with a couple of other pensioners! They each have to do 10 hours for the month to “qualify”.

    There is no mention of time on the service being recorded in bible times. There were no pioneers, publishers etc.

    This ongoing streamlining is indicative of an organisation that is having cash flow problems. Seems like many businesses, the WTBTS is finding it harder to sell its product.

    I guess the most loyal CO will take over the flat and car, and the rest will have to go back to being a plain old Elder. It will not sit well with some. I expect some subversive whispering from those deposed. Remember, some of these DOs will have some dirt on the WTBTS, and may decide to divulge.

    Gods blessing is shown by:

    Less Branch offices

    Fewer overseers

    Thinner magazines

    Really, at this rate, if God keeps blessing them, why, there won’t be any of them left!

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • March 20, 2014 at 8:03 am
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    Yes, I see them sometimes standing in streets. There are usually 3 or 4, looking somewhat embarrassed. They have not been to my door in 6 years. I remember when I was pioneering it was so co-ordinated in grids as to where we worked. It was important to know which maps were out and who had done what and when. It feels like melt down, even implosion. They are not going to go quietly, but they are going. All publishing companies are suffering. Economic downturn – hence corporations have to downsize and diversify. The also have the added problem of a low skill base. What is wonderful is that we can watch the decline and support the healing. The lawyers and accountants must be worried.

  • March 20, 2014 at 9:35 am
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    My thoughts completely. They probably see themselves as “lean and mean.” The real truth is their numbers are shrinking.

  • March 20, 2014 at 11:16 am
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    Most of DO’s and a good many of the current CO’s were mentored by the ‘anti-christ’ himself Ted Jarazzz. I knew this man when he served as a DO in California. Lets just put it mildly, I was repulsed and barely tolerated the man.

    He was the epitome of a self deluded, by the book, power hungry egotist. I truly believe that he was personally responsible for educating most of the elite DO and CO’s in how to weild fear and intimidation of the local elders bodies to pick up the pace ie: hours, placements, bible studies and dfing.

    Most of the curren GB were directly trained by this now dead demigod…..good riddance and none to soon!

    • March 20, 2014 at 2:25 pm
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      interesting notes on Jaracz danman; I’ve also heard that Jaracz was appointed to GB from Writing Dept by Knorr as a backhanded insult to the GB which were vying for more influence and taking control away from Knorr and his VP (Franz). By indoctrinating the DO’s, and then influencing who would be appointed to the GB in the future (primarily former DO’s in this new generation), his hardline views were ensured to dominate for decades.

      So, this sudden demolition of a corp of Jaracz “cadets” could mean a abrupt cultural shift in leadership to moderate leadership, again. Watch for the pendulum to slowly swing back to middle again.

  • March 20, 2014 at 12:48 pm
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    Although, in my city, near the public library downtown, there is a stand where the witnesses peddle their wares. I’ve only been past it a couple of times, but they seem to be just sitting there, with no one talking to them. The other booths seem to at least have visitors.

    On a side note, early pioneers were called ‘colporteurs.’ In the scripture that says “we are not pedlars of the word,” the French bible I sometimes used during meetings (self-professed geek here) says “nous ne savon pas colporteurs.” Or something like that, my French is really rusty these days.

  • March 20, 2014 at 1:17 pm
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    It has been awhile since I commented but this is a good time. I have seen them setting up at truck stops and places where large populations congregate with their stands. I see their whole-hearted efforts to preach their message. I noticed they still used passe or outdated literature with thin magazines the same size as the old brochures. I asked why the downsizing of the literature today versus the past? Reply is they have JW.ORG as their platform now instead of printed material. The future is going to be the website for all information which may include announcements. It is very progressive of them but a large portion of the members do not have access to this platform yet. It is no sign of their diminished power using the internet as this will likely continue. I believe this headquarters is in a streamlining mode to reduce the power from below while expanding it to the GB. It is very strategic which I would have done a decade ago. If I was elected the GB member I would cleanup all this sex scandal issues and limit the amount of elders in each congregation. Elders should be excellent speakers and leaders which is never the case in many KH. If I was elected to the GB I would do some serious reforming which includes addressing old outdated foundational belief systems. If the light is truly brighter than elimination of old literature for updated ones is the way to go. I could offer great changes but with old men running the show with old beliefs still lingering it will likely fail within the next decade. Time is short for the Jehovah’s Witnesses unless real changes occur today as they grow ever stagnant as a group. I praise all those that participate in the cause for change in this organization. I am a witness for Jehovah but not in this organization. Cedars should be proud to represent truth and logic as he has been blessed for his efforts.

  • March 20, 2014 at 1:33 pm
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    Not much analysis from Cedars.

    Just when I had my aspirations of stepping up from DO into the role of GB–foiled, again!!

    In these reassignment roles, and must assume not all DO’s will become CO’s, or current under-performing CO’s will be booted to make room for “daddy” (DO’s), so those “able-bodied” men who lose their posts and must now find employment to supplement their pioneering, those who gave up college careers and education, what accommodation will the Watchtower, Inc make in this regard?

    Oh, and isn’t it remarkable how Jehovah insinuated coming “New Light” in that study article on giving up a “higher education” and career guarantee a lifetime career with Watchtower, Inc? [shooing flies away from moldy meat in due season]

    Highly probable there’s more “new light” on how successive GB leaders will be appointed from this new pool of former DO’s, now turned CO’s, thus masking the future action of selecting CO’s and other Bethel reps to sit on the GB–sheesh, Pierce’s corpse hasn’t even been dumped into the ground, yet, and these b___ds are vying for the seat?

    These days there are no guarantees on any posts, jobs, or roles. Change is the only assured thing. With technology leading the way, Bethel reps under the auspices of HQ can now hold interactive video conferences with local “coordinators” and surprise “inspections” of the sanctuary. Of course, with such “hands-on” control, civil suits on pedo-cases will just hit HQ much harder, now.

    Other possible aspect of this change when the implosion comes, fewer “chiefs” will be around to create splinter groups. The Watchtower admins can squabble among themselves and head-off in different directions to start splinter groups at regional and national levels, but less localized sects and less possibility of the next “David Koresh” (a la Watchtower-styled).

    And, this simplifying is concentrating the wealth in the hands of the few at HQ. Might be interesting to find which Watchtower administrators have some choice property purchased in the National Park lands going up for sale, or recently picked up foreclosure properties via an “expense account”. Is there an external accounting firm that audits Watchtower accounts? an external accountability to those who donate?

  • March 20, 2014 at 3:21 pm
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    If the gb wants to seperate themselves more from the bottom , cut rungs off the ladder to the top!

  • March 20, 2014 at 4:56 pm
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    The power-hungry DOs are not going to like being demoted….

  • March 20, 2014 at 8:58 pm
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    Regarding the “book-study”, do you recall how it was always touted as a sort of “gathering of last resort”?

    We were admonished for decades that it was all important that we regularly attend the book-study and become intimately familiar with our book-study group. The stated reasoning was that during the escalation of the GT, the work (including Kingdom Halls) would likely be banned and the sole expected source of “spiritual direction” from the, then, FDS would be disseminated via the book-study groups.

    Apparently, it has been determined that this was in error and the “increasing light” has provided for its cancellation. Personally, I always found the former five (5) meetings a week to be a bit tiresome. Seemed like they were every day/night.

    I have never noted any biblical precedent for the regimen of meetings and field service mandated by the WBTS. While I realize this is slightly off topic, I believe the same could be applied to the many layers of oversight within the structure of the WBTS. No First-Century equivalent. The hierarchy is more like a structured business sporting various managing directors.

  • March 20, 2014 at 10:41 pm
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    I reported on the Candice Conti case to my father and this is his reply when mentioning a local matter in the same state. “this is full of half truths and false innuendo. I pursued actions against Earl(elder) long after I left California and his accusers in some places filed legal charges and all reports to the society were reported to the authorities. I served on two committess in Charlotte and both times the authorites were informed immediately. We do not cover over these things”.
    Crazy huh. Check out this view from father on me leaving the religion. I have never ever stopped loving you and Sarah. I have feelings as a father to your ex also. We all do things as imperfect humans and God’s forgiveness always is there. I am not the best parent but i have tried to do the best I can. I know being separated from us is harmful and tough. I will never stop loving you but mom and me made a committment to Jehovah before you were born and we believe what our faith teaches. I tried to encourage you to believe in our faith and you even though young accepted it and must abide by the bibles edict. I will never stop loving my first son or the times I worried when you were sick, how I carried you on my shoulders, the great vacation trips we had, the pain and anger when bullies at school hurt you, if I had found them I would still be in prison today or already fried by the government,

    I will never give up my faith or love for you as my first son. I can never stop either. I believe with all my heart this is the truth but whether or you do not we can never have the relationship me, mom and brother need unless you get right with Jehovah again. This is what we believe. His arms are open and mine also. I know in this world that is spit upon.This is the path we have chosen and hope someday my first and precious son will do deep research, not apostate blabberings to prove to yourself the good and acceptable will of God. Have I been the best example –NO NO. But my God is true. Will God grant me to live —I don’t know but I will always wish the best for my babies and my wonderful wife.
    Always your DAD
    What do you say here? His words are final of course.
    Son we love you and always will-you are our flesh and blood. we wish the best for you and we choked up when we read your email. as loyal witneses we can never have the relationship we want with you though. this is our belief and the stand we take. If ever we can be together again as a family you must come to terms with Jehovah’s organization. If your belief is that this is bogus we can only be a family at arms length.
    love dad,mom and brother

    I realize this is not on topic but my father is an elder which has a close friend as a DO which I knew as a child. The leadership is set to always reinforce the ideas from above and keep all elders including rank and file members following the orders of the GB. Hard evidence is debunked without hesitation in child abuse cases due to the JW rule on two witnesses. I just hope that this personal account of mine aids the endeavor to understand the state of mind of my family. I continue to this day to have no communication with my family as per the orders stated above.

    • March 23, 2014 at 11:46 pm
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      Thousands that were exactly like your father and worse, one day saw the light.
      Keep hoping and if you like, praying. It’s
      Happened to the most closed minds. All of a sudden, you KNOW you’ve been deceived and the scriptures
      Become ever so clear. It was that way with me after 50 years of defending the undefendable. The best to you.

    • March 25, 2014 at 9:38 am
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      Magusknight – I happened to be scanning this group of comments when I read yours. What I am going to share is quite personal, but when you read it you will see how scary this is.

      After being very active and dedicated during my teen years (1955-1963), I tried to fade away but was eventually DFd. My younger brother went to university and he was DFd. But we both continued to have reasonably good relationships with our parents who remained active JWs for the rest of their lives.

      But sometime in the 1972-74 time frame, during the 1975 prophecy hysteria, I received a letter from my father with the exact words found in your letter! My father never wrote me letters – and I thought this was particularly eloquent for someone who had problems writing “call me” on the back of a business card.

      “I will never give up my faith or love for you as my first son. I can never stop either. I believe with all my heart this is the truth but whether or you do not we can never have the relationship [me, mom and brother] need unless you get right with Jehovah again. This is what we believe. His arms are open and mine also. I know in this world that is spit upon.This is the path we have chosen and hope someday my first and precious son will do deep research…” almost word for word. That is scary.

      Makes me wonder if there wasn’t a form letter that everyone was supposed to send to their adult children to let them know that they would be shunned. Until now I always thought that letter was actually written by my dad. In fact, I have the original letter sitting in a box somewhere with some family photos. What a lot of current JWs do not know is that another letter went out to family members around 1977 that rescinded the first and the JWs took the blame for being too willing to shun their own kids. But then harsh shunning was once again reinstated in the early 1980s shortly after the Ray Franz incident.

      For me this is a very unsettling revelation about how things were managed by the Society in the 1973-1983 time period.

      • March 25, 2014 at 12:30 pm
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        Thanks for the reply. I have tried to convince myself to go back many times to this organization but I am unable to do so. Why, it is the truth right? Truth is simple, provable, time never changes it, not grey or black and white. I have accepted the fact I have lost those I loved in this religion as they never can kick to addiction of fear. If I return it would be havoc for this organization as I could argue the fallacies of many views they take a stand on. I wish I could stay ignorant and happy with my family by my side but this is never going to happen. I had a future to become a legacy (elder) but I was a critical thinker which complicated my promotion. I had sisters of all ages viewing me as a good husband choice but marrying a beautiful JW woman was not enough to lure me to stay. If LOVE is unconditional why so many conditions set on it? My father seems to be appealing to fear and pity with his statements both are the obvious fallacies in critical thinking. I like him using begging the question in which he will always love me but only if I do this one change. I can see the slippery slope argument too. I get it all. My family is so fearful of leaving towards the unknown they are willing to throw me to the wayside for their faith. I believe in real justice that will right the wrongs they have done to me and others like myself. I am always encouraged by those brave enough to stand up and walk away from such madness. Yes, I am guilty of partaking in the same activities and beliefs for years as many on here also have done. The question is a pretty lie better than the ugly truth? A lie is a lie no matter how it is dressed up. No more generation 1914, 144,000 anointed ones, or faithful and discreet slave class rhetoric from me anymore. Ask any JW at the door to explain how 12 tribes of Israel with 1 legion army of 12,000 men equaling 144,000 military men for war is directly related to kingly people residing over us in heaven. Wow this is so reaching I would laugh at anyone that claimed this title today. No logic behind most of the old beliefs but my dad told me he believes it as the only TRUTH. I thank all those that fight for honesty and simple logical truth instead of the rantings of the MASONIC masters that created this group. Yep this religion is full of hidden beliefs directly stolen from the MASONS on Egyptian worship to symbols. Research is the key but real solid research on hard facts not conjecture is vital. Good day to those all over the world.

  • March 21, 2014 at 1:03 am
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    Hope they can find a job. What kind of money can you make for covering up for pedophiles. Maybe a lot, who knows!

  • March 21, 2014 at 10:38 am
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    Hi Ceedar, how can I download sign of the last days- when? By Carl Olof Johnson free please?

  • March 21, 2014 at 1:26 pm
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    Did you see Marc Latham’s video about this. According to WTS JWs are NOT volunteers OR
    representatives of the WBTS when out in field
    service. This was stated in a court case in Victoria
    so as to avoid liability. 10,000 JWs in Victoria
    are not aware of this. Some JWs in court gasped
    audibly when they heard it. I think they are definitely cutting the apron strings and will flee from
    the sheep like a false shepherd when times get really tough for them.

  • March 22, 2014 at 6:42 am
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    ?

  • March 22, 2014 at 7:56 am
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    So now the assperations of promotion among elders and CO’s will be to get themselves appointed as ‘bethel representatives’.

    If DO’s had power, imagine the quaking and shaking when a congregation is selected for a visit by one of these Bethel heavies!

  • March 22, 2014 at 9:21 am
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    The sole reason for doing away with the book study was to regain/maintain control. Book studies allowed too much freedom of thought. It was a much smaller group where ones would regularly stay beyond the meeting and socialize often with refreshments. This aloud for a much more casual atmosphere where a controversial subject had the best chance at being discussed. This is something the GB could no longer allow. There would be “new light” coming soon so they had to find a way to stop the questions but try as they did it didn’t work. In the years that the home book studies have ended and the “new light” which has given the GB more power and prominence jdubs have been waking up in droves.

  • March 22, 2014 at 10:00 am
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    I wonder if this is just a power play or something more? They have in years past already downsized the district conventions and now this year once again cut another day off the circuit assemblies. Could they be planning to change or drop the DCs altogether? Do to DCs generate enough money to make it worth it? Or do they still need the DCs for morale?
    I don’t know but I see this a just another step in an ongoing process to make a radical change of doctrine to keep the corporation alive and profitable through the 21st century.
    The GB do not believe, no matter what they say, that the end is nigh. Their actions tell us that loud and clear. Oh don’t get me wrong I think they believe their own lies it’s just that they are completely deluded by their own power. They just “know” things that the R&F are not ready to hear yet. The GB will continue to slowly make the changes some larger than others. Hyping up the changes that don’t make any difference really (the new bible) and downplaying the big ones that change the power and control structure (Anointed now domestics; GB now F&DS). In the meantime the R&F will be just lapping up all of the wonderful changes from the Org (but never really understanding them) and that just proves to them more that Jehovah’s spirit is with them.

  • March 22, 2014 at 11:30 am
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    @apochalypsis, I recall this regarding book-study “arrangement” [trigger phrase alert]. It was drummed into our heads that when the USA and other western governments turned on religion and the Watchtower, the “casserole klatch” (former book study meetup) would be the only life-line to salvation through the remnant of 144,000. Looking back, now, I can see how this ailgned with the same rhetoric from other millennial and apocalyptic groups [the Branch Davidians, the Church Universal & Triumphant (Montana), Mormons stashing food, and other extreme ‘end-time’ sects]. DO’s and CO’s would be critical “requirement” of that life line, as we heard repeated tales of how these “couriers” helped the underground “brothers and sisters” in worn-torn Axis regimes and Communist nations remain connected to the Watchtower.

    A big lie, because when the Iron Curtain fell, a large bloc of JW’s had dissented years prior when statements in the Watchtower changing the “respect to higher authorities” to mean secular and civil governments was interpreted as the government agents intercepting the real message and replacing it. In this scenario, the Watchtower’s “tacking” toward truth was folly.

    As Branch Davidians discovered, “new light” — it can be a pain.

  • March 22, 2014 at 12:43 pm
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    This came out in February letter with terminology change ““Zone overseers” are now to be known as “headquarters representatives,” “zone visits” are now “branch visits,” “district conventions” are now “regional conventions” (special conventions and international conventions remain unchanged), and circuit assemblies have been slashed from two days to one day.

    The latter change means that the term “special assembly day” is now obsolete. Rather than having a two-day circuit assembly and a special assembly day every year, Witnesses will now have two one-day circuit assemblies. One circuit assembly is to be hosted by a DISTRICT OVERSEER, with the other being hosted by a branch representative.”
    There most be more behind this latest change. Why put a letter in March stating D.O. would be hosting one day circuit assemblies only to “lay them off” just two months later? This just does not make sense to me.

    • March 22, 2014 at 1:12 pm
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      It makes sense from a legalistic point of view. Even though they knew they would be getting rid of the D.O. position they didn’t want the R&F to know before they told them or until it was final. It is how big corporations work. You may get a memo stating that a change has been made to something while all along V.P.s know that that something will be altogether done away with in a few months. The cogs must always be in motion. You know God’s chariot moves in all directions at once. Isn’t that called spinning in a circle?

  • March 22, 2014 at 1:33 pm
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    I believe that with all these changes over the last several years it is due to an internal struggle with factions within the organization. The younger JW’s do not agree fully with all the rules and regulations so they adapt to whatever they can avoid without any trouble. The ones on the outskirts view JW’s a very moralistic faith with good solid life guidelines that is why many of their bible studies get hooked. The downsizing reduces idle talk from R&F which is great but it puts greater power and control into the few. The reduction of information shows that they are running out of angles to spin the bible which is harmful to them. I would not be surprised if they do promote a dozen of the DO’s to GB as some new light in order to aid in the effort of the last days. It will bring in more experience while making the GB appear much stronger to attendees. Trickle down was not performing as expected so a new strategy is obviously in play. I am not surprised with Sunday meetings and Theocratic Ministry School being the core with Assemblies that offer little return being cut. Economic hardships are truly impacting all the KH’s in the world so minimizing costs to each household is the key to survival. I figure stop building new ones and help those that are failing would be wise but as the constitution of this organization falls the end is near for them all.

  • March 22, 2014 at 4:07 pm
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    We are all entitled to our opinion, but in reality when I have been part of these types of changes we do not do it pieces. Because then you leave people wondering if you know what you are doing and if the management team has the ability to be truly forward thinking. Basically in a good company you can see the changes as it is happening and it makes sense. The dominoes fall in an order. There is no order shown here. The best thing would have been to not say anything about D.O. being over one of the Assembly Days and just saying a representative from the GB and this would be covering the bases, knowing the next change is coming. This is how must companies due it by leaving things vague such as there maybe more changes do the road.

  • March 22, 2014 at 10:57 pm
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    This is good news to make us happy; hopefully the CO’s will follow soon. It looks to me the organization is being dismantled one brick at a time. The wives of some DO’s here in Italy will be very very upset. It’s about time they are dethroned. Whatever happened to modest, intelligent, witty, humble Christian women?

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