“Surely none would question the authority of the angel Gabriel when he spoke as a servant of God. Earthly overseers represent Jehovah in their assignments just as much as heavenly ones do.”
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1957446?q=Surely+none+would+question+the+angel+Gabriel
Harms of Jehovah's Organization - Controlling Figures - Elders
Harms of Jehovah’s Organization – Controlling Figures – Elders
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Many cultural groups use the term “elder.” The thought comes to mind of a caring, experienced, grandfather type of person. The dictionary definition is: 1 : a person who is older. 2 : a person having authority because of age and experience elders of the village. 3 : an official in some churches.
The Watch Tower Society / Jehovah’s Witnesses also use the term “elder” for males that they have selected for church responsibilities. Men are selected for the position of elder, not because of their maturity and life experience, but instead based upon their visible zeal for the religion, and their visible devotion and support of it. It is expected that a male Jehovah’s Witness become an elder in their late 20’s. [1]
Thus, many newer elders are not married, and if married, have not been married for a long time. Likewise, even more of newer elders do not have children, and in fact, ideally, they will never raise children. Their “life experience” mainly consists of activities that exclusively revolve around supporting the church. (The majority of the current Governing Body have never raised children, but are nonetheless considered to be the absolute authority on family life.)
The Watchtower magazine, March 1, 1988, page 21 – “Yes, only a limited time remains for Jehovah’s people to finish the work he has given them to do, namely: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) That work must be accomplished before the end comes. It is, therefore, appropriate for Christians to ask themselves how getting married or, if married, having children will affect their share in that vital work.”
Despite the limited degree of legitimate life experience that an elder may have, the individual Jehovah’s Witness is expected to confess any and all of his “sins” to a church elder. The individual Jehovah’s Witness is expected to also seek guidance with respect to any and all of life’s challenges or decisions, ranging from decisions about education, employment, a potential marriage mate, and if married, parental or marital problems.
Thus, the situation exists where a 15-year-old has been appointed by the Watch Tower Society as an elder, and who is then considered to be the best advisor of a person or a married couple in his congregation, irrespective of their age or situation. [2] (See below: The Watchtower magazine, July 15, 1974, page 436)
The Watchtower magazine, June 15, 1957, page 375
Overseers of Jehovah’s People – When the one appointed as congregation servant, or any of the other servants or Bible study conductors…And now that servant has been appointed by the holy spirit to aid us in our ministry and to call to our mind the good counsel contained in the Bible to attend congregation meetings and there make public declaration of our hope. We should respond with the same readiness as we would to the voice of God. It is his means of dealing with us now…
Surely none would question the authority of the angel Gabriel when he spoke as a servant of God. Obedience and respect shown to that theocratic representative would demonstrate obedience and respect for the One he represented, Jehovah God. Earthly overseers represent Jehovah in their assignments just as much as heavenly ones do.
The Watchtower magazine, March 15, 1958, page 187
You are the flock of God, and in your association with God’s people in the New World society you will not be harmed, for only faithful shepherds will continue to serve.
The Watchtower magazine, May 1, 1974, page 265
You youths should put real confidence in these adults in the Christian congregation, especially the “older men” or elders.
The Watchtower magazine, July 15, 1974, page 436
For example, situations arise in which counsel must be given to a married couple. Perhaps they are having difficulty in getting along with each other and thus seek the assistance of an elder. The first thing one may do is to listen to both sides of the story, with the husband and the wife present. Jehovah God always listened to the nation of Israel when they asked for help. Often the elder will find that only the symptoms of the problem are brought to his attention and that at the root of the matter is something more basic, such as their view of sex. It could be that the wife has been influenced by the idea that sex is only a necessary evil and thus she resents sexual attention from her husband. Or, on the other hand, perhaps the husband is inconsiderate of his wife’s emotional makeup and is overly demanding in sexual matters…
Whether the couple want to follow the Scriptural advice in their sexual life or in any other regard is up to them; still the elder can be happy that with the help of Jehovah he was able to give proper direction and demonstrate that he really does “know” God.
The Watchtower magazine, July 1, 1976, page 401
In recent years we have gained deeper appreciation of the divine arrangement for appointing elders in each congregation. This is for our blessing. However, do all fully realize this? Are some still inclined to view the elders from a mere human, fleshly viewpoint? Are some reluctant to discuss pressing personal problems with an elder? Do some question the ability of an elder in their own congregation to understand their problem and give appropriate Scriptural advice? Do they feel that the only solution is to write to the Watch Tower Society? Of course, the Society and the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses are glad to help where they can. But remember that the elders, appointed by holy spirit, are the Governing Body’s representatives on the spot, in a position to consider all factors.
We should never slight the elder arrangement. It is a loving arrangement of Jehovah that elders ‘keep watch over our souls.’
The Watchtower magazine, June 1, 1983, page 28
Nor can he be talking about matters that feed his inclination to masturbate. Rather, he must keep busy in theocratic pursuits, in meeting attendance, field service, making return visits, conducting Bible studies, helping others spiritually, and he will receive the strength to control his sexual appetite. If the problem persists, he should not hesitate to seek help from an elder in his congregation.
The Watchtower magazine, November 15, 1985, page 15
Do You Trust Authority? – Building up this trust is also important. The elders in the congregation are a part of God’s provision to protect us. Elders need to act in a way that deserves trust, and the rest of the congregation needs to learn to give them their trust.
Revelation – Its Grand Climax at Hand (1988), page 50
Abhorring the “Deep Things of Satan” – Elders are watchful of trends toward untheocratic attitudes and wrongdoing. They try to help both males and females who are in danger’s way so that these may build spirituality and be readjusted before it is too late. (Galatians 5:16; 6:1) Lovingly and firmly, these Christian overseers restrain any female effort to form cliques for promoting moves similar to women’s liberation.
The Watchtower magazine, September 15, 1989, page 11
If you are an elder, why was this blessed privilege extended to you? Because you have done certain things, and you have spiritual qualifications. For instance, you must have studied God’s Word diligently. (Joshua 1:7, 8) You must have shared zealously in the field ministry, also helping others to become Kingdom proclaimers. Having been “tested as to fitness first,” you served faithfully as a ministerial servant. You ‘reached out,’ or sought to qualify, to be an elder, appreciating that being an overseer is “a fine work.” (1 Timothy 3:1, 10) Like Timothy, you were “well reported on by the brothers.” (Acts 16:2) When recommended as an elder, likely you were in your late 20’s or older and were experienced in life.
The Watchtower magazine, December 15, 1993, page 13
Our heavenly Father admonishes us: “Do not lean upon your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Worldly counselors and psychologists can never hope to approach the wisdom and understanding that Jehovah displays. “His understanding is beyond recounting.” (Psalm 147:5) Rather than lean on the wisdom of prominent men of the world or on our own uninformed emotions, let us look to Jehovah, his Word, and the elders in the Christian congregation for mature advice.
The Watchtower magazine, March 1, 1997, pages 27 and 28
Are You Afraid to Trust Others? – Trust in the Congregation – Elders meet Scriptural requirements before being ‘appointed by holy spirit.’ Knowing this will strengthen your confidence in them… Does this not move you to place your trust in these men? … Why not confide in an elder with whom you feel at ease?
This results in an atmosphere of trust in the congregation.
The Watchtower magazine, January 15, 2001, page 15
When recommendations for appointment of overseers and ministerial servants are submitted to a branch office of the Watch Tower Society, experienced men rely on God’s spirit for guidance in making the appointments….
Theocratic appointments come from Jehovah through his Son and God’s visible earthly channel, “the faithful and discreet slave” and its Governing Body. (Matthew 24:45-47) The whole process of such recommendation and appointment is directed, or guided, by holy spirit.
The Watchtower magazine, March 1, 2001, page 21
Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers, under the loving care of the elders.
The Watchtower magazine, August 1, 2002, page 13
Representing the royal priesthood are appointed elders, who serve in positions of responsibility in congregations of Jehovah’s people around the earth. These men deserve our respect and wholehearted support, whether they are of the anointed or not. Why? Because, through his holy spirit, Jehovah has appointed the older men to their positions.
The Watchtower magazine, March 1, 2003, page 17
In addition, trusting in Jehovah means trusting those whom he trusts… Further, elders serve in the local Christian congregation and, according to the apostle Paul, are appointed by holy spirit. (Acts 20:28) By cooperating with the elder arrangement in the congregation, we also show that we trust in Jehovah.
The Watchtower magazine, January 15, 2014, page 21
Once you understand your employment options, you need sound advice… Also, the elders in your congregation are spiritually qualified men who can guide you.
The Watchtower magazine, February 15, 2014, page 20
In the safe haven of our congregations, we find needed guidance and protection, for it is there that faithful men who serve as elders provide Scriptural help and counsel. (Gal. 6:1) Much of Jehovah’s tender care reaches us through these “gifts in men.” (Eph. 4:7, 8) How should we respond? Willing submission and obedience result in God’s blessing.
The Watchtower magazine, June 15, 2015, page 17
“CALL THE ELDERS” – If we are struggling with wrong sexual desires, fellow Christians are another source of help that we can turn to. Of course, discussing with others problems of such a personal nature is not easy. But courageously placing ourselves under the kindly scrutiny of a mature Christian may prevent us from rationalizing any wrong desires. (Prov. 18:1; Heb. 3:12, 13) Talking about our weakness with a mature, spiritually qualified Christian may help us to identify blind spots. This can help us to make the necessary adjustments in order to remain in Jehovah’s love.
Christian elders are especially qualified to help us.
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- The Watchtower magazine, September 15, 1989, page 11 – “When recommended as an elder, likely you were in your late 20’s or older and were experienced in life. The congregation had come to respect you as a spiritually mature, approachable brother capable of giving effective Scriptural counsel and maintaining confidentiality.” ↑
- The Watchtower magazine, July 1, 1967, page 390 – “At fifteen years of age he was appointed the congregation overseer, at the same time being given other responsible duties to perform, such as the conductor of the congregation Watchtower study and the Theocratic Ministry School servant. The apostle Paul’s counsel, “Let no man ever look down on your youth,” could certainly have applied to him there… Certainly this lad did not need to wait until his late teens before becoming “a fine soldier of Christ Jesus,” did he?” ↑