Jehovahs witness elders are also referred to as glorious ones, and they make friends with other elders, or ministerial servants only. In a literal prison everything that a prisoner does is controlled. Why a book on how to escape from jehovahs witnesses. Fortuna woman, exjehovahs witness shares story of sexual. The world headquarters of jehovahs witnesses is closely monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease known as covid19. View or download handbooks, manuals and textbooks used by elders of jehovahs witnesses. Each chapter is numbered, and each paragraph within the chapter is also numbered.
Among the rules enforced through the manual are forced shunning of family members who leave the sect and the requirement that witnesses refuse blood. Why arent jehovahs witness women allowed to handle or. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain of inner workings of jehovahs witnesses top leaders. How come jehovahs witness apostates managed to get the new. Specific questions that are not addressed there might best be addressed starting with the elders of a local congregation of jehovahs witnesses. We were visited by two jehovahs witness elders who told us we were being disfellowshipped. Religious control and domination is very obvious when you read this book. When this happens, no judicial committee investigation is required. Shepherd the flock of god 2019 confidential handbook of. We know from bible prophecy that pestilence is a notable.
Every week, the elders preside over the congregation meetings in order to strengthen our faith. The elders love for impartiality, justice, and mercy will assist them in. Aug 23, 2010 secret elder s book in 2010, a new elder s book shepherd the flock of god was released. The judge said evidence in a case she had analysed showed that the elders in a jehovahs witness congregation knew about the allegations in december 2016. View or download secret jehovahs witness elder manuals, textbooks and. Lloyd evans is an ex jehovah s witness writer, activist and filmmaker. Aug 20, 2018 it is strictly to educate, inform and encourage others, along with telling my side of the story, about my story while being raised as a jehovah s witness. These documents are meant to be kept secret by the elders. This edition of shepherd the flock of god, referred to colloquially within the jehovahs witness elder community as the shepherd book was printed october 2019. And they claim to have support for their views in the bible. This, of course, is a major diversion from orthodox christianity. The elders extend this spiritual assistance confidentially.
I was in the organization for thirteen years, from 1969 until 1982. Sexual abuse allegations inside jehovahs witnesses. Jehovahs witnesses denied plasma treatment amid coronavirus. An announcement is made to local congregations that the person is no longer one of jehovahs witnesses. The secret book for elders is a wake up call for jehovahs witnesses who believe the organization does not control them. Whatever responsibilities ministerial servants are given, their willingness to carry these out earns them the respect of all. Jul 27, 2018 jehovahs witnesses elders meeting pro1theologist. Disassociated individuals are treated in the same way as disfellowshipped ones. It is strictly to educate, inform and encourage others, along with telling my side of the story, about my story while being raised as a jehovahs witness. Yes, elders find joy in giving their wives loving care.
We were silenced, declared megan lynn, a fifthgeneration jehovahs witness who asked not to use her last name since she did the oncamera interview without her familys knowledge or approval. They answer to noone, and if you question an elder, you are considered as questioning jehovah or jesus themselves. Jehovahs witnesses secret elders book shepherd the flock. The headquarters at watchtower has been leaking like a sieve for a long time now. Fortuna woman, exjehovahs witness shares story of sexual abuse. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses. The 11 beliefs you should know about jehovahs witnesses. Shepherd the flock of god 2019 confidential handbook. The secret book for elders is a wake up call for jehovah s witnesses who believe the organization does not control them. Shepherd the flock of god thetruthofjehowaswittness. The information is designed for use by the elders only, and other individuals should not have any opportunity to read the information. Dec 15, 2018 jehovah s witnesses believe that jesus is not equal with god.
The elders guide and help to protect the congregation spiritually. Notwithstanding the glowing human promises made in this century for a better future, they despair of ever seeing the troubled world conditions straightened outthey are swept along with the spirit of the world, thus becoming apathetic, depressed and cynical. Manuals and letters issued by jehovahs witnesses and the watch tower society. How do elders serve congregations of jehovahs witnesses. When a jehovah s witness does one of the following, it is assumed by the elders that the person has disassociated themselves. Jehovahs witnesses 10 things to know about their beliefs. The governing body, along with other helpers, are organized into six committees responsible for various administrative functions within the global witness community, including publication, assembly. Jehovahs witnesses is a millenarian restorationist christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream christianity. Contrary to the public statements of watchtower, jehovahs witness elders rarely if ever report abuse to the authorities. Organizational structure of jehovahs witnesses wikipedia. Jehovahs witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely dont know that much about. In january of 2019, elders in the congregations of jehovahs witnesses were. Secret elders book leak 2019 version shepherd the flock. You must be obedient and submissive to those taking the lead, even if you believe they are wrong.
They teach that jesus was created by god and not coexistent wth him. Reviewed in the united states on january 21, 2019 i was a young jehovah s witness when this book was released by the watchtower society. I guess my number one issue is the fact that jehovahs witnesses, even elders like me, cant ask too many questions. Devout witnesses, in order to stay abreast of current watchtower teachings, are required to gorge themselves on over three thousand pages of spiritual food in the form of watchtower magazines and books each year david reed, jehovahs witnesses answered verse by verse, p. For other manuals and textbooks, including branch guidelines, circuit overseer guidelines. Elders may ask them to provide help for elderly ones.
Elder reveals his secret exjehovahs witnesses online. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses elders. A large portion of the book is devoted to the procedure for judicial committees and disfellowshipping. Jehovah expects of elders is revealed at deuteronomy 1. Shepherd the flock of god watchtower online library. Exjehovahs witness elder describes how he was abused by. Are jehovahs witness elders kind of like avon or fuller. Jan 10, 2014 my friend said nothing for a full 10 seconds. We cant challenge anything the watchtower leaders tell us. An interview with former jehovahs witnesses david and penni reed investigator 10, 1990 january how long were you both associated with the jehovahs witnesses.
The letter cites the witness publication how to remain in gods love a 2017 book which outlines the rules and regulations followed by witnesses, and enforced by congregation elders. Although this book covers most aspects of our work as elders, at times you may. The governing body of jehovahs witnesses have authorised today the release of a 274 page fully revised and updated 2019 pdf version of. Because, whether witnesses know it or not, they are in a prison. For the latest body of elders letters see the latest downloads list on the side. They want their brothers and sisters to feel secure in the congregation. The group reports a worldwide membership of approximately 8. Aware that god has entrusted them with this important role, the elders do not dominate his people, but rather, they contribute to our wellbeing and joy. This book also instructs them on the appointment of new elders, what to do in case of a natural disaster, and so on. In addi tion to the two meetings held in conjunction with the visits of the circuit overseer they should schedule another meeting about three months after each visit. The book mentions consulting other publications but says nothing about consulting the. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain of inner. The spiritual and physical welfare of jehovah s witnesses is of paramount concern to the elders, who willingly provide spiritual assistance to congregation members. In 2011, he founded an online resource aimed at assisting those who wish to leave the witness faith.
Jehovah s witnesses is a millenarian restorationist christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream christianity. Jehovahs witnesses are directed by the governing body of jehovahs. Evidently there is a number of disconsolate members of the bethel who feel th. Jun 01, 2018 at the age of 11, maple said she and her cousin whom maple said was one of the mans several victims decided to tell one of the jehovahs witness elders about what was happening to them. And older handbooks, manuals and textbooks used by elders of jehovahs witnesses. Elders who unselfishly shepherd the flock of god are a source of spiritual refreshment to jehovahs people. Pioneer book and elders book coming to jw library app co s and those conducting pioneer schools can now provide a file to pioneers attending the school that will load the pioneer book into their jw library app. The rank and file are under the impression that jehovahs spirit will guide the actions of the elders to make honest and just decisions.
Peters comments and they can really let her know what the truth is about the organization she is contemplating. It is important that elders locate scriptural and theocratic direction in a timely. Jehovah expects of elders is revealed at deuteronomy. Pioneer book and elders book coming to jw library app cos and those conducting pioneer schools can now provide a file to pioneers attending the school that will load the pioneer book into their jw library app.
An interview with former jehovah s witnesses david and penni reed investigator 10, 1990 january how long were you both associated with the jehovah s witnesses. Jehovahs witnesses are organized hierarchically, and are led by the governing body of jehovahs witnesses from the watch tower societys headquarters in warwick, new york. Below are 10 facts about this group which branched off from orthodox christianity in the late 1800s. Willingly has a blood transfusion andor is unrepentant afterwards. Christians believe jesus was and is the eternal god, the second person in the trinity, equal in nature with god the father and the holy spirit. The body of elders can arrange other meetings any time that circumstances necessitate. Jehovahs witnesses, mormons, muslims and others say jesus was merely a human prophet, an angel, or some other created being. Below are some excerpts of this updated version with my commentary. Elders in the congregations of jehovah s witnesses are provided with a book of instructions on how to handle certain matters within the congregation, especially judicial matters, meaning sins that may warrant their counsel. Jehovahs witness appeal committee hidden camera recording 20160120. Jehovahs witnesses rely on their governing body, the faithful and discreet slave, to provide them with food in due season through the literature of the watchtower bible and tract society watchtower, march 15, 1990, p.
The 8 biggest shocks from the elders secret handbook by alexandra james on december 26, 20 elders in the congregations of jehovahs witnesses are provided with a book of instructions on how to handle certain matters within the congregation, especially judicial matters, meaning sins that may warrant their counsel. We answer the questions of how they got their start, what their core beliefs are, and how many people ascribe to this faith in the world today below. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses elder. This book is for elders only, as made clear in letter to elders, august 23, 2010, which states. Jehovahs witness elders have a weighty responsibility, the statement continued. This publication is divided into chapters, each pertaining to a particular aspect of your work. When i was a member, i remembered hearing of this publication and being very fascinated by it as the elders of the various congregations within the jehovahs witness organization are advised never to let anyone who is not in the position of elder and above to see this book called shepherd the flock of god. To give you insight, i will tell you the mentality i was raised in to help you to understand why a woman and jw men would believe she is not qualified or worthy to have the information contained in the once elusive, yet still secret elders ha. Much like the pharisees added laws and regulations, the flock book is just a how to guide for elders. Ministerial servants are chosen for their fine spiritual qualities.
Dec 26, 20 the 8 biggest shocks from the elders secret handbook by alexandra james on december 26, 20 elders in the congregations of jehovahs witnesses are provided with a book of instructions on how to handle certain matters within the congregation, especially judicial matters, meaning sins that may warrant their counsel. Within minutes of the highly controlled release of the shepherd book it has been leaked onto the internet. Then he was willing to visit prayer meetings, and finally, church. In january of 2019, elders in the congregations of jehovahs witnesses were issued a new version of their confidential handbook, shepherd the flock of god. The 8 biggest shocks from the elders secret handbook. The spiritual and physical welfare of jehovahs witnesses is of paramount concern to the elders, who willingly provide spiritual assistance to congregation members. Five books you should read about jehovahs witnesses ex. Wow shepherd the flock elder book, jehovahs witness. Reviewed in the united states on january 21, 2019 i was a young jehovahs witness when this book was released by the watchtower society. Secret elders book leak 2019 version shepherd the flock of.
Shepherd the flock of god royal commission into institutional. The handbooks are mainly used for judicial matters. May 08, 2012 the rank and file are under the impression that jehovah s spirit will guide the actions of the elders to make honest and just decisions. The following is a brief overview of what jehovahs witnesses believe, along with what the bible really teaches, printed among the many articles and resources in the back of the esv study bible posted by permission. View or download handbooks, manuals and textbooks used by elders of jehovah s witnesses. Jun, 2012 jehovah s witness elders are also referred to as glorious ones, and they make friends with other elders, or ministerial servants only. If you wish to ask me a question, remember to use the messaging functionality. Jehovahs witnesses have been directed that they are forbidden from accepting convalescent plasma therapy, a new treatment that appears to offer hope for patients stricken with coronavirus a leaked memo from a jehovahs witness circuit overseer instructs elders in his circuit that accepting plasma treatments to ward off covid19 is unacceptable. Who rules the world with a jehovahs witness elder the edge. Jw elders book shepherd the flock of god explains judicial committee and disfellowship procedures. No girls allowed growing up as a female jehovahs witness may 27, 2016 mark odonnell 1190 views elders, governing body, jehovahs witnesses, misogynism, misogynist comments, misogyny, undue influence, watch tower society, watchtower. To qualify as an unbaptized publisher, an individual must already be an active associate of jehovah s witnesses, regularly attending congregation meetings. They must demonstrate a basic knowledge of jehovah s witnesses doctrines to the elders, state their desire to be a jehovah s witness, and conform to the organization s moral standards.
For other manuals and textbooks, including branch guidelines. I cant sit down and have a talk like this with another brother, even someone who has been a close friend all my life, without fearing that he will blab it all. Secret elders book leak 2019 version shepherd the flock of god. Yes, we were reported by a jehovahs witness when we were seen going into a church. Why arent jehovahs witness women allowed to handle or read. They are not to be viewed by anyone but themselves. Pioneer book and elders book coming to jw library app. Who rules the world with a jehovahs witness elder the. There are ex jehovah witness elders viewing you and br. They are truly gifts in men, a blessing to the congregation. They are a clergy class with their own secret book, that their wives cannot even touch.
The governing body of jehovahs witnesses have authorised today the release of a 274 page fully revised and updated 2019 pdf version of their secret elders book shepherd the flock of god. They want to keep the content of the book secret since it is essentially a manual of sins and consequences. How come jehovahs witness apostates managed to get the. That might not seem like a very long period of time, but when you are speaking with a jehovahs witness elder who often presents himself as someone who has all of the answers, that is a long time to be silent. A jehovahs witness disassociates themselves by doing one of the following. Normally the body of elders holds four meetings a year. The use of the word allows betrays the claim of jehovahs witnesses that a husbands position of headship is simply for the orderly arrangement of things july 1, 1991, watchtower and that the wife has a dignified position in the family. Millions of people today find themselves with no hope and without god in the world. Shepherd the flock of god has been designed as a handbook for elders to supply vital information that will help them care for congregation matters.
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