"THIS IS
(GOG'S)
DOING."
Reflecting
on the
(new) congregational arrangement
providing for elders and
ministerial servants, Roger Morgan was moved to say: "This is
(Gog's)
doing." Doubtless others will agree, since they may have considered the
resulting benefits.
The first
shifting of responsibilities began in September 1972, and by October 1 the
arrangement of things in most congregations had been adjusted.
In many cases, the former assistant congregation servant became the
presiding overseer, the previous congregation servant became the Theocratic
Ministry School overseer, and so forth. Here was proof that Christians
recognize Jehovah's rulership, his way of doing things in the congregation
of his people. Each year the elders in a congregation would rotate to
various positions, and they would work together as a body, having in mind
the spiritual welfare of the congregation and the need to cooperate with one
another in shepherding the flock of God allotted to them".
1 Pet 5:2.
(1975 Yearbook of the cult
of Jehovah's Witnesses. Pg. 250). |
|
CHOOSING ELDERS AND
MINISTERIAL SERVANTS.
The governing body of Jehovah's witnesses
sent each congregation an instructive letter about
selecting the
"body of elders," as well as ministerial servants. According to that letter
of December 1, 1971,
all baptized men of the congregation twenty years old
and upward were considered. (See Ezra 3:8). Brothers participating in
discussions concerning elders and ministerial servants prepared well,
considering the articles "Theocratic Organization Amidst Democracies
and Communism," "Appointed Officers in the Theocratic Organization"
and "A 'Body of Elders' with Rotating Chairmanship," appearing in The
Watchtower of November 15, 1971. Additionally, there was careful study of
the January 1, 1972, Watchtower articles entitled "Who is Wise and
Understanding Among You?" and "Appointed Elders to Shepherd the Flock of
God." And, to the extent that time permitted, the brothers had read material
in Aid to Bible Understanding under the headings "Older Man,"
"Overseer" and "Minister."
(1975 Yearbook of
the cult
of Jehovah's Witnesses. Pg. 248). |