In the 1870s he organized a bible study and by 1880 there were 30 congregations following his teaching. Ive been reading it and, although i havent read the whole thing, im not seeing anything too surprising. Since 2000, jehovah s witnesses have offered their publications free of charge globally. This bestselling tool compares jehovahs witness beliefs with christian beliefs, and helps christians know how to respond when jehovahs witnesses come to the door. The handbook shepherd the flock of god deals with the structure, organization, and rules of the jehovah s witnesses. To believe and teach such a doc trine, many bible passages hav e to be ignored that teach. Shepherd the flock of god thetruthofjehowaswittness.
They endeavor to get to know young and old alike, and they are eager to accompany us in the field. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses elder. 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. Jehovahs witnesses detest child abuse and perspective it as a iniquitous crime and sin. Their best known publications are the magazines, the watchtower and awake. The organization is directed by the governing bodyan allmale group that varies in size, but since january 2018 has had eight members, based in the watchtower societys warwick, new york headquarters. Jehovahs witnesses why are untrained elders given the. Each of the governing body members claims to be of the anointed class with a hope of heavenly life whereas most jehovahs witnesses hope to be resurrected in an earthly paradise. Each chapter is numbered, and each paragraph within the chapter is also numbered. Convicted jw working with children again the daily mail in the uk reports that a convicted pedophile near melbourne, australia is now working with children at a local kingdom hall. The watchtower society has made several major changes to the jehovah s witness elder arrangement, showing how easily they are able to meld scriptural principles to fit desired.
On february 4, 2019, rumors of the release of a new elders manual. Download pdf ahistoryofjehovahswitnesses free online. The handbooks are mainly used for judicial matters. Religious counsel in jehovahs witnesses will investigate violations of internal rules and then judge the offender. The 8 biggest shocks from the elders secret handbook.
The united states district court for the southern district of new york has published, as part of court proceedings, a copy of the newly revised secret jehovahs witnesses elders manual shepherd the flock of god. Appointed elders to shepherd the flock of god watchtower. Secret elders manual shepherd the flock of god ex jw forum. 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.
Sda elders manual downloading pdf sda elders manual, then youve come to the faithful website we own sda elders manual txt, doc, epub, pdf, djvu formats we will be pleased if you revert again and again sda church elders manual 11 is used to organize photos into. It is simply a manual to help church leaders fulfill their responsibilities. Do you think its right that jehovahs witness elders have. Convention large threeday meeting of jehovahs witnesses held once a year.
In the next article, we will examine how the congregation can have regard for those who are working hard and. Feb 05, 2019 the jehovah s witnesses appear to have felt the mounting pressure to change their written policies on how to handle child abuse. How do elders serve congregations of jehovahs witnesses. The watchtower was first published by charles taze russell, founder of the bible student movement, in 1879, followed by the inception of the watch tower society in 1881. Unless theyre an elder, jehovahs witnesses cant read this book, shepherd the flock of god 1 peter 5. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain of inner. Organizational structure of jehovahs witnesses wikipedia. Judge rutherford given on september 10, 1938 from london, england.
Jehovah s 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. Jehovah s witnesses previously offered their literature for a price determined by the branch office in each country, to cover printing costs. Check the elders manual as shown in the court exhibits of the australian royal commission, case number 29. Below are some excerpts of this updated version with my commentary.
This book is for elders only, as made clear in letter to elders, august 23, 2010, which states. Shepherd the flock of god 2019 confidential handbook of. Society of jehovah s witnesses is not an innocuous christian variation. Unit 6 a jehovahs people theocratically organized for his name 144 unit 6 b under the law of the christ 152 index 156 the purpose of the textbook the revised edition ofpay attention to yourselves and to all the flock is presented as a practical and convenient handbook for congregation elders and. Jehovahs witnesses instruction manual for elders, overseers. They cant believe anything former jehovah s witnesses say, even if it s factual. Download the secret manual that only elders are allowed to read. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain of. The original scripture index has been replaced with one using the page numbers of this revision, rather than using the section and question numbers. They are just part of the congregation just like the rest of the men who are not appointed as elders or ministerial servants. Should circumstances arise that are not specifically listed in the manual, they are required to call the towers legal dept service dept for instructions that must also be implemented without deviations. Ethical behavior would be to obey the law, including those over s. The spiritual and physical welfare of jehovahs witnesses is of paramount concern to the elders, who willingly provide spiritual assistance to congregation members.
A busy religion as of 2010, there are over 7 million active jehovahs witnesses worldwide, spending. The information is designed for use by the elders only, and other individuals should not have any opportunity to read the information. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain. The elders guide and help to protect the congregation spiritually. The elders extend this spiritual assistance confidentially.
Elder jehovahs witnesses topics the world news media. From chapter 8, appointment and deletion of elders and ministerial servants. It is important that elders locate scriptural and theocratic direction in a timely manner in order to assist. Discusses the propriety of marriage now and childbirth after armageddon. Russell had been a presbyterian, a congregationalist, and an adventist before he formed the jehovahs witnesses. The spiritual and physical welfare of jehovah s witnesses is of paramount concern to the elders, who willingly provide spiritual assistance to congregation members. Commencing in 2018, various legal corporations under the direction of the governing body of jehovahs witnesses commenced a campaign of. The watch tower bible and tract society produces a significant amount of printed and electronic literature, primarily for use by jehovahs witnesses.
Among the rules enforced through the manual are forced shunning of family members who leave the sect and the requirement that witnesses refuse blood. Each circuit overseer makes the rounds of 20 or so congregations, spending a week with each one twice a year. Apr 17, 2020 the united states district court for the southern district of new york has published, as part of court proceedings, a copy of the newly revised secret jehovahs witnesses elders manual shepherd the flock of god. Nov 21, 2017 supreme court of canada watchtower lawyer, david gnam, explains to the court the every jehovah s witness is familiar with the processesprocedures relating to disfellowshipping as outlined the. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses. 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. John miller c 1978 by presbyterian evangelistic fellowship and issued into electronic media for informational and educational purposes. Unit 6 a jehovah s people theocratically organized for his name 144 unit 6 b under the law of the christ 152 index 156 the purpose of the textbook the revised edition of pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock is presented as a practical and convenient handbook for congregation elders and. Less than 24 hours later, the manual was leaked and seemingly nonstop analysis and comparison to previous versions began. We can benefit greatly from the experience of these brothers and if they are married, that of their wives. The watchtower society has made several major changes to the jehovahs witness elder arrangement, showing how easily they are able to meld scriptural principles to fit desired. It appears from a secret manual for the elders religious leaders of jehovah s witnesses that tv 2 holds. Devout witnesses, in order to stay abreast of current watchtower teachings, are required.
Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses elders. Secret elders manual shepherd the flock of god ex jw. Rules in the 2010 publication for elders, shepherd the flock of god 1 peter 5. Rutherford was president of the watchtower bible and tract society jehovahs witnesses.
Pdf of booklet containing this lecture is also available. 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. The book mentions consulting other publications but says nothing about consulting the. Normally the body of elders holds four meetings a year. From the congregation itself mature, spiritually qualified men are appointed as elders and overseers.
Jan 21, 2020 jehovahs witnesses, is it wrong that i have downloaded a copy of the secret elders manual, shepard the flock of god on pdf. Jehovah expects of elders is revealed at deuteronomy. Nov 14, 2010 in 2010, the watchtower society released a new manual for use by elders in congregations of jehovahs witnesses. Elders manual and judicial procedures jehovahs witnesses. Unless theyre an elder, jehovah s witnesses cant read this book, shepherd the flock of god 1 peter 5. They cant believe anything former jehovahs witnesses say, even if its factual. Elders manuals, branch manuals, and circuit overseer manuals. 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. This publication is divided into chapters, each pertaining to a particular aspect of your work. Jehovah s witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. New elders are sent to an elder school for training in the use of this manual and current elders are sent for refresher courses.
The manual pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock tells local elders how to conduct closeddoor trials and other actions controlling the personal lives of jehovahs witnesses. This report could open up a can of worms for both the former convict and the elders in charge of protecting the local children of jehovahs witnesses. Jehovahs witnesses, is it wrong that i have downloaded a copy of the secret elders manual, shepard the flock of god on pdf. Nonelders arent supposed to read it and women arent even supposed to see or touch it. This bestselling tool compares jehovah s witness beliefs with christian beliefs, and helps christians know how to respond when jehovah s witnesses come to the door. Fully documented with photocopies of statements from rare watchtower publications, this book reveals many facts the watchtower society tries to hide from jehovahs witnesses and investigators of this religion. The governing body of jehovahs witnesses have authorised today the. The book is entitled shepherd the flock of god, and caused a bit of a stir on the internet, as many former jehovahs witnesses attempted to circulate. Shepherd the flock of god 2019 confidential handbook. Jehovahs witnesses in the twen tieth century, watch tower bible and tract soci ety of pennsylvania, c. See more ideas about ex jehovah witness, jehovah and jehovahs witnesses.
Then and now individual congregations of jehovahs witnesses are overseen by designated men who are called elders. To qualify as an unbaptized publisher, an individual must already be an active associate of jehovah s witnesses, regularly attending congregation meetings. That hope will be made difficult by the fact that this book has been banned, even before it is published, by the edict of watch tower policy. Circuit overseer travelling overseer who visits the congregations of his assigned circuit twice a year. To become an elder, a male member of the congregation must be approved for the position by the watchtower bible and tract society. Aug 23, 2010 secret elder s book in 2010, a new elder s book shepherd the flock of god was released. 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. In january of 2019, elders in the congregations of jehovah s witnesses were issued a new version of their confidential handbook, shepherd the flock of god. Religious counsel in jehovah s witnesses will investigate violations of internal rules and then judge the offender. The secret watchtower elders manual dispel the darkness. The governing body of jehovah s 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. Facts the watchtower society doesnt want you to know.
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. On february 4, 2019, rumors of the release of a new elders manual, meant only for the eyes of the top leaders in each congregation of jehovahs witnesses jw, began to surface on ex jw forums across the internet. For other manuals and textbooks, including branch guidelines, circuit overseer guidelines. View or download handbooks, manuals and textbooks used by elders of jehovahs witnesses. Printing is funded by voluntary donations from witnesses and members of the public. Jehovahs witnesses, is it wrong that i have downloaded a.
A person is spiritually mature enough to be considered one of the older men elders if meeting a simple set of criteria, as listed at first timothy chapter three. View or download secret jehovahs witness elder manuals, textbooks and handbooks. A large portion of the book is devoted to the procedure for judicial committees and disfellowshipping. Do you think its right that jehovahs witness elders have a. Anyone who commits a impiety of child abuse faces exclusion from a congregation. Every week, the elders preside over the congregation meetings in order to strengthen our faith. Jehovahs witnesses meet twice a year like this, once two days in a row, the other time one day. At the same time, it is our hope that jehovah s wit nesses themselves might read this book and become free of watch tower bondage. It is better to be physical ly maimed in this life and ent er the king dom of god, 2.
Us district court publishes copy of secret jehovahs. Jehovah expects of elders is revealed at deuteronomy 1. For a number of days after the books release, every site that hosted an. The original scripture index has been replaced with one using the page numbers of this revision. Secret elders book in 2010, a new elders book shepherd the flock of god was released. In 2010, the watchtower society released a new manual for use by elders in congregations of jehovahs witnesses. Jehovahs witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. View or download shepherd the flock of god and older handbooks, manuals and textbooks used by elders of jehovahs witnesses.
The body of elders can arrange other meetings any time that circumstances necessitate. Partners fighting over gift shop for jehovahs witnesses. On february 4, 2019, rumors of the release of a new elders manual, meant only for the eyes of the top leaders in each congregation of jehovahs witnesses jw, began to surface on exjw forums across the internet. I am not sure why the need to pick out especially women in this question. Jehovahs witnesses report friends and family members breaking the rules you should speak to the wrongdoer, urging him to seek the help of the elders. These documents are meant to be kept secret by the elders. The elders love for impartiality, justice, and mercy will assist them in. Within minutes of the highly controlled release of the shepherd book it has been leaked onto the internet.
They are not to be viewed by anyone but themselves. Secret elders book leak 2019 version shepherd the flock. The jehovahs witnesses appear to have felt the mounting pressure to change their written policies on how to handle child abuse. Shepherd the flock of god royal commission into institutional. Supreme court of canada watchtower lawyer, david gnam, explains to the court the every jehovahs witness is familiar with the processesprocedures relating. As a former jehovahs witness, i am qualified to express my feeling that the organization can be. In january of 2019, elders in the congregations of jehovahs witnesses were.
As an elder, your ultimate objective is to imitate supreme overseer, jehovah, and his son way you treat the sheep. From the shepherd the flock of god jehovahs witnesses elders book, page 3. It appears from a secret manual for the elders religious leaders of jehovahs witnesses that tv 2 holds. 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. For permission to reprint this article, write to presbyterian evangelistic fellowship. The theocratic organization of jehovahs witnesses does not have paid ministers in its congregations.
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