Unless theyre an elder, jehovah s witnesses cant read this book, shepherd the flock of god 1 peter 5. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses. The information is designed for use by the elders only, and other individuals should not have any opportunity to read the information. Most brothers are not aware that bethel usually does not respond to letters, but refers them back to the congregation elders. Shepherd the flock of god 2019 confidential handbook. Jehovahs witnesses secret elders book shepherd the flock part 2 of 3 duration. Feb 17, 2019 before someone can become an elder they need to be recommended as one to the circuit overseer hes like a bishop. View or download secret jehovahs witness elder manuals, textbooks and. From the 2010 publication for elders, shepherd the flock of god. When there is an outbreak of disease, it is wise to take practical measures to protect ourselves as well as others. Why would god wait almost 2000 years to suddenly start using the name jehovah s witness. Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably.
How do elders serve congregations of jehovahs witnesses. Welcome to the jehovah s witness discussion forum jw. Jehovahs witnesses are organized hierarchically, and are led by the governing body of. As an elder, your ultimate objective is to imitate supreme overseer, jehovah, and his son way you treat the sheep. To qualify as an unbaptized publisher, an individual must already be an active associate of jehovah s witnesses, regularly attending congregation meetings. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain of. This book also instructs them on the appointment of new elders, what to do in case of a natural disaster, and so. What does the secret book issued to jehovahs witness elders. This open letter is being distributed to hundreds of elders electronically and directly to all members of the governing body via snail mail along with a copy of the second coming of christ.
Stumper questions jehovahs witnesses do not like to be asked. Jehovahs witnesses face pennsylvania grand jury investigation. Anyone who commits a impiety of child abuse faces exclusion from a congregation. It appears that meetings and field service are canceled. Jehovahs witness new shepherd the flock of god book for elders was released earlier this year. In march 1997, the watchtower bible and tract society, the nonprofit organization that oversees the jehovahs witnesses, sent a letter to each of its. Jehovah s witnesses is a millenarian restorationist christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream christianity. Who are the leaders of the jehovahs witnesses church. Since 2006, jwtalk has proved to be a wellmoderated online community for real jehovah s witnesses on the web. Jehovah s witnesses anxiously await the end of the world. Secret elders book leak 2019 version shepherd the flock of. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain. Although the members of the governing body of jehovah s witnesses dont receive much money for their services, its mistaken to think they do not have any monetary benefits at all.
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. It is interesting that all jehovah s witnesses believe they have the truth and that the watchtower holds nothing back from them. Jul 27, 2018 jehovahs witnesses elders recorded live. Shepherd the flock of god 2019 confidential handbook of. Jehovahs witnesses do not have a paid clergy in their christian congregation. Former jehovahs witnesses are suing the organisation over. 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 organizations moral standards.
Seeking help from a jehovah s witness elder, he was given a watchtower book to read to fix his feelings, but nothing worked. This secret rule book is off limits, and elders must not divulge its contents to anyone, even close family members. Jw elders book shepherd the flock of god explains judicial committee and disfellowship procedures in 2010, a new elder s book shepherd the flock of god was released. 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. The group reports a worldwide membership of approximately 8. They are not to be viewed by anyone but themselves. Elder jehovahs witnesses topics the world news media. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses elders.
Jehovahs witness new shepherd the flock of god book for elders. 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. Jehovah s witnesses began capitalizing governing body as a proper noun in 1971. Most jehovahs witnesses who serve within the watchtower bastion are largely unaware of the full arsenal of disciplinary weapons at the societys disposal. They cant believe anything former jehovah s witnesses say, even if its factual.
Its estimated that 10,000 jehovahs witnesses were sent to concentration camps, where 5,000 of them perished, which is an utter tragedy. This short article by victoria cater gives another common example of what the watchtower society jehovah s witnesses does to families. Her mother immediately went to the congregations elders, who later called the girl. The things that are hidden from the congregation in the elders flock book, are protected by all of you here,entirely out of a conscience, or subconscious sense of intimidation by authority. I am so glad they decided to comply with the cdc and who recommendations. Jehovahs witnesses 10 things to know about their beliefs. Song recorded by one of our local elders books, movies. What would a jehovah witness elder have to do to become a. Below are 10 facts about this group which branched off from orthodox christianity in the late 1800s. Jehovahs witnesses are organized hierarchically, and are led by the governing body of jehovahs witnesses from the watch tower society s headquarters in warwick, new york.
The jehovah s witnesses appear to have felt the mounting pressure to change their written policies on how to handle child abuse. The theocratic organization of jehovahs witnesses does not have paid ministers in its congregations. 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. Suppressed jehovahs witnesses elders manual pay attention to yourselves and all the flock 1991. View or download handbooks, manuals and textbooks used by elders of jehovah s witnesses. The secret jehovahs witness database of child molesters the. 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.
While a number of unauthorized excerpts of the document have appeared over the years, including purported html versions of most of the book minus illustrations, an authoritative full original scan has hitherto remained out of public view, preventing reliable third party analysis and reportage. Hidden camera investigation on what really happens to your car cbc marketplace duration. Does this mean that first century christians were not known as jehovah s witnesses. Rules in the 2010 publication for elders, shepherd the flock of god 1 peter 5. Secret elders book leak 2019 version shepherd the flock. This book is for elders only, as made clear in letter to elders, august 23, 2010, which states. This book is for elders only, as made clear in letter to elders. Shockingly dark rules jehovahs witnesses live by therichest. According to jehovahs witnesses, who are the 144,000.
For other manuals and textbooks, including branch guidelines. A male jehovah s witness who wishes to reach out for the responsibility of elder in a congregation must try to meet all of the scriptural qualifications. Jehovah s witnesses maintain the practice of handling sexual abuse cases internally, and retain a secret database of child molesters. Both men are accused of violating laws by posting copies of a secret elders manual on the internet.
Sexual abuse allegations inside jehovahs witnesses organization. The authority of men is what cause all of you to lie, to protect the leaders of your organization from scrutiny. Within minutes of the highly controlled release of the shepherd book it has been leaked onto the internet. 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. This is typical of the kinds of situations i remember and hear about from people who write to me for advice. Shepherd the flock of god royal commission into institutional. We know from bible prophecy that pestilence is a notable feature of the last days. The jehovah s witnesses and elders initially argued they were exempt from delawares child abuse reporting law.
On february 4, 2019, rumors of the release of a new elders manual. They receive free housing modest but high standard. It is important that elders locate scriptural and theocratic direction in a timely. Jehovah s witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. Song recorded by one of our local elders about jehovah s witnesses online community.
Twenty former jehovah s witnesses are suing the religious organisation over claims they suffered historical sexual abuse by elders. This book also instructs them on the appointment of new elders, what to do in case of a natural disaster, and so on. Jehovah s witnesses detest child abuse and perspective it as a iniquitous crime and sin. Jehovahs witnesses and the locusts of joel the watchmans post. The handbook shepherd the flock of god deals with the structure, organization, and rules of the jehovahs witnesses. Shepherd the flock of god secret jehovahs witnesses elder. Jul 20, 2011 what does the secret book issued to jehovahs witness elders reveal about disfellowshipping shunning. The apostle paul, in the closing remarks of his second letter to the corinthian congregation, said. The book mentions consulting other publications but says nothing about consulting the. Apr 23, 2011 the things that are hidden from the congregation in the elders flock book, are protected by all of you here,entirely out of a conscience, or subconscious sense of intimidation by authority. Jehovah s witnesses church elders in new zealand have been told to destroy documents, and child sex abuse survivors fear that will lead to the cover up of cases. Theoshare illustrations library docspdite new home sponsorship jehovah s witnesses public talk illustrations. Former elder at the closed shop organisation said children.
Devout witnesses, in order to stay abreast of current watchtower teachings, are required. Gather the elders together, with all the inhabitants of the land, to the house of jehovah your god, and cry to jehovah for help. Jehovah s witnesses can be snarky and nasty about governmental authority. California man accuses jehovahs witnesses of covering up. Appointed elders to shepherd the flock of god watchtower. The 8 biggest shocks from the elders secret handbook.
Even if the elders have no legal duty to report an accusation to the authorities, the branch office of jehovahs witnesses will instruct the elders to report the matter if a minor is still in. 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 jehovah s witnesses jw, began to surface on exjw forums across the internet. Secret elder s book in 2010, a new elder s book shepherd the flock of god was released. 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. Aug 12, 2019 new allegations of alleged child sexual abuse and decadeslong coverups inside the jehovahs witnesses religious organization in the united states. What is the role of the elders and how do they show personal interest in others. In order to care for our individual spiritual needs, local elders may visit with us in our home or at the kingdom hall to offer help and comfort from the scriptures. Its the other elders who recommend people to be an elder, so as you can imagine the whole thing is like a boys club where they o. Why has the society written a book so secret that the majority of. Less than 24 hours later, the manual was leaked and seemingly nonstop analysis and comparison to previous versions began. Letter to bethel the following is a letter sent to bethel with a question about changes to doctrine. Aug 22, 2019 california man accuses jehovah s witnesses of covering up childhood sex abuse he said he was abused by an elder at the kingdom hall of jehovah s witnesses.
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. Exjehovahs witness reveals secrets of religious group. After 15 years of gay relationships with over 100 men, kevin cried out to god for deliverance and experienced the supernatural, lifetransforming power of jesus christs forgiveness that healed him from homosexuality. I was in the organization for thirteen years, from 1969 until 1982. A former jehovah s witness is using stolen documents to expose allegations that the religion has kept hidden for decades. 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 has entrusted elders with the responsi bility to care for his precious sheep that he pur chased with the blood of his son. Come here for a laugh, or to connect with others going thru the same thing. Organizational structure of jehovahs witnesses wikipedia. Leaked branch and elders manuals pull back the curtain of inner. There are ex jehovah witness elders viewing you and br. 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.
A large portion of the book is devoted to the procedure for judicial committees and disfellowshipping. The secret jehovahs witness database of child molesters. These documents are meant to be kept secret by the elders. Below are some excerpts of this updated version with my commentary.
Whether the movement of large sums of money by jehovah s witnesses is a measure to minimize legal accountability remains to be seen. Jehovah s witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely dont know that much about. I have heard that the jehovah s witnesses often refer to this number. Each congregation is served by a group of locally recommended male elders and ministerial. Even if the elders have no legal duty to report an accusation to the authorities, the branch office of jehovah s witnesses will instruct the elders to report the matter if a minor is still in. In january of 2019, elders in the congregations of jehovahs witnesses were. Jehovahs witness uk headquarters dissolves kingdom hall. Moriah hughes left the jehovah s witnesses faith after elders in the church turned away when she approached them with accusations of rape against another fellow. What is the opinion of jehovahs witnesses elders about. Peters comments and they can really let her know what the truth is about the organization she is contemplating. Not only has jehovah provided his own example as the su.
Instead, they keep their members anxiously waiting using the means stated at the outset. A former jehovah s witness has offered a rare insight into the religious group, describing it as a cult that tries to control emotions, thought, information and behavior of a person. Jehovahs witnesses are directed by the governing body of jehovahs witnesses, a group of elders in warwick, new york, united states, which establishes all doctrines based on its interpretations of. Shepherd the flock of god 2019 confidential handbook of jehovahs witness elders 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 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. Less than 24 hours later, the manual was leaked and seemingly nonstop analysis and. Jehovahs witnesses with access to the internet are now being asked the following questions. Historical changes to the jehovahs witness elder arrangement.
However, our community is not an official website of jehovah s witnesses. The handbooks are mainly used for judicial matters. 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. Mainstream books and magazines were considered the work of satan. Our official website provides online access to the bible, biblebased publications, and current news. Jw elders book shepherd the flock of god explains judicial committee and disfellowship procedures. The watchtower that year announced the present governing body comprises eleven anointed witnesses of jehovah. Elders manuals, branch manuals, and circuit overseer manuals. A former jehovahs witness is using stolen documents to expose. Aug 15, 2017 because jehovahs witnesses refused to fight in world war i and to support the national socialism party in germany, they were persecuted. How does the jehovahs witnesses governing body profit.
Man who raped jehovahs witness girls sentenced to 5 years. The book of revelation refers to 144,000 servants of god who will be sealed in two different places. With the coronavirus many jehovah s witnesses see this as a fulfillment of scriptures in the book of revelation where it talks about a pale horse bringing. The official home since 2016 of theoshares illustrations library fully indexed and searchable for jehovah s witnesses, elders, ministerial servants, pioneers and others. The governing body, along with other helpers, are organized into six committees responsible for various administrative. In addition to their work in the congregation, most elders also have secular jobs and. This publication is divided into chapters, each pertaining to a particular aspect of your work. The world headquarters of jehovah s witnesses is closely monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease known as covid19. Why is the name jehovah s witness found nowhere in the new testament, if that is gods divine name for his people under the new covenant.
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