Shepherds That Don't Shepherd? Why Congregation Elders Fail Jehovah's Witnesses 

Hi Stacey, I would not have managed and survived my disassociating journey without your podcasts. Being shunned by my 2 daughters is hell on earth, this after i lost my soulmate of 35 yrs to cancer. Thanks again

Dealing with elders quickly wakes you up.... So many are arrogant and narcissistic, they often take offence at the smallest hint of questioning because "they were appointed by holy spirit" (I've been there myself - and i am still shocked and ashamed of my reaction). I suffered the most extreme domestic abuse for decades the elders were appalling, i can't begin to describe the ridiculous, totally uncaring, response and even facilitating the ongoing domestic and child abuse. Unbelievable. Part of my waking up was when an elder in a meeting knowingly and irrefutably lied, i recall the shock i felt to this day.

A horrible pack of elders sent a spotty young ministerial servant to shepherd myself and my family. I politely declined the young servant and requested a mature ELDER. I never got the shepherding call.....

My mom went to the elders about EVERYTHING! In all matters the most important thing to her was 'what would o d the elders think, say, or do! She was confused and frustrated when I didn't share her sentiments!

Hi Stacey, this is another outstanding episode. I myself was an elder for 14 years, first in the English then changed to the Spanish when we started that group. I moved from the English because I could not stand how a few of the elders were treating the brothers. After a few years some in the Spanish started treating the flock with disrespect. When i was removed as elder they just cast me aside as though I were nothing. They never gave me the help I needed, both spiritual and physical. Majority of elders do not show the care that Jesus said we should have. This podcast, as in all the others you have made is so accurate. That is why I look forward to every episode, because EVERYTHING you say is true. I as a former elder agree with everything. Keep up your wonderful work.

Happy New Year, Stacey and beautiful community 🎉🎉🎉

Stacey, please try not to laugh, but I honestly feel a little sad at the conclusion of each episode -- wishing it didn't have to end. But then there is always next Monday's podcast to eagerly look forward to -- when even the coffee somehow tastes better! 😊 All the best to you and yours in 2024 🎉 🩵

My best friend who was a great elder for 20 years would tell me about elders who, when faced with someone pouring out their heart and in tears, crack open the bible and started reading scriptures. He was the kind of guy who would listen and cry with them. Fellow elders were what discouraged him the most, he could no longer take it.

I knew more then a few elders that were abusive husbands and fathers. Hardly the men to go to for personal matters. Rarely did I appeal to them for any advice or council. Trust in Jehovah was the usual canned response.

Who in their right mind would want to be an elder?

Ask any elder if they KNOW they were appointed by god? Or do they THINK they were appointed by god? They all know the sad answer.... whether they admit it or not

The job of the elders is to protect Watchtower's business interest. If you commit a major sin, elders will quickly and decisive isolate you from the congregation and will either disfellowship or reprove you. It is not in Watchtower's interest to nurse or help the wayward persons. That takes away time from Watchtower getting new recruits. Plus, elders have lives of their own. It is nothing personal. Watchtower is a business and has to act like one to survive. The Bible is great but sometimes has to be put aside for business.

I too was an elder and my wife and myself were full time pioneers, for many years. have not been since 2017. No judicial meetings for me or my wife or my son. Just went inactive and faded away in 2020. But my point is this, my mother in law moved in with us almost 3yrs ago, she was very sick. We live about 2 miles from the KH she went to since 1976. Not 1 elder ever called her daughter, my wife, to see how she was doing. She sadly passed away this past July. Again not 1 elder called us or came by to see how my wife was....or even see if we needed any Service planned? For a faithful widow woman of 50yrs!!!!! Good riddence to them, this toxic BORG, and that magic book😂 Take care Stacey, look forward to each mondays podcast. Love to all❤

The drama is so addictive and toxic😢

So, I left just after turning 17 when my father who was very strongly telling everyone that I was going to be an MS by the time I was 17 because some district overseer told him that.... And I was pulled into the back room, and I'll be honest I didn't believe any of it by then. But whatever.... They pulled me into the back room and told me that because I was considering going to university I couldn't be a good Jehovah's witness. I walked out that day. I got kicked out of my parents house that night. And you know, both the elders that brought me into the back room to tell me that, one was a teacher and the other was an engineer. And you know what else, I never once got a shepherding call.

We were lied to about elders

You are spot on with your discussion. It's given me a lot more understanding about my Elder father who became an Elder when it was first introduced. He was sincere but oh, what a sacrifice. Since none of their disciplinary procedures are in the Bible, it's going to fail. Another big flaw in their man made system is due to the fact that it is the parents who have been given authority over their children (at home). The father is the head of the house and the Elders cannot trump this in general. Yet they dish out the discipline but are going to look like they are taking over the job of the family head if they get too involved in the teenagers situation. This is more noticeable when the family head is an Elder.

Elders, no experience of life, window washers and janitors telling others how to live their lives

Thank you Stacey ❣️ Just coming back from New years eve, met a wonderful couple (my daughter's age) they told me that it was the best person they met in their hollydays... I come home and you're there with another episode... Best New Year ever// thank you 😊 Stacey again and again 💖

Stephan Lett. Confess before its too late.

All of the elders in my old congregation were weathly. They all had big houses, drove fancy cars and went on many holidays. They were often unapproachable especially regarding finance etc. One time my parents needed help and when they asked one rich elder whose house was worth 5 million pounds, yes he was that rich, told my folks to sell stuff for food. They had no idea. And the hypocritical way they would tell the rest of us poor to not have holidays this close to the end in case it came while on holiday. Also we needed to be preaching not on holiday.... Then off these rich elders would go on cruises etc...... Rules for them and rules for everyone else.

New year🎉

Watchtower is a business. Every large business will tell you what they have to to tickle your eyes and keep employees engaged. And every large business will do the opposite of what they say if that helps the numbers looks good. It is life.

Happy New Year Stacy! Hope 2024 is a great year for you!

Awwww Yeeaaahhh bro your supposed to be on a break but I ain't complaining 😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Happy New Year

This definitely hit home for me. It was how the elders handled or rather didn't handle some major life events my family endured including being faced with the blood issue that finally woke me up. The imperfect man thing can only go so far, there is imperfect but the lack of love is disgusting. I come from a family of bad elders including a voting member. Your right it is stunning how they act, how callous they are. I took a situation to the circuit overseer and he promised to look into it and get back to me. I'm still waiting several years later. We left after decades and only one elder has tried to contact us usually right before the CO visit. So much for finding the lost sheep. I would say the majority are power hungry and narcissists.

Happy new year 🎉 shunn no more 2024

I remember - as a ministerial servant - going with various elders on shepherding calls to get training in this aspect of being an elder. I hated it. Who was I to be doing this work? I wasn't properly trained. I was single and too young to be doing this. And, I couldn't see how elders could find the time, with all the meetings, preparation for talks, F/S, etc., etc. could have time for this.

Thank you. This organization is not designed with love in mind at all. Fear is the center of it all. eg: What if the elders find out. will I be humiliated in front of other people? Probably the first thought rather than, what will Almighty God think of me. If you want to take the Bible seriously, your life is not between you and another imperfect man, it is Almighty God that estimates our hearts. Elders can give you both good and bad advice, they are just men.

What a treat .... I wasn't sure we would have a podcast from you this week but here you are - great!!! First of all, can I ask you if your name is spelt Stacey or Stacy? I'm never sure and I would like to get it right. So .... elders! What a subject! For me, there was a time in my life that I read about elders being a shelter from the storm and it came to me like a bolt of lightening ...... They ARE the storm!!!!!! My waking up process was long and drawn out and this particular red flag was dealt with by telling myself it was a local problem, not global, but I know better now! There is a funny true story to relate: the elders in the congregation I was in met at someone's house for an elders' meeting when there was a sudden power cut. Unable to continue the meeting in the dark they decided to do some shepherding calls instead. So a few people had some very unexpected visits that night! As one sister said to me, "Isn't it awful? It takes a power cut to get them out shepherding!" Says it all doesn't it?!!!!

Another great one!! I’m pimo, I knew many good elders that were going out of their way to help,but there are many others that are as you described. I’m pimo and in my old congregation is a sister in a nursing home. I visit her regularly, but only a handful people come to see her. Her group overseer visits her maybe every 3 month, never brings anything or ask her if she needs anything. I’m so disgusted over that. I wish you the very best for 2024!!!❤️

Hi Stacey! Thank you for another podcast that I have enjoyed and spot on!!! I just hope they don’t start looking for missing Sheep’s- we want to be left alone 😂 we faded for 4 years now! The elders are policemen, business supervisors etc as you mentioned and the Circuit overseer is the internal auditor 😂 Wishing you the best year ever and many to come! Blessings! In the meantime: DOWN WITH THE TOWERRR!!

Regarding the elders that were called before the ARC, it didn't stop there. One of the more embarrassing displays was that of a Governing Body member. That alone should cause several MILLION people to simply walk away.

Summer 2018 I was searching on RU-vid for a favorite series called”long lost family” and guess what showed up on my feed. Australian Royal Commission. Interesting how the algorithm works. After watching hours of testimony, I was discouraged & disgusted. That’s when my JW exit began. It jolted me into awareness. I believe it was divine intervention.

Great deception that we were sheparded.😢

Hi! Awesome as usual! Happy New Year's!! The last days to the 20th power! My elders just called me not two minutes ago and checked if I was still sure about my new found knowledge and they wanted to coerce me back and I said I don't endorse or protect pedifiles like upstate does. Asked if I was gonna continue distributing more Truths around my town. I said Absolutely! They were worried about that and asked if I was going to tell my personal story that name high up names. I think now I may lol

I can say from watching my son as an elder that they are kept completely tangled in the organization's business. Always drama in the congregation. Always someone complaining about something. They ran my son ragged.

They were standins for jesus.

In my experience as an Elder for over 10yrs, I noticed that men wanted THE TITLE, not the work involved in being one.

My feeling and belief is that these elders are tired too, and frustrated. Think about it: these are very difficult times. These elders, many who have mates and families, along with family responsibilities. On top of this they are given the 'heavy' responsibility of the congregation as "watchmen" to the flock, watching their every move. They are aware, I'm sure, of the rising dissent and frustration among the flock, along with the massive exodus from the organization; they've gotta be aware of the TRUTHS and experiences blasting out from the exJW community concerning the growing corruption within the GB and the organization, the rising CSA cases along with the expensive court cases and accusations against many of the elders themselves that they can no longer keep track of, as there are so many. They see the tower falling yet no word or rescue from the Big Guy, Jehovah and Armageddon nowhere in sight. They see no relief coming and all of the prophecies of the GB failing to materialize. I'm sure they find all of this frustrating as they await a prophesied end that is not coming (as we, instead, head into the incoming Age of Aquarius). On top of all of this, they get nothing for their labor except a title as elders, ministerial servants, pioneers, etc (which is supposed to suffice and make them feel special, but is nothing more than a slave to e watch over the flock, with a sense of responsibility). This is supposed to make them feel good while those JERKS and DERELICTS at the top, the GB, the District and Circuit overseers, bask in the money flowing out from the sleeping sheeplike slaves. Yes those at the top rake in the dough while those doing all the work are just supposed to be silent and content with the ASSumption that they are "making Jehovah's heart glad". They are all dupes os Watchtower while the GB, District and Circuit overseers laugh all the way to the bank, 😅 basking in the knowledge that they've got a good thing going. Jehovah, meanwhile, could care less. He's busy watching his servant Israel slaughter the Palestinians.

Hi Stacey, happy New Year. I am glad I was only a JW for 5 years back in the 90s. U r a great speaker, a delight to listen to. I look forward to your next show 😮😊

Stacey, oh boy, I’ll tell you what….. I’m glad we didn’t have to wait long to see another video. You had mentioned time off, so I was dreading the withdrawals of not hearing from you for awhile. Whew….. the tension has been lifted and I feel so much better hearing your soothing voice again! Whatever you do, please keep up the good work of revealing the JW organization for being the cult that they are! Is it any wonder why you are my favorite podcast? You are doing a wealth of good things that I look forward to.

Welcome in 2024 🎉

One of my favorite hours of the week. Thank you Stacey!!

The young mormon men are labeled elder ...

Hey my favorite 'mentally diseased apostate Bro' !!! Hope 2024 is off to a good start for you and family. Ok , yes agree with alot of this weeks program . PIMO bro here and my dad was an elder for many years , great guy and very well loved but many were just not very interested in helping people , it was more like a job than a shepherding role ... I found more that were like Pharisees than Christ . I heard around 60% plus of the elders were over 50 and numbers are not good , hence the daiper squad being recruited 😂😂😂.... Shepherding was always weak and a friend of mine who is an elder has never had one in ten years and he has a wife with issues and two kids ,,,, Hmmm.. There are some great brothers serving but the majority are not like that ... I'm happy being a remote drone free from the J=Borg Cube !!!

I haven’t seen your videos since last year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! (its 3am here!!)) 😂🎉

ARC historical? More like histerical.😂🤣😂

This was one I could really appreciate. Even shed some tears. Rather cathartic I must say. Thanks for helping peel another layer in my healing process.

Next new light might be the appointment of sisters as elders. Perhaps a quickly training course in social work.

Stacey, This may be your most epic episode of all time. As I took notes to formulate my own highlight reel, it became apparent this whole show is a highlight reel. Every word true. My heart goes out to the few left that desire to serve the flock in the true spirit of Christ. Sadly, most serve with a spirit of haughtiness. Obey me or else! Really, the biggest blame belongs with the fraudulent governing body. They are cowards and push these duties on men to do their dirty work. It's despicable. I'll stop there or I'll go on for hours. Thanks for a great job.

I love you Stacey! You are an inspiration to me. I have a sister who is my dearest sibling. She was woke for a long time, but is now in a Bible study with a JW. Although I’m very concerned about her being snared again, thanks to your insightful podcasts helping my research, I feel like I may have the tools to motivate her back to the critical thinking she had always possessed before. Thank you so much for your hard work. I’m positive you have helped many more than myself!!!!

💰JW💯CULT💰

Boy this hits home Stacy. So many thoughtless and disrespectful comments and actions in this lack of genuine heartfelt leadership.

And: very happy new year! Looking forward to another 50 of your podcasts 😁🤗🥳

When disfellowshipped at age 19, I don’t recall any elders reaching out and even again when reinstated. When I moved to a new town and attended meetings alone with my two small children, then too did no elder reach out to shepherd me. I eventually faded away and stopped attending, nobody ever noticed it seems.

58:39 why I never approached an elder: I’ll let J read my heart and see what guidance I get from Him... I don’t think you’d be surprised when I say: none that was related to anything I was going through. Ah yes, the obvious request to go into field service more often and answer at the meeting. But for that, there was data and did not require inspiration by J. My friend went on a holiday once with her daughter and got raped. When she talked with the elders about it, she got told: but what business does a single lady with her daughter have to go on a trip to Turkey? The elders are mostly there to ”keep the congregation clean” (or however you want to call it after reviewing their actions) and it’s Not about the individuals (for 95% of the elders). Individuals who struggle are a risk and will face judgement in one way or another, ranging from being told they are spiritually weak to being a sinner that needs to be DF’d.

I could be wrong because I have never been in the inner sanctum, but I think this new "group leader" arrangement tells them to shepherd only the ones in their group, so if you are not in an elder's group you he basically has nothing to do with you.

Good thing these guys aren't ambulance drivers 😢

55:28 omg, my mom looked at me when she heard that announcement (27 year old). How is a 20 YEAR OLD ELDER going to be effective? Life is JUST STARTING in the 20s, and you mean a 20 year old man has enough experience to “counsel” a married couple, abused spouse, child abuse, depressed members, etc.? Regular elders don’t have that experience or training, but a 20 year old does???

Your closing words are great 👍

Another issue with some elders were that some ruled with an iron fist. There were 2 in one of the congregations I was part of who were feared. No one wanted to do wrong in fear of these too. Even their wives where feared. How is this loving?

❤❤❤

HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎉🎊💪🏼🍻

Smart elders delegate the emotional care ro someone else in cong

I never understood that: they are appointed by Holy Spirit, but if they move to another congregation they are not appointed until the other Congregation send a recommendation letter?? Going beyond the Holy Spirit decision???

SO VERY SORRY WITH THE MISTAKEN UNDERLINING, I AM STILL LEARNING TECHNOLOGY!! PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!!

Oh Stacey I hope your family members find their way out! Will you keep us updated?

Much like managers at your job, elders are deliberately ineffectual at their duties and literally only got their positions due to greedy ambition, not actually loving leadership skills 😅

Thank you Stacy for another great podcast to start off the new year with!

Good point! Why don’t they have a shepherding overseer? 🤔

That reminds me, I have to send in my checkmark.... After I listen to this episode, I'll be good to go for next months checkmark, too

The elders are really shepherding the flock for most of us who came to our senses and leave this organization are due to the elders treatment of us so let us thank them for opening our eyes to this evil cult

In the congregation I grew up in the Elders were only interested in sheparding cute young sisters.😂

100% accurate, & I know this from personal experience as both a sheep & a shepherd. Great podcast

Nuts of Distinction

Hi Stacey from the UK. Self professed No1 fan of your podcast 😂. Absolutely love your content, research and analysis of the Borg's narrative. One question which probably lots are thinking 🤔. Where's volume 2 of the greatest hits? Volume 1 keeps me entertained over and over as I survive my fading out of this evil cult. Please 🙏 can we have a volume 2!?

I think what’s sad is the fact that JW’s will say the organisation is perfect, but the people are not perfect. It is so flawed. Also, have you thought about interviewing EX JW’s? It would be interesting to hear other people’s experiences on your channel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hey (Stephen lett) if you are here happy new year in 2024! 🎉😂😂🤡

Great Stuff Again Stacey !

*Great job as always!*

❤

i just had sister finishing pioneer school. just mention to me THAT i get closer to Jehovah in 2024...... that means kiss elders a$$ and GB. i sent John 3;16 john 14;6,7 luke 43 chp luke 10;24-37 scriptures they dont like bcs it glorify Jesus ... amazinggg it al comes back.... "support those taking the lead". noo FN way..... the focus should be on Jesus like the apostles put there focus.... selfhishness at its finest