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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.  You can find a copy by clicking here. A large portion of the book is devoted to the procedure for judicial committees and disfellowshipping.  This book is for elders only, as made clear in Letter to Elders, August 23, 2010, which states: “The information is designed for use by the elders only, and other individuals should not have any opportunity to read the information.”

Sisters are not allowed to even bind it under supervision, as directed in the following quote from the Letter to Elders, October 7, 2010:

“There is no objection if an elder personally spiral binds or laminates his own textbook or does so for other elders. If he has another baptized brother who is not an elder do the work for him, the elder must watch while the work is being done. Outside companies, unbelievers, or sisters are not permitted to do this work. The material in the book is confidential, and confidentiality must be preserved.”

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Here is a summary of the chapters covered:

Chapter 1: Shepherd the Flock of God
Chapter 2: How Elders Work Together as a Body
Chapter 3: Appointment and Deletion of Elders and Ministerial Servants
Chapter 4: Assisting Those Who Are Weak
Chapter 5: Determining Whether a Judicial Committee Should Be Formed
Chapter 6: Preparing for the Judicial Hearing
Chapter 7: Judicial Hearing Procedure
Chapter 8: Appeal Hearing Procedure
Chapter 9: Implications of Disassociation
Chapter 10: Matters Related to Disfellowshipped and Disassociated Ones
Chapter 11: Reinstatement Committee Procedure
Chapter 12: Clarifications and Guidelines on Handling Certain Matters

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Listen to a discussion of this book by clicking here:

Who really is an Apostate?  Find out by clicking here:

180 comments to JW Elders Book – “Shepherd the Flock of God” explains Judicial Committee and Disfellowship Procedures

  • Jo

    Can I have a copy of ” Shephard the Flock of God” very personal reasons.

  • Fluffy

    Hello everyone. Some of you point to Jehovah’s Witnesses, in one way or another, as not being Jehovah’s people / nation / organization as they have as a group apostatized from Biblical teachings. I do actually understand why you feel that way. Never-the-less, I have clearly seen and felt God’s spirit with these people as individuals, at meetings and as an organization.

    In the end, it is up to each of us to worship God “with spirit and truth”, in fact, “the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him” (John 4:23, 24). Even if we “understand all the sacred secrets and all knowledge…but do not have love”, we are nothing. Therefore, we must view God’s people the way he does. Since as mentioned early, I have seen and felt God’s spirit with Jehovah’s Witnesses, this to me is proof he has not abandoned these people, but remains with them. Also, there is much Jehovah’s Witnesses have taught me about Jehovah himself that many others obscure or confuse, so for these reasons and many others, I do believe that this group is currently Jehovah’s people on earth today.

    Do these people (Jehovah’s Witnesses) have beliefs and actions that are not in harmony with God’s word and will? To me it is clear they do! Some of these I really stuggle with at times. This does not however, exclude them from being his people. This is in line with God’s attachment to his people as individuals and a nation in the past where he overlooked their errors and remained attached to them. The rest of this paragraph acontains a few examples of this: 1. Even though God had judged the cities around and including Sodom and Gomorrah, he allow Lot to flee to one of those cities, thus temporarily withholding his judicial punishment against it and against His instruction to Lot to “Escape to the mountainous region” (Genesis 19:17-22). 2. Throughout the book of Judges, the Jews left off from serving Jehovah, resulting in the nations around them persecuting and killing them. They would then cry out to Him and he would “raise up” a judge to save them (Judges 2:16, 18). Through all of this God showed patience and love and remained attached to these people. 3. With the christian congregation, Jesus in Revelation commended without reproof, only two of the seven congregations. The other five he held “things against”. Some alarming! Regardless, he did not at that time reject any of the congregations but warned against their conduct, kindly giving them time to change (Revelation chapters 2 & 3).

    If you personally ever believed that Jehovah’s Witnesses are God’s people and organization as I do, then may I say, it is not our place to leave, condemn or end that organization, since Jesus himself did not end God’s attachment to the Jewish nation. That was Jehovah God’s place only, which he did himself in 70CE. Jesus also remained attached to the Jews through out his life despite the fact that they tried, condemned and murdered him as a blasphemer. Proof of this is that Jesus called the temple of the Jews in Jerusalem “the house of my Father” (Luke 2:49) and when speaking to the Samaritan woman said “we worship what we know, because salvation begins with the Jews” (John 4:21). Even when Jesus was resurrected and “All authority” had been given to him “in heaven and on the earth”, he did not use that authority to end the Jewish nation and system (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, IF this organisation (Jehovah’s Witnesses) is to be rejected, it must be by God himself at a time He chooses.

    All that being said, books like ‘Shepherd the Flock of God’, if it is a book created and distributed by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, is very concerning. The organizations adoption and handling of the disfellowshipping arrangement also leaves much to be desired. As someone who was baptized at an early age before I was ready, disfellowshipped and reinstated many years later, I have some insight on this subject. Regardless though of how humans have treated me though all of this, Jehovah himself has never mistreated me and has always shown me patience and love. He has also been true to all the things he has written about himself (Luke 15:20; James 1:17). If that is how God Himself has treated us, then can we really do any differently with our brothers (Matthew 18:23-35)? Still, it is also clearly the responsibility of the “faithful and discrete slave” to make sure they do no “beat” their “fellow slaves” or God will take away their priviledge and punish them with the “greatest severity” (Mattherw 24:45-51). Time will tell.

    Do I believe that Jehovah’s Witnesses are the only organization that Jehovah blesses and to whom he gives his spirit? No. There are many groups and organizations that have taught me things, in harmony with my prayers and God’s spirit, that my people have not. Including sites like this that have helped me reason on the existence of the so called “Shepherd’s Book”. It was a conversation with a Circuit Overseer concerning a disfellowshipped person that led me to believe that they get directions from other sources outside of the ‘Organized to do God’s Will’ book. I had always been taught that this is the only judicial book we use. Hence why I ended up here.

    Is it possible and reasonable that individuals inside the christian congregation (Jehovah’s Witnesses) are “ravenous wolves” in “sheep’s covering” (Matthew 7:15). Of course! The scripture in Matthew was clearly talking to the people who where about to become the new Christian congregation, and since Jesus said they would “come to you”, it means these “wolves” would be attached too or be part of the christian congregation. Therefore, ravenous wolves come primarily from within the organization, not primarily from outside. Regardless, Jehovah sees all of this and “each of us will render an account for himself to God” (Romans 14:10).

    It is up to every individual and every Jehovah’s Witness to always examine everything they are told, to “see whether these things” are “so” (Acts 17:11). And then to decide whether we will “obey God as ruler rather than men” (Acts 5:29; 4:19, 20). If anyone, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, say something that goes against what Jehovah has personally helped me to understand, regardless of their position within the organization, I will obey God rather than men. But I will still “remain in union with them” whilst Jehovah remains in union with them (John 17). After all, if Jehovah continues to bless them with his spirit, who am I to go against that?

    Anyway, I hope you don’t mind and will forgive my rather lengthy post. Much of it is for myself and expression of my own understanding and faith. Please may I say, I do not want to dismiss or belittle anyone’s belief’s or post here. I also do not believe that ONLY through God’s people does he save. This is clearly shown throughout the Bible where Jehovah saved and rewarded people who where not part of his current nation / people (Hebrews 11:31; Ruth 1:4; Joshua 11:19; Jonah 3:4-10; Like 9:49).

    I do believe that Jehovah’s Witnesses are God’s nation or organization on earth today but Jehovah does not need them to draw people to himself or teach them (Luke 19:40). Nor does it mean that Jehovah does not approve of people who are not attached to them (Acts 10:34,35). After all, wasn’t everyone who is currently a witness, drawn by God BEFORE they became one of God’s people (John 6:44)?

    In the future, all earthly nations, organizations and groups will be done away with when Jesus subjects himself to “the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone” (1 Corinthians 15:28). Including Jesus. At that point we will no longer need any one or any thing to have a relationship with our Creator. A time to which I am dearly looking forward!

    In the mean time, those “who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those not strong”. And we should always try and imitate God in not desiring “anyone to be destroyed” and wait patiently on Jehovah to take action which he will always do at the right time with justice and love. (Romans 15:1, Matthew 18:6, 2 Peter 3:9)

    Peace to you all. 🙂
    (scriptures quoted from the New World Translation, I’ve used an anonymous name, hope you don’t mind)

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Fluffy,

      Glad to hear from you. I enjoyed reading your well reasoned comments. As I carefully read your comments, I started making notes of questions to ask or thoughts to share. However, In the end I thought it would be nice to have a discussion with you on a Bible topic or issue of your interest. If you are interested, let me know what topic or question you would like to discuss.

      I will just note on the side, some questions I believe JWs may have a difficult time answering. If you want to comment on any of these, I would be interested in your thoughts.

      1) What scriptural evidence is there that everyone who dies in Armageddon who has rejected the Truth will not be resurrected on to Paradise earth?

      2) If it was not Jehovah’s object to re-establish the nation of Israel on earth, how is it that apparently Satan has succeeded in doing just that? [Note: I agree that at this time the nation is not converted to accepting Jesus as their Savior and will suggest that will come at a future time (Zechariah 12:10; ; Ezekiel 36:26,27; 39:28)]

      3) Is there any scriptural evidence indicating that the time will come PRIOR TO the door to the heavenly call being shut (Matt 25:10), that the Christian’s should have a goal to be a member of the Great Crowd? Colossians 1:5 (NWT) “the hope that is being reserved for YOU in the heavens. Hebrews 3:1 (NWT) “Consequently, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling…”

      Thanks again for sharing. I hope you will continue to comment on this website and share your thoughts. You are a valuable contributor.

    • Oh Boy!

      Fluffy there is so much I’d like to discuss with you.

  • Anonymous

    Hello everyone;

    Even though I don’t believe we should be judges in such a way that people do what is asked not for love but fear of not having that social connection of the brothers and sisters.I also believe yes in god’s eyes good to have dicipline especially in spiritual dealings.But only in Jehovah’s way and not man made rules.I know I will be shunned again but in my case i deserve it for smoking again.but still hurts because you are in limbo of how long before anybody can even look at you again and your kids that is the part kills me.my family will suffer because of me even if am in the process of quiting.Thank you for letting me post and vent.

    Sincerely

  • Sandra Koetkemeyer

    I am trying to find a picture of an S-77 form elders fill out when disfellowshipping individuals. Do you have one?

  • Terri

    Hi Christopher! Thank you for your advice. I have sat in on quite a few of her studies, and went to the hall once, and that was enough for me. I know my daughter and how she will react to things, so I took it easy with her. When we were going through biblical questions (quite often) I asked her not to use her tracts or the tablet for anything. Just the one that they gave her. Then she started asking me a bunch of questions about why the answers that were given her weren’t in context with the subject in the real bible. I told her that they do things this way to make their point, and when she asked why they didn’t believe in celebrating Christmas, the jw’s kind of quoted the passage in the real bible about the last supper with Jesus and his disciples. Which has no bearing on the rites of Christmas. I have been patient with her and I answer every question she has, and then I back it up with information for her to read. When she told me that she, or the children would refuse a blood transfusion (if ever needed) I started crying and she didn’t understand it. I had to explain that true Christians know that the Lord has given people talent to SAVE lives, not to refuse it. (witch makes this a DEADLY cult), I backed that up with information also. Then she started to open her eyes to other things about this cult and decided to go to my church to learn the real truth. My pastor is going to talk to her also and answer every question she has. My uncle is a catholic, and she can ask him anything she wants to. But at least I have put doubt in her mind and heart about this ‘organization’. And she also learned that it was Rutherford that banned the anti-cross in the wt literature because it was just him showing how much mind control he had in this cult. And it’s strange he was disfellowshiped for putting an alarm system in a real church. Jesus doesn’t want division, he wants everyone to be in peace.
    Happy New Year everyone, and God Bless you all!

    • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

      Terri hello, I am at a convention this weekend but will you if you can explain your statement “Rutherford being disfellowshipped for putting an alarm system in a real church”. Jacqueline

      • Terri

        I apologize for that statement. I was mistaken.
        I was also reading about him, and now know the reason for his hatred against government. This man had some serious psychological problems and took his own ways and made it law in the cult. No wonder it is such a mess about salvation. And not encouraging higher education, or autonomy, etc.
        Now I have to overcome my problem with not understanding how other people cannot see that is an organization that came from some men that were not completely mentally stable who wrote the rules for other people to live by. Rewrote the bible to suit it to their purposes,,, and for what? Money? It sure isn’t salvation according to Jesus.

        • Bret (Bible Student)

          Terri..
          It is unfortunate but it is the imperct human way to lord it over others. It is also not uncommon as well for men to say “we have the correct doctrine and way to salvation” besides in Matthew the 24 chapter it states that false Christ’s would arise and mislead many. A false Christ is anyone or group of church cousel who replace the Christ by saying their way of worship leads to salvation. This is true of the pope, and much of protestant faiths who’s church cousel and synods believe they by means of their doctrine and interpretations are the way to salvation… The way of salvation is through Christ who redeemed and Ransoms mankind.. So the best approach is to ask questions and be sincere. Here on this site we can help you to point out doctrines that contradict and can be exposed…
          May your efforts be blessed..

          • Terri

            Thank you Bret. I agree with you. I know I don’t want to see my children or grandchildren not know true salvation. I want to see them in Heaven one day, and not have their names not written in the book of life to spent eternity in hell. I feel that all will go even better after tomorrow. I will continue to have patience with her, and have all of the resources available to her for all of the information she wishes to have.
            Thank you all for being here for me through this rough patch.
            God Bless you,

        • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

          Terri, perhaps reading this article will help you understand the mind and workings of a high control group.
          Fear and Mind Control – JWfacts.com
          Jim Jones, David Koresh are just two modern day high control groups that had disastrous results for it’s members. There were lawyers, doctors, ordinary people from every walk of life in those groups. The government tried to help but to no avail.
          Jesus died to redeem all mankind that has lived and restore their life by resurrection from the dead. These persons will learn the truth about God and what his will is. None will be able to deceive them for Satan the great deceiver will be bound. No fool will walk on that great hiway not beastly men leading humans astray, because the whole earth will be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah God. No one will be fooled. Now not all today run for upward call of heaven but they too are ransomed by Christ. Jesus is the way the truth and the light that will guide mankind on this hiway to life, back to Eden
          Jesus will teach and lead men back into a relationship with God. After that millennium reign of Christ, he too will kneel before his God and ours and turn it back over to God and man will again like our father Adam be at-one-ment with God. Because I believe this is what the Bible teaches I am patient with relatives and people because God is in control and only one lifetime will be spent in a high control group. There is life after this. I work on myself and choose not to go beyond God or Jesus in forcing my religious views or personal preferences on those that make a different choice. Jesus will give all a fair chance. These are some links with scriptural support for my beliefs.
          http://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/2010/05/06/will-jehovah-bless-all-people

          https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/2014/11/15/7374/
          https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/2010/05/06/will-the-unbelieving-world-be-saved/
          http://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/category/ransom-answers

      • Jay

        Hi Jacqueline, if you have any questions about the JW, WT or its organization etc. you can visit JWsurvey and his Youtube videos by John Cedars and also JWFacts. Your eyes will open up to the real “TRUTH” about JW. They speak about all the false prophecies, blood transfusion, Child Abuse cases, Not encouraging “Higher Education”, God’s Name, and much much more. I was a JW for many years and when I stumbled on these two sites I was resurrected from the dead! I am free and I have my conscious back!! Hope this helps. Jay.

        • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

          Hi Jay, thanks for the information. These are excellent sites except for JWfacts we knew these brothers before they set up their sites and went thru their disfellowshipping or exit out of the organization. They have leveled out and is helping others now. JWstruggle has a youtube page that has his entire DF meeting online. He was able to video the whole thing. Also jwstruggle.com carries his oddyssey out.
          I am so glad you are free, AND HAVING YOUR CONSCIENCE BACK is a powerful statement! We had no conscience and wanting all to die that didn’t worship the organization ate into our souls. I see it in so many proud witnesses and wonder, WAS I LIKE THAT?! I feel confident that God has forgiven me if I was. I always had a problem with the seemingly injustice of people dying because a handful of overworked JW didn’t convince them. Compared to the world of mankind we aren’t even a handful.lol. So glad that was not true.
          I feel clean and free now also. Take Care Jay and hopefully others reading can go to the sites mentioned.

  • Terri

    Hello Jacqueline!
    I’m not going to attack her cult. I’m going to give her clues and I know she will ask me questions, and I’m not going to blast her with all of the information I have gathered. My heart is breaking because her soul will not be with Jesus, and this cult does not care if families are tore apart or not. The more I learn about the asses in this organization, the madder I get. And it does make me madder still that people, even my own daughter does not see this as dangerous. But I will get through to her before anything happens. And I will ask her about this baptism into the “organization” because it has NO CHRISTIAN VALUES TO IT!!
    God Bless, and thank you for your advice. I do appreciate it.
    Terri

    • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

      You are welcome Terri and I view the organization as very dangerous and destructive to families and this is from over 60 years experience at all levels with it. Hope she listens or if not at least protect her children and let them decide when they are older if they want to remain a part of the corporation with it’s governing body. All the things I have told you is from a legal standpoint so you know they can be diabolical without a conscience. Take Care

      • Terri

        Hi Jacqueline!
        I have been talking to her about the differences in the 2 bibles, how there are MANY differences in the passages, and how this is run by an organization, and how it states what the rules are, etc. She’s decided to go with me to church and to talk to the people and the Pastor. At least it’s a start. I really don’t want her in this mind-control mess.
        Have a great New Year!

        • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

          Terri. Your daughter should be happy to have a father that cares so much for her. Once she gets baptized in the witnesses it appears he brain stops working and a blindness sets in. I hate to use the word cult but a high control hierarchy of men have perfected their mind control tactics.
          Hopefully your congregation will at least make her think deeply. Thanks for keeping us informed.
          PUshEr teacher won’t like her doing that and maybe your daughter will recognize the attempt to control her and be cautious. Happy New Year to you. I have my grand and son with me for one more day. We Co exist together well. He will go to the JAWing laws Thursday to their Kingdom Hall and I will go to a three day convention. All of us respect each other’s choice of worship. But they get a break now since his parents have left the religion. Hopefully not matter what she decides, you and her can beclose and you will welcome her when she sees the real organization and its worship of 6 very wealthy men. Take Care.

          • Terri

            Thank you Jacqueline, Unfortunately, her father has been telling her that there is no God. I’ve been telling there is. Now hopefully she will get to see the truth and be happy in home life once again.
            Happy New Year! And enjoy every minute of the grand kids!

            • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

              Terri somewhere along the way I must have gotten confused. Aren’t you her father? Also you mentioned that her soul won’t be with Jesus is one of your concerns. That will turn her off if she has studied with the witnesses, because that is a doctrine she might not accept, the soul being with Jesus. Doctrine will get in the way of keeping her close to her family but an appeal to always think for yourself and not destroy your family for 7 men in New York might be the way.

              • Terri

                She has agreed to broaden her horizons by visiting other churches, and to read what the ex-witnesses have to say. I explained there aren’t any practicing cult members on there because the brain-washed ones are forbidden to do almost everything on the net. She’s going to go to our church and talk to our Pastor about salvation and other things we have been discussing. I’ve also got her to use her autonomy and not let an ‘organization’ depict what kind of life she is to have, but what Jesus wants for her and her family. Her teacher says they believe in family and stuff, but then they teach how to hate, and to shun people, along with the dividing of people and judging others. I have made it clear that you do not do that to people. What if Jesus walked into the congregation (in disguise) looking ragged and smelly… would you turn your back on Him for the way he looks and smells? Or would you embrace Him and do whatever you could to comfort Him. The shunning and the disfellowshipping that goes on this cult is revolting. I have read her junk phamplets where the true rules are telling people it will stain the congregation. Thank God she is thinking on her own. God gave us all free will and we are all encouraging her to use it. She’s really starting to see how the cult is very controlling for the work of evil. I’m looking forward to her talking to our Pastor since he can help her more than she knows.

                • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

                  Terri, so glad you have brought some resolution to the situation. We appreciate you keeping us and our audience up to date. I wish you well and also your daughter and her family. Feel free to comment or ask questions whenever you desire. In Christ Jacqueline

                  • Terri

                    Hello again Jacqueline! I am still doing research on the cult. It still amazes me how this group of people cannot see it. Two witnesses came to my door yesterday so I invited them in. They pulled out their literature but I told them not to (just to use their false bible) and pulled out all of my information and asked them many questions. By the time they were about to leave it looked like they were going to be physically ill. I know that is because of the mind control and not accepting the truth. I prayed for their souls ‘in Jesus’ name’ and they just about ran out the door. I’m sure my home will be marked as the ‘devil’. I laughed when they left along with hoping they see the truth so they don’t end up going to hell for eternity.
                    As for my daughter, her and her family are going out tonight to celebrate the New Year. Is that allowed in this cult? I don’t remember. But it sure is nice seeing her happy again. I pray for all of the lost souls that still do not know that you have to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross (the real Bible says so) for our sins, and that all you have to do is admit that you are a sinner (all of this in private), and ask the Lord for forgiveness and that he comes into your heart and guides you throughout life and eternity. Nobody needs an organization to tell them what to do how to do it and when to do it.
                    God Bless you all, and thank you for putting up with me. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

                    • Anon

                      Good evening and Happy New Year Terri!! That is quite a story. By the way my name is Christopher. I am a Bible Student. As Jacqueline stated you don’t want want to discuss doctrine with them. We want to show them a little bit of light and not shine a flashlight in front of their face. It will not do anything but blind them. I want to be real with you Terri. I was like this when I first went to the witnesses: they told me that when I begin to study the Bible with them that we would face persecution. they said all true christians were persecuted for their faith. I found that those I worked with told me I was in a cult and I thought to myself “Wow they were right. I am being persecuted..” And it pulled me closer to the organization because that was the truth. In the current Watchtower Articles they aim this technique at new believers. It’s a Beehive affect. They will state that when you begin to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses then you will get persecution from relatives and loved ones. If you keep telling her she is wrong and you need to save her soul, then you are actually aiding the Watchtower in converting her because she will now believe them because you are attacking her new beliefs just as they said it would happen. They state in their literature that they will get slack from their loved ones when they study with true Christians. And when you show that, then you in essence prove them correct and she will draw closer to them. They do this by connecting their organization with the persecution of the Christians in the Bible and thus make her feel like she is in true Christianity. We can’t go all crazy on them. Trust me I know the feeling to tell them everything wrong about their religion. But when someone is waking up you don’t turn the light on full force. You do it gradually.
                      Feel free to write at any time.

  • Olatunji Samuel-Nigeria

    I am seeing this site as a site for apostates. Those who can not abide by simple Biblical truth as instructed by Jehovah. Those who love the truth should beware of this site.

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Olatunji Samuel-Nigeria – Thanks for visiting our website and expressing your sincere concerns. We are fair here on this website. If you feel that we are apostates and want to expose us, I must agree with you that it is a noble intention to want to protect the flock of God from doctrinal errors and Apostate teachings. What I suggest you do is to start out with only ONE topic first that you feel makes us Apostate. Let’s discuss it together. Present your scriptural evidence. Perhaps you can convince some of us if you are correct. Then once we are done discussing that ONE topic, you can select the next topic to discuss. However, if you have no scriptural evidence for your opinion, you should not be criticizing your brothers. (Matt 7:3)

      • sysking

        Peter K,
        Mr. Olatunji Samuel-Nigeria did not say you are apostates.
        He said he sees this site FOR apostates.
        See the difference?

        • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

          Hi sysking thank you for commenting and welcome. Could you tell us a little about your journey. What brought you to the site? Perhaps others can benefit from hearing it. Thank you

        • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

          sysking, Mr. Olatunji Samuel-Nigeria probably isn’t aware that this site will not appeal to persons that don’t believe in Christ. Persons that were once a believer in man made rules and organizations that had apostatized from the teachings of Christ and the early congregation are our main readers, truth seekers. We nor persons benefiting from this site have not left Christ but have left religions that apostatized. Note what Jude and Paul said. Hopefully Mr. Samuel will come back and comment. The third section is the secular definition of apostasy and maybe he was referring to that version of apostasy.

          Jude’s Warning of Apostasy
          Jude wrote that he “found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) because “certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). If someone denies that Jesus Christ is Lord, it is a departure from “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” and is considered to be an apostasy.
          Paul’s Warning of Apostasy
          Paul saw it happening in his day and in one of his last letters he said “the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared” (1 Tim 4:1-2) and certainly any teaching from demonic forces must be an apostasy from what the true faith is which Paul said would happen “in later times.” Some would teach a prohibition on marriage while others a prohibition on certain foods (1 Tim 4:3) both of which is contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ, thus showing that these who teach such things are apostates.
          Apostasy Defined
          The word itself is from the Greek word “apostasia” and is very much like renouncing or disassociating oneself from a particular religion or certain religious beliefs. It is similar to a rejection of beliefs that were once held and accepting different beliefs and might even be a renunciation of the beliefs that were previously held. For example, is someone converts to another religion, they reject or turn away from their beliefs from something they once believed and turn to believing in another, much different religion or it might be a falling away from anything to do with religion. Apostasy can also be considered abandonment or defiance of what was previously held to be true and practiced and rebelling against those same beliefs and practices. Someone or some group who does this are considered an apostate.

          According to this version I am definitely an Apostate from the organization of the witnesses and it governing body and elder clergy system of control.

    • Bret (Bible Student)

      Have you rver considered the possibility that Rutherford’s “New Light” perhaps was apostasy? It is obvious that the End did not occur in 1925; and millions then living wouldn’t die did not come true; or the House in San Diego “Beth Sarim” did not house the resurrected faithful men of old. Could those have been “new light”, perhaps introduced by the “Angel of light”?

  • Terri

    Hi Peter, thank you for replying back.
    I do know the requirements for Salvation. Jesus said.”I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” John 14:6. Its simple. So, how could I not base my decision on what I’ve been taught?
    I read the 140+ rules that jw’s are not allowed to do. WHEW! Doesn’t anyone in this organization know that every person on the face of this earth has free will and autonomy? What I’ve summarized so far is that jw’s are seperated from God, the trinity which is essential in salvation, eternal life, family/friends if shunned, real Christians, and saving human life concerning blood, and of course, individual autonomy.
    How can this be?

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Terri – Hi again. Thanks for your friendly response. Yes, I agree with you that the JW Organization imposes excessive rules that are not Biblicaly derived. For example, the Bible no where prohibits celebrating birthdays.

      Mark 7:7 (NASV) says “BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’

      Terri, you quoted, ”I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” John 14:6. Then you said, “It’s so simple.” But then you said, “…the trinity which is essential in salvation, eternal life…”

      So if we come to the Father through Jesus, then where does the Bible teach that the Trinity is also essential in salvation for eternal life?

      Thanks for the dialogue with us.

      • Terri

        Merry Christmas!
        The Holy Spirit comes from God. It is the comforter to your soul and conscience. When you get saved, then baptized, the the feeling is.glorious! I’m scared for my daughter who is studying with the cult and I’m studying what I can also about this mess. I have to get her out of as soon as possible or there will no hope for her eternal soul. Or for my grandchildren. Unless someone can prove to me that their souls will be with Jesus and that they don’t separate families, I’m going to work my butt off to discredit this organization. But so far the information I have gathered is very bad stuff.
        Thanks again for your time. God Bless.

        • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

          Terri Merry Christmas! to you. May you have Peace!
          I want to butt in one minute while you await Br. Peter’s reply. I feel the pain in your words, it come thru loud and clear. Your daughter is just studying now but if she gets baptized they will break up your family. Hearing what you are saying will cause them to talk against you and she will feel threatened, defensive.
          Let’s suggest you back off a bit so as not to push her there. Ask her if she will just for you, go on the internet and put in the words Jehovah witnesses and shunning. These words will bring up pages that will not just reveal the horrible practice of shunning but other facts about pedophilia, which is rampant and the perpetrators are protected within the organization under some very crude reasoning. She will see this on the pages. But please don’t talk agains the doctrine to her as this pushes a witnesses closer to the collective. It is a bee hive effect to protect the Queen which is the organization and the governing body, which are like Gods to her and witnesses. Let’s take a different approach to her and tell her you love her but you have heard some very undesirable things and just want her to look into it on the internet. You want to make sure you don’t get barred from seeing the children which she might do if you push and she gets baptized, to defy you.
          Would she be willing to come here to talk to us, me? I will answer her questions and there is Br. Peter who can show her gently how the doctrine is not in accord with the bible. There are ex-Jehovah witness elders viewing you and Br. Peter’s comments and they can really let her know what the truth is about the organization she is contemplating.
          ATTACKING HER DOCTRINE is not the way. Just telling her gently the truth about what happens once she goes under the water might help her.
          Keep in mind we are hitting here in the dark. Is she married? Is she dating a man that is a Jehovah witness and need her to join so he don’t get shunned or lose his position in the congregation? There is more to this than we know because with all of the media on silent lambs about sexual abuse of children a mother would have to be out of her mind to subject her children to this organization. Many Jehovah witnesses celebrate birthdays as did Jehovah when his son Jesus Christ was born., Angels sang and shepherds went running on this birth day of our Saviour. Job’s children celebrated their birthdays. Many witnesses give their children toys, presents etc on Dec. 25th or after Jan 1st but before they go back to school. So little things like these is what awakens a thinking females mind.
          Ask her (not tell or demand) if she will just ask more questions on subjects, this will mark her, as not teachable and they will say things to make an ordinary person pull back.
          We will help you but to deal with this subject we need more info. Like if there is a reason for her studying. Does she suffer from depression? These are all things that a witness is trained to pounce on and get this person indoctrinated. Let us help you without driving her closer to her teacher.
          BTW, unless her teacher is super, she can’t defend most of their doctrine by using just the bible she has to have the little book in front of her, ask your daughter to ask her instructor to just use the bible then let her check the answer out herself. They will normally start abandoning her. They want gullible compliant individuals not thinking ones.
          You take care of yourself, enjoy your family this holiday season. Sincerely from the bottom of my heart, Jacqueline

        • Peter K. (admin)

          Terri – As Jacqueline indicates,now that we know where you are coming from, we can help you out along the way with your daughter. It would help if you can let us know what issues in particular are attracting her to the JW organization.

          • Terri

            Hello Peter and Jacqueline!
            Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening and helping me. My daughter is married, they have 2 children that are 2 years and 20 months old. Her husband seems to be unhappy since she’s decided not to celebrate anything. They used to be SO happy. All of this is breaking my heart to pieces! I remember from my psychology classes not to confront so I haven’t done that. I’ve just pointed out inconsistent bible verses between theirs and mine. In the meantime I’m trying to learn as much as possible. Her teacher is buying her clothes and being VERY. Ice to her. Scary. I have to run now. Full house today!
            God Bless you! Please call me. Number (saved)

            • Peter K. (admin)

              Terri – This article link can help equip you and your son in law with knowledge to discuss the unscriptural banning of holidays.
              https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/2015/12/14/was-j-f-rutherford-the-grinch-the-stole-christmas/

              Discussions must always be loving and non-combative. Your only chance of being heard is if you do most of the listening.

              Of key importance is to try to find out the top three reasons that have attracted her to the JWs. I say top three because sometimes the first reason is not the real main reason.

              Hope this helps. We will be thinking about your circumstances and praying for you.

            • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

              Terri, enjoy your family today. My Jehovah witness relatives and children (grands) will arrive Sunday and I won’t get a chance to look at the site.
              Her teacher is not behaving like a typical Jehovah witness, buying clothes etc when there is a husband involved.
              Love-bombing is what the first stages are like and ones at the kingdom hall will be very nice until she gets baptized. After that the teacher can no longer count the time spent with her and it will diminish. If her husband said they will go to his relatives home with a Christmas tree and all up there, she would go according to the governing body and her husband could celebrate Christmas and she would help where he asked. Some witnesses are stricter than others and that is what breaks the family up.
              Right now she is entering the religion at a time when it is strictly ruled by a governing body of 6 men. It is paying strict attention to what they dictate not necessarily what the scriptures teach so doctrine is not so paramount now in the religion it is more secular.
              People of different religions have always coexisted together, even as husband and wife. She should respect his religious beliefs and he should hers.
              It is the restrictions and dictating her every move in life and that of her children that will be the problem. From strict attending all meetings regardless of other family business to going from door to door even in bad weather or dangerous neighborhoods with the children is where the issues will lie normally. Doctrine is personal and each person chooses their own belief system.
              I wish them the very best with 2 children involved. Her life should be happier getting more in the bible but the false doctrines as taught will shape her thinking and that is where the husband will have the problem.
              She will view others that have left the religion as apostates if she is at the point of not celebrating holidays. All you can do is pray. To fight her might just drive her closer to them. Maybe her husband or you might do as Br. Peter suggested ask her the three top things and speak on those things.
              You got your work cut out for you when it is not you that needs convincing but another person has to be convinced. Take Care and enjoy your weekend with your family. God Bless you.

              This is lengthy but being in the psych field you might get a handle on what will really go on with your daughter within this religion.

              http://www.icsahome.com/articles/wifely-subjection–mental-health-issues-in-jw-women-csj-14-1

              • Anon

                Everything Jacqueline is saying is true. I entered the JWs when I was at my absolute lowest and felt like no one cared. But they cared. But when you get going to the KH they will love you and show you that they care. Then I was baptized. It was Brother Who? Yes they will love bomb and forget you. They only love you when you are in their religion. Ask her some questions to ask the person she is studying with!! Ask her if your child was ill and needed blood would you expect her to let them not have one even if it means their life? Like Jacqueline said “they will have a book in front of you”. They will take many things out of context. But stay strong. She will have her eyes opened. But they will try to love bomb her. They do to everyone.

                • Terri

                  Thank you Peter, Jacqueline, and Anon!
                  I am being very patient and understanding as hard as it is right now. I am going over to spend a week at their house on Tuesday…same day as her “bible study”. That will be very interesting.
                  I read about the “Grinch” too. It was very helpful. Now that I have my computer up and running I am sure that I will find more information on the witnesses. Thank you for informing me about how the teacher will work to get her baptized then basically drop her. I have to find WHY they baptize, because they don’t seem to be Christians who believe in Heaven, Hell, Trinity, or what the real Bible really says.
                  Thank you for all of the links that you have sent me. I really appreciate it, and I am praying my heart out for my child and her family. I have now filled up an entire notebook about the JW’s and the Watch Tower antics.
                  Please continue to help me. I don’t know anyone that knows ANYTHING about this group, so it is helping a great deal.
                  God Bless you all!
                  Terri

                  • Anon

                    Hey Terri. The JWs do believe in heaven. Many of their beliefs are accurate. The paradise earth and the hell and trinity. But that’s up to each believer. The problem with the JWs is the threat to disassociate their families with them if they leave. Maybe and this is a just a suggestion, Why don’t you sit in on their” bible” studies and attend some of their meetings and then ask questions to her. If she sees that you learn the same thing she does then She may be willing to listen to your concerns than if you just question from the outside. Because she will think that you don’t know what you’re talking about.

                    • Terri

                      Hi Anon!
                      Thank you for replying to me. I have sat in congregation once and was really upset at what goes on there. I have been there during the study at her house, and her teacher has called me a heathen and a pagan. I have not said anything except when I was questioned and I quoted verses that are in my KJ bible, and told that they were ‘almost’ right… Ohhh My Gosh,, I almost had heart failure hearing that after being told all my life I learned them well by my Pastor. I thought they were full of it, kept my mouth shut, and because I thought that, I figured my daughter would figure it out too,,, but she hasn’t,,, yet. I found an X jw who has put up videos on how to ‘witness’ to a JW since they don’t have the same mind set as real Christians. So after church tomorrow, I will be watching and taking notes. This man grew up a jw, then realized it was all for an organization and not for the soul. I pray that when I go over there Tuesday I can do more good than bad. I don’t want to make them feel like their being attacked or anything. So I will have to work hard on my patience, and be ready to do a lot of listening. But I will NOT stop or give up on my child. May the Lord forgive me for panicking the way I am. I’m just terrified for them (daughter and 2 grand children)and what it will do to their psyche. She knows and has been taught the Baptist religion and this is another reason I don’t understand, and why I have fear. They were all here on Christmas but she didn’t really socialize with our family and it broke my heart. She’s not the same person anymore. I cannot image how much more worse it could get. Hence my urgency. The teacher keeps talking about world issues too. Is this why they are nicknamed “The Doomsday Cult”?
                      God Bless,
                      Terri

                    • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

                      Terri, I have children, 45, 42, 40 with wives and children. They are all Jehovah witnesses and 9 siblings with wives, nieces nephews oh, I could go on a bit.
                      I don’t do anything to be cut off from my grandchildren or get them involved in a pulling match or court for grandparents right.
                      The average witness will fight you tooth and nail if you try to prove their teachings by the governing body wrong. Your daughter does indeed have the right from God and our government to chose her religion. God allows it and the government will uphold her right. NOW WHY DO I MENTION THIS???
                      Because you don’t know about the custody package that their lawyers have. If they can prove you are blocking religious freedom she will be given this packet and help from the watchtower lawyers to block your visits to your grandchildren. It will work against her husband if he violates it if they win in court. If he decides to let you see the children then she will be convinced her spirituality is at stake and be encouraged to divorce him. When we inform you on the steps to take with this legalistic organization, we are trying to spare you the heartbreak of not being able to influence your grandchildren during their life.
                      Please research the Civil laws of Canada and how they came to be. JEHOVAH WITNESSES LEGAL DEPARTMENT, won in the fight for religious civil rights in Canada and many Canadians thank them for it. They will fight you just to make an example because the United States has freedom of religion for an adult.
                      Believe it or not they will do something or say something that will make her think since she was not born in. I was born in so it took a while.
                      I would like to be a fly on the wall Tuesday. Remember they are taping you so watch how you present yourself, there are grandchildren at stake here.
                      At least just let your daughter know not to let her children be away from her within the congregation because pedophilia is rampant and she is alone without her husband , this makes her and the children vulnerable.
                      IF I WAS YOU, I would just love my grandchildren and be a Christian and associate with your daughter more without talking against her religion. She is a human and humans will fight if threatened, especially if her little cubs are in danger of being taken away from a religion she feels get them everlasting life. And the law will be on her side in the issue of choosing her belief system. I practice what I preach and it works. My grands have all got their gifts for the last 6 years since I left and I see them whenever I please. But I would not have this access if I talk against their parents religion.
                      I know it hurts to be quiet, but perhaps this is a lesson, a test, for your daughter and you for that matter.
                      If it is then the TEACHER IS ALWAYS SILENT DURING A TEST! God is watching us! Take Care and please come back to tell us how it turns out. There will be others that can benefit from your experience and that is what it is about helping each other to footstep follow in the steps of Jesus. So we ask what would Jesus do in this situation.
                      Until later our dear Terri, Pray, TAKE IT TO THE THRONE OF GRACE, on your knees to calm your heart.We are all parents too.

  • Terri

    I need to know how the jw’s call themselves Christians when there seems to be no beliefs in heaven, hell, the trinity, and no beliefs that Jesus died and bled on the cross for our sins so that when people ask for His forgiveness and be saved they could go to heaven. Wouldn’t these beliefs be considered blasphemy then?
    Your bible has been changed, and if there is no beliefs in eternal life in Heaven, and that when you die there is just death. Nothing. How is it really that you can say you are Christians? There is basically no point in this … religion? I’m just very curiois about all of this.
    Thank you for your time, and God bless.
    Terri

    • Peter K (Admin)

      Terri – Thanks for visiting here and commenting.

      This website is not sponsored by Jehovah’s Witnesses, though we do try to be friends with them and all who name Jesus as their Savior.

      Really what your question comes down to is – What are the scriptural requirements for salvation? We should not base our decision on what we have been taught, but rather on what the Bible itself says.

      So let us make this as simple as possible. What scriptures can you find to indicate that a person believing in a doctrinal error will lose their salvation or go to Hell torment? Let us have a discussion. We want to hear your thoughts.

      • sysking

        I would like to answer this question.
        JWs do not believe in the torment of hell.
        This is the scripture that shows that truth and error cannot be a part of true Christianity:
        “. . .Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? 15 Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” 18 “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

        So, according to scripture, there can be no co-existence between the light of truth and the errors of false doctrine.

    • sysking

      Terri,
      What are the basic teachings of Christianity, according to the Bible?

  • Ummulkairi

    beware of the voice of stranger, pls my brothers,u all should not forget dat the book u all are talking about can be compared to 1.the ark of the covenant 2.the most holy.dis is the only org. that jehovah is using today.

    • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

      Hello Ummulkairi and thank you for visiting the site. I would love to see your scriptures that prove Jehovah has an organization and that the Witnesses are that organization. When I was a witness I often wanted to see how this is decided. We will wait to see what you have found to be the truth on this.
      In the meantime please feel free to preuse the site and comment on any scriptural inaccuracies you see so we can discuss. Take Care. Jacqueline.

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