Combatting Cult Mind Control

[Jezebel]

Right, they use thought blocking techniques such as prayer......It was a really good book. Every one of us should read it!

Jezebel

[Critical Thinker]

p. 80," "Elitist Mentality. Members are made to feel part of an elite corps of mankind. This feeling of being special, or participating in the most important acts in human history with a vanguard of committed believers, is strong emotional glue to keep people sacrificing and working hard. As a community, they feel they have been chosen (by God, hisotry, or some other supplemental force) to lead mankind out of darkness into a new age of enlightenmment.

*** w99 10/1 p. 8 par. 13 “For Everything There Is an Appointed Time” ***
Of course, the fact that Jehovah’s servants “weep” over the sorry state of world affairs does not preclude their being happy. On the contrary! They are actually the happiest group of people on earth. Jesus provided the touchstone for happiness when he said: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, . . . those who mourn, . . . the mild-tempered ones, . . . those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, . . . the merciful, . . . the pure in heart, . . . the peaceable, . . . those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” (Matthew 5:3-10) There is abundant evidence to show that this description fits Jehovah’s Witnesses, collectively, better than it does any other religious organization.


*** w07 12/15 p. 14 par. 19 Are You Ready for Jehovah’s Day? ***
Are you helping your children to ‘keep themselves without spot from the world’? (James 1:27) Satan would like to reel in your children as a man reels in fish. Various clubs and other organizations are designed to make young people fit in with Satan’s world. But Jehovah’s servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things. So Christian youths should be encouraged to have “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) Godly parents need to assist their children to set goals that will give them a happy and rewarding life that honors God and helps them to be ready for Jehovah’s day.

*** w06 7/15 p. 23 par. 20 Focus on the Goodness of Jehovah’s Organization ***
A positive spirit will also enable us to bear in mind the many blessings we enjoy because of being associated with the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization. This is the only organization in the world that is loyal to the Sovereign of the universe. How do you feel about that reality and the privilege of engaging in the worship of the only true God, Jehovah? May your attitude be like that of David, who sang: “O Hearer of prayer, even to you people of all flesh will come. Happy is the one you choose and cause to approach, that he may reside in your courtyards. We will certainly be satisfied with the goodness of your house.”—Psalm 65:2, 4.

*** w07 3/15 p. 24 par. 14 Angels—How They Affect Mankind ***
When we consider the modern-day history of the preaching work of Jehovah’s Witnesses, do we not see evidence of angelic support? For example, Jehovah’s people were able to withstand the onslaught of Nazism in Germany and Western Europe before and during World War II (1939-45). Under Catholic Fascist regimes in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, they had to withstand persecution even longer. And for decades, they endured persecution in the former Soviet Union and its satellite nations. Not to be overlooked is the persecution that the Witnesses have endured in some African nations. In more recent times, Jehovah’s servants have suffered ferocious persecution in the country of Georgia. Satan has done everything in his power to put an end to the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Yet, as an organization, they have survived such opposition and have prospered. This is, in part, due to the protective shield that the angels have provided.—Psalm 34:7; Daniel 3:28; 6:22.

*** w68 7/1 p. 392 Is Your Religion the True One? ***
Continue the examination, for there is yet another outstanding feature of the true religion. That is its preaching of the message of God’s kingdom. Jesus Christ also set the example in bearing this fruitage. The Bible explains: “He went journeying from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God.” (Luke 8:1) He also instructed his disciples. (Matt. 10:12-14) And when giving the commission for Christians living in these “last days,” Jesus said: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”—Matt. 24:14.
How does your religion measure up? Does it take the Kingdom message to the homes of the people, performing the ministry in the way Jesus and his apostles did? Can its ministers say, as did the apostle Paul: “I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house”? (Acts 20:20) The ministers of the true religion can, for this is the principal way they perform their ministry.

*** w82 12/15 p. 24 par. 7 Clothing Ourselves With Love and Wearing It ***
At this late date in “the conclusion of the system of things” since 1914, there is need for concerted action on the part of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who are no part of this system of things. It is incumbent upon them to give a worldwide witness to the most important development in all human history. (Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10) The situation must take on the outstanding feature that the apostle Paul mentions as notable in his day. Calling attention to this at Colossians 1:23, he said: “The hope of that good news which you heard, and which was preached in all creation that is under heaven. Of this good news I Paul became a minister.” And now, all you ministers of the good news today, what about a similar creation-wide preaching of the good news that has been reserved for our own crucial time?

[Rifter]

Satan has done everything in his power to put an end to the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Yet, as an organization, they have survived such opposition and have prospered. This is, in part, due to the protective shield that the angels have provided.—Psalm 34:7; Daniel 3:28; 6:22.

Wow... They wrote that in 2007? "Protective Shield"? That's pretty silly.

Where was this protective force field when the child abuse lawsuits were brought against the WT? Or when they got pwned publically by Dateline NBC? Why aren't the children protected against molesters? Or when hundreds of thousands of members jumped shipped after the 1975 incident?

Where was their angelic shield when this website was created, for that matter?

Get real, the only thing helping them survive as an organization is cash money.

[Meatler]

*** w99 10/1 p. 8 par. 13 “For Everything There Is an Appointed Time” ***

...On the contrary! They are actually the happiest group of people on earth...

The per capita usage of anti-depression medications among the Witnesses is off the charts from everything that I have seen. This is one pill that is hard to swallow, no pun intended.

[Critical Thinker]

pg. 84, "No Way Out. Members are told that the only reasons why people leave are weakness, insanity, temptation, brainwashing (by deprogrammers), pride, sin, and so on."

*** w04 2/15 p. 19 par. 16 Guard Against Deception ***
Benefit from Biblical examples. The Bible contains warning examples of individuals who were deceived by Satan’s lies. They loved material things, lost sight of the times they were living in, or gave themselves over to immorality—all with bad results. (Matthew 19:16-22; 24:36-42; Luke 16:14; 1 Corinthians 10:8-11) Learn from modern-day examples. Sad to say, occasionally some Christians lose their sense of urgency and come to believe that by serving God they are missing out on something good. They may leave the truth to pursue a life of so-called pleasure. However, such individuals are “on slippery ground,” for sooner or later their ungodly conduct will catch up with them. (Psalm 73:18, 19) We are wise to learn from the mistakes of others.—Proverbs 22:3.

*** w80 8/1 pp. 19-20 Remain “Solid in the Faith” ***
Causes and Effects of Apostasy
10 Among the various causes of apostasy, one of the foremost is unquestionably a lack of faith through doubt. (Heb. 3:12) ...11 Thus the one who doubts to the point of becoming an apostate sets himself up as a judge. He thinks he knows better than his fellow Christians, better also than the “faithful and discreet slave,” through whom he has learned the best part, if not all that he knows about Jehovah God and his purposes. He develops a spirit of independence, and becomes “proud in heart . . . something detestable to Jehovah.” (Prov. 16:5) Some apostates even think they know better than God, as regards his ordering of events in the outworking of his purposes. Two other causes of apostasy are therefore ingratitude and presumption.—2 Pet. 2:10b-13a.
...13 After having yielded to such works of the flesh as “enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects,” apostates often fall victim to other fleshly works such as “drunken bouts,” “loose conduct” and “fornication.” (Gal. 5:19-21) Peter warns us against those who “look down on lordship” by despising theocratic order, who “speak abusively” of those entrusted with responsibility within the Christian congregation, and so ‘abandon the straight path.’ He says that their “final conditions have become worse for them than the first."

*** w96 2/1 pp. 23-24 par. 8 Trust in Jehovah and His Word ***
Has the reading or listening to apostate ideas or worldly philosophy introduced poisonous doubts? Wisely, the Bible counsels: “Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright. But shun empty speeches that violate what is holy; for they will advance to more and more ungodliness, and their word will spread like gangrene.” (2 Timothy 2:15-17) It is of interest that many who have become victims of apostasy got started in the wrong direction by first complaining about how they felt they were being treated in Jehovah’s organization. (Jude 16) Finding fault with beliefs came later. Just as a surgeon acts quickly to cut out gangrene, act quickly to rout out of the mind any tendency to complain, to be dissatisfied with the way things are done in the Christian congregation. (Colossians 3:13, 14) Cut off anything that feeds such doubts.—Mark 9:43."

*** jv chap. 28 pp. 626-629 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
When Pride Got in the Way
There have been times, however, when individuals in responsible positions came to view themselves as the channel of spiritual light, so that they resisted what was provided by the organization. Others simply gave in to the desire to exercise greater personal influence. They sought to get others to follow them, or, as the apostle Paul put it, “to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:29, 30) Of course, this tested the motives and spiritual stability of those whom they endeavored to entice. Consider some examples:
Special letters to the Bible Students in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, invited them to a meeting on April 5, 1894. Brother and Sister Russell were not invited and did not attend, but about 40 others were present. The letter, signed by E. Bryan, S. D. Rogers, J. B. Adamson, and O. von Zech, said that the meeting would involve things concerning their “highest welfare.” It turned out to be a malicious effort on the part of these conspirators to poison the minds of others by divulging what they surmised to be evil in Brother Russell’s business affairs (though the facts were to the contrary), by arguing that Brother Russell had too much authority (which they wanted for themselves), and by complaining because he favored use of the printed page to spread the gospel and Bible-class meetings instead of only giving discourses (in which they might more readily expound personal views). The congregation was greatly disturbed by what occurred, and many were stumbled. But those who turned aside did not as a result become more spiritual persons or more zealous in the Lord’s work.
Over 20 years later, prior to his death, Brother Russell expressed his intention to send Paul S. L. Johnson, a very capable speaker, to Britain to strengthen the Bible Students there. Out of respect for Brother Russell’s wish, the Society dispatched Johnson to Britain in November 1916. However, once he was in Britain, he dismissed two of the Society’s managers. Seeing himself as an important personage, he argued in speeches and correspondence that what he was doing was foreshadowed in the Scriptures by Ezra, Nehemiah, and Mordecai. He claimed to be the steward (or, man in charge) referred to by Jesus in his parable at Matthew 20:8. He tried to take control of the Society’s money, and he instituted a suit in the High Court of London to achieve his aims.
Thwarted in his endeavors, he returned to New York. There he sought to elicit support from certain ones who were serving on the Society’s board of directors. Those who were persuaded to side with him endeavored to achieve their aims by trying to pass a resolution to repeal bylaws of the Society that authorized the president to manage its affairs. They wanted authority for all decisions to rest with them. Legal action was taken by Brother Rutherford to safeguard the interests of the Society, and those who were seeking to disrupt its work were asked to leave the Bethel Home. At the annual meeting of the Society’s shareholders early the following year, when the board of directors and its officers were elected for the year to come, those who had been agitators were overwhelmingly rejected. Perhaps some of them thought that they were in the right, but the vast majority of their spiritual brothers made it clear that they did not agree. Would they accept that reproof?
Thereafter, P. S. L. Johnson appeared at meetings of the Bible Students and made it seem that he was in agreement with their beliefs and activity. But after gaining the confidence of some, he would sow seeds of doubt. If anyone suggested a break with the Society, he hypocritically discouraged this—until the loyalty of the group had been thoroughly undermined. By correspondence and even by personal trips, he endeavored to influence the brothers not only in the United States but also in Canada, Jamaica, Europe, and Australia. Was this successful?
Perhaps it seemed so when the majority in a congregation voted to sever ties with the Society. But they were like a branch cut from a tree—green for a while, then withered and lifeless. When the opposers held a convention in 1918, differences surfaced, and a split occurred. Further disintegration followed. Some functioned for a while as small sects with a leader that they admired. None of them devoted themselves to the work of giving a public witness in all the inhabited earth concerning God’s Kingdom, which is the work that Jesus assigned to his followers.
As these things took place, the brothers reminded themselves of what was recorded at 1 Peter 4:12: “Beloved ones, do not be puzzled at the burning among you, which is happening to you for a trial, as though a strange thing were befalling you.”
Those mentioned above were not the only ones who allowed pride to undermine their faith. Others also did so, including Alexandre Freytag, the manager of the Society’s office in Geneva, Switzerland. He liked to attract attention to himself, would add his own ideas when translating the Society’s publications into French, and even used the Society’s facilities to publish his own material. In Canada, there was W. F. Salter, a branch manager of the Society who began to disagree with the Society’s publications, let it be known that he expected to be the next president of the Watch Tower Society, and, after he was dismissed, dishonestly used the Society’s letterhead to instruct congregations in Canada and abroad to study material that he personally had written. In Nigeria, there was, among others, G. M. Ukoli, who at first showed zeal for the truth but then began to see it as a means of material gain and personal prominence. Afterward, when thwarted in his aims, he turned to roasting faithful brothers in the public press. And there were others.
Even in recent years, some individuals who occupied prominent positions of oversight displayed a similar spirit.
Of course, these people certainly had the freedom to believe what they chose. But anyone who publicly or privately advocates views that are divergent from what appears in the publications of an organization, and who does so while claiming to represent that organization, causes division. How did Jehovah’s Witnesses deal with these situations?
They did not launch a campaign of persecution against such persons (though the defectors often indulged in abuse of their former spiritual brothers), nor did they seek to do physical harm to them (as was practiced by the Catholic Church by means of the Inquisition). Rather, they followed the inspired advice of the apostle Paul, who wrote: “Keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them. For men of that sort are slaves, not of our Lord Christ . . . By smooth talk and complimentary speech they seduce the hearts of guileless ones.”—Rom. 16:17, 18.
As others observed what was taking place, they too were given opportunity to manifest what was in their hearts.

*** w99 4/1 p. 30 Baal Worship—The Battle for the Israelites’ Hearts ***
This “unseen power” of Satan promotes sexual immorality in order to enslave people spiritually. (John 8:34) In today’s permissive society, sexual abandon is not practiced as a fertility rite but, rather, as a way to find personal fulfillment or to do one’s own thing. And the propaganda is just as persuasive. Through entertainment, music, and advertising, sexual messages saturate people’s consciousness. God’s servants are not immune to this assault. In fact, the majority of those disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation are individuals who succumbed to such practices. Only by continually repudiating these immoral suggestions will a Christian remain chaste.—Romans 12:9.

*** w91 11/15 p. 9 Self-Control—Why So Important? ***
Why Self-Control Is So Important
4 What a harvest the lack of self-control has been reaping! Many troubles in the world today are primarily due to a lack of self-control. Truly, we are in “the last days,” when ‘critical times hard to deal with are here.’ Men are “without self-control” often because of greed, one form of which is being “lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) This sobering truth has forcefully been brought home to us by the exclusion of over 40,000 erring individuals from fellowship with the Christian congregation during the past service year, largely because of grossly wrong conduct. To these must be added the many who were given reproof, mostly for sexual immorality but all because of failure to exercise self-control. Also sobering is the fact that some longtime elders lost all their privileges as overseers for the same reason.

[Jezebel]

*** w91 11/15 p. 9 Self-Control—Why So Important? ***
Why Self-Control Is So Important
4 What a harvest the lack of self-control has been reaping! Many troubles in the world today are primarily due to a lack of self-control. Truly, we are in “the last days,” when ‘critical times hard to deal with are here.’ Men are “without self-control” often because of greed, one form of which is being “lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) This sobering truth has forcefully been brought home to us by the exclusion of over 40,000 erring individuals from fellowship with the Christian congregation during the past service year, largely because of grossly wrong conduct. To these must be added the many who were given reproof, mostly for sexual immorality but all because of failure to exercise self-control. Also sobering is the fact that some longtime elders lost all their privileges as overseers for the same reason.

Wow, talk about blaming the victim and not admitting any responsibility for establishing rules that most people cannot follow because they go against human nature and are extremely intrusive and controlling into the details of peoples lives when so many "faithful" members do not follow them. It is no wonder that those of us in recovery have scars many years later from this abusive, mind twisting BS.

Thank you for posting these Critical Thinker, I had forgotten how poisonous and toxic the cool-aid was.

Jezebel

[Critical Thinker]

Wow, talk about blaming the victim and not admitting any responsibility for establishing rules that most people cannot follow because they go against human nature and are extremely intrusive and controlling into the details of peoples lives when so many "faithful" members do not follow them. It is no wonder that those of us in recovery have scars many years later from this abusive, mind twisting BS.
Jezebel

Yes, and I appreciate the point Ray Franz made in his first book about how these numbers are portrayed to show what the Society wants members to believe - nothing is said about how many people learn the truth about "The Truth" and leave.

Next point...

pg. 81, "A cultist's entire sense of reality becomes exernally referenced; he learns to ignore his inner self and trust the external authority figure. He learns to look to others for direction and meaning. ..In this state of extreme dependency, members need someone to tell them what to think, feel, and do."



In the Watchtower magazines, from 1950-2008
Number of occurances of the exact phrase, "What do we think?" = 3
Number of occurances of the exact phrase, "How should you feel" = 5
Number of occurance of the exact phrase, "How do we feel" = 6
Number of occurances of the exact phrase, "What should you do?" =187
And the answer to these questions is given in the article it is found in.

Also consider:

*** w07 2/1 p. 24 par. 12 Never Cease Growing in Your Appreciation ***
Jehovah always helps his servants to do his will. Noah, for example, received clear, specific instructions on how to build the ark—a project that had to be just right the first time! And it was. Why? Because Noah “proceeded to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so.” (Genesis 6:14-22) Today, too, Jehovah fully equips his servants to do his will. Of course, our primary work is to preach the good news of God’s established Kingdom and help deserving ones become disciples of Jesus Christ. And as was true of Noah, our success depends on obedience. We must obediently follow the direction Jehovah provides through his Word and his organization.—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.

*** w06 5/15 p. 24 par. 13 Are You Prepared for Survival? ***
Jehovah has brought about progressive adjustments in the earthly part of his organization. These have served to beautify, stabilize, and strengthen his arrangement for our spiritual protection. From the 1870’s to 1932, elders and deacons were voted into office by members of the congregation. In 1932 the elective elders were replaced with a service committee elected by the congregation to assist an appointed service director. During 1938, arrangements were made for the theocratic appointment of all servants in the congregation. Under the direction of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, since 1972, recommendations are made and if these are approved, the congregations receive letters theocratically appointing overseers and ministerial servants. Over the years, the role played by the Governing Body has intensified and changes have been made to facilitate its work.

*** w05 7/1 p. 12 Happy for My Share in Global Bible Education ***
When I recall the happy years that I have spent in the full-time ministry, my heart overflows with gratitude to Jehovah. He and the earthly part of his organization have consistently provided sound direction and precious assistance, enabling me to reach my full potential as I have spent my life serving him. My heartfelt desire is that Jehovah strengthen me to continue in his service. I am happy for my modest share in the global Bible education work that he directs.—Malachi 3:10.

*** w04 1/1 p. 30 Highlights From the Book of Genesis—I ***
Jehovah speaks to us through his written Word and gives direction through his organization. It is to our benefit to listen and obey.

*** w04 8/1 p. 11 par. 14 Jehovah Reveals His Glory to Humble Ones ***
What do these examples teach us? They show us that Jehovah favors and reveals knowledge and understanding of his purpose to humble ones. He chooses individuals who may not meet certain human expectations and uses them as his means to communicate his glorious purpose to others. This should motivate us to continue looking to Jehovah, his prophetic Word, and his organization for direction. We can be sure that Jehovah will keep his humble servants informed regarding the unfolding of his glorious purpose. The prophet Amos declared: “The Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets.”—Amos 3:7.

*** w03 9/1 p. 13 par. 2 Trust in Jehovah Completely in Times of Distress ***
2 As true Christians, we must do more than simply say that we trust in Jehovah. Just as “faith without works is dead,” so too any claim that we trust in God is meaningless unless we back it up by our actions. (James 2:26) In the preceding article, we learned that our trust in Jehovah is manifested when we turn to him in prayer, when we seek direction from his Word, and when we look to his organization for guidance. Let us now consider how we can take those three steps in times of distress.

*** w04 3/1 pp. 25-26 Godly Contentment Has Sustained Me ***
However, even more dangerous was the spiritual privation caused by the war. Most of the brothers fled the war zone into the jungle or to other villages, and in the process, they lost most if not all of their Bible publications. In addition, the blockade by the government troops prevented new Bible literature from coming into the Biafran area. Although most of the congregations tried to hold meetings, the spirituality of the brothers suffered because direction from the branch office could not reach them.

*** w87 11/1 p. 20 par. 16 Are You Remaining Clean in Every Respect? ***
Interestingly, a circuit overseer in France observes: “Some brothers are deceived because they lack accurate knowledge.” That is why Proverbs 11:9 states: “By knowledge are the righteous rescued.” This does not mean giving apostates a hearing ear or delving into their writings. Rather, it means coming to “an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God” through diligent personal study of the Bible and the Society’s Bible-based publications. Having this accurate knowledge, who would become so curious as to pay any attention to apostate mouthings? May no man “delude you with persuasive arguments”! (Colossians 2:2-4) False religious propaganda from any source should be avoided like poison! Really, since our Lord has used “the faithful and discreet slave” to convey to us “sayings of everlasting life,” why should we ever want to look anywhere else?—John 6:68.

[Jezebel]

the spirituality of the brothers suffered because direction from the branch office could not reach them.

Jez

[Critical Thinker]

pg. 66, "Cult idealogies have "outsider" doctrines and "insider" doctrines. The outsider material is relatively bland stuff for the general public or fresh converts. The inner doctrines are unveiled only gradually as a person gets in deeper."

*** km 7/07 p. 1 pars. 1-5 Exciting Changes for The Watchtower! ***
1 Earlier this year, congregations received a thrilling announcement: Starting in January 2008, The Watchtower will have two different editions, one for the public and the other for our Christian brotherhood! Perhaps you have been wondering: ‘How will the two magazines be different? What are the advantages of having separate editions? Are there any new features to look forward to?’
2 The Differences: The issue dated the first of the month will be known as the Public Edition. All the articles in this issue will be prepared with the public in mind. The issue dated the 15th of the month will be known as the Study Edition and will not be offered in field service. It will contain all the study articles needed for one month as well as secondary articles that are of particular interest to dedicated Christians. The Public Edition of The Watchtower not only will appeal to Witnesses but will especially appeal to non-Witnesses who may accept the Bible. Awake!, on the other hand, will still be aimed at a broader audience, including skeptics and those who profess a non-Christian religion.
3 The Advantages: In the Study Edition, it will no longer be necessary to explain terms like “pioneer” in ways that non-Witnesses can grasp. This edition can also contain pointed information prepared especially for Jehovah’s Witnesses and Bible students who are making spiritual progress. What about the Public Edition? Since the subjects and the style of writing will be directed toward the public, a non-Witness should enjoy reading the magazine from cover to cover. Of course, every Witness of Jehovah will benefit from reading each issue. Because we will be offering just one Watchtower with one Awake! in the field ministry each month, we will have an entire month to develop effective presentations.
4 New Features: Some exciting new features are planned for the Public Edition of The Watchtower. One feature will discuss basic Scriptural teachings in a very simple format. Another will show how the Bible can help families. Bible study projects will be outlined for young people. Each issue will have an article highlighting specific Bible passages that teach us about Jehovah as a person.
5 We pray that Jehovah will bless this new arrangement for The Watchtower. May that journal, along with Awake!, reach many more deserving ones with the good news.—Matt. 10:11.

*** km 2/87 p. 8 Question Box ***
● Who should receive a copy of Our Kingdom Ministry?
Our Kingdom Ministry is designed to provide help and encouragement for those who share in the field ministry. Therefore, it is not for general distribution. All baptized publishers and approved associates should receive a copy. Those who regularly attend the Service Meeting and who are making progress toward sharing in the field ministry should also receive a copy. Be sure to reserve a copy for the Kingdom Hall library. Disfellowshipped persons should not be given a copy of Our Kingdom Ministry.Some congregations have found it advantageous to make a list of all persons who qualify and then divide the list up according to Congregation Book Study groups. This list can be used by the study conductors to facilitate distribution, perhaps even typing or neatly writing each person’s name on his copy. Each one who receives a copy of Our Kingdom Ministry should take care of it and use it in preparing for the Service Meeting and for field service. Many have found it helpful to keep a file of Our Kingdom Ministry in their personal theocratic library for future reference.

*** km 11/70 p. 4 Question Box ***
● How many copies of “Kingdom Ministry” should a congregation receive?
“Kingdom Ministry” is not for general distribution. As the name implies, it contains help and encouragement for those who share in the field ministry. The congregation should receive enough copies of “Kingdom Ministry” so that all who qualify can have one. How is the figure arrived at? Add the total number of publishers, regular and irregular, to the number of pioneers associated with the congregation. To this add the names of all others who attend the service meetings with some regularity and who give indication that they want to share in the field ministry and are making some progress in that direction. There should be one for the Theocratic Ministry School library and one for the congregation file kept by the congregation servant, in addition to the congregation servant’s personal copy. This total is then rounded off to the next multiple of eight, inasmuch as “Kingdom Ministry” is sent in groups of eight, and this makes copies available to care for growth in the congregation.
Some congregation servants have found it advantageous to have a list of those who qualify to receive a copy of “Kingdom Ministry.” When the month’s supply arrives, the names of these persons are written neatly on their copies and distributed to them through the book study servants. A brother who sets a good example in the congregation can be assigned to assist in this. In this way each one is assured of getting his copy. Knowing that extra copies for replacement are not available, each one should take care of the one provided for him. Many publishers find it useful to save “Kingdom Ministry” for future reference.

*** dx86-08 Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will (Book) ***
unbaptized publisher receives: od 81
[Organized to Do Jehovah's Will is not available in Watchtower Library]

*** w96 1/15 p. 16 par. 6 Jehovah’s Sheep Need Tender Care ***
After a Bible student has taken in knowledge and has attended meetings for a while, he may want to become a Kingdom publisher, a preacher of the good news. (Mark 13:10) If so, the Witness conducting the Bible study with him should contact the presiding overseer, who will arrange for one of the elders on the Congregation Service Committee and another elder to meet with the Bible student and his teacher. The discussion will be based on the book [b]Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry , pages 98 and 99. If these two elders see that the new one believes basic Bible teachings and has conformed to God’s principles, he will be told that he is qualified to share in the public ministry. When he reports his ministry by turning in a field service report, it will be posted on a Congregation’s Publisher Record card made out in his name. The new one can now report his witnessing activity along with the millions of others who joyfully ‘publish the word of God.’ (Acts 13:5) An announcement that he is an unbaptized publisher will be made to the congregation.
[Footnotes]
At this point, the new one may obtain a copy of the book Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry.

*** w92 6/15 p. 27 par. 18 Fishing for Men in Global Waters ***
An additional aid in the worldwide fishing work is the Pioneer Service School that regular pioneers attend. Through two weeks of intensive coverage of the publication Shining as Illuminators in the World, prepared exclusively for pioneers, they improve their ministerial ability as they consider such subjects as “Pursuing the Way of Love,” “Follow Jesus as a Model,” and “Developing the Art of Teaching.” How grateful all the congregations are to have these teams of qualified house-to-house fishers who can train many in this great fishing work!—Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:15; 2 Timothy 2:1, 2.

Ministerial Training School
*** w06 11/15 p. 11 A School Whose Graduates Benefit People Worldwide ***
“Taught by Jehovah”
The school’s eight-week course features an in-depth study of the Bible. Students learn how Jehovah’s people are organized to do God’s will and how they can personally use the Bible more effectively in their field ministry, at congregation meetings, and at assemblies.
One appreciative graduate wrote this to a student who had not yet attended: “Believe me, you are in for the best educational experience you’ve ever had. The scripture that mentions being ‘taught by Jehovah’ really takes on added meaning. The whole experience is a molding, shaping, and refining of the heart and personality to conform more closely to the example of Christ Jesus. You are in for the greatest experience of your life.”—Isaiah 54:13.

*** km 8/04 p. 3 par. 5 Ministerial Training School—A Large Door That Leads to Activity ***
Requirements: Understandably, the requirements to attend the school are high. Applicants must have served as elders or ministerial servants for at least two consecutive years. All must be single and between the ages of 23 and 50.

Elders manual

Gilead School

[leavingwt]

"Surveys of present and former cult members indicate that the majority of people recruited into destructive cults were approached at a vulnerable time of stress in their lives (pg. 49).

Here is just a sample of the experiences of people who were recruited by JWs as related in the Society's publications that proves this point:

15-year-old orphaned girl learns truth: w86 6/15 32
drug user changes after reading Creation book: w89 9/15 32
girl raised by nuns: yb90 53 (she was raised by nuns after the divorce of her parents)
girl with leukemia: w01 6/1 10; w94 7/1 30
orphaned girl on school bus: w98 3/1 25
seeking place in life: w95 1/15 32
youth whose father died: yb88 42-3
grief from children’s tragedies overcome: w88 1/1 6
grief from husband’s death overcome: w90 7/15 25
schoolteacher with family problems: g97 4/8 32
sad girl on school bus: w98 3/1 25
unwed mother: w90 5/15 21
victim of sexual abuse as child: w03 3/15 8-9
victims of prejudice: w96 6/1 5-6
abandoned woman: yb97 50
prostitute: w94 9/15 27
troublemaker: yb03 207-8
unhappy over problems: w94 6/1 6-7
insecure: g98 10/8 9-10
abandoned by parents: w98 1/1 4-5
adoptee: g96 5/8 10
child abuse victim: g93 11/22 32
incorrigible son: yb98 9-10
neglectful parents: yb01 47; w00 1/1 4; g94 5/8 9-10
poverty: yb03 209-10
invalid: g91 10/22 10
legless: w00 5/15 30-1
paralytic: yb03 58; yb01 45; w00 4/15 4-6
depressed: yb03 51-2; w93 7/1 31; w90 3/1 3-4; w90 4/1 23; w90 9/1 15; yb89 11-13; w86 4/1 7
addict of paint thinner: w92 6/15 6-7
alcohol abusers: w03 7/15 8-9; yb99 63-4; w98 1/1 3-4; yb98 173; w96 10/15 29; w95 4/15 9; yb94 55; yb93 175, 193-4; w88 5/1 18
alcoholics: g02 6/22 7-8; w00 4/15 4-6; w98 1/1 4; w96 5/1 30; w92 8/1 5-6; yb92 59-60; g87 11/8 10-11; w86 10/1 24

My Dad was approached by the JWs at a vulnerable time in his life. I think this is very common among those who were not born in.