![]() ![]() The body of elders may withhold its recommendation for a member to serve in a new position of responsibility, though still permitting existing responsibilities. After resignation or removal from an appointed position, an announcement is made during the congregation's Service Meeting indicating that the person is "no longer serving ", without elaboration. For example, an elder may be removed or choose to step aside voluntarily from his position if members of his household are not in "good standing". ![]() Įlders, ministerial servants, pioneers, or other appointed Witnesses can lose their "special privileges of service". While Witnesses sometimes refer to field ministry, after-meeting cleanup, and other responsibilities as "privileges", the term "privileges of service" often implies a specific range of assignments assisting elders and ministerial servants with meeting demonstrations and other responsibilities. Withheld "privileges" Īn active Jehovah's Witness may have their congregational "privileges of service" limited, even without having committed a serious sin. Two elders (or an elder and a ministerial servant) may schedule and perform a particular shepherding visit on their own or at the direction of the body of elders. Personal "shepherding visits" are intended to encourage members of the congregation, though may also include counsel and correction, then or on a subsequent visit. Elders may also give recommendations or warnings to members in non-judicial situations. Counsel may be provided by a mature Witness in addition to self-discipline and family discipline. This is intended to alert other members already aware of the individual's conduct to limit social interaction with that person.Ĭounsel may be given in situations involving actions that are considered inappropriate but are not considered to be of sufficient gravity to necessitate a judicial committee. ![]() If counsel is not accepted, congregational responsibilities may be withheld or restricted, and elders may present a talk to the congregation about the type of behavior, without naming the individual. The practice of disfellowshipping, particularly the shunning of family members, has been criticized by many non-members and ex-members.Ĭounsel and guidance Personal counsel Ĭongregation elders may offer counsel in privileged settings, with the opportunity for the member to confess wrongdoing. Individuals who are disfellowshipped may be reinstated after an extended period if they are deemed to demonstrate repentance. A variety of controls can be enforced, from reproof and restriction of congregational duties to excommunication, known as disfellowshipping, which includes shunning. Private hearings involving "serious sin" are performed by formal judicial committees, in which guilt and repentance are determined by a tribunal of elders. Members who engage in conduct that is considered inappropriate may be counseled privately by elders and congregational responsibilities may be withheld or restricted. Jehovah's Witnesses employ various levels of congregational discipline as formal controls administered by congregation elders.
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