1. In the late 1990's I was disfellowshipped for reviling. I was reinstated two years later. There were no shepherding calls made on me and the reinstatement meeting took place 6 months after I wrote my letter. The congregation gave me a huge overwhelming welcome back after they announced my reinstatement. The elders who made the reinstatement decision did not tell me they had decided to reinstate me. It was told to me by two other elders the night they announced my reinstatement.
2. I was disfellowshipped again in 2006 for loose conduct. I was reinstated 1 1/2 years later. No shepherding calls were made on me. This time, it took them only two months to respond to my letter, but only after I left a "serious" voice mail on the elder's answering maching. He told me later there had been some kind of "miscommunication." Less than ten people welcomed me back after they announced my reinstatement. I got a bigger welcome back from the sister congregation of the same Hall.
2007-12-13 08:48:12 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm surprised by the fourth person who answered my question.
If you are a JW then you should know that all committee meetings are private.
I simply asked about reinstatement experiences. However, those particular elders know that I'm disapppointed in them. That's why I left the "serious" voice mail.
I prefer speaking with mature sisters over a man I don't know/trust. However, they decided to reinstate me, so I should try to let the past be the past. These experiences have shown me that I gave implicit trust in men that didn't earn/deserve it.
Jehovah is the only one I trust. Imperfect people always disappoint sooner or later. That is just a fact of life.
2007-12-13 10:56:12 · update #1
I have never been disfellowshipped but I want to say that i am happt that you are back. I know for me, if I don't know the person in my hall, I have a hard time welcoming them back.
2007-12-15 13:57:41 · answer #1 · answered by no name 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's an interesting question!
2016-09-20 09:43:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What MATTERS here is that you have chosen to remain true to your dedication. That's a most wonderful thing to hear :-) Keep in mind that even elders are imperfect men and prone to miscommunication (as you mentioned) and even mistakes. Jehovah will see to it that things are treated accordingly depending on everyone's state of heart in the situation. He sees all and so knows more than us. Perhaps you can look at the whole thing as a test within yourself to prove how MUCH you wish to be reinstated and live your life for the truth. WELCOME BACK :-)
2007-12-13 09:01:42 · answer #3 · answered by Dana C 4 · 9⤊ 1⤋
I personally haven't been reinstated, no need, but I do know how excited I am when someone comes back to Jehovah.
2007-12-14 13:00:28 · answer #4 · answered by Ish Var Lan Salinger 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
When I was a Jehovah's Witness, I had first hand experience of how the organisation used its control over members to keep them in line and ensure they never strayed. The 'Elders' (a bunch of blokes) were judge and jury over the 'offender'. The 'offender' had to confess his or her sin and throw themselves on the mercy of the 'Elders'. You see, if you are a Jehovah's Witness and you are in danger of being thrown out, you have nowhere to go. Your family will denounce you if you are disfellowshipped. You will have no friends. Nothing. That's why the system works so well. Fear. Fear of being disfellowshipped. Fear of being shunned. That's what keeps them all in line. The ultimate fear, of course, is not surviving Armageddon.
Yet Jesus said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:25-30) "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18). A healthy fear of the Lord is good - by all means, make sure you please Jehovah. Men? An organisation? To whom are you beholden?
I was never disfellowshipped, and I never asked to be reinstated because the treatment I received at the hands of my 'Elders' and so-called betters was disgracefull. Jesus welcomed me into his fold as a stray sheep, some 11 years ago. I do not belong to an organisation. I belong to Christ, the good Shepherd, and I am the most thankful of sheep.
2007-12-15 08:28:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 6⤋
Do you think, it was wise to post this here?
Did you speak to those elders in private?
Rememeber even thou, we are in Jehovah's earthly organization... We are still imperfect individuals...
Personal matters shouldn't be posted here...
Speak with someone at your local congregation that you feel comfortable and/or an elder... They are there to serve the flock...
Always remember this Scripture... (Matthew 5:23-24) 23 “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and you there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift.
2007-12-13 10:32:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 5⤋
I don't know about a "reinstated" witness as I plan to never have that experience.
But as a disfellowshipped apostate, I feel a great sense of liberty, freed from the Theo-Borg, the Witness mind prison.
I know what loose conduct is. In fact I probably invented some of that stuff, but what the heck is "reviling"?
UPDATE: Yum Yum, you have nailed it!!! Couldn't have set it better. That is exactly my experience!!
2007-12-15 04:51:34 · answer #7 · answered by isnrblogdotcalm 5 · 3⤊ 7⤋
Thankyou all for your answers and opinions!
2016-08-26 11:32:44 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
(((graceful cheerful mercy)))
2007-12-13 09:30:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Empty...so I wrote a letter to disassosciate myself...Now I am a christian and I love it!
2007-12-14 16:00:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 7⤋