JW book for elders?

Question

Has any Jehovah's Witnesses ever heard of a "secret" book that only elders have?

Have you ever seen it or read it?

Answer 1

It's not as secret as you may think. It's talked about in the magazine, The Watchtower, a picture of it is in one of our publications. The material inside the book is a compilation of material from books and articles any Witness has access to. The book serves to put things in catagories and makes finding material easier and faster.

Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock.



EDIT: It is true that when an elder ceases to serve as an elder, he must turn his book in.

Answer 2

Can't be much of a secret. Note this quote from the 1978 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, page 22:

"Most of the elders of congregations world wide had attended the Kingdom Ministry School, but since the time they attended there have been a number of organizational changes. So they, as well as elders who had not had the opportunity to attend, welcomed the announcement at the district assemblies that there would be an opportunity for all elders—whether they have previously attended or not—to receive instruction in a new revised course. This is a greatly abbreviated course. Initially all the traveling overseers have the opportunity of attending. ►►A new textbook, “Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock,” has been prepared. Following the course, each elder is permitted to retain his copy for future benefit in caring for his responsibilities as an overseer."◄◄

Also from the January 15, 1994 Watchtower, page 17 paragraph 9 "Shepherds and Sheep in a Theocracy":

"Since theocracy is God rule, effective elders are thoroughly familiar with God’s will. Joshua was commanded to read the Law daily. Elders too need to study and consult the Scriptures regularly and to be thoroughly familiar with Bible literature published by the faithful and discreet slave. (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) This includes the Watchtower and Awake! magazines and other publications that show how Bible principles apply to specific situations. *

►►*FOOTNOTE: Among such publications is the book “Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock,” which contains Scriptural guidelines and is provided for appointed congregation overseers, or elders."◄◄

It is also mentioned in the June 1978 Kingdom Ministry.

Some really big secret, huh!

Answer 3

Nope not a secret... Ive known about that book for a LONG time....

When I lived at home, my dad had/has one. My father in law has one..... It is there to help them... It is a book put together of encouragement and how to handle certain situations to help the "flock".. Though I have never looked through it, I know this to be true. When I ask my father or father in law questions, they will look some stuff up and give great encouragement from the book... What they tell me is from that book, I can find in our Watchtowers.

The Elders have a LOT to handle in the congregation.... All the information there is loving put together to help make their life easy, for quick reference. Then they don't have to take the time to research EVERY question that comes their way. The elders also have lives.. They have jobs, and a family they must take care of in a material sense but also a spiritual sense. Then they prepare talk outlines for the congregation, then they give these parts in a public setting. They are door to door every weekend. Then they take care of congregations that average 70-130 publishers in each congregation and there is usually 4-7 elders. So imagine the workload. They enjoy this though, because they want to help different ones in need.

One day I hope that my husband will have one. (Though I won't look at it, I have no need to ) I hope that one day he will be an elder.... Soon though.. That is his goal.

Our congregation averages about 130 publishers and we have about 5 elders. They have a heavy responsibility. Yet every elder I know, is happy. :))) And also more than willing to help out situations, and offer wonderful scriptural encouragement. And they don't get a dime for it, as many people think. They do this out of goodness of their heart, because they know this is what Jehovah wants from them.

Answer 4

haha no secret book, a good friend of mine is an Elder and yes there is a book for the Elders, but its nothing secret, just an easy reference on how to encourage ones and give counsel.

funny.. do you think you'd post that JW's have a secret book and all of a sudden all JW's would leave our faith.. not gonna happen, we know that overall the congregation is taken care of by God and Jesus and thats where our guidance and direction comes from, but just as in Bible times where the apostles and diciples, etc. they took the lead in the congregations, its the same arrangement as was back in early times, but overall it's direction is from God.

we're not on the island of LOST with all these secrets and hidden books and things.....

do you have secret books in your church ?

Answer 5

There was one for sale on eBay once... The information in it is not top-secret or classified. It merely helps them to fulfill their commission to shepherd the flock of God. But it IS only for those who fill the role. I'm not an Elder- I'm not even male lol- so why would I WANT to see it, let alone NEED to see it?
I've heard the brothers references material from it, though, while out in service with them or whenever they're giving parts. So it's not like people need to learn a secret handshake to hear information from it.

Elders carry a heavy responsibility. They have a lot to do simply by organizing Bible talks and meetings. But they also have to offer counseling (not as a substitution for medical counseling though)... they offer encouragement to everyone and they also take the lead in the Ministry. And when wrong-doing occurs in the congregation, they also take care of that.
It's handy having helpful information all in one place for quick reference.
As others have mentioned- there are also books and/or brochures for children, parents, families, baptized publishers, for the School, and for Pioneers. I'm sure there are other books as well.

Answer 6

WE are a UNITED people. THe whole association of brothers all have access to the same materials...
I think you must have seen Nat'l Treasure- Book of Secrets, huh?
Imagination running wild there, pal.

Answer 7

It's so secret, that when I asked if I could take a look at it, the elder said "sure" and let me flip through it.

There is nothing 'secret' about the book.

- Bob

Answer 8

"Secret"? No. Not hardly. The WBTS is an educational association. It has a number of different "schools" that are conducted throughout the year. There happens to be something called Ministerial Training School for elders so they can improve how they care for the congregation. That brings it's own text book. Full time ministers also have what is known as "Pioneer" School. That also has it's own text book.

Next. :)

Answer 9

There is an elders handbook that is for elders only. Some guy in Norway had it on the internet once up one a time. He went to jail for copyright infringement.

It is help for counselling others...very nice information. Nothing untoward in it.

We also have one for baptized witnesses called Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry and a monthly leaflet for those who are active publishers called Our Kingdom Ministry about speaking to others and a Theocratic Ministry School book for those who are giving at least 5 minute practice talks.

They are not "secret" though.

And all our stuff is "FREE", so the books are not for making money.

Debbie

Answer 10

You are kidding right? Nothing is "secret" on the Internet.
Several sites claim to have this "secret" book so just how secret is it?