ELDERS
(Also called Older Men)
(See also Coordinator of Body of Elders; Elective Elders; Judicial Committee; Privileges of Service; Traveling Overseers; 24 Elders; positions by name)
(Note centered heading below: Overseers)
24 elders (Re 4:1-11; 5:8): it-2 513, 551; re 77, 85-88, 201; w88 12/15 20
accountability: od 44-45; w07 4/1 29-30; w96 9/15 20-21; om 39-40
admitting mistakes: w22.03 29-30; w93 11/15 30
admitting need for support: w04 5/1 20
“angels,” “stars” (Re 1:16, 20; 2:1; 3:1): w10 9/15 27; re 28-29, 33, 54-55, 136; w03 5/15 10; w02 3/15 14; w89 4/1 11-12; w88 10/1 17; w87 8/1 17-18
in Jesus’ right hand: mwb19.11 5; it-1 1029; w12 10/15 14; w07 4/1 27; w03 5/15 10; w02 3/15 14; w94 7/1 25
position of elders who are “other sheep”: w10 9/15 27; re 136; w89 4/1 12; w87 8/1 18-19
applying law of Christ: w96 9/1 22-23
appointment: bt 42-43, 99; it-2 550-551; w01 1/15 13, 15-16; w90 3/15 20; je 12-13
announcement: om 42
attitude if not appointed: w12 11/15 19; w01 8/15 27-28; w97 3/15 8-11; w92 9/15 31
Bible Students: jv 207-209
by circuit overseer (from 2014 on): mwb19.08 4; w14 11/15 28-29
by Governing Body or authorized representatives: wt 132-133; w01 1/15 14-16; om 41, 78
by holy spirit: scl 86; od 31, 38-39; lvs 53-54; w14 11/15 28-29; lv 43; w13 11/15 22; w02 3/15 14-15; w02 8/1 13; w01 1/15 13-16; w92 2/1 16; om 30, 38-39
first century: od 26-27; it-1 499; w14 11/15 28-29; om 23-24
Greek word: it-2 550-551
not being hasty (1Ti 5:22): it-1 1029; it-2 969
not by congregations: it-2 550
not by election: it-2 550-551
“other sheep”: re 136; w95 7/1 21-25; jv 216; w89 4/1 12; w87 8/1 18-19
reaching out for: w23.12 28; lff lesson 55; w20.07 5; od 39-40; it-1 1160; w14 9/15 3-6; w11 6/15 23; w11 11/15 31-32; w10 5/15 24-28; w09 11/15 16; w03 9/15 23; w01 1/1 9-10; w00 7/1 29; w99 12/1 28; sg 191; w90 9/1 18-23; om 39-40
recommendations: bt 43; od 37-38; w14 11/15 29; w01 1/15 14; om 37-38, 41, 78
“they appointed elders” (Ac 14:23): w14 11/15 28-29; jv 207-208, 218
understanding clarified (1932): kr 123; jv 213-214, 638
understanding clarified (1938): w23.05 18; kr 123; jv 217-221, 639
understanding clarified (2014): w16.11 11; w14 11/15 28-29
appreciation for elders: scl 88; od 31, 45; w16.01 11; w11 6/15 24-28; w06 7/15 20-21; w04 12/15 21-22; w99 6/1 16-19; om 40
circuit overseer appreciated: w94 1/15 19
depressed sisters: w02 2/15 23; w94 1/15 19
elder recovering from illness: w19.02 18
shepherding call: w93 9/15 23
sister in distant hospital: w94 1/15 19
appreciation for fellow Christians:
balance with need to counsel: w97 8/1 17-18
importance of expressing: w94 12/1 29
recognizing faithful service: w94 12/1 29
assisting—
abusive mates: g96 10/22 9
alcoholics: w93 8/15 26
all to be slaves of God and Christ: w95 6/15 21-22
all to serve with joy: w94 7/1 27-28
angry or emotional people: w91 11/15 21
Bible students: w21.03 12-13
brothers to reach out: w15 4/15 11-12; w14 9/15 5; w11 11/15 28-31
deleted elders and ministerial servants: w90 9/1 22-23
depressed: cl 166-167; w13 8/15 19-20; g 7/09 7, 9; w90 3/15 29-30
disaster victims: w22.12 24-25
disfellowshipped: w21.10 11; w15 4/15 31; w92 8/15 31; w91 4/15 21-23; w91 8/15 28
distressed: w02 2/15 23; w99 5/15 26-27; w95 12/1 18-19; w91 11/15 20-21
during persecution: w22.12 26
elderly: w14 3/15 23-24; w08 8/15 19; w06 6/1 6-7; w04 5/15 17-19; w02 11/15 24-25; w94 8/1 29; w93 8/15 28-29; w93 9/1 25-26; w88 7/15 21-23; w87 6/1 10-12
elderly in nursing homes: w08 4/15 26-27
inactive: w20.06 20-23, 25; kr 126-127; w13 11/15 23-24; w08 11/15 9, 11-16; km 1/08 5; km 3/07 1; km 2/06 5; w04 5/1 21-22; km 2/04 4; km 2/03 5; km 2/02 5; km 3/02 1, 4-5; km 4/01 3; km 11/00 3
irregular: km 10/98 7; km 6/96 1; km 12/87 7
longtime Christians having spiritual problems: w92 11/15 20
marriage mates: w23.08 16; w18.06 25; w17.04 8; w13 4/15 15; w12 5/15 10-11; w06 5/1 25
mentally distressed: w88 10/15 26-27; w88 11/15 21-24
one guilty of private drunkenness or smoking: w06 11/15 30; w96 1/15 18
pioneers: km 3/93 4-5; km 2/92 7
pioneers whose hours are low: km 2/95 7; km 3/95 7; km 3/93 5
refugees: w17.05 5-6
reinstated ones: w24.04 7; w21.10 17
repentant wrongdoers: lff lesson 57; w19.05 7; w06 11/15 28-30; w01 6/1 30-31; w98 8/1 15-17; w97 8/15 29; w96 9/15 21
sexually abused: yp1 233; w95 11/1 28-29
sisters: w20.09 24-25; w16.11 3; w06 9/15 27; w96 10/15 17; w93 2/15 15; w93 5/15 21-22; w91 11/15 21-22
sisters having problems: w95 7/15 16
spiritually sick: scl 87; it-2 547; w13 11/15 29-30; w11 6/15 22; w97 11/15 23; w93 5/15 14-17; w90 11/15 21; w89 10/1 20
those disputing over trifles and speculations: w00 5/1 12
those expecting hospitalization: mwb23.01 7
those facing disasters: w22.12 24
those facing disease outbreaks: w22.12 23
those feeling unworthy to pray: w95 12/1 18-19
those feeling useless: w21.07 22-23; w20.06 22-23
those having conflicts: w11 8/15 30; w11 9/15 31-32
those having problems: w94 8/1 17-18; w94 10/1 19; w93 5/15 12-17
those in danger of becoming inactive: km 3/02 5
those struggling with personal weaknesses: w03 9/1 18-19
those threatened with blood transfusions: km 11/90 5
those with business disputes: w86 11/15 20
those with unbelieving mates: w89 11/15 19-20
unbelieving mates of fellow Christians: km 11/10 6; w96 8/1 18-19; w89 5/15 17-18
victims of childhood abuse: w92 12/15 11; g92 4/8 27; g91 10/8 9
widows: w01 5/1 6
with fellow feeling: w19.03 17, 19; w89 11/15 18-19
wives whose husbands view pornography: w23.08 16
youths: w23.07 11; yb17 163-164; km 11/93 5
youths to enter full-time ministry: yb91 103, 113
attitude of others toward: scl 88; od 31, 45, 203; w17.03 11-12; lv 46-49; w11 6/15 24-28; w01 6/15 20; w89 9/15 20-25; om 40; w88 10/1 15-16, 19-20; w86 6/1 23-24; w86 7/1 7; tp 139-141
answering personal questions elders need to ask: w09 6/15 17
appreciation: scl 88; od 31, 45; w96 10/15 24; w89 9/15 23-24
blaming elders: w95 2/1 27-28
confessing wrongdoing honestly: lvs 191-192; lv 164-166
confidence: w98 8/15 12-14
consideration: w18.09 31; w99 6/1 18-19; w91 8/15 19
cooperation: w22.02 4-5; lff lesson 20; w16.03 15; w11 5/15 27; w09 10/15 16-17; w92 6/1 18-19; w89 9/15 25
decisions of elders: w17.04 25-26; w98 6/1 17
detailed directions from elders: w11 9/15 27-28
“double honor” (1Ti 5:17): it-1 1194; it-2 551, 782; w89 9/15 22
efforts to deceive elders: w88 9/1 16
elders having children: w96 10/15 24
faultfinding: w02 11/15 17; w97 8/1 8-10; w89 9/15 20-21
“imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7): w89 12/15 21
imperfections: w13 11/15 24; w12 10/15 13-14
loyalty: w13 11/15 14; w96 3/15 17-19
respect: od 40; it-2 782; w15 4/15 13; w12 10/15 13-15; w08 10/15 22-23; w00 6/15 16-17, 21-22; w98 6/1 16-17; kl 137; om 40-41
shepherding visits: km 7/98 1
source of security: kl 167-168
submissiveness: w22.02 4-5; od 44-45; w13 11/15 21-25; w08 6/15 21-22; w07 4/1 28; w02 3/15 15-17; w99 6/1 17-18; w89 12/15 24
trusting elders: w22.02 4-6; w97 3/1 27-28
when instruction is given: w88 4/1 30
when judicial action is taken: w22.02 5-6; w21.09 28-29; mwb20.12 3; w07 1/15 20; re 50-51; w99 6/1 17-18; w92 6/1 18-19; w89 9/15 24
when matters seem mishandled: w00 6/15 16-17
when personally affected by mistakes: w17.04 27; w12 10/15 13; w01 6/15 20
when receiving counsel: w18.03 31-32; w13 11/15 22-23; w11 6/15 28; w97 5/15 27-28
when serious wrongdoing is reported: w21.08 11
attitude toward—
being aged or disabled: od 40; w08 8/15 20; w04 5/15 13; w90 9/1 22; om 40-41
being corrected: w91 9/1 23-24
being deleted: w14 8/15 26-28; w10 5/15 27-28; w09 8/15 30-32; w08 3/15 23; w01 2/1 21; ip-1 243; w97 5/15 24-25; w97 12/1 14; w90 9/1 22; w86 6/1 29
being disrespected: w19.02 9-10
being exalted: w17.03 11
changes in methods: w14 10/15 25
efficiency: w93 4/1 30-31
faithful and discreet slave: scl 87
fellow Christians: cl 101-102; w13 1/15 27-31; w93 4/1 30-31; w90 9/1 18-19
fellow elders: w23.07 25; w21.12 29; w20.08 27; mwb19.07 8; w10 10/15 18; w05 6/1 16; w04 5/15 18-19; w98 2/15 26; w94 12/1 30; w88 10/1 16-18
imperfections of others: w22.03 30-31
privileges: w20.02 17; w98 9/1 16-18; w94 1/15 17-19; w90 8/15 19; w90 9/1 18-20; w89 9/15 11-12, 23; om 29
publishers desiring to assist other language groups: w05 12/1 26
selves: od 37-38; w99 6/1 15-16; om 37
serving the flock: w04 8/1 16-17; w89 9/15 16-17
singing at meetings: w17.11 3, 5
spiritual food provided: w92 11/15 19-20
theocracy: w94 1/15 17-19
traveling overseers: w88 10/1 19
authority: cl 101-102; w19.05 6-7; w02 8/1 13-14; w98 9/1 15; kl 137-139; w88 4/1 30; w86 7/1 7; tp 139-141
comparison with family heads: w21.02 16-18
equal within congregation: it-2 564-565; jv 106
loving exercise of: mwb23.09 7
meekness in exercise of: w19.02 9-10
not being authoritarian: w92 4/15 24-25
reasonableness in exercise of: w06 4/1 19-20; w05 9/15 23; w94 8/1 18-20
avoiding—
abuse of power: w98 6/1 17-18; w91 11/15 21; w89 9/15 17; w86 8/15 14-15
being overly secretive: w91 9/1 24
counseling a sister alone: w06 9/15 27; w96 10/15 17; w93 2/15 15; w93 5/15 21-22; w91 11/15 21-22; w89 9/15 13
excessive recreation: w89 9/15 13
expecting too much: w94 8/1 19-20
‘going beyond what is written’ (1Co 4:6): w89 11/1 30
harshness in judicial hearings: w89 9/15 19
hasty accusation of apostasy: w00 5/1 12
imposing personal views or preferences: w94 8/1 19; w89 11/1 30
making flock slaves of men: w95 6/15 21-22
making many rules: w19.07 13; w07 6/15 20; w94 7/1 27-28; w94 8/1 19; w93 4/1 30; w92 8/15 12-15
materialism: w89 9/15 13-14
mistaken kindness: w04 4/15 13
misuse of tongue: w19.09 17; w89 9/15 12-13
nepotism: w86 8/15 14-15
overemphasis on efficiency: w93 4/1 30-31
partiality: it-1 1194; jd 80; ip-1 78-79, 84
pressuring others: w94 8/1 19-20
sexual immorality: w89 6/1 15-16; w89 9/15 13
unclean thoughts: w89 6/1 16
balancing demands: w22.03 27-28; w99 12/1 28; w95 12/1 12-13; w91 11/15 22-23
baptism review questions: w20.03 12-13; od 208-211; w02 4/1 13; w96 1/15 17; jv 479
how and when to review: km 9/86 3-4
how many candidates together: od 209; km 5/87 8
how many different elders: od 208; w96 1/15 17
inform candidate of proper attire for baptism: od 207; km 5/92 4
last session: od 206-207
length of sessions: od 208-210; km 5/87 8
ministerial servant may assist: od 56, 209
when candidate is a minor: od 210
when candidate is a sister: od 209
being theocratic: w94 1/15 17-19; w93 1/1 22-23
benefits of arrangement: od 31; w15 6/15 31; om 29-30; w88 10/1 17
Bible Students: kr 118-119, 122-124, 129; jv 205-209, 212-213
resistance of some to field ministry: kr 64
Bible students: w96 5/15 17
Bible usage: it-2 548-550; nwt 1697
body of elders: it-2 550; w11 6/15 26-27; jv 106; om 145, 147
appreciating aged elders: w94 8/1 28
approves chairman for Life and Ministry Meeting: od 64-65
arranges coverage of territories not frequently worked: mwb17.12 8
arranges for assisting poor in congregation: od 128
arranges for safeguarding contributions: od 125
assigns auxiliary counselor for Theocratic Ministry School (discontinued): km 11/02 4
assigns duties to ministerial servants: od 55-56
assigns duties to ministerial servant substitutes: od 55-56
assigns group overseers: od 41-42
assigns judicial committee: od 148
avoiding debates: w92 11/15 23
chairman: od 41; om 42
communication: w06 5/1 19-20
complement one another: w90 8/15 19
Congregation Service Committee serves under: od 44
coordinates Public Meetings: km 2/94 1
coordinator: w20.02 17; od 40-41; w18.09 8; km 11/08 3
decides on use of Kingdom Hall for funeral: od 119; km 3/97 7
decides on whether to conduct funeral for unbeliever: km 11/89 3
decisions recorded and assigned: w19.11 29-30
decisions supported by individual elders: od 39
equal authority: it-2 564-565; jv 106
handling appeals to judicial decisions: od 151
handling unmarried couple spending night together: w18.07 32
hears report on visits to disfellowshipped: w91 4/15 23
honest differences of opinion: bt 107; w88 10/1 17
keeps contact information for each publisher: km 5/08 3; km 5/07 3
meetings: od 44; w94 12/1 30; om 42
meeting with circuit overseer: od 47-48; om 48
openness to agreement during meetings: w08 3/15 5; w94 2/1 17-18
operating committee for shared Kingdom Hall: od 118
oversees minority-language group: od 103
peaceableness: w01 9/1 12-13
reasonableness: w94 8/1 18
receives copy of Annual Congregation Property Documents Review Work Sheet (TO-33) and Safety Inspection Work Sheet (TO-34): km 9/06 7
recommends brothers for appointment as elders: od 37-38
requests approval to form a minority-language group: od 103
requests approval to form a minority-language pregroup: od 101-102
requests child-custody materials from branch office: km 4/94 7
resolutions on use of congregation funds: od 125-126; km 2/94 2
respect for one another: w20.08 27; w10 10/15 18; w94 12/1 30
respect for other bodies of elders: w88 10/1 17-18
Scriptural arrangement: w88 10/1 17
self-control during meetings: w91 11/15 21
spirit of: w88 10/1 17-18
strong personalities: w99 12/1 29
unity: od 39; w99 6/1 12-13; w88 10/1 16-17
changeover to elder arrangement (1895): kr 118-119, 123, 129
changeover to elder arrangement (1972): kr 122-123; w06 2/15 28; w02 7/1 17; ip-2 317; w95 5/15 22; jv 105-107, 233-234
Germany: yb99 84-85
Mexico: yb95 226
Moldova: yb04 119
positive response: yb95 157
Ukraine: yb02 225
chieftain (Eze 44-48): rr 158-159, 221; w99 3/1 16-17
confession to: scl 108; lff lesson 57; w17.11 10; w10 9/1 23-24; w08 12/15 11; w06 11/15 28-29; w01 6/1 30-31; w01 8/15 30; g97 1/22 12; w95 1/1 27; om 145; w86 4/1 26
encouraging a wrongdoer to confess: g96 1/22 16; w87 9/1 14-15
importance: w92 6/1 19; w88 2/15 20
instances of private drunkenness or smoking: w06 11/15 30; w96 1/15 18
video “Those Whom Jehovah Loves He Disciplines”: lff lesson 57
consulting other elders: w21.12 29; w98 2/15 26; w92 8/15 14; w91 10/15 19-20
counseling others: w22.02 14-19; cl 165; od 143; lv 143; w13 11/15 22; w11 11/15 31; jr 131-132, 136-137; w09 6/15 18; w06 4/1 20; be 203-204; w00 6/15 22; w99 6/15 13; w92 11/15 26-29; om 140-141; w87 10/1 19; w86 1/15 19; w86 9/15 10-20
about dress or grooming: w92 8/15 14
“admonishing you” (1Th 5:12): w11 6/15 27-28
appealing on basis of love: w22.02 15; w92 4/15 24-25
applying elders’ counsel quickly: w89 9/15 24-25
avoiding errors: w97 3/15 16; w95 2/15 28-29
avoiding partiality in: w89 11/1 5
balance with expressing appreciation: w97 8/1 17-18
chart “An Effective Counselor”: w97 3/1 26
danger of not sticking to Scriptures: w92 8/1 30
dignifying the recipient: scl 30; w94 2/1 25-29
example of Elihu: w20.03 23; w19.06 23; w95 2/15 29
example of Jehovah: w99 2/1 23
exhortation: be 265-267
helping to reason on Bible principles: w96 9/1 22-23
Jesus’ example: w11 11/15 30-31
long-suffering: w06 5/1 20
marital problems: w88 11/1 21, 26
marrying “only in the Lord” (1Co 7:39): w89 9/15 24
mildness: scl 29; it-2 400; w03 4/1 24-25; w93 5/15 21; w92 11/15 26-27; w91 10/15 18-19; w91 11/15 20-21; w86 9/15 13
not counseling a sister alone: w93 2/15 15; w93 5/15 21-22; w91 11/15 21-22; w89 9/15 13
not counseling in the hearing of others: w94 11/1 21
not giving personal opinion: w96 9/1 22
not holding back needed counsel: w20.03 19-21; w91 10/15 18
not imposing personal views or preferences: w88 8/15 17, 30
not making decisions for others: w17.03 15-16; w13 11/15 28-29; w95 6/15 21-22; w91 10/15 18
Paul’s example: w22.03 28-29
“readjust such a man” (Ga 6:1): w13 8/15 21; w93 5/15 21
reasonableness in: w88 9/15 30
regarding association with disqualified unbaptized publishers: w89 2/15 29
regarding divorce: w88 11/1 29
regarding reconciliation or divorce: g99 4/22 6
respecting headship arrangement: w93 5/15 22
tactfulness: si 231
use of Bible and publications: w08 4/15 7; be 144; w93 5/15 20
when nothing has been published on a matter: w93 5/15 20
when one counseled reacts angrily: w06 5/1 21; w91 10/15 18
delegating: w09 6/15 29-31; w02 1/1 31; w95 12/1 13; w92 10/15 20-23; w91 10/15 23-24
deletion: od 40, 45; om 39, 141
announcement: om 42
attitude toward: w14 8/15 26-28; w90 9/1 22; w86 6/1 29
disciplining others: w13 4/15 16; jr 138-139; w03 10/1 22-23; kl 138-139; w93 2/1 16-17
discussion: od 30-52; it-2 548-551, 564-565; lvs 242-243; jl lesson 15; w07 4/15 27; w01 6/1 14-15; w99 6/1 9-19; rq 29; w89 9/15 10-25; om 28-54
disqualifying factors: od 45; w14 9/15 5; om 39, 41
abuse of wife or children: w07 5/1 22; g01 11/8 12; g96 10/22 9
armed employment: w05 11/1 31
children’s conduct possibly: w96 10/15 21; w90 9/1 25; w88 3/1 23-24
demands for unreasonable bride-price: w98 9/15 24-25
failure to teach children: w96 10/15 22
financial irresponsibility: w94 9/15 31
harshness during judicial hearings: w89 9/15 19
improper ambition: w99 8/1 14; w90 9/1 18-19
keeping firearm for protection against humans: w17.07 32
loss of respect over business dealings: km 7/00 1
love of money: w90 9/1 26
marital separation: w88 11/1 21
neglect of wife’s needs: w96 10/15 18
not age or health: od 40; w08 8/15 20; om 40-41
remarriage when not Scripturally free: w97 1/1 28
serious sin: g92 5/8 26-27
serious weakness in managing household: w96 10/15 21
sexual abuse of child: w19.05 11, 13; w97 1/1 27-29
early Christian congregation: it-2 549-551
elderly ones: w04 5/15 13
handing over certain responsibilities: w18.09 8-11
not disqualified by age: od 40; w90 9/1 22
value: w18.09 10; w08 8/15 20
encouragement for elders: w95 1/15 22-23; w90 12/15 20
not to give up: w95 12/1 12-13
encouraging others: w21.11 12; w18.04 21-22; be 266, 268-271; w95 1/15 21, 23; w95 4/1 19-20; w95 12/1 18-19
by meeting parts: w10 10/15 24-25
expressing confidence: w92 4/15 25
prospective pioneers: km 3/93 5
those desiring to assist other language groups: w05 12/1 26
those who are “reaching out”: w14 9/15 5
errors in judgment by:
a test of loyalty: w88 3/15 18-19
examples for congregation: scl 86; lff lesson 20; rr 58; w16.09 6-7; w13 11/15 29; w07 12/15 29; w06 5/1 17-21; be 267; w00 7/1 20; w87 12/1 15
“imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7): w02 3/15 17-18; w89 12/15 21
examples for elders: w19.09 16-17; si 57
David: w14 8/15 27-28; w11 6/15 21
Gideon: w23.06 2-7
Harteva, Kaarlo: kr 121
Jehovah: w13 11/15 27; jr 130-131; w07 6/15 19-20; ip-1 407; w94 10/1 15-16; w90 3/1 20
Jesus Christ: w22.02 22; w13 11/15 27-28; w11 11/15 29-31; w10 5/15 10-11; jr 129; w02 3/15 17-18; w94 7/1 25-26; w94 10/1 16-17; w86 12/1 11-15
Michael: w98 6/1 17
Mordecai: mwb23.09 6
Nathan (prophet): w05 5/15 18; w93 3/15 10
Nehemiah: w19.09 16-17; mwb16.02 3; w06 2/1 10; si 90-91
Paul: w22.03 26-31; bt 99; w97 8/1 17-18; si 217
Paul’s encouragement of others: bt 166-167
Paul’s intimate concern for others: w86 10/1 10
Paul’s letter to Philemon: w92 4/15 24-25; si 242
Paul’s treatment of fellow Christians: it-2 589-590
Peter: w14 8/15 26
Phinehas (son of Eleazar): w11 9/15 30-32
Thorn, W. J.: w90 9/1 19-20
Timothy: w18.04 13-14
Titus: w98 11/15 29-31
experiences:
accompany Witness mother till daughter’s death: w95 1/15 21
aspiring ministerial servant: w13 1/15 20-21
couple with marital problems helped: w18.06 25
deleted elder helped: w95 1/15 23
disabled elder included: w93 8/1 28-29
elder accepts too many privileges: w12 8/15 28
elders lose privileges: w23.07 11-12; w22.11 22-23; w14 8/15 26-28; w13 6/15 28
elder treated harshly: w22.11 21
erring elder helped: w05 4/1 27
offended elder helped: w13 3/15 6
paralytic: w95 11/1 22-25
pioneers: w88 12/15 27; w87 2/1 16-17
pioneers after losing employment: w19.10 28-29
prayer about anxieties: w19.04 10
prideful elder helped: w16.06 12-14
quadriplegic: g90 9/22 25
stressful work and anxiety disorder: w16.12 23
wrongdoing by older elder: w11 9/15 30-31
“you brothers do not have a clue”: w22.02 14
young elder overcomes fears: w19.10 22-23
youth who felt abandoned: w22.08 21
family life: od 133; w06 5/1 19; w96 10/15 15-24; w95 10/1 14-16
field ministry: od 37; jr 133; w04 3/15 15; jv 212-214, 569; w91 7/1 29; om 43
helping those whose time is low: w94 7/1 27-28
inviting publishers needing help: w90 12/1 18
keeping congregation’s enthusiasm high: w93 1/1 21
Memorial season: km 1/08 4; km 2/04 4; km 3/01 6
taking the lead: scl 98; w13 11/15 29; w10 9/15 13-14; w91 1/15 12-13
working with publishers: w06 5/1 18-19
forgiveness of others’ sins: w96 4/15 28-29
“gifts in men” (Eph 4:8-16): w10 9/15 18-19; w07 4/1 27; w05 9/15 22; w02 3/15 15; w01 9/15 19; w00 12/1 16; w99 6/1 9-19; w93 5/15 13-14
“glorious ones” (2Pe 2:10; Jude 8): w08 11/15 22; w97 9/1 15-16
Greek word: it-2 548, 550, 564; jv 35-36, 233
guarding one’s trust as: w89 9/15 10-15
guidance from Jehovah: w86 2/1 29
Hebrew word: it-2 548
honor for—
all in congregation: w10 10/15 18; w08 10/15 22; w08 12/15 30; w00 6/15 21-22
elderly Christians: w87 6/1 6-7
one another: w10 10/15 18; w88 10/1 16-18
Israel (ancient): w19.02 23-24; it-1 1229; it-2 548-549
Ezekiel’s vision of 70 idolatrous elders (Eze 8): rr 54-56, 58
judicial cases: it-1 198; w02 8/1 9-10
Moses appoints 70: it-1 704; w08 2/15 6; w93 5/15 13
vision of Jehovah: it-2 862
Jehovah communicates through: w13 11/15 24-25
judicial cases: scl 36-37; w22.02 5-6; w22.06 9-10; w21.08 11; mwb21.05 8; mwb21.07 6; w19.05 7; od 147-155; it-1 519; w17.11 17; w11 9/15 30-31; jr 138-139, 148; re 50-51; w92 7/1 14-19; w89 9/15 17-20; om 144-152; w88 11/15 14-15
accident resulting in death: w06 9/15 30; w06 12/15 30
appeal committees: od 151; om 147
attitude: w96 3/15 23
basis for action: scl 36; w89 9/15 18
being truthful with elders investigating: w18.10 10
consulting experienced elders: w91 10/15 19
difficult cases: jd 79-80
discerning repentance: w21.10 6; w17.11 17; w95 1/1 27-30; om 146
distinguishing between weakness and wickedness: w95 1/1 27-31
evidence: w89 9/15 18
impartiality: it-1 1194; jd 80; w89 9/15 18
Jehovah’s example: it-2 233; w92 7/1 9-10, 13
Jesus’ example: w92 7/1 14
judgments: mwb21.05 8; w86 6/1 24
judicial committees: od 148; om 145
justice: w22.08 30; cl 164; jd 78-82; ip-1 27; w98 8/1 15-17; w89 9/15 18
learning all the facts: w92 7/1 11; w89 9/15 18
mercy: w98 10/1 16-17; w94 8/1 16-17; w93 3/15 13; w90 3/1 14
minors: w88 11/15 19-20
Moses’ example: w92 7/1 12-13
newly baptized wrongdoer: w96 1/15 18-19
prayer: w89 9/15 19
prior investigation to establish grounds: od 148; w06 9/15 30
promptness in handling: w16.11 13
propriety of judging: it-2 225
reasonableness: w94 8/1 16-17
role different from under law: w19.05 7
seeking “judgment of peace” (Zec 8:16): jd 78-79, 82; w96 1/1 20
self-control: w91 11/15 21
similarity to ancient synagogues: it-2 1052
treatment of accused: w09 9/15 16-17; w98 8/1 15-17; w92 7/1 17-19; w89 9/15 18-20
unbaptized publisher: w89 2/15 29; w88 11/15 17-19
urging wrongdoer to change: w95 1/1 30-31
when a Witness joins another religion: w86 10/15 31
when flexibility is appropriate: w88 9/15 30
witnesses: w97 8/15 27-28; w87 5/15 29
wrongdoer no longer associated: w87 9/1 14
letters from branch office:
handling on Service Meeting (discontinued): km 9/89 4
listening:
to any problem: w94 10/1 19
to depressed Christians: w90 3/15 29-30
to fellow Christians: w95 12/1 19
to fellow elders: w20.08 27; w88 10/1 16-17
to mentally distressed Christians: w88 11/15 21-22
to sisters who are upset: w95 7/15 16
meaning of term: lff lesson 20; jv 35
more than one per congregation: it-2 564
need for more: w16.08 20; w11 11/15 28; w93 1/1 21-22
Mexico: yb95 226-227
not women: it-2 1197
obedience of elders:
to Christ: w10 9/15 27; w02 3/15 17-18; w94 7/1 25-26
to organizational direction: w24.04 10; w23.06 4-5; w90 10/1 30-31
obedience to elders: w22.02 4-5; w22.12 19, 21; od 203; w16.11 12; lv 48-49; w13 11/15 21-25; w08 6/15 21-22; w07 4/1 28-30; w02 3/15 15-17; w99 6/1 16-18; w89 9/15 20-25; w88 4/1 30-31; w88 9/15 29
reasons for: scl 84; it-2 522; w07 4/1 28-30
patriarchal society: w92 7/1 11
positions in congregation: od 40-41
auxiliary counselor: w21.08 24
coordinator of the body of elders: w20.02 17; od 41; w18.09 8
group overseer: od 41-44, 102-103
Life and Ministry Meeting overseer: od 40, 44, 64-65
ones held indefinitely: od 40; om 41
secretary: od 41
service overseer: od 41
positions in organization: od 45-46
prophetic representation:
“princes” (Isa 32:1, 2): mwb17.01 3; ip-1 332, 334
‘seven shepherds, eight princes (dukes)’ (Mic 5:5): w13 11/15 20
qualifications: scl 86; od 31-39; it-2 550, 565; w16.05 25-26; w14 9/15 4; w01 1/15 13-14; w90 9/1 23-28; si 241; w89 9/15 11; om 30-39; g89 8/8 12-13
age: od 33; w18.08 12; it-2 550; w90 9/1 25; w89 9/15 11
“believing children” (Tit 1:6): w96 10/15 21; w89 2/15 29
beyond spiritual maturity: it-2 355
care for wife: w96 10/15 17-18
chart of Scriptural qualifications compared with ministerial servants: it-2 565
children in subjection: od 34; w96 10/15 20-21; w90 9/1 25; w88 3/1 23-24
cleanliness: km 4/94 2
comparison with ministerial servants’: it-2 565
fine testimony from outsiders: od 34; w97 1/1 27; w90 9/1 24
free from accusation: od 34; w97 1/1 27; g92 5/8 26-27
fruitage of God’s spirit: od 38-39; w01 1/15 14; om 38-39
“handling the word of the truth aright” (2Ti 2:15): it-2 1132-1133
“holding firmly to the faithful word” (Tit 1:9): od 36; w13 11/15 28-29; be 224, 267; w98 2/15 25-26
hospitable: od 36; w90 9/1 27
humility: w99 8/1 14; w90 9/1 19-20
husband of one wife: w97 1/1 28; w96 10/15 15-17; w90 9/1 24; rs 250-251
irreprehensible: od 34; w99 9/15 10; w97 1/1 27; w94 11/15 28; g92 5/8 27; w90 9/1 24
language fluency not: w20.08 30
lover of goodness: w90 9/1 28
loyal: od 36; w90 8/15 12-13; w90 9/1 28
mature: it-2 355
mild: it-2 400
moderate in habits: scl 24; od 34-35; it-2 983; jv 182; w90 9/1 27
not a drunkard: od 35; w90 9/1 25
not a lover of money: w90 9/1 26
not newly converted: w90 9/1 26
not quarrelsome (belligerent): od 35; w90 9/1 27-28
not self-willed: od 35; it-2 893; w90 9/1 28
not violent (a smiter): od 35; w07 5/1 22; g96 10/22 9; w90 9/1 27-28; g88 11/22 8
orderly: od 35; w90 9/1 27
presiding over household in fine manner: od 133; w12 5/15 9; w11 6/15 26; w96 10/15 20-24; w93 5/15 17-19; w90 9/1 25; w88 3/1 23-24; w88 11/1 21
qualified to teach: od 36-37; it-2 1073; w90 9/1 27
reasonable: od 35-36; it-2 756; w90 9/1 27-28; w88 9/15 30
righteous: od 36; w90 9/1 28
self-controlled: od 35; it-2 892; w97 1/1 29; w91 11/15 19-20; w90 9/1 27
sound in mind: od 36; w13 11/15 29; w90 9/1 27
trustworthiness: w97 3/1 28
qualities:
approachability: cf 148-149; w13 6/15 8-10; w02 3/15 17-18; w00 2/15 15-16; w90 3/1 20; w86 12/1 13-15
as shepherds: w08 3/15 5-6; w96 1/15 15; w94 10/1 18-20; w93 7/15 24-27
compassion: w94 11/1 21
courage: w23.06 6
earnestness: w93 5/15 19-20
empathy: w99 6/1 12
endurance: w23.06 6-7
fellow feeling: w19.03 17, 19; w97 8/1 16
firm yet flexible: w88 9/15 30
goodness: w06 5/1 20-21
humility: w23.06 3-4; scl 87; w20.02 17; w94 1/15 18
impartiality: ip-1 78-79, 84; w96 11/15 27
kindness: w22.02 18; w06 5/1 20; w91 7/15 13
long-suffering: w06 5/1 20; w01 11/1 17; w91 5/15 16-17
love: cf 178-179; w06 5/1 17-19; w94 1/15 18-19; w94 10/1 18-20
loving-kindness: w02 5/15 22
loyalty: w97 8/1 12; w90 8/15 12-13
meekness: w19.02 9-10
mildness: it-2 400; w06 5/1 21; w03 4/1 23-25; w91 10/15 16-20; w86 9/15 13
modesty: w23.06 3-4; w02 3/15 17; w91 10/15 23-24
patience: cf 163; w22.02 18; w95 6/15 12
peaceableness: w01 9/1 12-13
punctuality: w90 6/15 26, 29
reasonableness: w23.07 25; w13 6/15 16; w08 3/15 5-6; w94 8/1 16-20; w88 9/15 30
reliability: w24.06 30-31
self-control: it-2 892; w91 11/15 19-23
stability: w24.06 31
tenderness: w15 2/15 9; w93 5/15 19-20; w89 9/15 15-20
warmth and feeling: w90 3/1 20
willingness: w11 6/15 22; w93 5/15 20
‘reaching out to be’ (1Ti 3:1): w23.12 28; lff lesson 55; w20.07 5; od 39-40; w14 9/15 3-6; w11 6/15 23; w11 11/15 31-32; w10 5/15 24-28; w09 11/15 16; w08 10/15 28; km 12/04 1; w03 9/15 23; w01 1/1 9-10; w00 4/15 21; w00 7/1 29; w99 12/1 28; km 5/99 8; sg 191; w90 9/1 18-23; om 39-40, 112
former elders: w99 11/15 20-21
humility: it-1 1160; w99 8/1 14; w86 12/1 20
not while fighting unclean desires: w97 1/1 27
patience: w14 9/15 5-6; w90 9/1 23
why some hold back: w90 9/1 20-22
relationship with congregation: w19.09 16-17; od 30-31; om 29-30, 38, 112
allowing flock to use power of reason: w95 6/15 21-22
answering questions: be 144
applying congregation rules: w88 9/15 30
asking elders for help: w19.09 21; w15 6/15 17; w02 3/1 16; km 3/00 8; w93 5/15 14-17
availability: w13 6/15 9-10
being a refuge: w24.06 29-30
commendation: w21.11 12; w13 1/15 29; w07 9/1 15-16
earning trust: w97 3/1 28
expressing confidence in others: w21.07 22-23; be 158, 192, 266; w96 9/1 23
‘fellow workers for joy’ (2Co 1:24): w13 1/15 27-31; w99 6/1 15-16
friendship: w11 11/15 29
‘knowing appearance of flock’ (Pr 27:23): w22.02 17; jr 131
knowing backgrounds: w20.04 17
mercy toward congregation: it-2 377-378
not lording it over flock: w13 11/15 27-28; yb13 161; w11 6/15 23-24; jr 129, 131; w07 6/15 19-20; w06 4/1 20; w90 9/1 19; w89 9/15 16-17
not ‘masters over faith’ of congregation (2Co 1:24): w13 1/15 27-28; yb13 5; w94 10/1 20
personal interest: w13 1/15 28-31
remembering names: w13 1/15 28-29
sisters: w24.01 17-18; w20.09 22-25; w16.11 3; w95 7/15 16, 18, 20; w91 11/15 21-22
relationship with ministerial servants: w94 8/15 26-29
reporting wrongdoing to: w88 8/1 21
when evidence is confidential: w87 9/1 12-15
when friends are involved: g96 1/22 16
responsibilities: w24.06 23; od 30-31, 40-44; it-1 499; it-2 550; jl lesson 15; jr 130-139; kl 137-139; w90 3/15 20; w89 9/15 10-15; om 29, 41-46; pe 198-199; tp 139-140; je 12-13
Ephesians 4:12-16: w99 6/1 11-15
after local disaster: km 2/97 7
balance with family responsibilities: w11 6/15 22; w09 5/15 19-20; w96 10/15 15-24; w95 10/1 14-16; w89 5/15 12
before and during great tribulation: w13 11/15 20
Bible reading: w00 10/1 8-9; w96 5/15 17; w95 5/1 12-13
blood-transfusion emergencies: mwb23.01 7; km 11/90 5
children still at home: w89 2/15 29; w88 3/1 24
comforting bereaved: w90 10/15 31
confidentiality: w22.09 11-12; w20.03 22; w07 6/15 20; w97 3/1 28; w97 6/1 11; w96 3/15 18; w91 11/15 23
congregation records: om 42, 104-106
correcting wrongdoing: w22.06 9-10; w19.05 7; od 147-155; it-2 1150; kl 138-139; om 140-141, 143-149, 151-153; w86 12/1 12
encouraging others: w21.11 12; w18.04 21-22; w99 5/15 26-27; w86 1/15 18-19
evaluate those requesting material assistance: km 2/94 7
family study: w96 10/15 23
fatherless boys and widows: ip-1 27
feeding congregation spiritually: w11 6/15 25
following instructions: w90 10/1 30-31; w89 9/15 17
following through on decisions: w19.11 29-30
‘fully accomplishing ministry’ (2Ti 4:5): w04 3/15 15
handling child sexual abuse matters: w19.05 10-11, 13
handling difficulties: w11 9/15 32; om 140-142, 144-153
handling disputes: od 147-148; lv 222-223; w11 8/15 30; w99 3/15 17
heeding legitimate complaints: w93 3/15 19-20
helping to mold others: w16.06 10
help to care for responsibilities: scl 88
identifying disorderly conduct (2Th 3:6): od 143-145
invite inactive to Memorial: km 3/07 1; km 3/02 1, 4-5
‘judges and counselors’ (Isa 1:26, 27): ip-1 33-34
justice: cl 164-167; jd 77-82
keeping congregation clean: scl 36, 87; w22.02 5-6; si 261; om 144-153
Kingdom Hall: od 118; w93 6/15 30-31
letter of introduction for Witness who moves: km 10/98 7
may serve as attendants: od 120
meetings: om 43, 70
meeting with baptism candidates: w20.03 12-13; od 78, 183-184, 208-211; km 7/13 7; w02 4/1 13; w98 7/15 24; om 173-175
meeting with longtime inactive one who wants to go in service: km 11/00 3
meeting with new one who wants to go in service: od 73-76; km 1/08 1; km 3/03 5-6; om 105-106, 174; w88 11/15 17
meeting with ones baptized a year: od 211-212
Memorial preparations: km 3/04 3; km 3/03 7; km 4/90 7
not required to enforce Caesar’s law: w94 11/15 27; w86 10/1 31
oversight: it-2 564-565
Paul’s counsel: si 204
personal study: jr 133-134; w94 1/15 17
pioneers cared for: km 2/95 7; km 3/95 7; km 3/93 4-5; w86 1/15 19-20; km 8/86 4-5
“preach the word” (2Ti 4:2): it-2 674; w03 1/1 29-30; w89 9/15 11-12
presiding: w11 6/15 26-27
principal work: w94 11/1 21; jv 569
protecting the flock: w99 6/1 13-14
providing for household: w96 10/15 22-23
publishers who move in: w17.11 32
recommendations for appointment of elders and ministerial servants: bt 42-43; cl 165; od 37-38; w14 11/15 29; om 37-38, 41
relief for needy Witnesses: om 123; w86 10/15 16-19
reporting allegations of child sexual abuse: w19.05 10-11
represent “royal priesthood” in congregation: w02 8/1 13
reproving wrongdoers: od 148-149; it-2 781; w01 11/1 17; om 145-146
resolutions prepared and presented: od 125-126; km 2/94 2
special pioneers cared for: w14 9/15 31
summer: km 5/94 1
“taking the lead” (Heb 13:7, 17): od 42, 118; w89 12/15 21; om 39-40, 43
tax matters: w94 11/15 27
telephone witnessing: km 2/01 5
testing brothers “as to fitness” (1Ti 3:10): km 5/00 8
training brothers: scl 88; mwb22.09 12; w21.09 12-13; w20.12 29; w17.01 27-31; w15 4/15 3-12; w14 1/15 4; w14 7/15 6; w11 11/15 30
training brothers in foreign land: w16.01 6
training ministerial servants: w16.08 28-29; w06 5/1 23-24; w02 1/1 29-31; w02 4/15 30; w94 8/15 28
training others: scl 88
training publishers in ministry: w14 1/15 4; jv 569
training sisters: w24.01 18
training youths: w14 1/15 4; km 7/13 3
visiting disfellowshipped: w15 4/15 31; w96 11/1 14, 16; w93 7/15 27; w91 4/15 23
watching for unhealthy trends: re 50
website jw.org: km 6/14 7
weddings: km 11/08 3
youths in congregation: w90 5/15 29
role: lff lesson 20
service to others: scl 86
rotation of responsibilities (discontinued): jv 106-107
schools for elders: w20.06 31; kr 124-125
serving where need is greater:
in another land: od 107-108
within one’s land: od 107
shepherding: w23.01 29; w23.09 29-31; scl 87; bt 172; cl 101-102; od 30-31, 43; rr 91-92; kr 124-125, 127; w13 1/15 29-31; w13 8/15 19; w13 11/15 26-30; w11 6/15 20-26; jr 128-139; w08 3/15 5-6; w00 7/1 28-31; w98 2/15 27; w96 1/15 15-16; w96 3/15 24-27; w96 9/1 21; kl 167-168; w93 1/1 21-23; w93 5/15 17-22; w93 7/15 24-27; w93 9/15 20-23; si 253; om 28-30, 46, 112
appreciation for: w19.09 21; w02 11/15 24-25; w96 1/1 30
asking elders for: w19.09 21
assistance by experienced publishers: w96 1/15 19-20
Bethel family members: mwb23.11 16
by group overseers: km 10/08 1
discouraged ones: w23.09 24-25; w02 9/1 21; w99 11/15 30-31
displaying fruitage of spirit: w06 5/1 17-21
during religious violence: yb16 145
elderly: w02 11/15 24-25; w94 8/1 29
experiences: yb05 54; w98 2/15 27
faithful, strong ones: w13 1/15 30-31
inactive ones: w20.06 20-23; kr 126-127; w13 11/15 23-24; w08 11/15 9, 11-16; km 2/06 5; w04 5/1 21-22; km 2/03 5; km 3/02 5; w93 7/15 27
infirm ones: km 3/02 5
marriage mates having problems: w23.08 16; w18.06 25; w17.04 8; w13 4/15 15; w12 5/15 10-11; w06 5/1 25
newly baptized ones: w96 1/15 17-20
ones having doubts about a teaching or explanation: w08 11/15 14; w96 7/15 17
ones having doubts about value of serving Jehovah: w20.06 22
ones who have strayed: jr 131-132
Paul’s example: w22.03 28-29
planning time for: w19.11 29; w96 3/15 27
relationship to work as judges: w92 7/1 16-18
respect for free will of sheep: w94 10/1 20
staying close to flock: w93 4/1 30-31
stumbled ones: w08 11/15 14
using Bible: w96 1/1 30
visiting sisters: w16.11 3; w96 10/15 17; w93 2/15 15; w93 5/15 21-22; w91 11/15 21-22
visits: w13 6/15 29-31; w06 5/1 21; w96 3/15 25-27; w93 9/15 21-23; om 46
when home visits not possible: om 46
willingness: w11 6/15 22; w93 5/15 20
with love: w19.05 6-7; w06 5/1 17-19; w94 10/1 15-20
working with publishers in field ministry: kr 125, 127
wrongdoers: w93 7/15 27
support for elders: w13 11/15 14
brothers not elders: w95 10/1 15-16
elders’ wives: w95 10/1 15
sisters: w95 10/1 16
teachers: scl 87; od 36-37; it-2 1073, 1132-1133; jr 132-135; w99 3/15 10-11, 13-14, 16-18; w98 2/15 25-26; w98 11/1 12; w96 1/1 30; si 240; w89 9/15 11-13
accountability: it-2 1073; w97 11/15 16
avoiding personal ideas: w07 12/15 27; w02 5/1 16-17
best way to teach: scl 87
preparing talks: be 47-51
training: w06 5/1 22-26; w06 5/15 24
for new world: rr 159
varying gifts: w88 10/1 16-17
when to contact elders: mwb23.09 7
wives of elders: w09 5/15 19-20; w02 11/15 25; w99 6/1 19; w96 10/15 15-19; w95 10/1 15; w91 7/1 18-19
husband not to reveal confidential information: w22.09 11-12; w20.03 22
husband’s responsibilities: w06 5/1 19; w02 11/15 25; w96 10/15 17-18
important role: w89 5/15 20
Paul’s counsel (1Ti 3:11): w96 10/15 17
sacrifices: cf 179; w96 10/15 19; w95 12/1 13
unbelieving wife: w96 10/15 21-22
wrongdoing by: w88 3/15 17
Overseers
city overseer (discontinued): om 46-47
discussion: scl 86-88; od 30-52; it-2 564-565; nwt 1706; jv 35
Greek word: it-2 550, 564; jv 35-36; w92 7/1 16; sh 269
group overseers: od 40-44, 102-103; km 8/09 6; km 10/08 1
honor for those overseen: w08 10/15 22; w08 12/15 30; w91 2/1 23
meaning of term: w92 7/1 16
overseer and elder equivalent: it-2 550, 564; nwt 1706; jv 35
differentiation in Christendom: jv 35-36; sh 269-270
stewards (Tit 1:7): w12 12/15 10