 "Shepherd the Flock" book
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February 24, 2012 05:50AM
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" "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by LizzyJo
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Location: Aptos, CA
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One day our car group discussion went to this book. One sister, who's husband is an elder, said that she has been curious about this book, but would never read it. When asked why, she said that she heard of a sister who read the book and then when the CO came around asked him some questions about what she read. The CO became quite stern with her and basically told her that it was none of her business.
I mentioned that I had read the book and that I didn't see anything in it that was shocking or new. As far as I can recall it was just the same information we all have. but presented in a concise way. Then we had a discussion where she told me I had never read the book and I explained the circumstances. I was sitting with an elderly sister while her daughter and son-in-law (the elder) were out of town. I found the book in their book case and read it. It wasn't marked TOP SECRET or anything..The car-group sister said it was only for elders and that I had no business reading it.
Then the argument was on. My argument was that we are not Mormons or Masons and that there are not progressive rings of status within the organization and that all information is open for anyone. The other sister said that the CO told the other sister (first paragraph above) that she shouldn't have read it. My answer to that was that the story may or may not have been true and that if it were true, the CO may or may not have been in error. I reminded her of a CO that we had once who said that sisters couldn't wear toe rings.
Whatcha think about this?
 Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/24/2012 04:38PM by Dismal_Bliss.
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February 24, 2012 06:08AM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by Dismal_Bliss
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Location: Northeast Ohio
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LizzyJo
Whatcha think about this?
I think that being that it was that sensitive of a subject to discuss in a car group of 4 or so, why on earth would we post it as a topic for discussion among hundreds here at?
The book is for elders only. But it is not a "secret manual" as nearly every witness knows of it's existence, much like the Illuminators book can only be properly obtained by regular pioneering. But I have had pioneers show me interesting tidbits from their book, and elders (not my dad) show me portions of the Flock book. Neither one has extra ordinary content. It is simply tailored specifically to their specific assignments.
Jehovah doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Ruminations
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February 24, 2012 06:10AM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by Dismal_Bliss
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Location: Northeast Ohio
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Oh, and no harm is done with you reading it. You will not be struck by lightning or anything. I wouldn't bring it up much, considering how emotionally whipped up sensitive ones get over it.
Jehovah doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Ruminations
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February 24, 2012 06:42AM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by Shawnster
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Location: Clinton, OH 44216
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The Organized to Do Jehovah's Will book is another one of those "secret" books. We don't offer that publication in the Ministry and not just anybody can "order" one. It's made available only to publishers. It's not a book for those who start attending meetings for the first time, etc...
Bethelites have a special brochure they are given when the enter Bethel.
They're not super secret publications, they are just designed for specific groups.
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February 24, 2012 06:55AM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by sianrose
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sianrose
(Sian)
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Location: South Wales...UK
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Quote
shawn
The Organized to Do Jehovah's Will book is another one of those "secret" books. We don't offer that publication in the Ministry and not just anybody can "order" one. It's made available only to publishers. It's not a book for those who start attending meetings for the first time, etc...
Bethelites have a special brochure they are given when the enter Bethel.
They're not super secret publications, they are just designed for specific groups.
a good summing up...and it is like the Kingdom Ministry for publishers and the Wtcd rom the same...
Sianrose
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February 24, 2012 10:58AM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by Fah
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I can think of so many principles that we need to consider. Are we loyal to theocratic direction? The bible has many examples we can learn from when it comes to listen to god given direction. It may sound silly the direction from the slave or from Jehovah through slave at times. Did Adam and Eve not feel like that? A small direction Jehovah, being obedient show loyalty. They did not listen! Moses was told to speak to the rock, but he hit it! Hitting the rock was something small, maybe Jehovah was oversensitive that he did not follow instruction! Uzzah grabbing the ark, it was not his place.
The slave class never have said that the material is a secret, but the material in the book is confidential. Do we not as Jehovah’s try to apply to the bible principles like Luke16:10 “The person faithful in what is least”? Asking us to keep some information confidential reflects much on how faithful we are to little things. Faithful men was know that they “just so”! Noah did “just so” mean he follows Jehovah’s direction to the smallest detail or maybe he at times did feel he can do as he please?
Most witnesses know that the KS book is confidential. Taking and read confidential information, is that not stealing? So sorry that elders put there families in such a position by leaving their KS books in the open! It is also sorry that some brothers feel that being loyal to theocratic direction, such as reading confidential things that is not intended for them is such a small thing!
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February 24, 2012 12:16PM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by Greenfield
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Quote
Dismal_Bliss
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LizzyJo
Whatcha think about this?
I think that being that it was that sensitive of a subject to discuss in a car group of 4 or so, why on earth would we post it as a topic for discussion among hundreds here?
The book is for elders only. But it is not a "secret manual" as nearly every witness knows of it's existence, much like the Illuminators book can only be properly obtained by regular pioneering. But I have had pioneers show me interesting tidbits from their book, and elders (not my dad) show me portions of the Flock book. Neither one has extra ordinary content. It is simply tailored specifically to their specific assignments.
The book is confidential, I know that much. Of course, what you did was apparently in good faith (i.e. you didn't know any better), so don't feel bad, it's no big deal. And of course there is nothing wrong with showing excerpts as Bob mentioned. In fact I would probably use that method if I were an elder.
I think the reason the book is confidential is because it details the process for things like judicial committees, in addition to that of removing those with positions in the congregation. It tells the elders what to look for, such as how to tell if someone is repentant, among other things. If these things were common knowledge, unscrupulous ones without real repentance seeking to not get disfellowshipped, for example, would know what the elders were looking for and thus know how to 'cheat the system'. The congregation is safeguarded from this by not making this 'cheat sheet' common knowledge.
Of course, I think everything in the book has been stated in the regular publications at one time or another.
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February 24, 2012 12:29PM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by LizzyJo
is a response to this post.
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Location: Aptos, CA
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Fah
Most witnesses know that the KS book is confidential. Taking and read confidential information, is that not stealing? So sorry that elders put there families in such a position by leaving their KS books in the open! It is also sorry that some brothers feel that being loyal to theocratic direction, such as reading confidential things that is not intended for them is such a small thing!
I had never heard of this book. I did not know it was supposed to be confidential. I am not convinced that it is. I didn't see anything in the book about confidentiality that I remember. Surely one would have to know that a wrong was done before one would be accused of stealing and of being disloyal to theocratic direction.
I guess that my original concern was that a CO had to get upset by this whole thing and just because someone said one did doesn't make it true. I'm sure others have heard with their own ears or heard stories about COs making errors.
It seems the consensus here is that the book is confidential. How do you know? (serious question)
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February 24, 2012 12:33PM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by ava
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Location: Arlington, TX
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Quote
LizzyJo
Quote
Fah
Most witnesses know that the KS book is confidential. Taking and read confidential information, is that not stealing? So sorry that elders put there families in such a position by leaving their KS books in the open! It is also sorry that some brothers feel that being loyal to theocratic direction, such as reading confidential things that is not intended for them is such a small thing!
I had never heard of this book. I did not know it was supposed to be confidential. I am not convinced that it is.
It seems the consensus here is that the book is confidential. How do you know? (serious question)
This book is for Elders only. You can not order it at the KH, it was not distributed at a District Convention, and it is not used in the ministry, it is a book that is only given to the elders. And if an elder steps down, he has to return the book.
You may not have been aware of that when you read it, but yes, it is not for publishers, just the elders.
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February 24, 2012 12:45PM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by lynn
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Location: Monmouth, Oregon USA
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The fact that the book is issued to Elders only should tell you something. I was thinking somewhat along the the lines of Rick's comment above.
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Greenfield
I think the reason the book is confidential is because it details the process for things like judicial committees, in addition to that of removing those with positions in the congregation. It tells the elders what to look for, such as how to tell if someone is repentant, among other things. If these things were common knowledge, unscrupulous ones without real repentance seeking to not get disfellowshipped, for example, would know what the elders were looking for and thus know how to 'cheat the system'. The congregation is safeguarded from this by not making this 'cheat sheet' common knowledge.
I think I read some where that CO's are also issued a book and Elders are not privy to that. It would not surprise me that DO's are issued a book that CO's are not privy to. We should all appreciate the love and effort that the Slave goes to to CARE for us. Each one has his own burden to bear and unless you are appointed to be an Elder, I wouldn't worry about what is or is not in the book.
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February 24, 2012 12:56PM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by Musky
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Location: San Diego, California
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LizzyJo
I guess that my original concern was that a CO had to get upset by this whole thing and just because someone said one did doesn't make it true.
That works both ways. Just because you say you didn't know it was confidential doesn't make it true.
I'm not saying it isn't true or calling you a liar, just pointing out that you can use that same reasoning anytime 
If the voices inside my head paid rent, I'd be rich!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/24/2012 12:58PM by Musky.
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February 24, 2012 01:07PM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by trottigy
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Location: Las Vegas, NV
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LizzyJo
It seems the consensus here is that the book is confidential. How do you know? (serious question)
Serious answer - talk to one of the elders in your hall and ask. If they say they don't know ask them if it is OK to spiral bind the book and what method they are required to go through to have it done. When they look up the answer they will be able to give you your answer.
Yes, it is confidential. Yes, everything in there can be found in our other publications - just like the pioneer book. It is just organized in a way to help the elders handle their assignments - just like the other publication mentioned already in this thread. note: there are additional notes on handling certain things, but nothing that a person couldn't get from one of our other publications.
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February 24, 2012 01:16PM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by LizzyJo
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Location: Aptos, CA
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Greenfield
I think the reason the book is confidential is because it details the process for things like judicial committees, in addition to that of removing those with positions in the congregation. It tells the elders what to look for, such as how to tell if someone is repentant, among other things. If these things were common knowledge, unscrupulous ones without real repentance seeking to not get disfellowshipped, for example, would know what the elders were looking for and thus know how to 'cheat the system'. The congregation is safeguarded from this by not making this 'cheat sheet' common knowledge.
.
Thank you, this makes sense to me.
As for this Quote
The fact that the book is issued to Elders only should tell you something.
I had never seen the book, i did not know of its existence--how would I know it was issued to elders only?
As for this Quote
I think that being that it was that sensitive of a subject to discuss in a car group of 4 or so, why on earth would we post it as a topic for discussion among hundreds here?
Yet here it is. We aren't supposed to discuss sensitive things here? Of course there is more behind my post. The sister that brought up the whole thing has problems with getting her stories straight. Strange things will come out of her mouth. I don't like to say she lies, I think that she really has problems remembering what is true and what isn't. She once told a sister that I was too dangerous to ride with and the elders had told me not to drive in service. It never happened. She put a note on a territory card that said the territory should be worked one time with no going back for NHs because all of the houses were at the ends of driveways off a busy boulevard. She wrote that this was OK'd by the elder body. It never happened. I'll stop now, You get the point.
Anyway this sister is not a person to rely on to find out what's real. That is why I introduced it as a topic for discussion. The other two people in the car group were not familiar with the book either, as I recall.
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February 24, 2012 01:20PM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by trottigy
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Location: Las Vegas, NV
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LizzyJo
Anyway this sister is not a person to rely on to find out what's real. That is why I introduced it as a topic for discussion. The other two people in the car group were not familiar with the book either, as I recall.
And many wont be - as it is confidential.
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LizzyJo
We aren't supposed to discuss sensitive things here?
Yes, we can, but once answered sufficiently we tend to close the thread. As this has been well answered we can close this one.
Thank you for your question LizzyJo.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/24/2012 01:24PM by trottigy.
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February 24, 2012 04:37PM
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"Re: "Shepherd the Flock" book"
by Dismal_Bliss
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Location: Northeast Ohio
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I am just temporarily re-opening this topic just to make these final comments. Sorry to trump you, Jerry
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LizzyJo
As for this Quote
The fact that the book is issued to Elders only should tell you something.
I had never seen the book, i did not know of its existence--how would I know it was issued to elders only?
Okay, that is fair enough. Ignorance is bliss.
Quote
LizzyJo
As for this Quote
I think that being that it was that sensitive of a subject to discuss in a car group of 4 or so, why on earth would we post it as a topic for discussion among hundreds here?
Yet here it is. We aren't supposed to discuss sensitive things here? Of course there is more behind my post. The sister that brought up the whole thing has problems with getting her stories straight.... Anyway this sister is not a person to rely on to find out what's real. That is why I introduced it as a topic for discussion. The other two people in the car group were not familiar with the book either, as I recall.
And now I see. You weren't clear before. When you asked "Whatcha think about this?" I thought you meant reading the book, mentioning it in the car group and the ensuing argument (i.e. "The car-group sister said it was only for elders and that I had no business reading it. Then the argument was on." ). What you were really asking about was the CO's reaction.
And yes, IF the sister told the story accurately and IF the CO reacted the way the sister who has problems getting her story straight had told you (oh boy oh boy just right here), then I would say Yes he over-reacted. Simply reminding, or in this case informing, that the book is confidential is all that is needed, because ultimately it is not that big of a deal anyway being there is nothing in the book that is extraordinary.
Sorry for my misunderstanding.
(and now I'll lock it back up)
Jehovah doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
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