Moving Ahead With Organizational Refinements

A third way in which Jehovah's organization has moved ahead has to do with organizational refinements.  According to Isaiah 60:17, Jehovah promised:  "Instead of the copper I shall bring gold, and instead of the iron I shall bring in  silver, and instead of the wood, copper, and instead of the stones iron; and I will appoint peace as your overseers and righteousness as your task assigners."   In keeping with this prophecy, steps have been taken to improve the oversight of the Kingdom preaching work and the shepherding of the flock.

In 1919 a service director was appointed in each congregation that asked to be organized for field service.  This gave impetus to our ministry in the field.  the election of elders and deacons was terminated in 1932, marking our departure from democratic methods. Another milestone was reached in 1938 when all servants in the congregation began to be appointed more closely in line with the arrangements for theocratic appointment in the early Christian congregation.  (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 4:14)  In 1972 overseers and ministerial servants were appointed to serve, as such men did among the early Christians.  Instead of having  just one man serve as the overseer of the congregation, Philippians 1:1 and other Scriptures indicate that those meeting Scriptural requirements for overseers constitute a body of elders. -Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11, 12.

In 1975 an arrangement went into effect for committees of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses to oversee the worldwide activities of God's organization.  Branch Committees were appointed to have oversight of the work in their respective territories.  Since then, attention has been given to simplifying the work of headquarters and at the branches of the Watch Tower Society so as to "make sure of the more important hings."  (Philippians 1:9, 10)  The responsibilities resting on the shoulders of Christ's undershepherds involve taking the lead in the evangelizing work, teaching in the congregation  and properly shepherding the flock of God. -1 Timothy 4:16; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:2, 3.

Next time: Jesus' Active Leadership

The Watchtower, 2001