Questions From Readers

How are elders and ministerial servants appointed in each congregation?

Although the Scriptures do not explain in detail how every appointment was made back then, we do see some indication of how this was done. We are told that when Paul and Barnabas were on their way back from their first missionary trip, "they appointed elders for them in each congregation, offering prayer with fasting, and they entrusted them to Jehovah, in whom they had become believers." (Acts 14:23)  Years later, Paul wrote to his traveling companion Titus, saying: "I left you in Crete so that you would correct the things that were defective and make appointments of elders in city after city, as I instructed you." (Titus 1:5) Likewise, Timothy, who traveled extensively with the apostle Paul, appears to have been similar authority.(1 Timothy 5:22) Clearly, then, these appointments were made by traveling overseers, not by the apostles and older men in Jerusalem.

With this Biblical precedent in mind, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses had adjusted how the appointments of elders and ministerial servants are made. As of September 1, 2014, appointments are being made as follows: Each circuit overseer carefully reviews  the recommendations being made in the circuit. During his visits to the congregations, he will try to get to know those who are recommended, working with them in the ministry if at all possible. After discussing the recommendations with the local body of elders, the circuit overseer has the responsibility of appointing the elders and ministerial servants in the congregations in his circuit. In this way, the arrangement is closer to the first-century pattern.

Who handled the various roles in this process?  As always, "the faithful and discreet slave" has the primary responsibility of feeding the domestics.  (Matthew 24:45-47)  This includes searching the Scriptures , with the help of the holy spirit, in order to provide direction on the practical application of Bible principles that have a bearing on the way the worldwide congregation is organized. The faithful slave also appoints all circuit overseers and Branch Committee members.  In turn, each branch office provides practical assistance in implementing the direction given. Each body of elders has the solemn duty to review thoroughly the Scriptural qualifications of the brothers they recommend for appointment in God's congregation. Each circuit overseer has the serious responsibility to consider carefully and prayerfully the recommendations made buy the elders and then to appoint the men who qualify.

When we understand how appointments are made, we appreciate more fully the role of holy spirit in this process. We then have a greater confidence in and respect for those who have been appointed in the Christian congregation. - HEBREWS 13:7, 17.

Next time: Questions From Readers/ ROLES OF THOSE INVOLVED WITH APPOINTMENTS

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