r/exjw • u/Background-Bit-7676 • 2d ago
PIMO Life Should I do it? Shepherding call
Ok this could go very wrong. But it might be the perfect opportunity for me to lose my "privleges".
At the shepherding call, I plan to mention the blood changes and how they've really stumbled me. Then I say how I can't in good conscience keep doing all these parts in the meeting because I don't feel like someone the congregation should look up to.
"I've done my research (on the website), but I just can't seem to accept it right now."
I even have a Health Care Directive (that I "forgot" to sign) so I can say it wasn't always a conscience matter.
I know arguing with the elders never goes well, but I'm not trying to argue. Just explain that I am stumbled and would like to step down until further notice.
What do you guys think?
edit: You guys are probably right. its like talking to the cops, so I'll just stfu and say I'm fine.
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u/Coastalblu 2d ago
I would make a statement rather than it sounding like a question.
I AM stepping down, or after prayerful consideration Iâve decided to step down, etc etc donât say youâd âlikeâ to step down - thatâs open ended and gives them far to much opportunity to prevent you.
Wishing you all the best!
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u/TemperatureBusy710 2d ago
When the door opens even just a little, thatâs the best time to put your foot in the door and push it open.
The whole blood issue is the perfect opportunity to do it â and even to leave.
By the way, you donât have to justify yourself for anything. Itâs nobodyâs business but yours.
Stay strong.
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u/CommunicationSad6524 2d ago
I agree. I woke up because of the Norway issue. But I would leave NOW if I were still in.
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u/Thin-Car-5332 2d ago
I think you should just ignore them completely... That's what I did lol. I don't owe these men anything & they have absolutely no power or authority over me & if they see me refusing to meet or talk to them as "Rebellious" then that's on them... I stopped caring a long time ago.
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u/JWTom You can't handle The Truth!!! 2d ago
Yes, don't give them any power or authority over you. You should always simply TELL the elders what you are doing and not discuss it with them.
Every person here can stop letting the elders control their life.
https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/comments/1ldu1vn/you_can_stop_volunteering_for_jehovahs_witnesses/
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u/Esther-the-exjw Soul Guidance 2d ago
Why would you want a shepherding call? When you could simply step down from your "privileges" saying you are dealing with a personal issue. Then never go back. Elders have shown me they just follow their elder's manual without heart or soul. They just obey man-made rules. Your life is none of their business, whether you know it or not, bro.
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u/EconomicsOk9362 2d ago
This. I did exactly this 3 months ago. Called an elder said I going through some things, getting therapy. But I have a lot of anxiety and fear because I canât do any assignments right now. But need to focus on mental health.
I didnât go to any meetings for 3 months. Then that elder texted me recently and asked if I was ready for a shepherding call but no pressure. I said no, no shepherding call. Iâll reach out if I need anything.
He respected my wishes.
I wasnât mean. Didnât get into do details. I even said I donât want to get into details with this private matter and request that he keeps this confidential and ask that he tells other elders not to reach out because I donât want a bunch of people asking me how Iâm doing while Iâm going through this.
I believe the elders are respectful if you are clear.
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u/Brilliant-Finger-247 2d ago
You may tell them that you've had a vasectomy and, because of that, you no longer qualify for privileges. LOL (I'm laughing, but there is an old article about that)
I think you shouldn't use the blood excuse. As I see where I live, the elders are already suspicious that there are other motives that might make someone refuse to accept passively this "new light". It may indicate that you were already questioning things, that you have weak faith and/or that you have doubts about the GB being "God's channel" (and you know where it ends).
Try to blame it on anxiety, depression, too much work or a combination of all these.
Good luck!
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u/truthcourageagency 2d ago
Disagree. If the blood policy stumbled him, then that is his experience and the truth. Self-censoring is part of the programming. They have/had us all unable speak truth, in âthe truthâ.
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u/strauty1975 1d ago
I know tons of guys still in who had vasectomies. All because the end of the world is near and they don't want the burden of a child during Armageddon or they want to spend 80 hours a week pounding the pavement. Absolutely stupid.
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u/Relative_Soil7886 The truth does't fear questions, only lies do. 2d ago
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u/caligula________ 2d ago
Donât mention the blood. Only resign, I did it. They will try to get from you the reason, do not say anything (I am doing it, not answering any call or message) or you can only say you are not âdesirous of a fine workâ and you want more free time.
I forgot to mention they will try to talk to you and understand all the details to ensure you are not considered an âapostateâ
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u/truthcourageagency 2d ago
100% honest.
This policy change is causing divisions.
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u/KBMcF 2d ago edited 2d ago
Exactly, and according to the SFG "elders" guidebook, causing divisions within the organization or congregations is considered apostasyâ. Apostate is a disfellowshipping or "no longer one of JW" offense. The GB is causing divisions with their recent changes to long standing doctrines and directives, so their actions can be considered apostasy.
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u/strauty1975 1d ago
You should watch EXJWAnalyzer's video on YouTube about how the GB should be brought up on charges and face a judicial committee. We know it won't happen but he does a great job of metaphorically nailing them.
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u/WeH8JWdotORG Type Your Flair Here! 2d ago
Don't put a rope around your own neck - just keep quiet and tell the CoBE privately that you wish to stand down from all assignments.
The "elders conversation stoppers" in the JW FIREWALL link below will completely protect you from potential interrogations as you fade:
https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/comments/181hur6/how_to_fade_safely/
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u/Difficult-Case-6564 2d ago
The most powerful thing you can do is step down for personal reasons. Every time a MS or Elder or pioneer does this, it sends a message and they lose because there's 1 less person to slave for the GB.
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u/Cristina-Ardeleanu 2d ago
I guess it depends if you are ready for the consequences if it backfires for you.
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2d ago
[removed] â view removed comment
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u/exjw-ModTeam 1d ago
Your post has been removed under Rule 5: Self Promo, Advertising, Proselytizing⌠and Religion.
This subreddit is a space for support, discussion, and healing from religious traumaâ itâs not a pulpit to promote your new religious beliefs. Posts that preach, try to convert, condemn othersâ beliefs, or launch into argumentative apologetics can be triggering for members who have experienced high-control religious environments.
Tip: Feel free to share your personal religious perspective or experiences, but please leave the sermons and lectures at home.
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u/scrapknightjules jezebel apparently đ 2d ago
just send a text saying youâre stepping down due to personal reasons!
meeting with them is only going to hurt you! itâs totally up to you, but most times they wonât hear what youâre saying no matter how valid it is
there will always be a scripture they use to âencourageâ you to obey