Call the Elders (November 10 through 16)
[For the opening song before the Public Talk, select the song number announced, on the 'Sing Out Joyfully' Page or click here]
Watchtower Study Article 36 [Press play below to hear the Watchtower audio]
Song 103 Shepherds. Gifts in Men. Based on Ephesians 4.8
1. Help in our lives, Jehovah provides,
Shepherds to tend his flock.
By their example they serve as guides,
Showing us how to walk.
God gives us men who have earned our trust,
Men who are loyal and true.
They show concern for his precious sheep;
Love them for all that they do.
2. Shepherds who love us care how we feel;
Gently they guide the way.
When we are hurt, they help us to heal,
Kind in the words they say.
God gives us men who have earned our trust,
Men who are loyal and true.
They show concern for his precious sheep;
Love them for all that they do.
3. Godly advice and counsel they give,
That we may never stray.
Thus they assist us, God’s way to live,
Serving him ev’ry day.
God gives us men who have earned our trust,
Men who are loyal and true.
They show concern for his precious sheep;
Love them for all that they do.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
“Call the Elders” (November 10 through 16)
“Let him call the elders of the congregation to him.” James 5.14.
[Box] Focus.
Get spiritual help from the congregation elders when you need it. [End of box]
Question 1. How has Jehovah shown that his sheep are precious to him?
1. Jehovah’s sheep are precious to him. He purchased them with the blood of Jesus and assigned the congregation elders to care for His flock.
[Quotation] Acts 20.28: Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son. [End Quotation]
God wants his sheep to be treated tenderly. Under Christ’s leadership, the elders refresh the sheep and protect them from spiritual danger.
[Quotation] Isaiah 32.1 and 2: Look! A king will reign for righteousness, And princes will rule for justice. And each one will be like a hiding place from the wind, A place of concealment from the rainstorm, Like streams of water in a waterless land, Like the shadow of a massive crag in a parched land. [End Quotation]
Question 2. In whom does Jehovah show special interest? (Ezekiel 34.15 and 16)
2. Jehovah has deep concern for all his sheep, but he gives special care to those who are suffering. Through the elders, he helps those who are suffering in a spiritual sense. (Read Ezekiel 34.15 and 16) However, he wants us to seek help when we need it. At such times, in addition to our earnest prayers to God for support, we request the assistance of the “shepherds and teachers” in the congregation.
[Quotation] Ephesians 4.11 and 12: And he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers, with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, to build up the body of the Christ, [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] Ezekiel 34.15 and 16: “‘“I myself will feed my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down,” declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. “The lost one I will search for, the stray I will bring back, the injured I will bandage, and the weak I will strengthen; but the fat one and the strong one I will annihilate. I will feed that one with judgment.” [End of Read scripture]
Question 3. How can all of us benefit from considering the role of the elders?
3. In this article, we will examine God’s arrangement for us to get spiritual help through the elders. We will answer these questions: When should we ask the elders for help? Why should we do so? And how do they help us? Even if we are not currently experiencing a difficulty, the answers to those questions will increase our appreciation for God’s arrangement and may someday save our life.
When Should We “Call the Elders”?
Question 4. Why do we conclude that James 5.14 through 16, 19 and 20 refers to spiritual sickness? (See also pictures)
The disciple James introduces the subject of God’s arrangement for spiritual assistance by asking: “Is there anyone sick among you? Let him call the elders of the congregation.” (Read James 5.14 through 16, 19 and 20) The context shows that James is speaking of spiritual sickness. For instance, the sick one is told to call, not a doctor, but the elders. And spiritual sickness is implied because the healing can involve the forgiveness of sins. In some respects, the steps needed to treat spiritual sickness are similar to those needed for physical ailments. When we are physically sick, we visit a doctor, explain our symptoms, and follow his directions. Likewise, when we are spiritually ailing, we should approach an elder, describe our situation, and act on the Scriptural counsel we receive.
[Read scripture] James 5.14 through 16: Is there anyone sick among you? Let him call the elders of the congregation to him, and let them pray over him, applying oil to him in the name of Jehovah. And the prayer of faith will make the sick one well, and Jehovah will raise him up. Also, if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, openly confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. A righteous man’s supplication has a powerful effect. [End of Read scripture]
[Read scripture] James 5.19 and 20: My brothers, if anyone among you is led astray from the truth and another turns him back, know that whoever turns a sinner back from the error of his way will save him from death and will cover a multitude of sins. [End of Read scripture]
![[Image:] Collage: 1. A man explains a problem with his shoulder to a doctor. 2. A brother explains his situation to an elder as they sit on an outdoor bench. Caption: When we are physically sick, we visit a doctor; when we are spiritually ailing, we should approach the elders](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/266a77_ba270d3308924c6295e4839711461dca~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_962,h_443,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/495.jpg)
[Image:] Collage: 1. A man explains a problem with his shoulder to a doctor. 2. A brother explains his situation to an elder as they sit on an outdoor bench. Caption: When we are physically sick, we visit a doctor; when we are spiritually ailing, we should approach the elders
Question 5. How can we tell if we are in danger of becoming spiritually sick?
5. The arrangement described in James chapter 5 encourages us to approach the elders when we feel that our spiritual health is suffering in any way. How wise it is, though, for us to receive help before we cause serious damage to our friendship with God! We must be honest with ourselves. The Scriptures warn that we can deceive ourselves about our spiritual condition.
[Quotation] James 1.22: However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. [End Quotation]
Some early Christians in Sardis made this mistake, and Jesus warned them about their spiritual state.
[Quotation] Revelation 3.1 and 2: “To the angel of the congregation in Sardis write: These are the things that he says who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have the name that you are alive, but you are dead. Become watchful, and strengthen the things remaining that were ready to die, for I have not found your works fully performed before my God. [End Quotation]
One way we can check our spiritual health is by comparing our enthusiasm for our worship now with how we felt in previous times.
[Quotation] Revelation 2.4 and 5: Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first. “‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first. If you do not, I will come to you, and I will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. [End Quotation]
We could ask ourselves: ‘Has my joy for Bible reading and meditation diminished? Has my meeting preparation and attendance become haphazard? Has my zeal for the ministry cooled? Do pleasures or possessions occupy more of my time and thinking?’ If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it could indicate a weakness that if not addressed will likely get worse. If we are unable to remedy the weakness on our own or if it has already led us to violate God’s standards, we should ask the elders for help.
Question 6. What should those who have committed a serious sin do?
6. Of course, those who have committed a serious sin, one that could lead to a person’s being removed from the congregation, should approach an elder.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 5.11 through 13: But now I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do you not judge those inside, while God judges those outside? “Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.” [End Quotation]
Any who have succumbed to serious sin need help to repair their relationship with Jehovah. To gain Jehovah’s forgiveness through the ransom, we must display “works that befit repentance.”
[Quotation] Acts 26.20: but to those in Damascus first and then to those in Jerusalem, and over all the country of Judea, and also to the nations, I was bringing the message that they should repent and turn to God by doing works that befit repentance. [End Quotation]
Those works include approaching the elders if we have committed a serious sin.
Question 7. Who else needs the assistance of the elders?
7. The elders not only assist those who have committed a serious sin but also help those who are spiritually weak.
[Quotation] Acts 20.35: I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’” [End Quotation]
For example, you might fear that you are losing your fight against wrong desires. Your struggle might be especially challenging if before you learned the truth you were addicted to drugs, were exposed to pornography, or led an immoral life. You need not face these challenges alone. You can choose to speak to an elder who will listen to your concerns, offer practical counsel, and assure you that you can please Jehovah by refusing to act on wrong desires.
[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 4.12: And someone may overpower one alone, but two together can take a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn apart. [End Quotation]
If you have become discouraged in your struggle, the elders can remind you that this likely shows that you are taking your relationship with Jehovah seriously and are avoiding overconfidence.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 10.12: So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. [End Quotation]
Question 8. In connection with what sort of sins do we not need to approach the elders?
8. We do not need to go to the elders for every concern we may have about our spiritual health. For instance, suppose you say something hurtful to a brother or a sister, perhaps even lose your temper. Rather than approach an elder, you could apply Jesus’ counsel about making peace between you and your brother or sister.
[Quotation] Matthew 5.23 and 24: “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away. First make your peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift. [End Quotation]
You could research the subjects of mildness, patience, and self-control so that you can display those fine qualities more fully in the future. Of course, if you are still unable to solve your problem, you could ask an elder for assistance. In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul asked an unnamed brother to help Euodia and Syntyche to resolve their differences, and an elder in your congregation may be able to aid you in the same way.
[Quotation] Philippians 4.2 and 3: I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, I request you also, as a true fellow worker, to keep assisting these women who have striven side by side with me for the good news, along with Clement as well as the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. [End Quotation]
Why Should We Call the Elders?
Question 9. Why should we not let shame stop us from calling the elders? (Proverbs 28.13)
9. We need faith and courage to ask for help when we have committed a serious sin or when we feel that we are losing our fight against a personal weakness. We should not let shame hold us back from calling the elders. Why not? By following Jehovah’s arrangement, we show that we trust him and his instructions for keeping us healthy and strong in the faith. We acknowledge that we need his help if we are about to fall.
[Quotation] Psalm 94.18: When I said: “My foot is slipping,” Your loyal love, O Jehovah, kept supporting me. [End Quotation]
And if we have sinned, we will receive God’s mercy if we confess and abandon our sins. Read Proverbs 28.13.
[Read scripture] Proverbs 28.13: The one covering over his transgressions will not succeed, But whoever confesses and abandons them will be shown mercy. [End of Read scripture]
Question 10. What can happen if we were to try to hide our sins?
10. In contrast to the blessings we gain by speaking to an elder when we need help, we can make our situation worse if we try to hide our sins. When King David tried to cover up his sins, he suffered spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.
[Quotation] Psalm 32.3 through 5: When I kept silent, my bones wasted away because of my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me. My strength evaporated like water in the dry summer heat. Finally I confessed my sin to you; I did not cover my error. I said: “I will confess my transgressions to Jehovah.” And you pardoned the error of my sins. [End Quotation]
Like a physical illness or injury, a spiritual problem often gets worse if we fail to take care of it. Jehovah understands this, so he invites us to “set matters straight” with him through the means he has set up for our spiritual healing.
[Quotation] Isaiah 1.5 and 6: Where will you be struck next as you add to your rebellion? The whole head is sick, And the whole heart is diseased. From the sole of the foot to the head, nothing is healthy. There are wounds and bruises and open sores. They have not been treated or bound up or softened with oil. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Isaiah 1.18: “Come, now, and let us set matters straight between us,” says Jehovah. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They will be made as white as snow; Though they are as red as crimson cloth, They will become like wool. [End Quotation]
Question 11. How could others be affected if we were to hide serious sins?
11. If we were to hide our serious sin, we could affect others. We could hinder the flow of God’s spirit to the entire congregation and threaten the peace of our brothers and sisters.
[Quotation] Ephesians 4.30: Also, do not be grieving God’s holy spirit, with which you have been sealed for a day of releasing by ransom. [End Quotation]
Likewise, if we learn that someone else in the congregation has committed a serious sin, we should urge that one to speak to the elders about the matter.* [Footnote] If the wrongdoer fails to do so after a reasonable period of time, your loyalty to Jehovah should move you to tell the elders what you know. [End of footnote] Hiding the serious sin of another person would make us guilty as well.
[Quotation] Leviticus 5.1: “‘If someone sins because he has heard a public call to testify and he is a witness or has seen or learned about it and he does not report it, then he will answer for his error. [End Quotation]
Our love for Jehovah should move us to come forward and to speak the truth. We thus help to keep the congregation clean and to restore such erring ones to a good relationship with Jehovah.
How Do the Elders Help Us?
Question 12. How do the elders help those who are spiritually weak?
12. The elders are instructed to support those who are spiritually weak.
[Quotation] 1 Thessalonians 5.14: On the other hand, we urge you, brothers, to warn the disorderly, speak consolingly to those who are depressed, support the weak, be patient toward all. [End Quotation]
If you have erred, they may ask you discerning questions to ‘draw out’ your inner thoughts and feelings.
[Quotation] Proverbs 20.5: The thoughts of a man’s heart are like deep waters, But the discerning man draws them out. [End Quotation]
You can help them by expressing yourself openly, even if you find this difficult to do because of your culture, your personality, or your embarrassment over the challenge you are facing. Do not be afraid that your words may seem like “wild talk.”
[Quotation] Job 6.3: For now it is heavier than the sands of the seas. That is why my words have been wild talk. [End Quotation]
Instead of quickly drawing a conclusion, the elders will strive to listen carefully and get the whole picture before offering you counsel.
[Quotation] Proverbs 18.13: When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, It is foolish and humiliating. [End Quotation]
They realize that shepherding the flock takes time, so they do not expect to resolve challenging issues with one discussion.
Question 13. How can the elders help us by means of their prayers and Scriptural guidance? (See also pictures)
13. When you call the elders, they will strive not to add to your sense of guilt. Rather, they will pray in your behalf. You might be pleasantly surprised at the “powerful effect” that their prayers can have. Their assistance also includes “applying oil to [you] in the name of Jehovah.”
[Quotation] James 5.14 through 16: Is there anyone sick among you? Let him call the elders of the congregation to him, and let them pray over him, applying oil to him in the name of Jehovah. And the prayer of faith will make the sick one well, and Jehovah will raise him up. Also, if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, openly confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. A righteous man’s supplication has a powerful effect. [End Quotation]
This “oil” refers to the truth of God’s Word. Through their skillful use of the Bible, the elders can soothe and comfort you, helping you to restore your relationship with Jehovah.
[Quotation] Isaiah 57.18: I have seen his ways, But I will heal him and lead him And restore comfort to him and to his mourning ones.” [End Quotation]
The Scriptural guidance they share can strengthen your resolve to keep doing what is right. Through them, you can hear Jehovah’s voice telling you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”
[Quotation] Isaiah 30.21: And your own ears will hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way. Walk in it,” in case you should go to the right or in case you should go to the left. [End Quotation]
![[Image:] Collage: 1. The doctor from the previous image assesses the man’s shoulder. An X-ray of the man’s shoulder is on the wall. 2. The elder from the previous image and another elder use the Bible to encourage the brother at his home. The brother joyfully listens to the elders. )](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/266a77_67be226c1ce247ec8b7219bbe7045f27~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_970,h_451,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/495.jpg)
[Image:] Collage: 1. The doctor from the previous image assesses the man’s shoulder. An X-ray of the man’s shoulder is on the wall. 2. The elder from the previous image and another elder use the Bible to encourage the brother at his home. The brother joyfully listens to the elders. Caption: The elders use the Bible to soothe and comfort ailing ones (See paragraphs 13 and 14)
Question 14. According to Galatians 6.1, how do the elders help any who have taken “a false step”? (See also pictures)
14. Read Galatians 6:1. A Christian who takes “a false step” is not walking in harmony with God’s righteous standards. The false step could refer to a mistake in judgment or a serious transgression of God’s law. Christian elders, moved by love, “try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness.” The Greek word translated “readjust” can also describe setting a dislocated bone back in place to prevent a permanent disability. Just as a skillful doctor endeavors to set a broken bone with as little pain as possible, the elders focus on healing our spiritual illness without adding to our pain. They are also instructed to “keep an eye on [themselves].” As they help us to straighten our path, elders recognize that they too are imperfect and prone to false steps. Far from showing a superior, self-righteous, or judgmental attitude, they strive to be empathetic.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 3.8: Finally, all of you have unity of mind, fellow feeling, brotherly affection, tender compassion, and humility. [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] Galatians 6.1: Brothers, even if a man takes a false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness. But keep an eye on yourself, for fear you too may be tempted. [End of Read scripture]
Question 15. What might we do if we have a problem?
15. We can trust our congregation elders. They have been trained to keep our confidential matters private, to base their counsel on the Bible rather than on their own opinions, and to follow through in helping us carry our burdens.
[Quotation] Proverbs 11.13: A slanderer goes about revealing confidential talk, But the trustworthy person keeps a confidence. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Galatians 6.2: Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and in this way you will fulfill the law of the Christ. [End Quotation]
Their personalities and experience vary, but we can feel free to approach any elder to discuss a problem. Of course, we would not go from one elder to another, asking for advice, hoping to find one who will tell us what we want to hear. If we were to do that, we would be like those who would rather have “their ears tickled” than learn the “wholesome teaching” of God’s Word.
[Quotation] 2 Timothy 4.3: For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. [End Quotation]
When we approach an elder about a problem, he may ask us if we have talked with other elders about it and what counsel they gave. And modesty may move him to ask another elder for advice.
[Quotation] Proverbs 13.10: Presumptuousness leads only to strife, But wisdom belongs to those who seek advice. [End Quotation]
Our Personal Responsibility
Question 16. What personal responsibility do we have?
16. Although the elders keep watch over us as God’s sheep, they do not tell us what to do. We have a personal responsibility to live a life of godly devotion. We must answer to God for our own words and actions. With his support, we can meet the challenge of keeping our integrity.
[Quotation] Romans 14.12: So, then, each of us will render an account for himself to God. [End Quotation]
So rather than dictate a course of action to us, the elders direct attention to God’s thinking as found in his Word. By following their Bible-based counsel, we can train our own “powers of discernment” to make wise decisions.
[Quotation] Hebrews 5.14: But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong. [End Quotation]
Question 17. What should be our determination?
17. What a precious privilege we have to be Jehovah’s sheep! Jehovah sent “the fine shepherd,” Jesus, to pay the ransom for us so that we could have the opportunity for everlasting life.
[Quotation] John 10.11: I am the fine shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his life in behalf of the sheep. [End Quotation]
And by means of the elders in the Christian congregation, Jehovah has fulfilled his promise: “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, and they will feed you with knowledge and insight.” (Jeremiah 3.15) When we are spiritually weak or sick, we should not hesitate to call the elders for their help. May we be determined to benefit fully from Jehovah’s provision of the congregation elders.
[Box] How Would You Answer?
When should we “call the elders” for help?
Why should we call the elders?
How do the elders help us? [End of box]
Song 31 Oh, Walk With God! Based on Micah 6.8
1. Oh, walk with God in modesty;
Show loyal love, and be true.
Stay close to Jehovah, leaning on him,
And let his strength sustain you.
Keep holding tight to his faithful Word;
You’ll never drift away.
So let God lead you by the hand
As you listen and obey.
2. Oh, walk with God in holiness;
Consider things that are pure.
No matter how great temptations may be,
He’ll help you to endure them.
Whatever praiseworthy things there are,
Whatever things are true,
Continue to consider them,
And our God will be with you.
3. Oh, walk with God in happiness;
Rejoice that he is your Friend.
Be thankful for all the gifts that he gives
And blessings that are endless.
Oh, walk with God, let your heart be glad;
Express your joy in song.
Your joy will show, and all will know,
To Jehovah you belong.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]