Ex-Jehovah’s Witness Elder Stories: “Put Your Sword Away”
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- Опубликовано: 20 окт 2024
- Hey folks!
In this video I’ll explain the story behind my first big elders meeting as a fearless 24 year old, back when I was in the bOrg. The point of this story isn’t to gossip, or just be a storyteller, but to emphasize the fact that there is no special holy spirit guiding these men. JW Elders are mostly just a bunch of old dudes who are making decisions based on their own personal feelings, and pride.
Look forward to more elder stories in the future!
Check me out on social media if you’re into that sort of thing:
Instagram: @matt_abstract
Twitter: @matt_abstract_
Reddit: irregularpi0neer
You will save more lives now with your videos please keep up the good work
“Why’d you call the police?!” Umm because it’s a crime...
You just described what happens to every bright eyed, bushy tailed, young man that is appointed an elder. You realize very quickly that it's an old boys club. This experience either breaks you and you don't last or you conform and become one of them.
Quack Dracular this is so true. Somehow i thought i would be the one to make a difference. I guess i always was an activist, i just didnt realize i needed to leave lol
Identical to the child "protection" workers who steal kids by bullying their parents--they get Federal money for each child they rip away from the ones that don't matter & are least able to help themselves.
This is what I have found in the fundamentalist "independant" baptist group too. They always have the other guys back, like in the freemasons. (My husband is now "married" to them - not me.)
This group has what they call "pastors school" and regularly share their pulpit with other traveling evangelists/missionaries/teachers to where I realized it actually is a phycological game played on their congragation. If anyone has a question about the absurdities found in this 66 books, one will either put the questioning so far from their mind or just see the "group" being so big that they are afraid to ask any questions.
My "pastor" voluntarily offered his notes (almost 2 yrs ago) on a certain topic I had in question, but then told me that I would not be getting his bible study notes due to the "fact" that I will just argue.
Go figure.
Matt...could you please contact me on Facebook messenger....Tami VanDyke. I need to talk to someone
What amazes me is that you can talk to Witnesses that left other religions because of how the church leaders treated them or how they handled certain matters and they all say it showed them that it wasn't the "true" religion. But if a JW elder or circuit overseer does something wrong they need to forgive them and wait on Jehovah because they are imperfect.
Far from being perfect , they are sinners just like me and you, but in there minds , they think they are all above the Law. But will be judged like ourselves one day soon as well. by Jesus Christ himself, no nepotism or favoritism will be accepted or allowed. IMO
Cast Satán out!
Thank you so much Matt for this video! With your honesty no wander you couldn’t remain an elder in that organization...much less a publisher. I really like your calmness and appreciate the way you explain things, in other words it’s a pleasure to listen to you. Keep up the good work you are helping a lot of people! ❤️
you are not alone. I've been over it all for sometime. I pioneered commuted to Bethel, served where the need was great DR. IT WAS CLEAR TO SEE GRNUINE LOVE WAS NON EXISTENT and based on condition, circumstance and what you can give/contribute. Ain't nobody got time for that! Keep up the good work.
So, is this what jesus meant when he said, the love if the greater number, would grow cold ?
Like the iron of revelation 15:19, it was all foretold...
But because we've been taught about the tender compassion of the Christ , when we expect to see it , but it isnt realised
When get overtaken with fright
When all along it was already foretold in revelation and elsewhere that the love of the majority would grow cold..
So we ought to take it as an indication
That if we're looking
That's what we're after
How fitting the question then , in this case
When the son of man comes
Will he really find the faith ?
Here is where it calls for endurance.
And just keep moving in the race.
Ohhh this is going to be goooood!!...Let me get a light 🍹refreshment! 😂
I grew up in a narcissistic sociopathic family unit. I never was in a cult per se but your videos are fascinating to me because cults that are driven by fear mongering are stunningly similar to the way sociopathic family units operate. I feel terrible for people that have lost their minds to these ideologies and raising awareness of the ramifications of being motivated by fear is essential to creating happiness and abundance in the world.
Thank you for telling us your experiences with so much respect. There is no hatred in your words. I really appreciate that.
Maria Fagbuyi thank you for noticing that. I try to be a pretty postitive person, and im also big on comedy, which i hope to show in further videos lol. But i dont hold hatred for the men i served with. They’re victims of a greater evil that lead them to think with pride and selfishness, rather than a sense of serving with graciousness and an open mind to real truth.
Watched your first video and then had to stick around and keep watching. I ran screaming from my last Kingdom Hall in 1988 and never looked back. I was fortunate in that I wasn't baptized, so when I faded there was no need for my family to shun me, but that didn't mean they didn't try and make my life miserable. I'm glad you found your way out. I can attest to the fact that expressing any doubt about the teachings or questioning anything would open up an ugly can of worms. BTW, the scientific age of mankind vs. the Bible's age was a huge sticking point for me too.
They ready to pounce on a rumor and will just show up at your house to investigate but the elders covered each other.
Keep up the good work! Looking forward to your future videos!
Dude this channel is gonna blow 💪
You are so interesting. Please keep them coming :)
Love the inside scoop. Your stories collectively with others sharing similar experiences, just confirms how Holy spirit isn’t guiding decisions. Imperfect men are. And unfortunately, those decisions make or break a person...we’re brainwashed to let others control our one life, our one chance at living. So happy your whole family left. Your daughter is truly blessed now.
My Dad was an Elder. I can see why you and my Dad were chosen for the Elder position. Your sincerity and warmth shines.
Great information. Thank you again for this. It is really helpful. Keep it coming.
Matt, I am so happy you popped on on my mobile. You are a breath of fresh air. Looking forward to more videos.
Some elders have more authority than others. Whilst the majority play the game it only takes one overbearing personality to spoil things.Some of the circuit overseers from yesteryear were real no nonsense characters who ruled with an iron rod.When my wife and I faded in 2014 they appeared more accommodating . Great insights into elders meetings, thanks.
As I see it now, we never had a fighting chance to form a lasting, eternal connection to the DIVINE PROCESS in SPIRIT AND TRUTH.
JESUS 🙏🏻
You've done a lot in your little life. In any case, I can relate 100% to what you have said even though I've never been an Elder. Looking forward to more stories.
I love the photos in the background by the way. It triggered a few bad memories but I believe it’s a very nice touch, LOL!
I thought the Elder Meetings were conducted or guided by Holy Spirit? Doesn’t appear to be with all the internal bickering and judgmental behavior. Thanks so much for sharing this story with us🙏. Keep them coming 🙂
Kittens AreCute that is EXACTLY what they are. Controlled arguments lead by pride.
Congratulations on waking up brother. Free your mind and your class will follow! Thank you for sharing your story.
My father was a Presiding Elder for over 30 years. I know all about these meetings. I glad the knowledge of self led me to transcend above this control of the masses binding.
One black man to another. As black people we are already subjected to the unfortunate conditions of systemic racism and discrimination. Jehovahs Witnesses make it worse. Keep your head up black man keep your head up.
Hi Matt love your videos this reminds me of a very abusive elder in my hall years ago. He would chatise his wife at the bookstudy in front of everybody. I felt so bad for her. She was terrified of him and eventually he got removed as an elder. His wife was such a loving person I just never understood what she saw in him. He passed away about 5 years sgo from cancer.
Parental Alienation causes just as much permanent mental health damage as child sexual abuse. That's what you described that mother was doing to her daughter by bashing her dad. JW's are very good at this. Getting children to shun a parent is not normal.
Wow! Unbelievably exciting. I like your style, differentlt refreshing. Bring it on! 👊🏿
Welcome to your freedom Matt. I too am enjoying my freedom, after being held captive for 43 years.
My dad was presiding overseer. I remember soooooo many Tuesday not getting home till after 11 and later. Once my brother and I got older we started finding our own way home.
I am keeping up with your videos. I had to get my food ready to watch you while I sipped on this TEA of your elder meetings chronicles. The tea on that was savory!! My oh my! It was the best video I’ve watched in days. Thank you for sharing that with us.
Seems like the veil is well and truly being drawn aside now! Matt, thank you for open and honest description of your observations and experience.
Greetings, THANK YOU....I will be looking...for your videos.....
Nothing holy about elders appointments
Matt, love your videos. I am not disfellowshipped or disassociated (yet) but am definitely done with the organization. Already told an elder where I stand. The CSA was what woke me up. Working to get my immediate family out. My child is in agreement with me. Still working on my wife. You are well spoken and have played your videos for her hoping they help wake her up. Thank you. (BTW - My name is Matt also.)
Matt, you are such a great guy and I really enjoy your videos! Looking forward to more.
"Irregular Pioneer" hilarious my bro!!!!!!! Great video.
Enjoyed your story can't wait to see what's coming next....thank you somuch
Love your videos! Great information. Can’t wait to hear your wife’s story too!
caliwacan thats coming very soon. I cant wait to get her on the channel. She’s way more interesting than me lol
I like the way you use logic in what you say and you seem to be very sincere with how you express your views, great use of your forum here on You-tube and keep up the enlightening work that you do.
HAHAHA GOOD ONE BUD.. MY DAD DIED TWO YEARS AGO STILL BELIEVING. BUT HE WAS WAKING UP BUT TOO LATE.. THE LAST TWO CONVERSATIONS ON HIS DEATH BED HE SAID A FEW THINGS TO ME..VERY INTERESTING..ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS HE WAS NEVER MADE A ELDER WAS HE TOLD SHIT LIKE IT WAS, NO BEATING AROUND THE BUSH. HE WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU TO PRAY AND CONFESS TO GOD. AND TOLD YOU TO TRY HARDER TO BE BETTER. AND THAT WOULD OF BEEN IT.. ALSO HE RUBBED THEM UP THE HARD WAY AND THEY DIDN'T LIKE IT... BUT IT DIDN'T STOP THEM FROM COMING OVER FOR DINNER ALL THE TIME ,GROUP BEACH OUTINGS.BUSH WALKS , PICTURES,FIXING CARS, WELDING, AND ALL THAT TYPE OF STUFF.. MY DAD WAS A EX MARINE.. HE WAS DUTCH AND GREW UP IN INDONESIA. AND MAN COULD HE COOK......WE WERE ALWAYS DOING COOL STUFF AND EVERONE WANTED TO COME AND HE ALWAYS SAID THE MORE THE MERRIER..HE DID ALL THE QUICK BUILDS WITH ME UNTILL I LEFT AND THEN HE CARRIED ON WITHOUT ME TILL HIS HEALTH LET GO.. AND AT HIS FUNERAL SERVICE I HAD HIM UNDER MY ARM IN HIS BOX.. HIS ASHES..I WAS TALKING TO THE PRESIDING OVERSEER AND I SAID WELL AT LEAST HE IS SAFE NOW AND THE NEXT THING HE SEES WILL BE PARADISE.. I SAID HE WL BE A BIT DISAPPOINTED NOT BEING ABLE TO HAVE DEMOLISHED ANY CHURCHS.. AND HE SAID WELL ITS UP TO JEHOVAH... WELL I SAID THATS FUNNY. JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS AND DAD DIED FAITHFUL WITHOUT DENYING HIM SO THAT PUTS HIM IN LINE FOR RESURRECTION..ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE AND THE WORDS OF JESUS... I POPPED HIS BOX OUT FROM UNDER MY ARM AND SAID SEE DAD YOUR NEVER GOOD ENOUGH FOR MEN LIKE THESE... BUT YOUR FATHER WON'T FORGET YOU..YOU SHOULD HAVE SEE HIS FACE IT WAS PRICELESS. I REALISED HE HADN'T SEEN DAD TUCKED UNDER MY ARM...
J Block, great comeback!
You are so articulated, i can listen to you all day! Welcome to your freedom, ive always been mentally out but i finally left in 2013
Thank you so much for your second video, too! 👍 Hello from Germany 😘
You are a great speaker. Lovely to meet another cool guy.
Thank you for this video Matt. It's only your 2nd and I'm craving for more
God bless you bro
Question to The Irregular Pioneer: What was your first reaction when you sat down and read the “Secret Elders Book”? It’s hard for me to comprehend how brothers can read that book full of manmade rules and choose to continue serving as an elder. I would love to see a video on your take on this.
This video’s a hoot! So true you can’t be a change agent with JWs. And congratulations for having a pre-existing ethical framework. All the more congratulations for keeping it.
Just found you, I'm a "non practicing jw" (drifted, not disfellowshipped); raised as a Daughter of an elder. This brought back a lot of memories... I noticed you stopped posting a few months ago, sad. I still have some vids to work thru but I hope you do some more some time.
As black people we are at the bottom of the socioeconomic totem poll. 70% of black children are born out of wedlock. 1/3 black men are imprisoned. This is truly 😢 sad. As black people we must learn how to build strong communities and start building black businesses. As black people we have to be serious about the many issues in our communities. This should be our main focus as black people. Black people are in trouble and we have to admit it.
I enjoyed listening to both of your videos. Just subscribed. Looking forward to your next one!
William Swagerty thank you!
I have some stories of my own I what to tell and will when the time is right.
Hi Matt,
You are so clearly intelligent and informative. Im a child protection worker from Australia, I’d love to chat to you to you for advice as I case manage a child who is a JW. Cheers ☺️
Hi Krystle, I'm in Melbourne
And never been in but know of a couple people who are. Really in a hard place
And are scared and need out but as know there is no security for them or network of outside friends
But the bad effects are way overtaken the good effects
I could help very easy if it was the normal path taken
For many who are not in these JW Scientology cults
I am bewildered and its really like they are in traps what ever moves make
Having no experience with this Particular path I do not feel like I could support transition
But I would like to run pass someone who has had any experience over here , a few scenarios and here feedback
If u have time or could point me in right direction of someone who I could chat with.
Etc
I can't turn a blindeye anymore or just ignore it without at least seeking advice at very least .
Just watched your first video Matt. Congratulations to you & your wife for the big escape! So great you are jumping in so quickly to stop more innocent people from being sucked into wt cult! I subed you so that I don't miss your new vids. Love what you do....thank you. Hope to see your wife with you on these videos!
Can't get enough if you talented, brave souls.
Thank you for sharing your story. Glad that both you and your wife are out! 🥳
13:15 - Translation: “Not following biblical principals” actually means “Not following the Watchtower’s Pharisaical Manmade Regulations”.
Please explain what it means to be a publisher in the congregation. I like your videos because you also explain the terms that non JWs (like me) won't necessarily know.
Lennygrace Love will do. Also in the future i’ll be putting JW vocab in the video description.
"In the position of power to help others"! Luv that saying!
Enjoy listening to u again. Didn't hear ur baby today?!:-)
Your zeal and commitment to the truth should have been encouraged and supported by the fellow elders. For them to then insult you for unsettling them as they slumbered and made exceptions to the rules is Incredible to me, but not surprising. They certainly did not deserve you working beside them. Those men are better left to their misguided lives, that's the kindest thing l can say about them! You'll continue to bloom out here in reality friend! 😊
Funny, I use to call the elders the
Good Ol' Boys Club also. They mostly took sides with the man. Women were treated pretty harshly. It was all Political and it depended alot on who you knew or what side of the bed they woke up on to make a decision about person's life. There was always at least one bully elder. The bully elder was an average Joe man who worked an average Joe job and was given a hint of power and he wield it to make his self feel like something in the world. What type of work did Tony do?.... hahaha
There is a great crowd of us out here. I sent you a friend request via FB, and am very active on Reddit too. The more of us who can show that we are reasonable, caring people the better for those who are try g to figure it all out & get out.
Fantastic, I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, best part was: "the man is a DEMON!"....cracked me up real good. I relate to your experience profoundly, I too am a former JW who left the organisation then dabbled into atheism for a little while, how I wish I could engage with you directly, pick your brain about a few observations and what reality really is, I'll only speak to reason, logic and common sense
Sokapase M if you have social media, feel free to dm me. I’m always down for a good chat.
@@theirregularpioneerchannel1804 That would be better than awesome, I have a Twitter handle @Mikey234, how do we connect?
I took all my mom and dads JW books and set em out for trash man. Boxes of em. I helped the trash man load em up. I didn't even want to recycle them. I was shooting jump shots with them books right in the trash truck with smile on my face. Garbage.
Binge-watching you, Matt! You're my new fave ex-jw doing videos! 😊
Can't thank you enough for these videos:) I'm not alone or crazy and that makes me feel awesome tbh
Believe it bro we r out here IT people( independent thinkers)
I'm looking forward to hearing all your elder stories, lol... 🤗
Love your elder stories!
Eye opening!!
Great video! I'm noticing the pictures on the wall. They look like pioneer school photos?
julieevanb correct! Pioneer school & elder school pics. My wife and I discussed taking them down, but it gives a little more evidence to those looking to find fault. I’m exactly who i say i am. Lol
The Irregular Pioneer Channel nooooo...... don’t take them down! They give weight to your words! You are most definitely talking from experience, like myself you truly believed until you could, no longer, because you were staying TRUE TO YOURSELVES! I noticed the pictures from the get- go as well & thought exactly what I’ve said here! Keep up the good work! 😉
The sound is low, very low, compared to basic youtube videos, any thought on trying to work on the sound so that I don't have to use an ear phones? Love your channel, keep'm coming even if you can't get the sound up on your stream.
You are such a good speaker! If that was a result of being a Jehovah's Witness, it may have been worth it. LOL
Run for a representative or senator!
God Bless you sir, thank You for standing up to the (true truth).
*love this brother! amazing to hear others experiences but more so, one from the african american perspective, in a predominantly white based play play religion*
Chrishawn Fountain in the future im going to do a video particularly about the aspect of being an African-American JW. Theres a lot that i found interesting when it came to race relations in the bOrg.
Former afro American ministerial servant here and that mess just felt unnatural and you really had to be a certain kind of black person to excel in their space. Looking forward to your insights!
Chrishawn Fountain mannnn you aint lyin! I was in predominantly black congregations, so i didnt have some of the issues other black witnesses have in their kingdom halls. But man it really was ridiculous at times the way even black witnesses pretended like they didnt see racism in the organization simply to keep being loyal to the cult. But hey what do you expect from an organization thats first two presidents were openly racist lol
*a newly converted white male, can get baptized and in 2 yrs be a servant. he keeps his name somewhat clean, gets married and 1.5 yrs later he now appointed an elder looking at you cray cray. It was straight comedy. it was somewhat demoralizing but a african american brother was always secondary to anything white*
@@Chrishawn this is a bold face lie. My cousin was baptized in 2010 and within a year and a half was appointed a servant. There are thousands of experiences like my cousins across Jehovah's beautiful Organization. Like other imperfections, some in the Organization deal with racial prejudice, Jehovah patiently admonishes them in a spirit of love through His Organization.
You are fantastic!
You tell the best stories!!!
Apostate Prophet is so kind but straight up just like you. Cults are losing members, thanks to this platform!
Each one teach one. Keep up the great work.
Matt I'm just happy you got your family out of there,wwwhheeeww!
Love your content, please mic UP👆!
I only have one suggestion for you. You might want to put your camera on top of some books to raise it up a bit so it looks like you are looking at your audience rather than looking like your looking down.
Now for the content...
Good job! Too many times people will leave one religion only to jump into another. I'm really glad to see someone who reasoned their way out of religion all together. I know it was hard (went through it myself but with a different religion). I know it took a lot for you to go against the grain and do what was best for your family. Your daughter will benefit from your decision greatly.
Watching your other video and this one brought a breath of fresh air and encourages me to have hope for a future without old myths ruling people's lives.
Keep up the good work. The more people we have speaking out the better.
Matt thank goodness that I got to see your videos I truly understand my whole family don't want any parts of me we were close-knit family and I just don't believe that a God says hate your brother or your family one day I hope one day I hope that a lot of people start seeing which they are thank goodness for Facebook RUclips to get the message out I always thought that something didn't sound right or whatever but the question was always there curious thank you for having the courage to speak up my brothers are elders and they don't even speak to me after some almost 20 years and it's a shame my mother died my sister died and I wasn't even invited to my family my mother's funeral or sister's funeral thank goodness that reality is coming that they always say and they'll they'll say oh you will have prostate you are his prostate because you can't even question it thank you you are helping so many people and definitely you helping me may God in heaven almighty God your way or how have we call him thank you cuz it's helping a lot of people you got a lot of courage thank you
Keep them coming
Keep up your great work , I enjoy watching you, and hopefully your videos will also help others to realize that we X-JW's have been fooled, tricked & deceived into thinking that ONLY this Watchtower is the only way to everlasting life, but as the Bible says, only Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the light, not some Man made up Religion that tries to control your thinking , mind and affection for Others, especially since we are all sinners on this earth, and just like Jesus Christ himself said & tought while on this earth, we all should show Love and respect for, and try to build them up, not Kick them down by Shunning .etc IMO
Hi ,thank you for the insight, I'm a little deft could you up the volume please. Thank you.
Happy Father's Day to you too!
WARNING....!!!!
There are six things that Jehovah does hate, yes, seven are things detestable to his soul, lofty eyes, a false tongue, and hands that are shedding innocent blood, a heart fabricating hurtful schemes, feet that are in a hurry to run to badness, a false witness that launches forth lies, and anyone sending forth contentions among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Keep making content G💪
Definitely close to my situation
It's not that it's BAD
It's does it feet you?
Is your place here?
Do you belong here??
,The Elders show so much discrimination ,if they don't like you they will not pick you to be an elder. The elders have shown so much hatred towards me never call, or text me , not even invite me for a cup of coffee.
I was always getting in trouble for telling to truth as well, LOL!
Don’t know if this is the right place to reach out to you. I’ll try it anyway. Two things. First, how can I support you in your work? Second, ever given any thought to developing a discourse on how to help JWs who want out? You know, what to say, what to do and what to offer.
"the fool has said in his heart there is no God" repent, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou wilt be saved................
Welcome to your freedom.
Great videos 👍
This is some good advice.
I've been to Bethel Once in 1992, yep
If you know the truth so much then what is the truth, truly? What religion should we join instead and why?