• “Call the Elders”
    The Watchtower (Study)—2025 | September

    • WHY SHOULD WE CALL THE ELDERS?

      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. (Ps. 94:18) And if we have sinned, we will receive God’s mercy if we confess and abandon our sins.​—Read Proverbs 28:13.

      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. (Ps. 32:3-5) 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.​—Isa. 1:5, 6, 18.

      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. (Eph. 4:30)

  • “Call the Elders”
    The Watchtower (Study)—2025 | September

    • HOW DO THE ELDERS HELP US?

      12. How do the elders help those who are spiritually weak?

      12 The elders are instructed to support those who are spiritually weak. (1 Thess. 5:14) If you have erred, they may ask you discerning questions to ‘draw out’ your inner thoughts and feelings. (Prov. 20:5) 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.” (Job 6:3) Instead of quickly drawing a conclusion, the elders will strive to listen carefully and get the whole picture before offering you counsel. (Prov. 18:13) They realize that shepherding the flock takes time, so they do not expect to resolve challenging issues with one discussion.

      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.” (Jas. 5:14-16) 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. (Isa. 57:18) 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.”​—Isa. 30:21.

      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.

      The elders use the Bible to soothe and comfort ailing ones (See paragraphs 13-14)

      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.​—1 Pet. 3:8.

      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. (Prov. 11:13; Gal. 6:2) Their personalities and experience vary, but we can feel free to approach any elder to discuss a problem.