In the more than 80,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses earth wide, there are humble men who serve as “fellow workers for your joy.” (2 Corinthians 1:24) These are the elders. “Each one,” Isaiah notes, “must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.” That is what elders endeavor to be.—Isaiah 32:2; 50:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

Elders meet Scriptural requirements before being ‘appointed by holy spirit.’ Knowing this will strengthen your confidence in them. (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:2-7; Titus 1:5-9) What you discuss with an elder will remain strictly confidential. Being trustworthy is one of his qualifications.—Compare Exodus 18:21; Nehemiah 7:2.

The elders in the congregation are “keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account.” (Hebrews 13:17) Does this not move you to place your trust in these men? Naturally, not all elders excel in the same qualities. Some may seem more approachable, kind, or understanding than others. (2 Corinthians 12:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8, 11) Why not confide in an elder with whom you feel at ease?

These men are not paid professionals. Rather, they are “gifts in men,” provided by Jehovah to help you. (Ephesians 4:8, 11-13; Galatians 6:1) How? Skillfully using the Bible, they will apply its healing power to your personal situation. (Psalm 107:20; Proverbs 12:18; Hebrews 4:12, 13) They will pray with you and for you. (Philippians 1:9; James 5:13-18) Help from such loving counselors can do much to heal a troubled spirit and restore peace of mind.

But how can you learn to trust the elders and others in the congregation? First, look at yourself. Are your fears solidly grounded? Are you suspicious of others’ motives? (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7) Is there a way to minimize the risk of getting hurt? Yes. How? Try to get acquainted with others personally in a spiritual setting. Talk to them at congregation meetings. Share in the house-to-house work together. Trust, like respect, must be earned. So be patient. For example, as you get to know a spiritual shepherd, your confidence in him will grow. Reveal your concerns gradually. If he responds in an appropriate, sympathetic, and discreet way, you might then try disclosing more.

Fellow worshipers of Jehovah, especially Christian elders, work hard at imitating God’s endearing qualities in their relationships with one another. (Matthew 5:48) This results in an atmosphere of trust in the congregation. Says one longtime elder: “The brothers have to know one thing: Regardless of what a person does, the elder doesn’t lose his Christian love for him. He might not like what was done, but he still loves his brother and wants to help him.”