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Post by gecko45 on Feb 22, 2014 18:49:58 GMT -5
Was thinking back to some of the "workers meetings" that I had been in and was wondering if others (who have been in the work) could share their experiences.
Before I was in the work, but headed that direction, I listened intensely whenever the subject of "workers meetings" (and what was discussed in them) came up. Mostly it was older workers, but not always, and they spoke of them being some of the most special, edifying, inspiring, heartfelt etc. gatherings that they had been in. Beyond what convention or special meetings did to inspire them.
How many I was present in I can't really say but from my first one until the last I felt rather let down. Some shared things that I remember as being helpful and encouraging but for much of it, it was just the same as any meeting, (perhaps only more formal and awkward). Again this was something that I had been lead to believe would be a very special experience and was let down.
My own time was relatively brief, just over 2 years, so I acknowledge that my experience would be limited.
Perhaps others could share their own experience in this area.
Were the thoughts and messages helpful in a practical way? Was it used as a platform to simply encourage the workers or did it go so far as to be used as an opportunity to elevate the ministry beyond its already high place? Was it used to promote the need of obedience to those above you, to further entrench the established hierarchy? Was it used to remind workers of their place as a servant and to not rise up above this?
These are just some things I remember from workers meetings.
Am hopeful others who have been in the work will share their own experiences.
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Post by Gene on Feb 22, 2014 18:56:17 GMT -5
Was thinking back to some of the "workers meetings" that I had been in and was wondering if others (who have been in the work) could share their experiences. Before I was in the work, but headed that direction, I listened intensely whenever the subject of "workers meetings" (and what was discussed in them) came up. Mostly it was older workers, but not always, and they spoke of them being some of the most special, edifying, inspiring, heartfelt etc. gatherings that they had been in. Beyond what convention or special meetings did to inspire them. How many I was present in I can't really say but from my first one until the last I felt rather let down. Some shared things that I remember as being helpful and encouraging but for much of it, it was just the same as any meeting, (perhaps only more formal and awkward). Again this was something that I had been lead to believe would be a very special experience and was let down. My own time was relatively brief, just over 2 years, so I acknowledge that my experience would be limited. Perhaps others could share their own experience in this area. Were the thoughts and messages helpful in a practical way? Was it used as a platform to simply encourage the workers or did it go so far as to be used as an opportunity to elevate the ministry beyond its already high place? Was it used to promote the need of obedience to those above you, to further entrench the established hierarchy? Was it used to remind workers of their place as a servant and to not rise up above this? These are just some things I remember from workers meetings. Am hopeful others who have been in the work will share their own experiences. The food afterwards was good.
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Post by Alan Vandermyden on Feb 22, 2014 19:19:19 GMT -5
Was thinking back to some of the "workers meetings" that I had been in and was wondering if others (who have been in the work) could share their experiences. Before I was in the work, but headed that direction, I listened intensely whenever the subject of "workers meetings" (and what was discussed in them) came up. Mostly it was older workers, but not always, and they spoke of them being some of the most special, edifying, inspiring, heartfelt etc. gatherings that they had been in. Beyond what convention or special meetings did to inspire them. How many I was present in I can't really say but from my first one until the last I felt rather let down. Some shared things that I remember as being helpful and encouraging but for much of it, it was just the same as any meeting, (perhaps only more formal and awkward). Again this was something that I had been lead to believe would be a very special experience and was let down. My own time was relatively brief, just over 2 years, so I acknowledge that my experience would be limited. Perhaps others could share their own experience in this area. Were the thoughts and messages helpful in a practical way? Was it used as a platform to simply encourage the workers or did it go so far as to be used as an opportunity to elevate the ministry beyond its already high place? Was it used to promote the need of obedience to those above you, to further entrench the established hierarchy? Was it used to remind workers of their place as a servant and to not rise up above this? These are just some things I remember from workers meetings. Am hopeful others who have been in the work will share their own experiences. Thanks for beginning this thread, Gecko - it could prove to be a very interesting discussion! I would answer "yes" to all four of the questions you posed above, though I feel worker meetings were particularly useful in establishing and maintaining a hierarchy, which your last three questions state explicitly or implicitly. I was in a number of worker meetings during my 18 years in the work, ranging from our large California meetings to small (8 or 10 workers) meetings after our Guam conventions. I have also attended workers' meetings in the Philippines, Japan, and Korea. I feel that there is a practical side to the meetings, with older workers giving some guidelines for living among the friends and being a companion. Like you, I also found some of the messages, by younger or older workers, to be encouraging or inspirational. But I also feel that there is an aspect in which it maintains and reinforces the hierarchy. Part of this is simply in seating arrangements and speaking order, much like other meetings (and like other institutions, for that matter), but I also feel that an aura was created around the workers' meeting, with the friends (I am picturing Santee) all expectantly waiting outside, allowing the workers to get a first glimpse at the new worker list (this is different now in California), and the general, shared feeling that the meeting was "something special for the workers." And in a way it was, but, from questions I have received later (some here on TMB), it seems that people thought the workers were discussing some really deep things, or some special "rites" were occurring, or whatever - I'm not really sure what they thought. I attribute this to the aura, or mystery, built up around the meetings. It can be talked of in terms of "respect for the ministry," but I feel it helps to create an "untouchableness" about the ministry. I'm not saying the meetings were a bad thing, but I feel it would be more helpful to candidly speak of what they are about - and maybe things are more that way in different times or places. Also, there was an intense buildup for us workers, with some seeming to dread the meeting and being expected to have a part in it. I did prepare, but didn't dread it as much as speaking from the platform in a regular convention meeting, as we were only expected to have two or three sentences expressing thankfulness and purpose, which I find it easy to do in an honest manner. Oh! And I definitely agree with Gene - the friends always had a fantastic dinner waiting for us!
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Post by gecko45 on Feb 22, 2014 21:59:53 GMT -5
I would have to agree that there is more of an aura of mystery around the meetings than needs to be. Never once heard anything mentioned that would not (could not) have been mentioned among the general friends. Perhaps the exclusive nature of the group helps to compensate for what has been given up by young workers? I suppose it is certainly not by accident that it is instrumental in pointedly showing the difference between the workers and the friends.
Do remember one very helpful and honest older brother who was frank about the danger of being competitive and seeking place. It was refreshing to hear someone acknowledge that it does happen in the kingdom and particularly among workers. Most others spoke in vague terms of "dying to self" being a corn of wheat and such.
Had forgotten how much the whole setup and sequence with which it was conducted solidified the hierarchy. From seating arrangements to order of speakers the layers of power were never more apparent.
The food was great but often overly formal for this simple small town boy.
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Post by CherieKropp on Feb 22, 2014 23:50:51 GMT -5
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Post by christiansburg on Feb 24, 2014 11:18:20 GMT -5
Every workers’ meetings that I attended were of an informal nature and the discussion mostly centered around planning for the upcoming years and plans for any special needs that were brought to our attention. Because none of us were required to provide any testimonies it was always a relaxed atmosphere. I don’t recall anyone being singled out for a discussion. More serious problems that had occurred during the year were usually discussed in private. Our overseer was a man of few words so our meeting were usually short. No power struggles were evidenced by any on our staff. Of all the workers’ meetings that I had heard about or read about the following attachment from a 1966 meeting in Manitoba was the most sobering and touching.
July 19, 1966 Portage LaPrairie, Manitoba Workers’ Meeting
Charlie Mitchell
You may wonder why I am so happy this morning. Twice during the night I took a heart attack and I thought I would not be here this morning. When I wakened this morning, I thought, “ I would like to be buried in Oklahoma,” but then I thought, “what difference does it make which side of the line I’m on?” My Father has been so good to me all these years and He would not be unkind to me if I left my clay body behind. I feel very glad. Any bird that nearly froze in the night should surely sing in the morning. Harry (Holland), Jack (Craig) and I feel a lot more about death than most of you. We would not bother about where we are to be buried.
I want to talk to you about IITim. 2:8 “Jesus was raised from the dead according to my gospel.” I have been reading about the resurrection in each of the four gospels. He did all he could before he died. He had the same interest for all after he arose. He began to pick up those who had fallen. The disciples didn’t know what to do after Jesus’ death so they went fishing. Jesus was so kind in his reproof. Peter may have had reason to go fishing but instead of that why didn’t he go and encourage all those other poor souls who had received such a blow when Jesus was crucified. Why didn’t he go to Mary and some of the others? Why did Jesus talk to Peter? He talked to Peter because he was the only one who could take it, but he meant it for all. The others would see themselves. Jesus gave them a good haul of fish. He let them see what they could get out of natural fishing and then He said, “Do you love me more than these?” I don’t think Jesus was suggesting that they would love Him more than others. He would not be encouraging the spirit of who would be the greatest. He was putting responsibility on Peter. Some young sprouts today think they should be leaders and they don’t even know enough to come in out of the rain. Dad doesn’t let his boy climb a ladder because he doesn’t want a funeral. It is better to be at the bottom and feel bad that to be at the top and get killed. If we are doing the dying we can trust God to look after the resurrection. Mordecai did a lot of dying but God raised him up–God looked after the resurrection.
No one could blame Jesus or say that he had not done enough. He folded those clothes just the way He had always done in life and this was proof that He got up like He did every other morning. No matter what story might be told about His being stolen away those who knew Him well would recognize that it was Jesus Himself who had folded those clothes. They would know that no stranger would do it just that way. Mary saw life, not death, when she came to the grave. The resurrection is life, not death. He was known to them in the breaking of bread. He was giving them proof that He was really the risen Christ.
Jesus said to those who went to Emmaus. “Why be sad?” It is not death but a resurrection. We could be saying that the work goes so slowly and there is lots against us but I have been encouraged and comforted that it is just for a season. We can live through that. We can pass through the dark valleys. After the resurrection we can preach the gospel and get crowds like 50 years ago! When we die it is not the end of the day. It is the beginning. I’m going to encourage others to try to look toward the rising of the sun–to the beginning of the day.
When Jesus rose from the dead He jumped into the harness and cooked fish and bread. He was the resurrected Christ and He had every right to swell His chest, but He made a meal and jumped in without setting up a platform or getting a loud speaker and He talked about one essential thing - LOVE.
How did He give those disciples a lift? He made a fire; He fed them. He had washed their feet and now He fed. This was all so humbling! And then He said, ... “Do you love me more than these?” Compassion is all that anyone needs. I want you to get this. You may stumble over words, but if you have compassion inside it will drag the Truth out of you and you can’t help. If God did not put compassion in us, why did we ever go into the Work? Jesus was moved by compassion for so many.
_________________________
Charlie passed away about two hours after this was spoken.
Funeral services for Charlie Mitchell were held on July 22, 1966 at Portage LaPrairie, Manitoba.
Prayer was by Willie Smiley Hymn number 183 was sung by all (O, Lamb of God)
Sermon for the service was by Stanley Watchorn Notes from the sermon have been omitted from this writing but are on record. Special reference was made to Rev. 14:13 “Blessed are those who die in the Lord”... “They may rest from their labors and their works do follow them them.”
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Post by faune on Feb 24, 2014 12:22:57 GMT -5
Wow Stanley Watchorn, that's a name from the past. Snow ~ So is Charlie Mitchell who I remember from my early teenage years at a Canadian Convention. He was one who got your attention and kept it, which I cannot say for many workers who encouraged slumber when they spoke.
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Post by christiansburg on Feb 24, 2014 16:45:00 GMT -5
Wow Stanley Watchorn, that's a name from the past. Snow ~ So is Charlie Mitchell who I remember from my early teenage years at a Canadian Convention. He was one who got your attention and kept it, which I cannot say for many workers who encouraged slumber when they spoke. In his earlier days Charlie M. could keep the meeting alive by relating to everyday events in sometimes a comical way. He did not speak with an air of arrogance nor did he seem to hold himself above others. He visited our conventions in the East at least twice that I can remember and it was always a pleasure to listen to him.
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Post by faune on Feb 24, 2014 18:57:14 GMT -5
Snow ~ So is Charlie Mitchell who I remember from my early teenage years at a Canadian Convention. He was one who got your attention and kept it, which I cannot say for many workers who encouraged slumber when they spoke. For some reason Charlie Mitchell is not a name I remember. Portage was our convention too. I heard him at Picton Convention in Ontario when I was around 16 years old when he was a visiting worker and found him entertaining.
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Post by sacerdotal on Feb 24, 2014 23:51:09 GMT -5
I concur with others, the workers meetings that I was in were very formal and more solemn than a funeral. As others have mentioned, the younger workers' testimonies were usually introspective and helpful while the older workers testimonies were seemingly for delivering a message and were more business like in tone. Instead of feeling joy after those meetings, I felt relief that they were over.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2014 17:34:35 GMT -5
I agree everyone felt awkward there wasn't much contributed it was just a formality really. I don't know what purpose they served. Keeps the friends guessing I think.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2014 13:32:40 GMT -5
Attended some workers meetings prior to 1971. Anticipated tremendously each time, listened intensely, prepared for anything possible to receive, expected more, went away, saddened and disappointed each time. Sorrowfully aware that work had its "que sera, sera," moments for me, also. Very grieved to discover overseers in Europe only valued the high level workers meetings by their disregard and lack of attendance of such lower level functions. What is, is; what will be, will be.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2014 18:22:30 GMT -5
i imagine that it would come up sooner or later...esp. since the authorities are now involved...
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Post by Gene on Mar 31, 2014 19:09:52 GMT -5
Maybe this is naive but I was wondering if the workers' meetings would be a place where policies about things like CSA would be discussed. Is this the case or are these policies discussed in other forums? Generally not in your standard, run-of-the-mill workers meeting that the whole staff attends. Those issues would be discussed in twos and threes behind closed doors, if at all. The staff workers meetings are just like any special meeting, but more intense. Speaking from my own experience, of course -- others may have experienced it differently.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2014 0:42:02 GMT -5
Missing "Gecko" for over a month, anyone know where, how he is? Growing concerned, friend.
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Post by Mary on Aug 31, 2014 21:32:25 GMT -5
Not too long for a gecko to be in hibernation - what do you think?
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Post by bubbles on Oct 7, 2014 7:21:25 GMT -5
Reading this thread took me back to when I was in church leadership. This was a busy growing church. It exploded from 145 to 450 in one yr. We had pastors in training meetings weekly for a yr. The pastors would lead the meeting. Husband and wife. P had evangelist giftings. J had prophetic gifting. One person would open in prayer. there would be a time of teaching us as leaders how to pray or minister or operate a homegroup. Usually a theme something the holy spirit had laid on the heart of the pastor. Emphasis always on love and acceptance. Topics could be anything from prayer being our source base, loving our neighbor, evangelism, spiritual warfare. Any announcements ie: seminars coming up. Where we were heading as a church. The pastors were strong on encouragement. Making themselves available to us any time. There would be a time of ministry if anyone needed prayer. when you are in the ministry you give out a lot. It is good to have strength in unity working as a team. It was fun inspiring and faith building seeing God move in powerful, relevant, real ways.
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