It's true that the instructions need to be followed. But that is also the case for elders themselves, of course. Even with the most simple instructions, some elders or BOE still tend to find ways to complicate it. It's not that I'm complaining, and I know that even in these cases, it's 100% with the best of intentions. Some aren't even aware of this. An example: when the beard update was published, an elder (not in my congregation) said: nice update, but(!) in our field, it's still not acceptable to wear a beard... what?[emoji28] It's totally fine when this brother, or even a group of brothers, feels this way. But it will not annul the update we received as a worldwide brotherhood, including the ones within "their" congregations. Maybe it's due to the Dutch culture, but I for sure would at least ask the details about such a claim[emoji28] This is what I love about these recent updates. The GB is actually telling us to use our individual sound mind as Christians and Bible based conscience. And they trust the brothers and sisters in this. Personally, I always get a little itchy when I feel I'm being micromanaged. Especially when I ask details and the reaction is along the lines of: because we (elders) said so. In this regard, I really love the decision our BOE made. They said: well, the GB was clear. Having a part in the program in congregation meetings: (the Dutch translation of the announcement): wear a suit/tie or dress. We will not add anything else to what the brothers said. (In Dutch, we don't really use the word "meetings" for field service meetings. We call it differently. So, at least for the Dutch, the announcement was only speaking about meetings as a congregation[emoji28]) Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk