Why Reduce the Number of Special Full-Time Servants?

[mserskine]

New video on JW broadcsting

 

http://tv.jw.org/#en/video/VODStudio/pub-jwbrd_201511_4_VIDEO

[timpin]

Wow, so thats why all the major adjustments and changes are happening!

[rbrown1205]

I appreciate Brother Herd's explanation!  We are growing exponentially, and supporting the 83k special pioneers in the field is expensive.  I can also see that getting the good news preached to all nations and languages has the highest priority.  I pray that the special pioneers will see how Jehovah still takes care of them as they continue as regular pioneers.  Jesus did provide a promise that his Father Jehovah will keep toward all those who put the Kingdom interests first in their lives - that he will provide them "bread for each day", and that instead of being anxious about eating, drinking and clothing, that "these things will be added to them."

[More4me2do]

supporting the 83k special pioneers in the field is expensive.

Brother Herd said 83k in special full-time service, Special pioneers are not the same as Special Full-time Servants, they are just one group of SFTS, traveling overseers, Bethelites, Assembly Hall caretakers are all in SFTS. In or Special Metropolitan Witness Program we had a few Special Pioneers, all but one couple are now Regular Pioneers. He also referred to reducing or eliminating services in Bethtel SSI as to reduce SFTS not just special pioneers.

[Sunnyside]

Jah's hand is not short!!!

He mentions his hand not leg cause the hand is what gives.

Just wait and see how OUR God is the true provider!!! We should have a separate book.

25% Bethelite and other Reduction. - Life After. - How Jehovah proved to be JEHOVAH!!

[rbrown1205]

I appreciate the example of Paul who, although he had the Harvard-like equivalent of a most prestigious education as a lawyer, as taught by one of the most famous teachers of his time, he made his living while in the traveling missionary work as a tentmaker.  He was able to generate an income without depending on the generosity of the congregations.  Many in full  time service have wisely cultivated their talents in some kind of traveling skill.  Many on the RBCs (or suchlike) have actually learned these kinds of skills while volunteering.

[Peanuts]

I liked the point when he said "it was obvious they couldn't expect brothers to continually increase donations".

I think a lot of people stretched financially, I like that they realise people don't have bottomless pockets!

[Foxes53]

He mentioned the cost of a new Kingdom Hall in affluent countries is 1 million dollars +....

Does anybody remember hoe many are needed here in the United States ?

If 500 that would be a over 500 million in 1 country alone

[Qapla]

There is an "immediate need" for over 100 Halls in the greater LA area, alone!

[rbrown1205]

Seems to me that Brother Lett in another talk mentioned 1400 kingdom halls or major renovations in the US alone.  Maybe I didn't hear it right.

 

http://tv.jw.org/#en/video/VODStudio/pub-jwban_201505_1_VIDEO

Edited November 28, 2015 by rbrown1205

[rbrown1205]

I just rewatched.  In the US, we need 1600 KH or renovations, and 14,000 Kingdom Halls worldwide, right now.  (at the 14:50 minute point)

[Tortuga]

He mentioned the cost of a new Kingdom Hall in affluent countries is 1 million dollars +....

Does anybody remember hoe many are needed here in the United States ?

If 500 that would be a over 500 million in 1 country alone

 

Did he say that the cost of a KH is 1 million or could be 1 million?

 

Several years ago we were at a KH on the Big Island of Hawaii and it was a simple KH but had cost over 2 million due to high property costs.

[rbrown1205]

Now I can see why the brothers are trying to reduce the cost per kingdom hall by simplifying and standardizing the design!!

[CHecker]

Roberta, that was my thought too. 

Additionally, he said some 'can' cost up to a million, but that's in affluent places. I would imagine that's perhaps 1/2 or less of the halls that need to be built. Just a guess, but it seems reasonable.

 

The main point being cost savings, standardizing, focusing on FS, simplifying, all making a more cohesive machine. And it's a good example to the world. We don't get locked into a certain way of doing things just because it's always been done that way. We're all willing to adjust to changes, even drastic ones like we're experiencing.  

[MzT]

I live in an area where KHs can run in the millions due to property costs alone. In the last few years, we've gone from having one congregation in the hall to three with the need for at least one more congregation. A new hall would alleviate a number of growth related issues. But due to the high costs, only one or two new halls have been built locally in the last 5-10 years. We definitely need this.

[jwhess]

Roberta, that was my thought too. 

Additionally, he said some 'can' cost up to a million, but that's in affluent places. I would imagine that's perhaps 1/2 or less of the halls that need to be built. Just a guess, but it seems reasonable.

 

The main point being cost savings, standardizing, focusing on FS, simplifying, all making a more cohesive machine. And it's a good example to the world. We don't get locked into a certain way of doing things just because it's always been done that way. We're all willing to adjust to changes, even drastic ones like we're experiencing.  

 

I those estimates were even close, it would cost close to a BILLION dollars (US) to fund Kingdom Halls needed just in the USA. That amounts to 2-3 million dollars each day (24/7. 365 days per year).

[Luezette]

Obviously the society is trying to "make sure of the most important things."

[Qapla]

Here is the US, high property costs is one of the contributing factors in the rising cost of building KH's. There is also the higher cost of building materials.

 

Another factor is changing building codes that require things that were not done in the past - and these codes can add thousands and thousands of cost to an already expensive building.

 

There is also a change from many years ago. In the past, many building authorities charged a "flat fee" for a building permit and these fees were relatively low. The trend today is to assess the permit fee based on a variety of factors - thus pushing the cost of the permits to $20,000, $30,000 and even higher.

[New World Explorer]

In Melbourne in the area where I live you can't even buy land for 1ml dollars to built the KH

[nanceebgd46]

would it be feasible to go back to renting unoccupied buildings and useing them as kingdom halls...

instead of buying land and building new halls...like the witnesses use to do?

Owning the land and the kingdom hall together is preferable, but under the circumstances...(near the end etc)

would it make that much of a difference.

Simplify, simplify!

Edited November 30, 2015 by nanceebgd46

[Miss Bea]

As I read all of this, I thought about the wonderful increase in numbers of publishers. Just gives us that opportunity WE have to show our love for Jehovah, and step up our ministry a bit. And we, for sure will pray for those changing lifestyles.

[carlos]

would it be feasible to go back to renting unoccupied buildings and useing them as kingdom halls...instead of buying land and building new halls...like the witnesses use to do?Owning the land and the kingdom hall together is preferable, but under the circumstances...(near the end etc)would it make that much of a difference.Simplify, simplify!

We have some rented KHs here in Spain. It's not the norm but not that uncommon either.

[Miss Bea]

We still have our assemblies at the fairgrounds, and just prepare for our backs to really hurt. But we are warm and dry, and with those we love.