The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses

The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is currently made up of eight men who claim to be anointed servants of Jehovah God. They have given themselves the responsibility for giving direction and impetus to the Kingdom work. They also refer to themselves as the “Faithful and Discreet Slave” from one of Jesus Christ’s parables. (Matt. 24:14, 45-47; Rev. 12:17) The Governing Body asserts that they look to Jehovah, and to Jesus Christ for direction in all matters. (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:23) The Governing Body also claims that God directs it by holy spirit, while simultaneously claiming that they are neither inspired or infallible. The members of the Governing Body do not regard themselves as the leaders of Jehovah’s Witnesses but rather that they take the lead of Jehovah’s Witnesses. These seemingly contradictory statements are known as doublespeak. The writers of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ material use doublespeak quite extensively.

The Bible says: “Let all things take place decently and by arrangement.” (1 Cor. 14:40) The Governing Body obeys this direction by putting in place various helpful procedures and guidelines that ensure the smooth and orderly operation of the branch offices and the congregations. Certain men do their part by setting an example of obedience as they put such arrangements into effect. All Christians, especially overseers, should look to Jehovah for guidance and should pray regularly for his direction and blessing. Then they should simply consult their guidelines or textbooks and comply with the instructions given therein. All should show themselves “reasonable, ready to obey” those placed in oversight. Those in oversight are not leaders, they are just those who are in positions of oversight. (Jas. 3:17) Thus, each group, congregation, circuit, and branch is blessed with a united, orderly body of believers who leave their minds at the door and fail to notice the glaringly obvious contradictions.—1 Cor. 14:33; 1 Tim. 1:11.

While the Governing Body delegates certain details or responsibilities to committees made up of its own members, to committees made up of other dedicated servants of God, or to instruments such as corporations and legal agencies, the Governing Body always takes the lead in promoting the smooth functioning of the organization and the unity of all of God’s people.—Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 1:3; Titus 1:5; Heb. 13:17; w01 1/15 pp. 28-31. How persons who are not leaders can delegate and always take the lead is not intended to be understood by a rational mind.

The Governing Body gives final approval for new publications as well as new audio and video programs.

The Governing Body cares for the appointment and deletion of Branch and Country committee members and designates the brother who will serve as the coordinator of the committee. It also appoints circuit overseers and country representatives. In most cases, such appointments are made based on recommendations received from the Branch Committee. The Governing Body also appoints helpers to Governing Body committees as well as headquarters representatives qualified to make branch visits. And at all times, the Governing Body are not leaders but men who take the lead and can make appointments as they see fit. This is not something a leader can do, but it is something one can do who is taking the lead.

The Governing Body may arrange for qualified men to care for theocratic assignments in any locality at any time. Of course, it is not bound by recommendations received from other elders. Because men, who are not leaders, are not directed by men who are not taking the lead. Such recommendations, then, serve merely as a guide and may even be rejected for reasons known only to the Governing Body. In other words, the Governing Body are not leaders who keep their reasons from those who are not taking the lead. The Governing Body, therefore, has the prerogative to use its discretion and look into any matters it deems necessary to examine with regard to the Kingdom work.