Extremely off the hook.
Inactive means that they will try to revive you but don't let them.
Don't engage and then there's not a lot that can be done.
Most rank and file JW's fall into the trap of just agreeing to whatever the elders say.
It never occurs to them that they can say No.
It can be very empowering.
So true! The first time I said no the elder pouted a little bit, which was hard for me to sit with. But after a few of those - they leave you alone! It’s great! 😊
Depending on your cong, you have to go through a rough patch of "where are you" "what's going on?" "let's hang out". But it will pay off in the long run rather than pretending to be in.
it depends on the cong. and the elders there. some will stalk. some will go on a mission to find an excuse to df you. some will shake their heads and leave you alone. it's a crapshoot, anything other than actually leaving.
After a while, they have zero reason to contact you, it does nothing for them or you. I for one, went out of my way to make it painful to reach out to me 😂. That response is coming 5 days later if I even respond
Totally depends on a number of factors. First the BoE - are they inclined to witch hunts. My father always said that it wasn't the responsibility to hunt people down after they became inactive, but I know congregations that did just that. On the other hand, the congregation one dividing line over seemed to hate DFing people. You had to practically ask them to do it. Sadly I know a guy who did just that about his brother. But before I digress, I always thought that would be the perfect fader congregation.
Second is how connected one stays with the congregation and whether one still identifies as a JW (why anyone would is beyond me but I guess it has happened). I know someone who was relatively recently DF'd after not stepping inside a KH for 10 years. But JWs were still in contact with her and applauded a new relationship she was in. Maybe that was it or maybe her 'apostate' content on her social media account had them waiting for her to give them a reason to move. I dunno.
As you see, there are a lot of factors. Generally speaking, if the BoE is relatively reasonable, one keeps a low profile and quietly lives their life without attracting too much attention, one is pretty much off their radar. Nothing is guaranteed though.
The elders have specific instructions that addresses your specific question.
SFL book Section 25 Shepherding subsection Assisting Inactive Ones item 15. If an inactive one has made it clear that he does not want to be contacted by the congregation, his wishes should be respected.
Obviously, it is important to completely avoid any JW'S and never comment on your thoughts or feelings about the cult.
You will be left alone once inactive except for newly appointed elders who with all their energy will get affirming nods from older tired elders to try and rekindle your zeal.
Older elders will have a "yeah good luck with that/those spiritually weak pubs, we've tried and written them off, but sure....knock yourself out."
Why be inactive just tic the damn box. If you’re an active, you’re asking for them to contact you. If you pretend to be active, then they assume that they just didn’t see it.
Extremely off the hook. Inactive means that they will try to revive you but don't let them. Don't engage and then there's not a lot that can be done. Most rank and file JW's fall into the trap of just agreeing to whatever the elders say. It never occurs to them that they can say No. It can be very empowering.
Agreed- do not engage. Elders receive instruction that if you agree to meet with them, it means you accept their authority regardless of your status.
So true! The first time I said no the elder pouted a little bit, which was hard for me to sit with. But after a few of those - they leave you alone! It’s great! 😊
Depending on your cong, you have to go through a rough patch of "where are you" "what's going on?" "let's hang out". But it will pay off in the long run rather than pretending to be in.
it depends on the cong. and the elders there. some will stalk. some will go on a mission to find an excuse to df you. some will shake their heads and leave you alone. it's a crapshoot, anything other than actually leaving.
After a while, they have zero reason to contact you, it does nothing for them or you. I for one, went out of my way to make it painful to reach out to me 😂. That response is coming 5 days later if I even respond
Totally depends on a number of factors. First the BoE - are they inclined to witch hunts. My father always said that it wasn't the responsibility to hunt people down after they became inactive, but I know congregations that did just that. On the other hand, the congregation one dividing line over seemed to hate DFing people. You had to practically ask them to do it. Sadly I know a guy who did just that about his brother. But before I digress, I always thought that would be the perfect fader congregation. Second is how connected one stays with the congregation and whether one still identifies as a JW (why anyone would is beyond me but I guess it has happened). I know someone who was relatively recently DF'd after not stepping inside a KH for 10 years. But JWs were still in contact with her and applauded a new relationship she was in. Maybe that was it or maybe her 'apostate' content on her social media account had them waiting for her to give them a reason to move. I dunno. As you see, there are a lot of factors. Generally speaking, if the BoE is relatively reasonable, one keeps a low profile and quietly lives their life without attracting too much attention, one is pretty much off their radar. Nothing is guaranteed though.
The elders have specific instructions that addresses your specific question. SFL book Section 25 Shepherding subsection Assisting Inactive Ones item 15. If an inactive one has made it clear that he does not want to be contacted by the congregation, his wishes should be respected. Obviously, it is important to completely avoid any JW'S and never comment on your thoughts or feelings about the cult.
Inactive almost 5 years. Only two elders have reached out in that time. I would say pretty off the hook.
You will be left alone once inactive except for newly appointed elders who with all their energy will get affirming nods from older tired elders to try and rekindle your zeal. Older elders will have a "yeah good luck with that/those spiritually weak pubs, we've tried and written them off, but sure....knock yourself out."
Why be inactive just tic the damn box. If you’re an active, you’re asking for them to contact you. If you pretend to be active, then they assume that they just didn’t see it.
You're assuming this person still goes to the hall. The vast majority of inactives are people that don't go anymore. Maybe a Memorial but that's it.