1938 wurden Wahlen ganz abgeschafft, und 1971 wurde die Bezeichnung Ältester wieder eingeführt, mit einer von der leitenden Körperschaft ernannten Ältestenschaft in jeder Versammlung; die eigenen Darstellungen der Organisation datieren diesen letzten Schritt an einer Stelle auf 1971 und an einer anderen auf 1972.

“There was the question of who should serve as elders and deacons in the congregations. To get away from the hierarchical structure prevalent in Christendom, it was concluded that these should be elected democratically by the vote of the members of each congregation. But increasing light contained in The Watchtower of September 1 and of October 15, 1932, showed that the Scriptures do not provide for elective elders.”

“From the 1870’s to 1932, elders and deacons were voted into office by members of the congregation. In 1932 the elective elders were replaced with a service committee elected by the congregation to assist an appointed service director. During 1938, arrangements were made for the theocratic appointment of all servants in the congregation.”