The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”
“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.”
The same paragraphs record the 1938 move to appointment rather than election, and the 1971 restoration of a body of elders in each congregation appointed by the Governing Body.
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Provenance and verification note for The Watchtower, Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small
Confidence note. Document opened on wol.jw.org on 19 September 2026; the wording was read in full and the page number taken from the library's own page markers.
Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-chg-d-w-1995-0515-p2-elders