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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, DECEMBER 27, 1985
There are people in the world who are taking better care of their
health than some in the Church are.
This should not be the case.
God's people should set the example and standard in this matter. And
as ministers and shepherds of God's flock, we ought to lead the way.
cassettes
About a year ago we began providing the cassette tapes
necessary for maintaining a record of local sermons and Bible studies.
Now that a year has passed, a few pastors have asked whether they
should request more tapes or begin reusing the ones they have.
To clarify the policy, each pastor should maintain a cassette tape
record of each service for one year.
Cassettes containing year-old
services may then be reused. Therefore, a one-year's supply of tapes
is all that would be necessary. If a pastor feels he'd like to keep
more than a year's record, it will be necessary to do it from local
funds.
we will, of course, continue to make cassettes available for
replacement of those that wear out, as well as to supply new churches.
Counseling Members about Roving When a member is planning to move from
one church area to another, what kind of counsel should his pastor
give?
There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when a
move is planned.
Proper counseling can help to alleviate potential
problems, not only for the individual or the family planning to move,
but also for the pastor and brethren in the area to which the move is
planned.
Read carefully the following points and comments and keep them in mind
when counseling brethren about moves:
1. What is the intended purpose of the move? Many people tend to
believe that they can, in effect, "run away" from problems by
moving. They don't realize that their problems must be dealt with,
overcome or solved wherever they are. Moving away will not solve
basic character flaws, personality problems or bad habits.
2. Does the individual have a job lined up in the new area? If
currently unemployed, has he realistically considered the job
market in the new area? The grass always seems to look greener
elsewhere. But is it really?
3. Has the individual fully considered family and social factors?
Experience has shown us that many individuals who move to
unfamiliar areas far away from relatives and friends end up
returning to their former areas.
4. Does the individual have the financial resources to make the move?
How will he be supported when he arrives?
Is he planning to
receive financial help from the Church?
Is he planning to stay
with members? If so, is this a proper expectation?
Cost factors such as transportation of family and household goods,
temporary living expenses while finding a place to live and until
the first paycheck, first and last month's rent and deposits for
. "