Hi Linda,

The November 15, 2013 WT does seem to be preparing the membership for something big, that on the surface may not seem "practical" or "strategic" but should be accepted anyway.  And elders are being alerted that they should be there to help the flock tow the line. What might that mean? Of course, trying to predict such is very difficult because one in reality is trying to predict the behaviour of an organization that can be fairly erratic and irrational.

We all hope, for the sake of those who remain in the faith, it is not something too ridiculous or even dangerous. But... just maybe the big shift is that moves the faith more towards nominal Christianity. On that score there or many things they could do. Many could have positive legal ramifications. Such as getting elders out of the PI (private investigation) business in terms of paedophilia. Or turning more items over to a matter of conscience, such as deciding who to shun or not, whether to accept a blood transfusion or not. Legally both expose the organization to a potential wrongful death lawsuit(s) that could be devastating.

Dropping 607 BCE nonsense, or "Jehovah" from the NT, and several other key doctrinal positions could take the air of arguments "apostates" make that are so easily published on the web.

Could any, many or all of these things happen? My guess is probably not -- too much is invested in the status quo -- but such big changes have happened to other groups, such as the World Wide Church of God, after the death of Herbert W. Armstrong.

Cheers,
-Randy