Jehovah's Witnesses- When Someone Introduces Themselves/ Someone Else To You.....?

I assume regular pioneer, lol. My bible study conductor, when she was introducing herself to me, said, "Oh...and I used to pioneer but then I got married and had my baby..." And I didn't give it much thought. Later on I thought about it and I assumed she meant regular pioneer, haha.

I don't recall anyone ever being introduced to me in that way although in my nearly 49 years as a baptized Witness I'm sure it may have happened a couple of times, especially between the summer of 1965 to 1968 when I was a regular pioneer myself.

I don't think it would be proper for someone to volunteer the fact that they are a pioneer unless they knew that you were, even then it could tend to sound boastful. I know that I never introduced myself that way.

I guess I could understand someone else introducing a third party to you as a pioneer IF you were one and you were either looking for a pioneer partner or a pioneer mate, or they were simply mentioning it as something you would have in common.

If someone was introduced to me as a pioneer I would not be interested enough to ask if they were a regular or auxiliary pioneer. However, I would assume that they were pioneering on a regular basis either as a regular pioneer or as an auxiliary pioneer on a continuous basis. But it really would not matter to me whether they were one or the other or a publisher and I don't understand why it should matter to anyone. What matters is, are they spiritual? And sometimes you can never be sure of that no matter how well you think you know the person.

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Oh Vöt

One guy said he thought the community got rid of you... My account was suspended again yesterday for the second time but I appealed it and here I am again....

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I don't think it matters if a third person is volunteering the information. Sometimes the news that someone is pioneering [whether it is regular or auxiliary] is noteworthy because of their situation. Are they supporting a family at the same time? Are they new in the truth? Were they recently reinstated? To hear such news can be encouraging and is testimony that they are likely doing fine in a spiritual way just as someone saying you should hear the wonderful comments that so and so gives at the meeting or the great talk on the ministry school, etc.

Hey, I agree with you. When someone says "pioneer" I do assume regular. However, the though is in the back of my mind of, ooh, maybe they mean auxilary or cont. aux. SO, me being the curious cat, I would normally be like "Great! How long have you been pioneering?"

This isn't to be nosey, just something I do to get to know someone and my natural inclination, always neat to do. Maybe we would have something in common, like "Oh, 4 years?! Cool, same as me! Where did you go to pioneer school? Ottawa? Did you have Br. U and Br. DD as teachers?!"

That kind of thing.

I get you, no worries.

= )

IT's not about the title, or that one is more important, but to answer your question, I assume RP and would go from there.

PS:For others wondering why that would define one etc.. it shouldn't be about a title, NO, BUT, it IS a different way of life, different view of things. YES, everyone should have the pioneer spirit, but how many truly do, if they can only get out once or twice a week, I would think it could be difficult. Even when I've been sick and couldn't get out for a week or more, it's HARD to get back out! But, I digress, I'm going off on a tangent.

So, it does make a bit of a difference in that, it *CAN* mean that person lives a bit differently, different goals, etc.. though, titles can be deceiving.

I personally wouldn't intro myself with who I am. It's embarassing when my mother does it, or talks about things I've done for Jehovah...I'd rather not have the attention...

Props to un fleur, thorough meaningful answer!

and others too have good answers.= )

I do definitely think "regular pioneer" if someone is referred to as "a pioneer." If someone says they are "pioneering," then I think that opens it up to meaning auxiliary pioneering also, but usually that person would clarify that themselves.

Pioneering is not just about the time (and no I am not pioneering at the moment... although I have done both regular and auxiliary pioneering in the past). Auxiliary pioneering is what it implies, an auxiliary form of pioneering. It's a wonderful thing to do, and benefits the one doing so as well as the congregation.

Regular pioneering is a commitment to a way of life. It involves more responsibility and accountability, as well as more time, effort and training. Until just recently, regular pioneers were not just approved but appointed by the circuit overseer or branch, I believe, based on the recommendation of the elder body. Now, the congregation elders can approve regular pioneer applications, making it a little less intimidating. Still, because it is such a commitment, one has to have already shown themselves trustworthy and exemplary before they will be approved as a regular pioneer.

To be an auxiliary pioneer, you of course must still be in good standing with exemplary conduct; but to become an auxiliary pioneer, you just submit an application, whereas the elders will speak to you about your goal and your corresponding plans to meet that goal when you apply to become a regular pioneer. The gasp would be a little deeper if a regular pioneer fell into bad conduct than it would be if one auxiliary pioneering did the same.

I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but that has been my observation. Both are wonderful goals to have, and of course what matters is simply that we are each doing our personal best. If someone can make room in his/her life for regular pioneering, that is certainly commendable. If someone can make room in his/her life for auxiliary pioneering, that is also commendable. If someone with limited circumstances can make room to put in 15 minutes a month, that, too, is commendable, provided they are putting Jehovah first in their lives.

Jehovah sees our motives, our limitations, and our efforts. Someone who is regular pioneering with less worthy motives than someone who is only able to put in 15 minutes a month will be judged accordingly by Jehovah. His opinion is what really matters, in case anyone gets the wrong impression by this question or this answer. To answer your question as far as impressions go, though, yes I do think regular pioneer when I hear things phrased the way you mentioned.

I haven't heard too many people introduced that way. But unless someone is "pioneering," or just auxiliary pioneering, a pioneer is usually a regular pioneer. I wouldn't say it's misleading to just say "pioneer"- it shows pride in Jehovah's service, and technically, for the month, they are a pioneer. What is that scripture about having different shares in the ministry according to our circumstances? Matthew 13:23.

To non-JWs: a pioneer is a full-time evangelizer. There are auxiliary, regular, and special pioneers.

I just think they are pioneering, period. I know it could be either one but does it matter? I don't get too hung up on titles but prefer to remain humble. As long as a person is willing to fulfill Jesus' commission is all that is necessary. If a person is able to pioneer in any way it is very nice and I long to be able to do it on a full time basis but when you are trying to provide for a family it's difficult for me. I am able to auxiliary pioneer but seldom say anything about it. I don't even fill out the paper to have the title. I simply put the time in.

Most people don't introduce themselves by saying they or their friend are a pioneer. When it's mentioned during conversation I don't assume what type nor do I really care. The fact that they are putting out the extra effort alone during these critical times inspires me and has motivated me and helps me to continue in my time as pioneer.

Do you honestly feel "mislead" by your brother or sister because they didn't clarify exactly how many hours they spend in the ministry? Would you view them any differently based on what type of pioneer they were? How about if they aren't pioneering at all?

@Watcher Pioneer is indeed a biblical term. Given to none other than the "Chief Agent of Life" Jesus Christ.

The greek word is "ar·khe·gon" meaning "Chief Leader" or also translated "Pioneer of Life".

I have to say I never really thought about it. To me a pioneer is a pioneer; Someone who's circumstances allows them to do something I cannot currently do

Personally, I would wonder why that defines them. Any JW is a minister, and it seems like bragging to say "I'm a (regular, auxiliary, special) pioneer" as part of an introduction. No Circuit Overseer has ever introduced himself to me that way (I'm a CO), nor would I have ever said "Meet my husband, an elder" (when he was one). But to your original question, No, I wouldn't ask, nor even wonder, what kind of pioneer.

Salut Vot

If there was only one type of pioneering, then it would be odd to ask, but because there are different types, I do it all the time. I might hear that a sister is pioneering and I ask which one and she then tells me.

It is perfectly reasonable to ask and I will always ask unless the sister or brother was to actually say what type of pioneer they are.

Your sis in France, Suzanne

But why do you feel the need to clarify?

How can it be misleading to say pioneer? Auxiliary and regular are still pioneers aren't they?

Is it misleading to tell people your name is Vot (lets assume that's your real name) and not to tell them your surname or middle name?

Methinks you are straining out the gnat this time, Vot - no offence intended

EDIT: ok, Vot, clarification noted