by Tom Willis (Isaiah 65:1, 2) » Sat Oct 11, 2025 11:27 am
*Level No. 5* In Spiritual Growth For the Disciple: The Presiding Intimate Group Visitor
A YORWW Congregation Intimate Group consists of:
200 Intimate Group [or YORWW Congregation] Individual Members (Total membership for each Intimate Group is 200)
10 Bible Study Groups (each group made up of 20 YORWW members)
10 Bible Study Servants ([Greek: Diakonos or servant for BS Group leadership who all fulfill the spiritual qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and work directly under the supervision of the Presiding Intimate Group Visitor.)
1 Presiding Intimate Group Visitor [Greek: episkopos which means one who "watches carefully," one who "VISITS," or "inspects." See Insight On Scriptures volume 2 page 564] is a member of the 200 million, who provides the primary leadership, spiritual guidance and direction for the Intimate Group in his care. The Presiding IGV is responsible and cares for the spiritual needs of the Intimate Group assigned.
Within the YORWW Congregation, our designated leadership, both male and female, are given a new name, a new designation for the primary ones that take the lead. The new designation is called: "Visitor." Indeed, 1 Timothy 3:1 makes this very important statement:
“If any man is reaching out for an office of overseer [Greek: episkopes] he is desirous of a fine work.”
In the above key bible text, the Greek word episkospes has been rendered “overseer” within the New World Translation. However, according the Vines Expositiory of New Testament Words, the word can actually mean: “A visitation in mercy or in judgment.” Yes, this word can mean: VISITATION or VISITOR.
For instance, in the publication Insight On The Scriptures Volume II page 564, this comment is made concerning this particular Greek word and the related Hebrew word itself that has been translated “overseer.” It states:
“The Hebrew word for overseer, pa-qidh, is drawn from the verb pa-qadh, meaning “turn attention to” (Gen. 21:1), “visit” (Jg 15:1), “appoint” (Gen. 39:5) or “commission” (Ezr 1:2). Similary, the Greek word for overseer, episkopos, is related to the verb episkopeo, meaning “watch carefully” (Heb. 12:15), and to the noun episkope, meaning “inspection” (Lu 19:44; 1 pe 2:12), “office of overseer” (1 Ti 3:1) … Therefore, the overseer was one who gave attention certain matters of persons, VISITING, inspecting, and appointing. Protective supervision is a basic idea inherent in the Greek term.”
Therefore it is very clear, the word we know as “overseer” the Greek word, episkopos, basically means: VISITOR.
Therefore to prove this point, the scholarly bible entitled: The Bible In Living English, which liberally uses the name “Jehovah” thru-out, and which was fully endorsed by the Watchtower Society for many years, written by Steven T. Byington, renders 1 Timothy 3:1, 2 this way,
“The saying is a trustworthy one, If one has an inclination to a VISITOR’S PLACE, he is desiring a good work. So the CHURCH VISITOR must be unimpeachable, …” – 1 Timothy 3:1, 2
Yes, the word rendered “overseer” could have been properly also rendered as “Visitor” also, as shown by this particular translation of the bible.
Therefore within the YORWW Congregation, we recognize the appropriate designation as “Visitor” for the various positions of responsibilities that Jehovah’s witnesses understand to be held by “overseers” or “elders” within the congregational arrangement.
The Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant [male or female] will become the Primary teacher and shepherd for the Intimate Group assigned. The expression "Intimate Group" is taken from Jeremiah 23:18, 22 and is a unique designation referring to God's Prophets as a group, who are used to speak forth God's Holy Message to His people so that they should repent.
PLEASE NOTE: The Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant, 1 million strong, will uniquely fulfill the foretold prophecy of Isaiah 32:1, 2. which says:
"Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself. And each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land."
The Presiding Intimate Group Visitors/Servants, experiencing Jehovah's Great Blessings upon themselves, will work hard and apply themselves diligently to ultimately possess and display the spiritual qualifications found at 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, and 1 Peter 5:2, 3. The IGV will make 1 visit per BS group as primary shepherd & teacher each week. During other free time throughout the week, the Presiding IGV will engage in teaching, making shepherd visits and providing personal attention to the flock, caring for the spiritual needs of the Intimate Group as a whole. -- Acts 20:19, 20; 1 Thess. 5:12, 13; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18
The Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant will prove to be a great blessing within the earth, in that their ranks will be formed miraculously as a part of the 200 million Gentiles for God's Name and will be willing to apply themselves to become leaders among God's Flock of recent converts of believers. (Acts 15:14, 17) The IGV will prove to be dedicated, diligent, and a "quick-study" as for learning about leadership, and becoming spiritual leaders and good examples for the 200 million itself. -- Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 9:9; Isaiah 55:13; Joel 2:2-11; Revelation 9:16-19
In addition, the Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant will become an ardent student of God's Sacred Word. The IGV will make sure to devote needed time for personal study, prayer and time for meditation and reflection on the profound things learned in God's Word of Truth, and will always strive to "handle the Word of God aright," and to endeavor to grow spiritually, so that he/she can become fully "competent" as a Public Instructor, official spokesperson and true "Representative" of Jehovah God, just as Jesus was. -- John 7:29; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
By diligently applying himself/herself, the Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant will become one who above all else, demonstrates faith...the kind of faith that is worthy of others to "imitate" as one who leads God's Flock. Indeed, Hebrews 13:7 says of such ones,
"Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith."
Yes, the Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant will be a person who works hard to actually earn the admiration and respect of all within the Intimate Group because of the fine example set before all others. And in so doing, the Intimate Group will always highly regard and willingly give "extraordinary consideration in love because of the work" done by these faithful leaders. Yes, the Presiding IGV will prove to be truly "worthy of double honor," because of all the work that is done unselfishly and out of the pure motive of love and affection on his/her part, in behalf of God's Precious Sheep. -- 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; John 21:15-17
As a special provision for all Bible Study Servants, the Presiding Intimate Group Visitor will schedule a 2-hour meeting once a month, with all Bible Study Servants in the Intimate Group for instruction, training and the upbuilding and encouragement of all in attendance. This special meeting for all 10 Bible Study Servants in the Intimate Group, is to be held on the weekend at the IGV's home. Its purpose is promote greater unity, harmony and a better working relationship between the IGV and all appointed "Servants" [Diakonos] within the Intimate Group.
The Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant will prove to be a full-time position with financial compensation provided from the headquarters of YORWW to care for the domestic needs of this full-time minister of God. (See 1 Corinthians 9:6-10, Galatians 6:6.) This full-time minister will receive 2 weeks paid vacation each quarter, that's 4 times a year, (weeks 11 & 12 of each quarter) with an additional paid week provided them to attend a special meeting at their respective Branch office (13th week of each quarter) for specialized training, instruction and for their spiritual encouragement and upbuilding. Also during this special week of activity at the Branch Facility, all IGVs will receive the new curriculum for the next quarter. By authorizing this unique arrangement among God's Name People, the Modern Day Servant will fulfill a unique prophecy found at 1 Samuel 2:35, 36.
***
[size=125][b]*Level No. 5* In Spiritual Growth For the Disciple: [u]The Presiding Intimate Group Visitor[/u][/b]
A [color=blue][b][u]YORWW Congregation Intimate Group[/u][/b][/color] consists of:
200 Intimate Group [or YORWW Congregation] Individual Members (Total membership for each Intimate Group is 200)
10 Bible Study Groups (each group made up of 20 YORWW members)
10 Bible Study Servants ([Greek: [i]Diakonos[/i] or servant for BS Group leadership who all fulfill the spiritual qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and work directly under the supervision of the Presiding Intimate Group Visitor.)
1 Presiding Intimate Group Visitor [Greek: [color=blue][i]episkopos[/i][/color] which means one who [color=blue][b]"watches carefully,"[/b][/color] one who [color=blue][b]"[u]VISITS[/u],"[/b][/color] or [color=blue][b]"inspects."[/b][/color] See [i]Insight On Scriptures[/i] volume 2 page 564] is a member of the 200 million, who provides the primary leadership, spiritual guidance and direction for the Intimate Group in his care. The Presiding IGV is responsible and cares for the spiritual needs of the Intimate Group assigned.
Within the YORWW Congregation, our designated leadership, both male and female, are given a new name, a new designation for the primary ones that take the lead. The new designation is called: "Visitor." Indeed, [b]1 Timothy 3:1[/b] makes this very important statement:
“If any man is reaching out for an office of overseer [Greek: [i]episkopes[/i]] he is desirous of a fine work.”
In the above key bible text, the Greek word [color=blue][b][i]episkospes[/i][/b][/color] has been rendered “overseer” within the [i]New World Translation[/i]. However, according the [i]Vines Expositiory of New Testament Words[/i], the word can actually mean: “A visitation in mercy or in judgment.” Yes, this word can mean: [color=blue][b][u]VISITATION[/u][/b][/color] or [color=blue][b][u]VISITOR[/u][/b][/color].
For instance, in the publication [i]Insight On The Scriptures[/i] Volume II page 564, this comment is made concerning this particular Greek word and the related Hebrew word itself that has been translated “overseer.” It states:
“The Hebrew word for overseer, [i]pa-qidh[/i], is drawn from the verb [i]pa-qadh[/i], meaning “turn attention to” (Gen. 21:1), “visit” (Jg 15:1), “appoint” (Gen. 39:5) or “commission” (Ezr 1:2). Similary, the Greek word for overseer, [i]episkopos[/i], is related to the verb [i]episkopeo[/i], meaning “watch carefully” (Heb. 12:15), and to the noun [i]episkope[/i], meaning “inspection” (Lu 19:44; 1 pe 2:12), “office of overseer” (1 Ti 3:1) … Therefore, the overseer was one who gave attention certain matters of persons, [b]VISITING[/b], inspecting, and appointing. Protective supervision is a basic idea inherent in the Greek term.”
Therefore it is very clear, the word we know as “overseer” the Greek word, [i]episkopos[/i], basically means: [color=blue][b][u]VISITOR[/u][/b][/color].
Therefore to prove this point, the scholarly bible entitled: [b][i][u]The Bible In Living English[/u][/i][/b], which liberally uses the name “Jehovah” thru-out, and which was fully endorsed by the Watchtower Society for many years, written by [b]Steven T. Byington[/b], renders 1 Timothy 3:1, 2 this way,
“The saying is a trustworthy one, If one has an inclination to a [color=blue][b]VISITOR’S PLACE[/b][/color], he is desiring a good work. So the [color=blue][b][u]CHURCH VISITOR[/u][/b][/color] must be unimpeachable, …” – 1 Timothy 3:1, 2
Yes, the word rendered “overseer” could have been properly also rendered as “Visitor” also, as shown by this particular translation of the bible.
Therefore within the YORWW Congregation, we recognize the appropriate designation as [b]“Visitor”[/b] for the various positions of responsibilities that Jehovah’s witnesses understand to be held by “overseers” or “elders” within the congregational arrangement.
The [color=blue][b]Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant[/b][/color] [male or female] will become the [u]Primary teacher[/u] and [u]shepherd[/u] for the Intimate Group assigned. The expression "Intimate Group" is taken from [b]Jeremiah 23:18, 22[/b] and is a unique designation referring to God's Prophets as a group, who are used to speak forth God's Holy Message to His people so that they should repent.
[b]PLEASE NOTE: [i]The Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant, 1 million strong, will uniquely fulfill the foretold prophecy of [u]Isaiah 32:1, 2[/u].[/i][/b] which says:
"Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself. And each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land."
The [color=blue][b]Presiding Intimate Group Visitors/Servants[/b][/color], experiencing Jehovah's Great Blessings upon themselves, will work hard and apply themselves diligently to ultimately possess and display the spiritual qualifications found at 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, and 1 Peter 5:2, 3. The IGV will make 1 visit per BS group as primary [u]shepherd[/u] & [u]teacher[/u] each week. During other free time throughout the week, the Presiding IGV will engage in teaching, making shepherd visits and providing personal attention to the flock, caring for the spiritual needs of the Intimate Group as a whole. -- Acts 20:19, 20; 1 Thess. 5:12, 13; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18
The [color=blue][b]Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant[/b][/color] will prove to be a great blessing within the earth, in that their ranks will be formed miraculously as a part of the 200 million Gentiles for God's Name and will be willing to apply themselves to become leaders among God's Flock of recent converts of believers. (Acts 15:14, 17) The IGV will prove to be dedicated, diligent, and a "quick-study" as for learning about leadership, and becoming spiritual leaders and good examples for the 200 million itself. -- Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 9:9; Isaiah 55:13; Joel 2:2-11; Revelation 9:16-19
In addition, the [color=blue][b]Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant[/b][/color] will become an ardent student of God's Sacred Word. The IGV will make sure to devote needed time for personal study, prayer and time for meditation and reflection on the profound things learned in God's Word of Truth, and will always strive to "handle the Word of God aright," and to endeavor to grow spiritually, so that he/she can become fully "competent" as a Public Instructor, official spokesperson and true "Representative" of Jehovah God, just as Jesus was. -- John 7:29; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
By diligently applying himself/herself, the [color=blue][b]Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant[/b][/color] will become one who above all else, demonstrates faith...the kind of faith that is worthy of others to "imitate" as one who leads God's Flock. Indeed, [b]Hebrews 13:7[/b] says of such ones,
"Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith."
Yes, the [color=blue][b]Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant[/b][/color] will be a person who works hard to actually earn the admiration and respect of all within the Intimate Group because of the fine example set before all others. And in so doing, the Intimate Group will always highly regard and willingly give "extraordinary consideration in love because of the work" done by these faithful leaders. Yes, the Presiding IGV will prove to be truly "worthy of double honor," because of all the work that is done unselfishly and out of the pure motive of love and affection on his/her part, in behalf of God's Precious Sheep. -- 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; John 21:15-17
As a special provision for all Bible Study Servants, the [color=blue][b]Presiding Intimate Group Visitor[/b][/color] will schedule a [b]2-hour meeting[/b] once a month, with all Bible Study Servants in the Intimate Group for instruction, training and the upbuilding and encouragement of all in attendance. This special meeting for all 10 Bible Study Servants in the Intimate Group, is to be held on the weekend at the IGV's home. Its purpose is promote greater unity, harmony and a better working relationship between the IGV and all appointed "Servants" [[i]Diakonos[/i]] within the Intimate Group.
The [color=blue][b]Presiding Intimate Group Visitor/Servant[/b][/color] will prove to be a full-time position with financial compensation provided from the headquarters of YORWW to care for the domestic needs of this full-time minister of God. (See [b]1 Corinthians 9:6-10, Galatians 6:6[/b].) This full-time minister will receive [u]2 weeks paid vacation each quarter[/u], that's 4 times a year, (weeks 11 & 12 of each quarter) with an additional paid week provided them to attend a special meeting at their respective Branch office (13th week of each quarter) for specialized training, instruction and for their spiritual encouragement and upbuilding. Also during this special week of activity at the Branch Facility, all IGVs will receive the new curriculum for the next quarter. By authorizing this unique arrangement among God's Name People, the Modern Day Servant will fulfill a unique prophecy found at [b]1 Samuel 2:35, 36[/b].
***[/size]
