The reports are used to help measure the "spirituality" of individuals and to establish the eligibility of men as congregation elders and ministerial servants.

Formal discipline is administered by congregation elders.

The court found that congregation elders, following the policies of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, contributed to the abuse.

Jehovah's Witnesses employ various levels of congregational discipline as formal controls administered by congregation elders.

Each year, congregation elders are instructed to consider meeting with disfellowshipped individuals to determine changed circumstances and encourage them to pursue reinstatement.

The terms irregular and inactive are used to indicate members in need of 'spiritual assistance' from the local congregation elders.

Certain publications are limited to members in appointed positions, such as the manual for congregation elders, Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock.

Witnesses are assigned to a congregation in whose "territory" they usually reside and attend weekly services they refer to as "meetings" as scheduled by congregation elders.

Unless considered by the congregation elders to demonstrate repentance, such a person is typically disfellowshipped.

Initially, the Governing Body directly appointed all congregation elders.