Traci

Bible Reading by Subject.pdf

[Jesus] set out from there to teach and preach in their cities.—Matt. 11:1.
Jesus often spoke to individuals about the Kingdom. For instance, he carried on a lively and fruitful conversation with a woman at JacobÂ’s well near the city of Sychar. (John 4:5-30) He also spoke with Matthew Levi, a tax collector. Matthew accepted JesusÂ’ invitation to be his follower. Matthew and others heard Jesus speak at some length during a feast held in MatthewÂ’s home. (Matt. 9:9; Luke 5:27-39) On another occasion, Jesus spoke in a friendly way to Nathanael, who had a negative view of people from Nazareth. However, Nathanael was moved to change his thinking. He decided to learn more about what Jesus, a man from Nazareth, was teaching. (John 1:46-51) So we have good reason to train new publishers to converse with people in a friendly, relaxed manner. Those whom we help in this way will likely be delighted to see how honesthearted people respond favorably to personal interest and kind words. w16.08 4:7-9
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2018/2/11

The measuring stick on all aspects of dress and grooming as always been - how are brothers and sisters are portrayed in the societies literature - who get used at the assemblies and conventions for parts on the platform and other privileges
Now i have been in the truth 35 years and as of yet i have never seen a modern day brother with beard portrayed in those areas of service - maybe one day we will but until that happens there will always be ones who feel beards are unacceptable and i would encourage any one who wants such privileges to think carefully about the choices they make and maybe they will play apart in altering peoples feelings on this issue in their own congregation and i hope that does not sound patronizing

After having left Jehovah for almost 20yrs, I gave my first talk with a full beard in Teaneck, NJ.  As an unbaptized publisher I did not shave my beard and went out in service.  (I had come from NH and a few brothers up there wore beards during the winter months. So, I kept the custom, even in the summer months.) 
Just prior to the time for my 2nd talk one of the elders came to me and we had a discussion. I told him about the brothers in NH. He countered with both NJ not being NH and it was the  summer. Then he said that I would not be allowed to give my 2nd talk unless I shaved. (Apparently, at that time only those with a shaving condition known as foliculitus(?) were exempt.)  Desiring to bring praise to my God Jehovah, I shaved and have been doing so for 11yrs running.

JW s have always been clean shaven. We need to look to those taking the lead ( the ones with whom the Great Shepherd, The Christ, deals with ) or we may wind up like King Saul who forged ahead to his downfall.

It Depends on where you live and the community standards. Beards are not acceptable In most cases in U.S. at the current time. Look at pics in publications. When I see governing body members wearing beards, I will realize it is acceptable here.