"The Governing Body Do Not Elevate Themselves"

Mike Felker has been challenged on his blog via this post. In particular Jehovah's Witness apologist Henrik has stated the following in defence of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses;

We are being Reborn when we are taking stand for Jehovah and getting baptised.
The GB [note: Governing Body] has NOT elevated themselves to and high authority, they has the same value as everyone else. For example: If they of some reason should tell us all to gather for a mass suicide, NO ONE with good faith would show up. The Bible clearly says that we have to study and test all that we are being tought with his own word THE BIBLE. And if we canot find evidence to do such a thing we cant do it.

Henrik, you say the Governing Body have not elevated themselves, yet they have written the following in the Study Edition of the Sept 2010 Watchtower (available from here (link to jw.org site));

"In this time of the end, Christ has committed “all his belongings”—all the earthly interests of the Kingdom to his “faithful and discreet slave” and its representative Governing Body, a group of anointed Christian men. (Matt. 24:45-47) The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ." [emphasis added]

So, you as a Jehovah's Witness are following the Governing Body who are, by proxy, Jesus Christ. That's what the paragraph is saying. In black and white.

Isn't that elevating themselves above the rest of the Witnesses, likening themselves to Jesus Christ?

Here's another;

"Similarly today, a Governing Body composed of spirit-anointed Christians contributes to the unity of the worldwide congregation. The Governing Body publishes spiritually encouraging literature in many languages. This spiritual food is based on God’s Word. Thus, what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah.—Isa. 54:1" [emphasis added]

What do we make of this one? Whenever a new Watchtower magazine comes out, you've to view what the Governing Body have written in at as coming from the mouth of God himself. Mistakes and all. Isn't that elevating themselves?

And lastly, from the same magazine;

"We cannot hope to acquire a good relationship with Jehovah if we ignore those whom Jesus has appointed to care for his belongings. Without the assistance of “the faithful and discreet slave,” we would neither understand the full import of what we read in God’s Word nor know how to apply it. (Matt. 24:45-47)" [emphasis added]

So, when Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach us and lead us into all truth, actually Jehovah's Witnesses need the "faithful and discreet slave", who we know are represented by the Governing Body. And when the Bible tells us that we're reconciled to God through Christ alone, the Governing Body have decided that, actually, you need them too.

Look how important the Governing Body are making themselves; without them you can't understand the Bible. Without them you can't have a relationship with God.

Isn't that elevating themselves?

With respect and compassion, I'd ask you to reconsider your statement that the Governing Body do not elevate themselves. In the above quotes we've seen them putting themselves on the same level as;
- the Father in heaven
- the Son, Jesus Christ
- the Holy Spirit

Henrik, you say you've to study and test what you're being taught. I'd urge to do follow your own advice and get back to me on these quotes; do they stand up to Biblical scrutiny or are the Governing Body putting themselves in the place of God?