Dan, first, it's great to hear that you were appointed. Now you and Lauren have a rare opportunity as a young elder-pioneer couple to show your concern for people in your congregation. And no you don't need a "title" to be there for people, but it helps them to put their confidence in you. As difficult as it is to lose friends to the world, it does help those of us who remain to focus even harder on staying close to Jehovah and his organization and encouraging others to do the same.