Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Awake Early for Door-to-Door Preaching and Why?
When people think of Jehovah's Witnesses, one of the most common images that comes to mind is the door-to-door preaching activities. But how early do they typically start their day, and why do they engage in these activities? This article aims to shed light on these questions and explore some of the scriptures that guide their practices.
What Does Early Mean?
For many organizations or individuals, 'early' might refer to dawn or shortly after. However, for Jehovah's Witnesses, the concept of 'early' varies from context to context. Generally, they gather for their field service activities around 9:00 or 9:30 in the morning. From there, they begin their door-to-door preaching initiative about 20 to 30 minutes later. They continue this work throughout the day until early evening, adjusting their schedule based on individual availability.
When Do They Conduct Bible Studies?
During the evening, they may arrange to conduct Bible studies with those who are willing to engage in further discussion. These studies can take place at the local congregation or at a convenient location agreed upon by both parties. This practice reflects their dedication to sharing religious knowledge and understanding with others.
Why Go Door-to-Door?
The decision to go door-to-door preaching is deeply rooted in the Bible. According to Revelation 1:5, 3:14, 20, Jesus Christ is described as the true "Witness" who set the example by preaching the 'good news of the Kingdom' coming. This reflects their belief that following Christ's example is a crucial part of their faith.
Additionally, scriptures from Matthew 6:9–10, 10:7–12, 24:14 emphasize the importance of prayer and sharing the message with others. John 17:25–26 further highlights the universal love and inclusiveness of God's message. The accounts in Acts 5:41–42, 20:20 also provide historical examples of early Christians engaging in such activities, further reinforcing their beliefs.
Why Not Too Early?
Sometimes Jehovah's Witnesses find that people are still at home in the afternoon, even later than when their children return from school. This flexibility in their schedule allows them to adjust and engage with people at convenient times. It is a testament to their commitment to making the message accessible to those who are ready to listen.
Final Thoughts
For Jehovah's Witnesses, the practice of door-to-door preaching is not just a religious duty but a way to fulfill the commandment to share the message with others. Whether it's early in the morning or later in the day, their approach emphasizes availability and flexibility to reach out to as many people as possible. Their commitment is rooted in the belief that sharing the message is a calling from God.
So, the next time you encounter a Jehovah's Witness engaging in their preaching activities, there's a good chance they will have a Bible handy. They believe in using it as a tool to help people come to their own conclusions about the message they promote.