Inviting Non-Believers into a Jehovah's Witnesses Bible Study

Interested in inviting someone into a Jehovah's Witnesses Bible study? This guide will walk you through the process and explain how meetings are typically arranged. Jehovah's Witnesses traditionally limit Bible studies to baptized members or those closely approaching baptism.

The Process of Invitation

When inviting someone into a Jehovah's Witnesses Bible study, it's important to follow a respectful and open approach. The process often begins with a visit from a member of the congregation. Here's how it typically works:

Contact and Initial Meeting

On a field service day, a Jehovah's Witness might approach you and introduce themselves. They might say something like, 'Hi, my name is John. I'm here to invite you to study your Bible with me and to encourage you to learn about Jesus and his Father, Jehovah.' They will then ask you if you're interested in studying the Bible and if so, what day works for you. They will offer to study at your home or their home, or at a Kingdom Hall if you prefer.

Discussion and Performing the Study

If both parties agree, they will perform the study at the agreed location. Most of the time, these studies are conducted in the student's home, as it is more comfortable and relaxed. If a meal is included, it is usually around the time of the Bible study, lasting an hour or two.

Invitation to Meals

Many meetings also incorporate a meal. For example, if the study is scheduled on a Tuesday, the Jehovah's Witness might invite you to have a meal such as 'corned beef and cabbage' at 5:00 PM. This is not a requirement, but a way to build a closer relationship with the individual.

Personal Experiences and Reflections

Personal experiences with Jehovah's Witnesses can vary greatly. Some individuals feel comfortable studying with them, while others have had negative experiences. Here's a personal account from someone who grew up in a Jehovah's Witness family:

Escaping a Cult Background

One individual, who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, experienced a deeply conflicted upbringing. They had a father who was violent and made them feel unsafe. Due to this, this person approached their faith with deep skepticism from a young age. By the time they were ten, they had hidden and studied the Bible on their own, finding discrepancies between the teachings and the actual scriptures.

After fleeing the household, they became more agnostic and avoided any encounter with the beliefs. However, attending college introduced them to a more diverse perspective. They found credible and accurate interpretations of the Bible through academic courses and resources like Coursera and The Great Courses. This experience helped them deprogram and eventually join a mainstream church, where they found a welcoming and non-judgmental environment.

Conclusion

Inviting someone into a Jehovah's Witnesses Bible study can be a meaningful experience, whether you're a baptized member or a curious non-believer. It's essential to approach the process with an open and respectful mind. If you're someone growing up in a familial or cultish background with negative experiences, know that you have options and resources available to you in the modern world. Trust your instincts and seek out environments that align with your beliefs and values.

Resources

For more information on deprogramming and finding accurate religious resources, consider visiting the following platforms:

These platforms offer neutral lectures and printed books that provide accurate information, helping you navigate your spiritual journey.

Violent, credible, Coursera, The Great Courses, branch libraries