Become one of Jehovah's Witnesses
Every year thousands of new individuals identify themselves as one of Jehovah's Witnesses through a process of dedication and baptism. Many are children of Witness parents, but many others join as well as a result of studying the Bible and then conversion. If you have become convinced Jehovah's Witnesses teach Bible truth and are God's spirit-directed organization, and would like to join, then this guide may help you.
Steps
- Determine why you find the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses appealing. Do you like the high moral standards that Jehovah's Witnesses adhere to? Do you like the fact that they teach only things that are from the Bible? Do you like the Bibles message of living forever in a world free of pain, suffering and death? Would you like help to cope with your problems and find a purpose to life? Would you like to help others understand what the Bible really teaches? Are you dissatisfied with teachings of other Christian groups such as the trinity, hell fire and the immortality of the soul? Jehovah's Witnesses have answers from the Bible to such questions that many find appealing.
- Have a desire to know more about the Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God, and instead of following human traditions or philosophy, they hold to the Bible as the standard for all their beliefs.
- Request a free home Bible study:
- Ask for one the next time one of Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door. They believe in the command by Jesus Christ to "make disciples"(literally in Greek 'make learners') as found at Matthew 28:19,20. So there is a very real possibility that they will be knocking on your door someday, if they have not done so already.
- Call or go to the local Kingdom Hall in your area, and request one.
- Or you can send in a written request online at the jw.org web site.
- Study the Bible on a regular basis, usually weekly, with the help of an appropriate study aid publication. Every one of Jehovah's Witnesses is a volunteer so there is no elite clergy class set aside for the teaching and preaching work.
- Ask as many honest and heartfelt questions as it takes to determine if what you are learning is true.
- Persist until you have found satisfying, Bible-based answers.
- Apply what you are learning. Pray to Jehovah for help and also seek the assistance of your study conductor, and wholesome Christian associates to do this. Associate with Jehovah's Witnesses at their regularly held meetings. This will encourage you and strengthen your faith.
- Cope with opposition. It is not unusual for non-Witness family and friends to become alarmed when they learn of your interest in becoming on of Jehovah's Witnesses. One of the things you will learn is that your study is leading you to friendship with the Creator of the universe and you should not let anyone stop you from forming the best friendship you could ever have.
- Consider the case of Steve and Selma highlighted in The Watchtower of February 15, 2012. When Selma tried to prove a point to Steve he became violent and hit her.
- Rather than feel sorry for herself Selma was encouraged to make adjustments and be more Christian towards Steve. Years later Steve himself became a Witness.
- Recognize the authority of the "faithful and discreet slave". At Matthew 24:45 Jesus asked: "Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?"
- This "slave" is known as the Governing Body. To become one of Jehovah's Witnesses means accepting the authority of this "faithful slave", who it is believed are providing spiritual food at the proper time.
- For example, The Watchtower of July 15, 2013 said "It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel." (page 20)
- Become an unbaptized publisher. It is a great honor and a privilege to preach from door-to-door about Jehovah God. After all you are representing the Creator of the Universe. Speak to your Bible study conductor and the congregation elders to find out how you can qualify to preach about Jehovah along with Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Get baptized. Make a heartfelt dedication in prayer to serve Jehovah God forever. Meet with your local elders to determine if and when you are ready for baptism.
- If you qualify, then arrangements will be made for your public declaration of dedication to Jehovah through water-immersed baptism at a public meeting (usually assembles and conventions).
- Baptism is only the beginning. You must be determined to continue serving Jehovah forever. By doing so you will ensure for yourself a happy future.
Tips
- Knowledge about Jehovah and his son Jesus lead to rich blessings in this life as well and everlasting, peaceful, happy lives in a restored paradise Earth (John 17:3; Psalm 37: 11,29).
- Pray earnestly to Jehovah God. If it is what you want, he will see to it that you receive the proper knowledge
- The publication "What does the Bible Really Teach?" is an excellent starting point for learning the Bible.
- Jehovah's Witnesses are unified in their beliefs in more than 240 countries throughout the world, so you can progress in the same way no matter where you live.
Warnings
- The Selma and Steve reference above is used to highlight how The Watchtower has encouraged members to react to some cases of domestic violence stemming from religious differences. Most outside the faith (and likely many individuals inside) would recommend any victim of domestic violence contact the proper authorities.
- Taking on a new religion (including becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses) is a big change, and it takes a large amount of dedication and discipline, make sure that you are truly interested, willing to make changes and giving up bad habits.
- All of Jehovah's Witnesses are committed to preaching the Kingdom Good News. This will be expected of you by the time you are baptized, but you will have plenty of help getting there.
- As one of Jehovah's Witnesses you will be expected to refuse medical treatment involving blood transfusions of whole blood, red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma. Blood fractions and several procedures involving blood such as hemodilution, plasmapheresis, blood salvage, heart-lung machine and other procedures are designated a matter of individual conscience. Witnesses derive their view from Bible passages such as Acts 15:29 which reads in part, "keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood." Some have claimed many Witnesses, including children, die each year as a result of refusing blood transfusions. Jehovah's Witnesses have said such statements are a "myth" and are "totally unfounded."
Things You'll Need
- Bible [Witnesses mainly use the New World translation of the Holy Scriptures. However, the choice of translation or version is up to you].
- Study aid like "What does the Bible really teach".
Related Articles
- Be Closer to Jehovah God
- Understand Jehovah's Witnesses
- Leave Jehovah's Witnesses
- Have Jehovah's Witnesses Go Away
- Read the Bible
- Volunteer
