We can’t get through to every Jehovah’s Witness, but we can get through to some of them. There are two extremes to avoid when it comes to getting through to Jehovah’s Witnesses. One is to think that it’s a waste of time, that they can’t be saved. The other is to look for a “quick fix,” a can’t-miss Bible passage or witnessing technique. Both extremes are wrong and counterproductive. (p. 33)
As a result of my “home Bible study,” I went through four years of agonizing uncertainty, trying to decide whether the Watchtower was right or wrong. I finally reached the point where I gave up and acknowledged to God that I was totally incapable of figuring things out. God responded by leading me into a detailed study comparing Bible teachings in context with the doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I pleaded with God to straighten me out, to give me a proper understanding. Eventually, on topic after topic, I concluded that the Watchtower is wrong. (pp. 33-34)
Because of those experiences, I developed a love for Jehovah’s Witnesses, understanding what they believe and why they believe it. I also developed a passion for getting through to them with the real gospel. I learned a great deal about what to do and what not to do. I wrote my book to share with you what I learned. In this chapter, I present several witnessing principles that apply to all the approaches presented later in the book. (p. 34)
Principle #1: Prepare your heart.
Make sure that you yourself have come to saving faith in Christ. How is your walk with the Lord? We’re not talking about sinless perfection, but we do need to be walking in reliance on the Holy Spirit in order to be a help to others. We also need to examine our motives, so we aren’t simply trying to win arguments or to impress people with our witnessing prowess. We need to pray earnestly throughout the process. Although we share the gospel, only the Holy Spirit can impart spiritual truth. (p. 35)
I also recommend establishing safeguards by having trusted Christian friends debrief you after every session you have with the Witnesses to make sure you aren’t getting sucked in by becoming a passive student. If you find yourself doubting what you believe, call off the meetings and get answers from a trusted Christian source. (p. 36)
Principle #2: Build relational bridges.
Show them genuine Christian love. Treat them with respect and be patient with them. Accept any free literature they offer you and use it to look for topics for future discussion, being careful to keep it away from people in your household who might be misled by reading it. (pp. 38-39)
Sometimes, Witnesses ask Christians, “If we show you out of the Bible that we have the truth, would you be willing to become a Jehovah’s Witness?” Answer them yes (if they did show you that, wouldn’t you join them?), but make clear that you have a lot of questions you would need answered before you would reach such a point. This establishes your right to ask questions throughout your time together and puts the burden on them to come with the satisfactory answers (something they aren’t going to be able to do, although they think they will). (p. 40)
Without glossing over your differences, make clear to them the areas on which you all agree: (1) God exists. (2) The Bible is his inerrant and inspired Word. (3) Jesus Christ is the Messiah. (4) As descendants of Adam, human beings are sinners who need to be saved. (5) Christians should maintain high moral standards. (pp. 40-41)
Study Questions
- Based on your own human weaknesses, which of these faulty lines of thinking do you personally need to guard against the most? (pp. 34-35)
- “Jehovah’s Witnesses believe so much nonsense! It’s a waste of time to try to get through to them!”
- “This is overwhelming. I don’t think I could ever prepare well enough to share the gospel with Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
- “I really don’t need to prepare. I’ll just trust the Holy Spirit to tell me what to say when the time comes.”
- “Just give me a ‘can’t miss’ witnessing approach.”
- “What’s the one verse I need in order to show Jehovah’s Witnesses that the Watchtower is wrong and we are right?”
- “Jehovah’s Witnesses often twist people into doctrinal pretzels. I can’t wait to turn the tables and do that to them.”
- “Safeguards? Who needs safeguards? I’ve got this down, Lord. Bring them on!”
- What safeguards will you put in place to make sure you aren’t getting drawn into the Watchtower or developing serious doubts about what you believe? (p. 36)
- Suppose one of Witnesses says to you, “If we show you out of the Bible that we have the truth, would you be willing to become a Jehovah’s Witness?” How can you answer them truthfully in a way that won’t cause them simply to back up their book bags and leave? (p. 40)
- On what points might you show agreement with Jehovah’s Witnesses right at the start? (p. 40)
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4 Comments on "Preparatory Witnessing Principles"
Thanks so much. I especially appreciate the guidance on making sure one is doing this for the right reasons, and the suggestion to pray and debrief. In my case, the people in question are already close friends, and so I don’t want to jeopardize that friendship with fruitless quarrels. It is a bit like tightrope walking. Fortunately, our friendship seems to be strong enough to have survived the discussions thus far.
It’s hard to be friends with people who believe WT teachings (whether they are JWs, studies, or XJWs). If you don’t believe the WT, you’re “bad association.” Generally, they only stick with you as long as they think you might come around to their way of thinking. That’s why the Student Role Teaching method works best. Even then, if they don’t see you progressing fast enough toward becoming a JW, they may walk away.
Yes. I mentioned it in another comment just now, but fortunately my friend isn’t a full-fledged JW. So we can agree to disagree (and often do). He’s not trying to convert me at all. Thankfully, I think this means we can continue to enjoy each other’s company (along with his wife and my husband) and not let this get in the way. When we do talk about it, I now know to be much more careful in my approach, thanks to all your help.
I studied with JWs myself 50 years ago, so I can testify firsthand about how the Watchtower can affect even people who never join. That’s why I wrote my book and do my blog… to help people work through those issues.