Because Jehovah’s Witnesses consider our churches to be satanic, it is virtually impossible for Christians to teach them anything directly. They think we have been deceived by Satan. So they have to be the teachers. They come to our doors solely to bring “the truth” (which is what they call their religion) to us. If we don’t humbly accept their efforts, they will leave.

Consequently, Christians need to engage in student role teaching—getting through to Jehovah’s Witnesses by asking questions rather than by making assertions. The questions must plant seeds that challenge Watchtower teachings. As such, they will be questions that Jehovah’s Witnesses would never dare or even think to ask on their own. (pp. 27-28)

Because we will be challenging Watchtower dogma, we need to be especially tactful and careful not to trigger the Witnesses’ persecution mindset. Our questions must be asked respectfully rather than in a sarcastic or accusatory manner. We must take care not to malign Jehovah’s Witnesses or their leadership. We need to let them know that we believe Jesus loves them and died for them. (pp. 28-30)

It is best not to invite them to your church because they consider it false and satanic. Likewise, don’t  show them or offer them Christian literature (including my book or blog posts and writings by ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses). They will resist overt efforts to convert them to your religion, and might well call off any further meetings. Sincere questions are fine, but nothing more. Don’t let them provoke you into a hostile or defensive emotional outburst. (pp. 30-31)

Because we are trying to point them towards Jesus Christ and away from their reliance on the Watchtower organization, we have to walk a fine line. We have to question Watchtower dogma without trying to take over the role of teacher. We have to challenge Watchtower dogma without coming across as opposers of truth or as persecutors. That would only drive them further into the Watchtower.

The approaches in my book have taken these realities into account. They have been designed to help Jehovah’s Witnesses break free and come to Jesus. Of course, only the Holy Spirit can tell us when to press and when to back off. Only he can bring a person to saving faith, and any approaches you use must be undertaken at his direction and in reliance on him. (p. 32)  

Study Questions

Page 25 explains the organizational mindset of Jehovah’s Witnesses, specifically that:

• the Watchtower organization is God’s only organization on earth.
• Only it can properly interpret the Bible.
• All other religious organizations are false and satanic.

Given this:

• Why is it more effective to plant seeds through non-threatening questions than to try to teach them anything directly? (p. 28)
• Why do you need to go out of your way to avoid triggering their persecution mindset? (p. 29)
• Why would they oppose any overt effort on your part to try to convert them to your religion or to doubt the Watchtower?
• Why would they refuse to take your literature or come to your church? (p. 30)
• Why is it critical for you always to rely on the Holy Spirit in order to know when to press a point with Jehovah’s Witnesses and when to back off? (p. 32)