Why would a person who is physically out of the Watchtower still be mentally in (POMI)?

They may have left the Watchtower, not because they disagreed with its teachings and practices, but because they couldn’t meet organizational expectations and demands.

They may have left involuntarily through being disfellowshipped.

They may be trying to get reinstated, or they may have given up and assume that Jehovah will not deem them worthy of a resurrection.

Their situation gives us several advantages:

  1. They aren’t attending Watchtower meetings.

 High control religions like the Watchtower rely a great deal on constant repetition in meetings to keep members from thinking for themselves.

When Witnesses stop attending meetings, they are no longer subject to this constant indoctrination, and they are more likely to be exposed to alternatives.

  1. They aren’t participating in the witnessing ministry.

 This means they are no longer teaching Watchtower doctrines to others, which makes them less inclined to feel obliged to defend those beliefs.

  1. If we can learn why they are physically out of the organization, we may be able to reinforce those reasons.

 The best way to find out why they are no longer attending meetings is to ask them in a non-threatening way.

The status of POMI—Physically Out Mentally In—Jehovah’s Witnesses also poses a number of challenges:

  1. It is hard to identify them because we will no longer be seeing them at our doors or at literature carts.

 Pray for God to lead you to these people.

Perhaps you will come into contact with them through your workplace or other group.

Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities.

  1. They may want to get back in because they still believe the doctrines.

 They are not happy being out of the Watchtower.

If you get an opportunity, ask them non-threatening questions to find out why they left and why they want to return.

Ask them if they are open to discussing Watchtower doctrines with you.

If so, you can use any of the approaches from my book or blog.

If not, respect that while continuing to watch for openings to discuss the gospel.

 3. They may want to get back in to reestablish contact with family and friends.

 If this is their motivation, then reasoning with them from the scriptures may not be effective.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t discuss the scriptures with them.

You might be able to persuade them that the Watchtower is wrong and that loyalty to God should be paramount in their lives.

Just be aware of the dynamics involved and pray that God will deal with the relational and emotional issues as well as the doctrinal.

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