Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society – organization of the Jehovah’s Witnesses
Founder
Mr. Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916)
Current President / Leadership
Nathan H. Knorr (historical president, deceased)
Frederick W. Franz (historical president, deceased)
Milton G. Henschel (served until 2000, deceased)
Current Governing Authority (2026): Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses (collective leadership)
World Headquarters
Warwick, New York, U.S.A.
(Relocated from Brooklyn, New York)
Philippine Headquarter
No. 186 Roosevelt Avenue, San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City
Worldwide Membership (Recent Global Activity)
Countries & Territories: 240+
Memorial Attendance – ~20,461,767
Baptized Converts – ~269,517 (annual global baptisms, recent service year)
Average Bible Studies – ~5,666,996
Active Publishers (Members): ~8,700,000+
Philippine Membership (Recent Estimates)
Memorial Attendance – ~1,000,000+
Baptized Converts – ~25,000+ (annual, fluctuating)
Average Bible Studies – ~200,000+
Active Publishers (Philippines): ~250,000+
Source of Authority
The Holy Bible (preferably King James Version)
The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
The Watchtower magazine which is like a Bible commentary written by the Governing Body (a.k.a. God’s Theocratic Organization)
Other Supplementary Materials
The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures (KIT)
The Emphatic Diaglott
Awake! magazine – discusses present-day issues
Unbiblical Beliefs
Does not accept the Triune God revelation of the Scripture.
Believes God is a solitary person with a personal name, “Jehovah,” who is the Father.
Believes Jesus Christ to be the preincarnate archangel Michael and is “a god” not equal to Jehovah.
Teaches the third Person of the Triune Being as “holy spirit” and is a “force.”
Believes Jesus Christ did not resurrect physically but rather was resurrected as “glorious spirit creature” and his body dissolved into gaseous form.
Beliefs about Salvation
Believes there are two classes of Christians:
The “anointed” class composed of 144,000 who will go to heaven as spirit sons of God. The door was closed for this class since 1935. Only this class are the ones who are “born again.”
The “great crowd” who will be resurrected on earth and will have the chance to live in new heaven and new earth after the great Armageddon.
Believes there are four requirements for salvation:
Jesus Christ must be identified.
Taking in knowledge of God’s purposes regarding the earth and Christ’s role as earth’s new king. In other words, “to obey God’s law.”
Associated with God’s channel, His theocratic organization.
To support His government while loyally advocating His kingdom rule to others.
Denies the reality of hell but instead teaches “soul sleep” and the “annihilation of the wicked.”
How to Start a Conversation with a Jehovah’s Witness (JW)
You can begin by saying, “Hi! I’m [your name] are you familiar with the Watchtower organization’s teaching? What do they believe about Jesus Christ?”
You can also begin by asking, “How long have you been a Jehovah’s Witness?”
Methods of Witnessing to a Jehovah’s Witness
Set a time and place for meeting so that no one could distract all four of you. This compose the two “pioneers” J.W., including one Christian to pray and intercede while the other shares the gospel.
Invite the J.W. in an opening prayer before the discussion by addressing God as “Jehovah,” and pray an evangelistic kind of prayer if opportunity calls. Ask the Holy Spirit of God to open the J.W.’s heart and so be receptive to the gospel of Christ.
When sharing truths with them, avoid saying “Your belief about Jesus is not base on the Bible” rather say, “The Watchtower Governing Body’s interpretation about Jesus is not base on the Bible.” Pointing to the “organization” and not to him as a person to avoid offending him directly.
Be very careful not to say, “I am going to prove to you that Jesus is Jehovah” because you have only made it difficult for him to understand. It is as if you are saying, “I am going to prove to you that Jesus is the Father.” Rather you can say, “Lets check the real identity of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Most of the time they will try to answer back your questions and get you sidetracked you with many peripheral issues. Be sure that you remain in your proper course of discussion.
Try to challenge the J.W. individual to research if what you are saying about the Governing Body and J.W. teachings are true or not. Offer him your help in searching out for the truth.
Before parting, offer to pray evangelistically for them by addressing God as “Jehovah” and leave some J.W. witnessing materials for them to read.
You cannot win a J.W. in just one sitting but requires a long period of time, sometimes years.
But all we can do is to plant the seed, then someone will water and God will cause it to grow (cf. 1 Cor. 3:6).
Things to Remember Before Witnessing to a Jehovah’s Witness
Pray and ask the Lord’s guidance that you will not rely on your own knowledge and capacity but rather in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Use only acknowledged J.W. literatures preferably King James Version, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT), The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures (KIT), and The Emphatic Diaglott. As one Christian apologist said, “That their words may be used against them.”
Bring the necessary materials and remember the Bible texts so there will be no idle time in-between. This will not also allow him to focus on some other things.
Address him/her by his first name to make your relationship more personal.
Sit on an area where he could not be distracted by passers-by and eye-catching scenes. As much as possible, allow them to read the Scripture passages or quotations by themselves for them to store it in their minds.
Speak with authority, love and compassion.
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