Witnessing to the Witnesses

1. PRAY! I pray right before the JW I study with is due to arrive, after our study time is over and every night during my regular prayer time. I pray not only for the Holy Spirit's guidance, but also for the JW with whom I study. Never, ever forget to pray! Prayer is essential!

2. Approach the witness with love. Smile. Offer him/her a drink before each study session. Ask how he/she is. Show an interest in the witness as a person. Also, as a matter of respect, if you have a dog, make sure the dog is penned or its movements suitably restricted before the JW arrives. (The JW I'm studying with has often recounted tales of dogs biting, jumping on or otherwise threatening JWs.) If you have children at home, make sure they're occupied during your study time, too, so you will be interrupted as little as possible.

3. Make sure you understand what the JW perspective is before pursuing the argument. Ask the JW outright, "This is what I read. I understand it to mean xyz. Is that correct?" Don't assume you know what the JW position is. Be sure.

4. Always present material that differs from JW doctrine in the form of a question. It's less threatening to the JW and does not encroach on their presumed role as teacher to you, his or her student. It also opens up areas for discussion as to why JWs believe as they do.

5. Know your stuff. Anticipate objections and arguments the JW may make and have your argument, backed up by Scripture, ready for those objections. Using written helps is perfectly fine. The JW I study with, for instance, knows I'll probably have a 3-ring folder of source material for every subject I disagree with prepared.

6. If you don't know, admit it. Tell the JW you'll study the subject further and please, DO study it further. Research it yourself, ask your pastor. Have an answer ready by your next meeting, if possible, and if that simply isn't possible, inform the witness that you are still studying and will be prepared to discuss that subject when your research is finished.

7. Let the JW save face when you "win" an argument. The JW I study with often falls back by saying "Well, we have to take into account what the whole Bible says, not just these few verses." To which I invariably reply, "Yes, that's true. But you must understand that I will not believe xyz until and unless you give me a reason from Scripture to do so." More often than not, the JW will come to our next meeting with more reasons to argue. The point is we don't want to force the JW into a defensive position. We want the focus to be on WHAT was said, not how he or she can shore up WTBTS defenses.

Sidenote: Even though I clearly tell the JW I study with that I will not believe a certain point until and unless the JW doctrine is proven from Scripture, the JW often makes remarks that presumes the position to which I've said I disagree. For instance, the JW I study with has yet to prove to me from Scripture that Jesus was created. Yet, this JW continues to say things like "Just think. Jesus was with Jehovah thousands, maybe millions of years before coming to earth." My position is Jesus is eternal and was therefore with Yahweh eternally, not "millions" of years, but the JW continues making comments that presuppose Jesus as a created being. Be aware that, even when you win an argument, more likely than not, the JW will proceed as though you hadn't. Be alert to these remarks and gently remind the JW that you don't agree.

8. Don't be surprised if the JW postpones issues you've prepared to argue to some undetermined future time. The JW I study with often tells me that I'll understand the issue better when we reach a certain chapter or section later in our study, then proceeds as though I agree with the JW position (see sidenote above). More often than not, the JW returns to our next meeting with material arguing the very issue the JW wished to postpone. If the JW brings you extra materials, thank them and review the material later, at your leisure. Prepare your counter-arguments and discuss them at your next meeting.

9. Don't try to give the JW your study materials until/unless the JW asks for them. JWs consider anything that doesn't come from the WTBTS as suspect and pushing your study materials on them might offend and encroach on their presumed role as teacher. Certainly, you can show them your material. I've shown the JW I study with entries from Thayers, etc, many times. But I did not offer to let the JW take anything I'd prepared home until the JW seemed amendable (and at that point, eager) at the idea.

10. JWs are taught that traditional churches are the Babylon referred to in Revelation. JWs can be disfellowshipped for visiting your church so unless the JW seems ready to take that step, don't invite them. However, there's no reason why you can't talk about your church. The JW I study with is well aware that I teach at my church, that my church works in conjunction with other area churches in various outreach programs for the needy, etc. It's a lot more difficult for JWs to proclaim Christian churches as evil Babylon if you speak humbly but often of your church's witness and outreach in the community, church missions, and the love and Christian fellowship in your congregation.

11. Be prepared for the JW to invite you to the Kingdom Hall. Yes, it's ironic. JWs repeatedly ask us to attend a study or worship service at the KH, but JWs can't visit our churches without risking disfellowship and/or disciplinary action. But them's the breaks. If you don't want to go, don't. Explain that you are quite happy in your church home when you're invited. Use whatever reason or excuse you like -- but have that excuse prepared. Repeat as necessary. If you decide to visit the KH, know that you'll be warmly welcomed (within an inch of your life), but more importantly, remember that there's a literature area at the KH -- a veritable treasure trove of WTBTS literature for further research into JW doctrine. Since 1990, this material has been provided on a donation only basis, but you shouldn't just help yourself. Donate a reasonable amount for whatever you take. Remember at all times that you are witnessing to the witnesses. Taking books and materials without making the appropriate donation to cover the cost of the materials is not a good witness.

12. Mark your primary study Bible's key JW verses. For instance, I've marked my Bible's margin of Colossians 1:15 (the JW "firstborn" verse) with a reference to Psalms 89:27, in which King David (the youngest son) was referred to as "firstborn" as well as Jeremiah 31:9 in which Ephraim (Joseph's younger son) is also referred to as "firstborn." Marking your Bible removes anxiety about remembering specific Scripture in your arguments.

13. If the JW becomes rude, belligerent, sarcastic or offensive, keep your cool. Remember -- you are witnessing to the witness. Above all else, show the JW Christian love, patience and kindness. Do not respond in kind to abusive remarks and unchristian attitudes.

14. Don't neglect your relationship with God and with fellow Christians while you study with the JWs. Continue reading and studying the Bible -- not in search of Scripture to bolster positions against JW doctrine but to edify and encourage yourself. Continue praying. If you are a church member, don't opt against fellowshipping with other Believers to give yourself more study time. Our time with God and other Believers uplifts and encourages us. Don't rob yourself!